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The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15 After I’d been struggling with opioids for several years, I tried to get sober. I told my wife, who was blindsided and hurt, but we got through…
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Remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies . . . The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these,…
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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my true child in the faith . . . 1 Timothy 1:1-2 When I first began seeking recovery, I attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, where I learned a language that was both new and familiar. As…
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If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-14 While in treatment for my opioid addiction, I felt like I…
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As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 My kids occasionally mock me for how I spend my down time. I tend to recharge by doing things: hiking, biking, and exercising. I do like my naps, but I don’t sit still very well and when I get home from…
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If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 I tend to gravitate towards information that confirms my view of the world. If something supports my opinion, I embrace it. If something contradicts my opinion – even if the evidence is quite convincing – I’m naturally skeptical. This is referred…
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For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 As a physician, I’ve been paid a couple of different ways. First, I’ve…
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Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness . . . 2 Thessalonians 3:6 As many of you know, we recently experienced significant spring storms, which brought rain, high winds, and a power outage. Our sump pump had…
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Finally, brothers, pray for us . . . that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 Every day, I pray that God would protect me from my own self-destructive…
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Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 With my kids home from college for the summer, we will most likely resume our Sunday…
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