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Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:19 I lost my wallet again recently. I was 90% sure I’d left it on my desk at work, but when I went to retrieve it, it was gone. I had a short list of people who have…
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So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. Matthew 1:17 When my kids were toddlers, others told me to enjoy it, because it wouldn’t last. I remember those first winters though, when…
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Principle 16: Because God has saved us from ourselves, we must share our story and hope with those who need it. In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 1 Peter 3:15 I…
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Principle 15: Though our eternal identity as Christians is in our new life in Christ, it is dishonest and unhelpful to pretend the persistent struggles of our flesh nature no longer exist. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians…
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Principle 12: God allows us trials and uses our struggles to shape us as it is often only in difficult times that we understand how desperately we need him.  Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Matthew 9:12 We all have struggles. No one is perfect, and no…
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Principle 13: Sanctification is the process of God transforming us in and through our obedience. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit . . . Ephesians 5:18 There was a time when my plan for sobriety and transformation was to just sit back and let God do…
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Principle 12: Though we try to find purpose, joy and fulfillment in following ourselves, we can find the answer to our deepest needs only in God, as he provides the only adequate replacement for our self-destructive pursuits. Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I…
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Principle 11: We should regularly meet together with the purpose of encouraging each other to abandon the old life for the pursuit of God.  Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another . .…
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Principle 10: As we all struggle, we must be continually honest, not constructing a facade of perfection, as this is detrimental to our recovery and the recovery of others. If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too…
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Principle 9: God’s eternal forgiveness does not absolve us from practical, earthly consequences. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption . . . Galatians 6:7-8 This concept is often confounding for…
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