The Wired Word for 04/12/2026  > [!note]+ Document Notes > ```markdown > --- > tags: [addiction, faith, Tiger-Woods] > author: The Wired Word > source: The Wired Word > reference: [mailto:reader-forwarded-email/f1f896e6435be421e3a749a904faabf4] > date created: 2026-04-10 00:00 > --- > # 🏷️ Title: The Wired Word for 04/12/2026 > ## 🧭 Table of Contents > - [📝 Summary](#-summary) > - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) > - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) > - [📚 References](#-references) > - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#️-paraphrase) > - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) > - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) > - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) > - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) > - [❓ Questions](#-questions) > - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) > - [💡 Implications](#-implications) > - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) > - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) > - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) > - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) > - [🛡️ DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) > - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) > ### 🔗 References > - Include links cited in or relevant to the article. > ## 📝 Summary > - What happened: Tiger Woods was charged with DUI after a crash; the lesson uses his history to explore addiction and faith. > - Why it matters: Highlights the prevalence and complexity of substance use disorder. > - Key stakeholders: People with SUD, families, faith communities, church leaders. > - Risks and tradeoffs: Stigma vs accountability; framing addiction as sin vs illness. > - Bottom line: Christian faith offers guidance, community, and hope for those affected by addiction. > ## 📖 Main Content > - The lesson narrates Tiger Woods’ repeated DUI-related incidents and medical history to illustrate compulsive behavior and addiction. > - It presents U.S. statistics on substance use disorder and its impact on adults and children. > - Scripture sections (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Ephesians, Romans, Hebrews) frame addiction in terms of temptation, sin, weakness, community, and grace. > - Discussion questions invite reflection on personal experience, church support, self-worth, and recognizing SUD symptoms. > - The piece concludes with practical suggestions (recovery Bibles) and a prayer for deliverance and reliance on God. > ### 🗒️ Notes > - Uses Tiger Woods’ crashes, prescription pill use, and arrogance while driving impaired to show the “human side” of addiction and hubris. > - Cites large-scale SUD prevalence (about 1 in 6 people) and co‑occurring mental health issues; notes 1 in 4 children live with a caregiver with SUD. > - Balances biblical warnings against excess with recognition that creation’s gifts (including wine) can be enjoyed with gratitude and restraint. > - Emphasizes support systems: “Two are better than one,” mutual confession, and community as buffers against relapse. > - Contrasts being drunk with being filled with the Spirit, linking the latter to wise, purposeful living and worship. > - Uses Romans 7 to show inner conflict between knowing the good and doing the opposite; grounds hope in Christ’s rescue and forgiveness. > - Hebrews portrays Jesus as a sympathetic high priest, tested in every way yet without sin, encouraging bold approach to grace. > - Provides reflection on self‑worth in recovery and a checklist of SUD symptoms to encourage reaching out for help. > - Recommends recovery‑oriented study Bibles; ends with a prayer asking God to free readers from idolatrous cravings and uphold them in weakness. > ## 📚 References > - National Survey on Drug Use and Health (U.S. SUD statistics) > - Addiction Policy Forum (U.S. SUD prevalence) > - American Addiction Centers (alcohol and drug abuse facts) > - Faith in Recovery (biblical teaching on addiction) > - Life Recovery Bible > - Celebrate Recovery Bible > ## 🗣️ Paraphrase > - Paragraph A paraphrase: Tiger Woods’ repeated impaired driving incidents, tied to pain meds and personal turmoil, show how even highly successful people can be trapped in destructive patterns. > - Paragraph B paraphrase: The article connects widespread addiction statistics with biblical teaching, emphasizing community support, God’s grace in Christ, and practical tools for recovery. > ## 📰 Newsletter > In this week’s WordPress‑focused briefing, we’re taking a page from The Wired Word’s exploration of addiction and applying it to creator burnout and unhealthy work patterns in open‑source communities. Just as the article leans on scripture and community, we can lean on documentation, shared ownership, and healthier rhythms. > Useful links: > - WordPress Learn: https://learn.wordpress.org > - Plugin Handbook: https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/ > - Community team: https://make.wordpress.org/community/ > Consider scheduling regular “maintenance sprints” for your sites, spreading responsibility across your team, and documenting recovery steps when something breaks. Sustainable contribution keeps both sites and contributors healthy. > ## ✅ Action Items > #### DevRel > - Developer advocacy: Create talks or posts on sustainable plugin/theme maintenance and avoiding “addictive” release cycles that burn out maintainers. > - Education: Run workshops on observability, rollback strategies, and healthy on‑call practices. > - Developer experience: Ship clear quickstarts for testing, staging, and safe deployment workflows. > - Developer marketing: Highlight stories of teams that improved stability by slowing down and adding checks. > - Community management: Encourage codes of conduct that include respect for contributor health and boundaries. > - Internal/external/cross-project: Align goals so KPIs don’t incentivize unsustainable contribution. > #### OSPO > - Policy & Governance: Define contribution expectations that prioritize long‑term maintainer well‑being. > - License Compliance: Maintain regular review and training cycles, tied into CI where possible. > - Security Management: Document intake and embargo policies; drill responses to vulnerable dependencies. > - Software Inventory: Maintain SBOMs for core projects; set refresh SLOs. > - Developer Support: Offer legal and compliance office hours; provide tooling for license scanning. > - Community Engagement: Fund upstreams relied upon heavily; set up clear agreements with operators. > - Strategic Alignment: Map OSPO KPIs to reliability, security, and contributor health. > #### Community > - Maintainers: Hold roadmap clinics to avoid over‑commitment; ensure regular, predictable release cadence. > - Contributors: Provide “first issue” rotations, pairing, and feedback to prevent overwhelm. > - Sponsors: Share transparent budgets and impact reports to justify continued support. > - Ecosystem: Run cross‑project incident drills and coordinated disclosure simulations. > #### WordPress > - Core: Maintain clear priorities and performance budgets; structure triage so issues don’t silently pile up. > - Core Performance: Track metrics with dashboards; reward fixes that remove systemic “bottlenecks.” > - Core AI: Define responsible AI standards and evaluation sets before broad rollout. > - **Core Program Team:** Coordinate cross‑team roadmaps and facilitate retrospectives that include contributor health. > - Mobile: Review telemetry and prioritize offline reliability improvements. > - Playground: Use it for reproducible bug reports and educational labs. > - Community: Provide meetup and WordCamp kits that emphasize sustainable contribution stories. > - Training: Develop learning paths on safe site operations, not just feature use. > - Marketing: Run campaigns highlighting stable, well‑maintained plugins and themes. > - Support: Tighten response processes and capture recurring issues in docs. > - Design: Perform UX audits focused on clarity and error prevention. > - Documentation: Fill DevHub/HelpHub gaps, emphasize examples‑first patterns and consistent style. > - Photos: Maintain taxonomy hygiene and moderation guidelines. > - TV: Encourage captioned, indexed tutorials for all major releases. > - Polyglots: Coordinate translation sprints around releases; maintain glossaries. > - Accessibility: Regularly audit against WCAG; fix high‑impact issues first. > - Meta: Ensure .org APIs are reliable; improve contributor tooling. > - CLI: Expand commands and docs for safer automation; add smoke tests. > - Hosting: Share cross‑host reliability and security checklists. > - Tide: Increase transparency in scoring; enga Dear Class Members, News that golf superstar Tiger Woods, 5-time winner of the Masters Tournament, was arrested again for driving under the influence brought the subject of substance use disorder to our attention. As the 2026 Masters ends, we'll consider what help our faith offers to those whose lives are impacted by addiction.  **Tiger Woods Flips Car, Charged With DUI** ***The Wired Word*** **for the Week of April 12, 2026** **In the News** On Friday, March 27, golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) following an accident around 2 p.m. on Jupiter Island, Florida. According to Martin County Sheriff John Budenseik, Woods was allegedly attempting to pass a flatbed truck at a "high rate of speed" when he swerved to avoid an oncoming car, causing him to clip the back of a trailer being towed by the truck and flip his luxury Land Rover. While a breathalyzer test showed no signs of alcohol, two hydrocodone pills were found in the 15-time major champion's pocket. His refusal to take a urine test at the station led to his arrest on two misdemeanor counts. Authorities noted that Woods, 50, moved "lethargic and slow," and his eyes were "bloodshot and glassy," making it appear that he was under the influence of "some type of medication or drug." Woods was not injured in the incident. He pleaded not guilty, saying he was distracted by his phone. This wasn't Woods' first accident. In 2009, as his marriage to Swedish model Elin Nordegren crumbled in the wake of revelations of his flagrant infidelity, Woods clipped hedges with his Cadillac Escalade outside his Windermere, Florida, home before careening into a fire hydrant and crashing into a neighbor's tree. He was driving under the influence of sleeping pills. "I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to," Woods said at the time. "I felt that I had worked hard my entire life, and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn't have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish." "Tiger's statement was insightful, to a degree. He acknowledged typical factors that could have contributed to his unusual behavior," noted Dr. Todd Grande, a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health and Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional. "Even so, he continued to have problems after this. It's almost like he understood what he was doing wrong, but was still unable ... or ... unwilling to stop. ... Sometimes people know exactly what they are doing. They understand precisely how destructive it is to people around them, but they keep doing it anyway." In 2017, on Memorial Day, police found Woods asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz with the engine running at 3 a.m. in Jupiter, Florida, and booked him on a DUI charge after he failed a series of field tests. A toxicology report revealed five drugs in his system, which Woods said were prescription pain medications he used after undergoing back surgery. Woods suffered severe leg injuries in 2021 when he rolled his car over while driving at a high rate of speed on a California highway. Since 2002, the athlete has had seven operations on his spine and over 20 surgeries on his legs, leading to his use of various prescription drugs to manage chronic pain and insomnia. Australian professional golfer Jason Day said he plays golf because of Tiger, who was his hero growing up. He remarked, "It just shows the human element and the human side of someone that is struggling with some sort of an addiction. He's not immune to it just because he can hit a golf ball really well." "It's hard to see him go through what he's going through," Day continued. At the same time, he called Woods' decision to drive while under the influence of pain meds "selfish" since it put others at risk. Dr. Grande said that even though Woods, a billionaire, could easily have afforded to hire a driver when he was incapacitated, he chose not to do so, demonstrating "a high level of arrogance and a disregard for the safety of others." He said Woods knew he shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car, but "wanted to have his way." Grande points out the hubris of believing that he could ask the president to take time from his responsibilities of running the country to intervene in a traffic stop situation in Jupiter, Florida. Not only that, but he seemed to believe that mentioning that he was on the phone with Mr. Trump would so impress the police officers with his importance that they would go easy on him. Grande observed that while Woods has won 82 PGA Tour titles, lives in a mansion, owns a private jet, and has the president of the United States on speed dial, he has yet to deal with his dangerous compulsive behavior. More on this story can be found at these links: [Tiger Woods' Troubling History With Prescription Pills Back in the Spotlight After DUI Bust in Latest Car Crash.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ0Lj2PTPqht9GuQVNiH9zUcTjmIXVR0d-2FyfJfRPtwRmgKrGB3jJS6qJYb2DHPmo7BRj-2B8AmFIgMDkzP8VZgDBrsFrOURoQ8J7JTBQz-2BHMmoFjxiVI72qpMOkLRC8gCaZg-3D-3Dt3zC_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq0cpM8xAHVkAJ0AaU58bzGUUN-2BS6BFvfnCJ9lxt6Qt6uDzFj6Q2VBPCkuyLyy9I-2BQFwqfj9dlOHUoaF62CKOWxmP7fz3-2BjeCD2KO44RMIjEb1is478WKMQJysMM8ErcCaGpIUkc1-2BqE-2FqP28j9ZEND7v2LU2ERSrHnHPkqOIYx5QyUU-2F2sFzn6tGwi-2FnbqhdiovOeVWLvSKLyBSXPTgv3Yw-3D) [*New York Post*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ0Lj2PTPqht9GuQVNiH9zUcTjmIXVR0d-2FyfJfRPtwRmgKrGB3jJS6qJYb2DHPmo7BRj-2B8AmFIgMDkzP8VZgDBrsFrOURoQ8J7JTBQz-2BHMmoFjxiVI72qpMOkLRC8gCaZg-3D-3DzXCZ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq7O5zDSh1jlVPfS94u3TlyOncRlUjhBQ-2F2cIH5rG9b8ZY67ifGJRGkEJ5SypxvnyzH-2Fjwdz89uEpTGZUulvy2-2BqoU44AftV1RH49yZy74ZCYIz9jnTxjIxo5a79xI4hBTqESo4gKod-2BIqk5hLo0wwRYCdd-2FkGm-2BMDx2Mfd-2FKz1qZHZdS3PtV-2BwHpAx35mnANcKbEukDrlLHQJknk-2BCNhxWc-3D) [Drug Abuse Statistics.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIUPAjr0i18vKUHWgK6uJHO0u1y-2BdGgmX1eUTZaMnltCMcWR_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq0EulZ7hdBoUKPmmSZs9-2B0mr6cvtkUck-2FMpSCwN5FswDzTllGfIrbkpGC43g094dfrjC9e-2BVv0wC01EShEdHecckmhCiLeEtreBVXd-2BrJraLQf7xKBycfrj-2Fn26HhKyIti3Z-2BUZnruoWMW-2B-2By0YhwRWi-2Bqy2QvkHJUWMjpUT-2BvW0Ya9mtgEM6wB9uNSVcnq6SqRGrOwxzFlM5pgEBeFJPXQ-3D) [*National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIUPAjr0i18vKUHWgK6uJHO0u1y-2BdGgmX1eUTZaMnltCy9MS_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqzctXQHf9c84hGCmj60CfMV9PRfZY3tLwIALpQgRbkJi4ykTXKkCGFnnDjq7TWjKOMbKdQqfe5Jk0IegkZ4qzw3F-2FRDrSU4oDACO-2FLX2LcmvF-2BC8o4iqM7T02iW7kfN9I-2BN7-2FWY5FUGGB4XmkR65MKdcdKtq3tk6UScPl746ZQ5f5IsrUnYpbNVHyQ7Nq3xUmqewOEj7RIn6MXjfDdpc0-2B8-3D) [Over 48 Million People Have a Diagnosable Substance Use Disorder in the United States.](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIRKg6BGr23NfguWot5eRJ57chJ-2BUWywg11bM8Xb01ji3m9WfWNp-2F9VcQyASZjkVtnHcXvsFgZ-2FpZuf3ZBtUXdZROb8ckBrEWvbtI4EwYgDcb0svPFQY9cNZy6Zakaqp-2FI3nlBqKLbRDUpQBc8gE3fr1eyseS4uYLDFHEn6R-2BLASAzXN_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq1oX7TMn-2FtxbdbR6fR4SxGTL7GgakY9ZEB4NfqDQ-2BY1a2lgkSIXA47p1pElZJklkEBfiSF5f-2F5bi4-2Fn0I-2BgNN3oZdcHL5r5AKdTweS6M-2Fen0xqe47bp3797vdcVeQsLklKoYqCyzA1zaHUm3AN8uexELgpTDUFOLOXIlVCXCOus5uuDzXJjeNrHXcYcBNexPYrsPtDWn-2FtNB8Q4rk3lIwVU-3D) [*Addiction Policy Forum*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIRKg6BGr23NfguWot5eRJ57chJ-2BUWywg11bM8Xb01ji3m9WfWNp-2F9VcQyASZjkVtnHcXvsFgZ-2FpZuf3ZBtUXdZROb8ckBrEWvbtI4EwYgDcb0svPFQY9cNZy6Zakaqp-2FI3nlBqKLbRDUpQBc8gE3fr1eyseS4uYLDFHEn6R-2BLAS_6id_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq7OFyz3GGpAuBk5nxhyDh2nhIISglLCJUzQMJS-2BloBiOw4xl8tcDczZmGeDTL2jLgj9gReHNPF2RyHRzrUTtWJ1vhfrDlKarxBU8VJ8pkRXkcK3SOcSpVfPRmKXPccXDzaxL58DwQv2s1la-2BTdMWSaXksoZcxE-2B3f-2FAT0Hks7uvQT5FwdzkV2MaK0z1xhMFWF6p-2BYUiZm7b6FTY1SK60UxA-3D) [Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics (Facts About Addiction).](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNxxXapR8kgxIwYcpAsURCmK9VRt2-2BbyJR5V6uX5FwyRzncDDZ07oFQXFr8QPp92kND07gtyGtDJa-2B4IKEZ0iOz28G1nhDDZMdMlHuJ3Jbf346_5_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq1k8JHTVbUXpIsXucu1-2BY0mGCkmSYyIEOFxXd1E-2F1CtYq-2Fk5deABg0u4-2BkXSlduf2mYkNMmnRvcwIkCCZIbJB8Q4wlIZrGWSkci346-2BV2jsFWKYoj3HW2TtNoh-2B86c-2BkqSSNhOd9Unm7PKM96y2PQDv-2Bmxrwypa9-2FY-2Bo878sHzfsCHMi832hoN8C5TyJ-2BrdbMh1WHcfSoThWc5TYtf1i-2FWc-3D) [*American Addiction Centers*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNxxXapR8kgxIwYcpAsURCmK9VRt2-2BbyJR5V6uX5FwyRzncDDZ07oFQXFr8QPp92kND07gtyGtDJa-2B4IKEZ0iOz28G1nhDDZMdMlHuJ3Jbf3daD5_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2FhcZripqjVeoNnVLBuUnz1Sxx5kTTQY0LwEYpWkK6pQtmznUf6tpJfDpubB5Udi8hxkWLDV1OSWPb6covZ5sva1WQlpcoFu14Vri2O7h9TzcAD8mgXkBDjioeyzDEW4l1yTIdo8ZjszfClOsg2LS3zzso855ubPXHAazDSJoERtbdn00QfSFDDOsAayaigK8SxSc4EoWfbk7cgTeB2OVI0-3D) [What the Bible Says About Addiction](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHlFLc3EOp-2FuySMzeUHRj8OJN0-2F9E86cJZ6a8jtiEp-2FDFNosv8bRy-2BjGCjV6KvM1SDZ37mRoFIQTbNTPuaXAAmiZOKn9pYGNgxDjVVEvr6GdTEsUcVAstJiX263MJQS7Yw-3D-3DIk6w_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqzincw7Sm4Wi88fjQ0DTkzhL2yw5vI7iAkpyzwHPyqdZX8Tp2Jg4j4nkG4dDVB8tgVvqvBc08c9yVcAZOfUB-2FhghO-2F7aDuecEsFSmOeUHmwkR4RppNsaULvjLo5fMXlSknBwWFsYgvkps5Xu-2FaZPBSnPIs7kxiXCFHshqPRFKumXL5ivs-2Fwp0jm3CQlzqYB6LXAO1n2B1CWay7-2F-2F-2FbFOV2I-3D).[*Faith in Recovery*](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHlFLc3EOp-2FuySMzeUHRj8OJN0-2F9E86cJZ6a8jtiEp-2FDFNosv8bRy-2BjGCjV6KvM1SDZ37mRoFIQTbNTPuaXAAmiZOKn9pYGNgxDjVVEvr6GdTEsUcVAstJiX263MJQS7Yw-3D-3DwHu6_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq5H-2BAonJ5uPkCujMDWwTfsRsYAmj7bKgJyS-2F1vv84YbFiuX4ghY6iYRUTa8CW6HHzHxlXZKBmP6OSYKALei3vOm8FWqV-2BqK1z-2FN-2FqbwSU8V6txNfWTM3db-2BqtBFTGR1tCecEhpfK87z7oYzFBU5x20dp4l-2BQc3lqOoO4OidH4BHdCHp4fC5VXwN2fTJWMmjrXjBt4sV7lIOqDAuvNz35zqk-3D) **Applying the News Story** In 2024, 48.4 million people in the United States, ages 12 and older -- about 1 in 6 people -- suffered with a substance use disorder (SUD), according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Many people with SUD misuse more than one substance (alcohol and one or more types of drug) and over 21 million adults with SUD also experience mental health challenges. Almost 19 million U.S. children under age 18 (1 in 4) lived with at least one parent or primary caregiver who had a substance use disorder in 2023. Alcohol and accidental drug overdose are leading causes of death in the nation. "Addiction is a hole in the soul. You fill it with whatever you can," wrote Scottish journalist and recovering alcoholic A.A. Gill. Use this lesson to consider how God can fill the holes in our souls, as nothing else can. **The Big Questions** 1. How, if at all, have you or people you know been impacted by addiction? 2. What kind of support is most needed by people who are dealing with addiction issues? 3. How is sin defined in the Bible? In what sense, if at all, might addiction be understood to be a sin? 4. Why might defining addiction as sinful be too limiting, unhelpful, ineffective, and even potentially harmful? 5. What support does your church provide to people in your community who are dealing with substance use disorder? **Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope**Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion: **Proverbs 31:4-7** *It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to one who is perishing and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.* (No context needed.) The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, self-control and sobriety, calling the body the temple of God which should not be defiled or abused. Many texts warn against excessive self-indulgence, whether that is expressed in drunken debauchery; profligate sexual immorality; gluttony; the flaunting of power, privilege and position, or the hoarding of extreme wealth ([Romans 13:13-14](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5ZsvhJOyVkLSywNUpEN4txeMdYQ5ogcZ5xQKyBSSLbv8FMrvlN8_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq63h4oNGaIjeaPMELik5udt6gwWyHNJV8wPBy7XC4fKrP2HfGGS096Un1eSnDgLQSkvwYcOHIMr12IZAaeOFvDMyUDzm3iKfzDVDjDxQP-2Fc-2FrKSi-2B7-2Fa1G6HboO85floS3HCxwhAN4XmFe0xvTrakgmbx5nh3eN6o89DMcNT2S3ibP0-2FkOZRdRLEIO6Ew8URH-2FJkh0t1J1GLJcqxgIDvO9M-3D); [Proverbs 20:1](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihb7uUewvxFOhb32TVaERsMAcuXEADRSyEY-2FJd0tHmo-2B3_rTX_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2BBlkcYYi-2F5MRHZWBBDOujyXIgkbcmrnw8ZmgTMKt7zIBAI8qU0giXhYVjc4NwX-2BMOBdafNEyJs7LlZqIYhCwZww04PmiMyH1HBKVoEa0jwWs5Lk3XF9kOFwMfJLUn9P-2F5AeWAIFLReey2auTxp45Uam2CYYsRBtxsY903LtqBZO0Q8ky1wrsMS3wCWZ7Ogg3dow7z2ZESKK5GBZJ1C3I1o-3D); [Proverbs 21:17](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihX0aJB-2B-2BDpuj-2FAGODxZquptSGW04-2BzMWSIXKHURUNYYBKa1__-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2BN5GC9E2OEAXx9c1qEOgjt2FfMhdKDf9M5YpVN4cW-2FmGp2CyeMdVRKXbcRTRUoTUhDNXKl0k49b46kbtY45pWtXJp6nQwVYIyhVTOvKpqCpVtcQA0bG-2BLWUgAb26Mi-2BxmGpo4sAXOoCQlXV-2FGbFEJ6SBdI1HIGFNds5FImGMZVTQ99dUSS9gm55w-2BLf1kUEjg5StXEBMRocDzuFbFhSEBM-3D); [Proverbs 23:29-35](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihdH-2BmA3wXNBPozBm-2FxR8BfZMVPiLjvrHXrsMA4U-2BubZPwKQQ_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqwmz8-2FpdD1sbHr4DLXpFagg2ExWCCavact-2FLL-2BHQeGA7x44gVJw-2Bu76STRBFykA-2F6vGm7VV6q2f1fn3WaIpyh5uT5mzQnPFnCPOe4ZXereJhZONN1bYPMNYsthL1E20qiYGDKLHwPByjETyTnpBINkX-2F9DMXOD5sfDOoE3RI62KV-2Fsd7qJ0xfFfax9ZPv8fMXThwfjk-2B-2BPEGNA1C35w9R3k-3D); [Galatians 5:1, 13-25](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxkbFv7nat5bHPJJ9MZ1n5Owhs06l89PO39-2B-2FpsgsDuEnOQSYPgD6uxFTGORyLYOzCq46RG946B2P6Qx1XIS55mA-3D-3Dg9hc_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq3vFXajwZIh4hkxKtwuV-2FlDdH1IuNwVz1RZtTkYqs5rKRcKv0FeBqh7n3G2LUYIWweZYz4Hp-2F3pJ9p18FFfD-2B5Bgjsav0zGRP58j9v7Hh57OrWK4lxheJuAtHTOy2ddtdd8sGRW25w-2FflxlgUOPeDRpeSfZswiVv2-2FIESSSZIWD8wQalJkClqA0clkITPSaDTSEBv2N4SeU6nTf2iOzyDGY-3D)). But other texts permit and even encourage the enjoyment of the gifts of the Creator ([Ecclesiastes 9:7](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwo1yRV2l8a4Gm-2FxomKEKNTx77UmsUV6EIwb-2FibipzmEMhSt9LKG99Zg1T-2FN13nXE8Z3d_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq01L-2F-2FxzlMRZ7ZpDNeuL2CQumXO16Fdd1KAS3Ea9sGnn0JT33-2BzXCSjB-2BJmIwJUCeT9DqnGIq8bDfF2-2B42gdxJqnh-2BiA9-2Fh9V-2BMSlXp97odkEKPRbYVsFK1n9-2BJHoLm3MjpRIFvDsLOIJTPWjb5X-2B2qJsSSoj0aJsCXzfA22BnM1KPpA3lyABAAeft2leFLXVLSf4Qn-2FBNsLoNzCiUgNCY8-3D); [Psalm 104:14-15](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxMbNERZTYI-2BExXfknk1JglCrRVRONBiOCfXESDAwS2eKcXc8AcHgXUBI5yXlHrxs8xnzH_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq5smw0FSA3C0QOVETYFkGrz127ejQElSyAYGLCNtBrVNOCK-2Bkut0-2Fo39nwSIzIQQdTt7V5UACJSk22i-2BT1Ki9GcitPbqIWWdtjy4DlTfdDVo1w9PQ-2B5ubdutYNNXDKz-2B1RHwgXVI3o9bRu5hqQct5VtH7Zvk52d3py-2Bt4eVTNBwgokOeV22ERold-2B6mSOt1LSVGSxWj70B4RkhxYkdrKdcM-3D)), especially when gratitude is expressed and those gifts are shared with others. Jesus himself was labeled "a glutton and a drunkard" ([Matthew 11:19](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDeiqfXtOlPqHjsGzPg69A3lRXH8AHiT4-2B6RLoO2s7833Bafu_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqxmZJNAVyxG-2BEte50yzvL0Kw8rqtSbKB1YBJlGDh0Y94KuYHLz6J-2BAL2cvbw6-2BgOOBTPd8PC07gBRL4pTK5xtJK7ws7yJZigOCgvpIjj8n-2B2jrLgCqXijQvveHfnH9TM9eCFHuy30lnSyCnrKq0UaCCIO7Ogb-2B32tGs7pNISsWfPznHFDZYouGmWfzkeuwIWx-2FVMaGmYU5xHV-2FoLGCV27Ic-3D)), and his first miracle was the transformation of water into wine for the wedding in Cana ([John 2:1-11](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnSbX8JFuvFcNUYnl-2BWAV4EyJumR3kn1oG8biovy5g9niDeHnJwdkxkGFliU033Tf1Ru2_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq8POxRFy0HB2DXJDlATLgUS7iWafVv2dgI9Yu-2FbLSs9dOU1N05jQwXEyhW8Fom-2FJRM4lZAz9ClvJLmORVmiyENYjDpYndhjcMq91JP-2FIOcg1Eyj0lvq8E78vLaQFdGoJBU-2FlWmI7zz-2F9pW-2B3TqkCnKftQwFljZuvQMpNSDzolw-2BsMHCW1i9kW1r0wG-2BGBQi1A2VOx5T9mT2aUCN71vbplkQ-3D)). Paul encouraged Timothy not to drink only water, but to "take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments" ([1 Timothy 5:23](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxBpJPfBLlryTXsGfLPep7NneTxGASb3GCVJN0N4gQCYGJ-2BHDcORIKx-2FUww2jrO9sU6L-F_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2BSUzHBgr5Eht-2FnEamyuBkB-2BZKo9snPEq3oFXIt-2BeybuiCBAgMqGeJhkmGDHf9wC-2B3y4jP86Kk9JxnqqfatUmPbmzV7a0BoHaQgYkkC7HJiRWHIYL3MlsdxkLPmjBRKlYixmy1jcCP1Te1P3LVPSkctda7mv7RZVlv3DLOtnGUotnqNTKx42Fi7NEU56odTCpYXTOaHxnG6EY4FIi1mEuok-3D)). Those in positions of authority and influence, whether in government, as seen in the Proverbs text, the church (as seen in [1 Timothy 3:2-3, 8-9 ESV](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxBpJPfBLlryTXsGfLPep7Npk21KVZzzutnR2GOzupoAjLZidEtxWGxdB-2Bv4xf6-2BOPPwRVRWPl-2FWIjhphf4WpnmQ-3D-3DBJ4x_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq29wYDKQJMws4y7VqovfW6X1P-2Fr9tGjJfG5Sqkutb3HewWy35BO-2FiGbniS8SumfRLPIVueXAqso9lKu9dFrx6v8EkaS3kY-2Bx7m2tP-2BRe2LcrcXnpNnf0bc97H7kmzS2HQdbwePfoXmYefQaAwTi0-2BHEc4UYloCxBtJhd1a2US08FLdNPQ0COdOR-2Brov0OtgEBXDKVsMK0wQh937xv1e8gjk-3D)), or home ([Titus 2:3](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx2Jqj7NezB7s8B64pouOkpIolwrD3VDIWSqHFP-2B9m7QL6RYeTA6IJ3Tu4xFog5WKiTiJf_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqyTyiuBjGiLXkOIjVbjUAYq7QW11fCuwLfOyX7da04obQNx3Vfb4oCVqvFDK6Hff4UOlG9z5zeDDelVjf0kE9QaPlX3Zia1Fkl8shrhPNONdI2tiRVsHXJ175hdykPJge3KHA2cnj93mgy1-2BwVvJcQeMEsBs3DmGA4RP72NDEArNwAN14-2FjJ8iaoGk-2BKV8SVTex9phEPHeCbAoyqJeupV-2FA-3D)) should exercise special caution when it comes to the use of alcohol or other substances. > **Questions:** When, if ever, have you struggled with intense cravings you couldn't control? What did you do about it? How should followers of Jesus handle the use of alcohol and drugs? What is permissible, and what is beneficial? Why should authorities and influencers be particularly careful about how they handle their desires? Why is leniency afforded "to one who is perishing" and "to those in bitter distress"? **Ecclesiastes 4:9-10** *Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other, but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.* (For context, read [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwo1yRV2l8a4Gm-2FxomKEKNbrfu2JUnI6QK6EcXNRsMHzZW1hVOjJ6ePuUSSXHrxmj9XZx_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq4ORqio7VGI4FprW9uhxa-2F7NDPIpLg-2FI2ko-2B9lg3N932LhKqgp07qZH-2BwPAWjDD4WjOTtDeJwzShmOweytKbDbsdaU-2FdLzANmrYvOl5XCCSTVRC-2BBGbyd8xPqLl0TIZ0-2BsFD8KlbD0QIikdGA54EcXeoCXGrmQuZ3svL1ZbCFZLcDgejjmGT4TkPMcLp-2FLPBlWo-2F6Q2ZrbZHeJ04faGOmy0-3D).) We are warned throughout the Bible not to associate with people who abuse substances, their own bodies, and others ([Proverbs 23:20-21](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihXSoQThK6ZXLjGxHsXG9v-2BQmYZ9sjUBprqCeeYvMQrbdyj0f_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq5E7FMQk-2FsLwlIsNvadBbj2ZEgr03GVbf3lDl8KzzTfkr76eRLDGEDo0sPk8adDbRER7ZvypvYxkvke-2BXM8CvxKmsdpp-2FQutBUo47O2Gf5GbEJE09eUnl1nPgQAe6TUIAXfcjk6O0KHvHIHbDr6fptlgDVwAEd-2B-2FyaKhRlWxJIvZ8IB526X6V4nSmlvbr9vqp-2F0t50fQ25wd36oFBsRXLGo-3D); [1 Corinthians 15:33-34](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxFKf4-2BjncwMNTEU93vCUB-2BnSHQhbpJM7dFPt9kVcNTCXmHBzZ41uMLsv2XM5c5cu1w-3D-3DKq4V_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq4I3j5J85rMb68Wct0WOk9rtNAtqsbOkFhyMCd7tEXgr-2FScXMha8DJzEzrBi5ag1870l4dHED52el7ZuRtvoQ5r40yHwe8v0eStPcA4HpYREzw0resQj-2B1Wrqdj0GpL7pNtZ1nq5MGsv7JP2qGBDhAPhBII6SLJFCIWYH8dDgmhwKyLZPx3aG1LsdmVS5nckCdysWPlYpiQmUjKab1APvKo-3D); [1 Corinthians 5:11](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxCA-2BWXYivA4vlFjKYPffD2Y5rP1TysONog5f8yeSWRfpyKSp_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqxAfgUt4cIMGQ1wxXa4H4ho1vQEdrICsItHSZwxa2qneUXf1waaOYltwF-2FZVYhDqV0ueE9Ieh4n1tA1n-2F9J-2F970JWsizsZHX3qea8qW2sysjsJHblnt34Dkim5DtMdFFVaCCoUWy9bIFrd-2BqCg3LMnkd3fV7jsPgOZxx1PjZXRGzWIgXl4JIQSopJvbokVP6nfTVlrRkMUkt4mhxOR22Dro-3D)), for such behavior leads to poverty and the ruin of good morals. Many people in recovery discover the importance of supportive companions. When one feels close to a relapse, a friend may come alongside to speak just the right word, to give confidence or a warm hug, to offer a prayer, or to remind the struggler of promises made, the rewards of perseverance, and the consequences of giving up. Admitting that we need one another is often the first step toward healing (James 5:16). > **Questions:** What might prevent people from asking for help when they need it? When have you experienced blessing from connecting with others, either because you were able to assist them, or they helped you in some way? **Ephesians 5:15-18** *Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit ...* (For context, read [Ephesians 5:15-21](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx-2F9xuITdvxpNxFuzW6j6ZGEYhg3hYmI-2Bk5nnY7vn-2BY7zuYikHZgcHvmAlueGu-2Fcu3RzBE_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2F2O07llycTYnSZNJZP7NVTQg3L1RZIZpViJ0fd-2Be08dxwM7FkAq9gQSMfMXb2nuiYX-2BOgQ2TgMdE6jpIuNk8VmDHfg0hayIXknyRZJ1-2BhzBs-2BKYGsVrpgk0t7lmZoWtdZgbBy4I55cQ03ohraVmwUe9vKV-2FrKSfCXvWlhI3d0M2gBuPpsU9xS-2BDiXj3-2FWXPQk9EXqr8dTBw5v96dlLSAVU-3D).) Paul posits that the opposite of getting drunk with wine is to be filled with the Spirit, which can be seen in communal worship, as people offer thanks to God through music and humbly honor one another. On the Day of Pentecost, when the disciples were gathered together, the Holy Spirit descended on them and filled them, giving them the ability to speak in other languages about God's powerful deeds accomplished in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Some of the onlookers assumed they were all drunk. But Peter stood up, and called their attention to the words of the prophet Joel, who said that God promised to pour out his Spirit on all flesh, male and female, young and old, slaves and free ([Acts 2:1-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdO90EW-2B3UHrQQRmRxgrB1EyhYnrTmHrVZLzZ3-2B3qBZUN6Q5V8-2F9etZO9r-2B1-2FDaUfaU6I_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq1qL-2BrjTG5Kop-2BLnmGamiy9IMMwrna7dw9LYcXL-2F6GRHlDH6n50V5L45m8K0ftoZ0ODkDOhpPMo2v-2FzwM2YFhOs66LXROss-2FfHdCpwreNf3AvXB-2Ftx9t9Q4RzeYWjygK5liozo3rMixETWQzFvfC-2FnkxNNnTUxBxwoaVn2Wcw1VRkXL6YB8YAV2Svi2y2MVXMjDDF60Qg4tfB39HkOoJr68-3D)). > **Questions:** What is the connection between being filled with the Spirit and wisdom? Why is getting drunk or abusing substances wasteful, while being filled with the Spirit empowers people to make the most of time? How were the disciples making the most of the time on the Day of Pentecost? How are you making the most of your time on Earth? **Romans 7:15** *I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.* (For context, read [Romans 7:14-25](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxVE80xiJi4jNasJ8IP3kHUwZit0pVsBPWYq-2BnkhKIVZzza320NxyeZhMarBXqG70WpHcs_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2Bs9RpWkEMOS1d0pTQYC2tuR7rwZY2A4WkHgI1vxKaZU1GdtzQpgUVQNDbLMbfGOcFB4eeqhXz25xcnep1aaOiQ1TV6D39jF5Ql81LRQYBMG-2Bd3v4ay5P5kyhOJVYDD99U2xX7UG-2F8vvrXrbGIIl-2Bt-2BhIoVIT1xVEKwYzhY5hQ4ApvBIKjuQCBc-2FG-2B5dxE1dm6bpNKTBXKUcDuawjl-2Fed3s-3D).) The apostle Paul seems to find himself in a similar place as Tiger Woods. He knows what is good and what is right to do, but finds that he does wrong anyway. Christians generally refer to this as our “sinful nature.” It is likely neither Paul nor Woods is unique -- and that each of us can at times say the same words. That seems pretty hopeless -- until we remember what Jesus has done for us. We can take comfort in Paul’s conclusion: "Wretched person that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" > **Questions:** Think of some sins that you know you shouldn't do -- but do anyway. How does knowing of forgiveness through Christ Jesus comfort you? How does it strengthen you to continue efforts to stop a particular sin? **Hebrews 2:18** *Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.* (No context needed.) **Hebrews 4:14-16** *Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested [or tempted] as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.* (No context needed.) Jesus was tempted in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-10](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDdBbRnlzb-2FI78y-2FL7QxpNc8K6d6-2FIk48sFttRw-2Fj7HTSmF8F_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqy7vENDvYRSayKunXwG2w0ForBeXRZYD9H107hLnqlF-2BQFan-2FJdc8Xs8g2yyOSI9GOSB4-2B4hiobVztRnqEYP2rHS8XBVZdgkAHZMGgkaNzO1EPwxpBiKJqnwaXiqonNEJxZy3aPz7csKjQXRRRBUTeeMhMe-2FmMeg3oD9XImHZrldaYAqVkHzQLVxANUGpoq6JiuEjkW2R5WYKz0ebbQXXls-3D)), but no doubt he faced more challenges throughout his life (e.g., [Matthew 16:21-23](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDcxgapNH7joy-2Ba9ZsZxTXJAHVlf-2FojzMeaMGMQ5PrUHdluPa_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq556T6d7vbkMEztePnKLkQdKUWAxvXt5rpdapL8rq9wYLASlE7RzaCY7LkzQw5nXyBttrmB4QaLGt-2Fkfh4GdwrM9pPKVkk3F8a8Ivt1hbRNtMDJBKIfiul8CE-2Bor5EMr9NgjZlVu418tfCUz3hsJc2p5xXOZQxm-2FDQfgF6kOVS4OhWNqO0GLgejuSI1CPyU0tGiquPU5IvF37yyDkNz2DQg-3D) and [Matthew 26:36-46](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDREs1-2BiwADhhqXA6HEhI4e57bSsCMmUvzsG22l2Epg0UkrH5_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq86z3YZ235taio2JABm-2BxxIpkNiZhS7FSpChnE2973N21jO-2BYwuQEyX7qFmkbbiIbR2OP2jQaNeI9nKpwJ2576ebMjtEJTu-2FpU6p32zg6-2BG3UiCNnBmGvZg-2BoNeoAOmbqu2act1JZwnV9d6y8qL25EFHYyIyviiLne56-2BUwdRmyZxjGtr-2B6qD-2BuPjjczbgjnvziK3e4c6E-2BOVDkRoRiWXPo-3D)). We can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggle against sin, and that he understands what we are going through. > **Questions:** How might knowing that Jesus experienced testing help you when you are tested? Why is it significant that he "has passed through the heavens"? What is the significance of the fact that he was tested in every respect, just as we are, yet without sin? Why do those things make him qualified to render aid to us? How do those facts give you strength to "hold fast to our confession" and courage to "approach the throne of grace with boldness"? **For Further Discussion** 1. Scan this list of [40 Quotes on Addiction Recovery](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKROA-2F-2BVchVsyxMwk0OIBV76BYwK2H0deNvpN3lFRQn0MLlZpmJMg9HcotBHwq3iwPNThkPN0v7jnQW2iiLRyLb-2FAVfGqM8T3wUNft-2BFBL6qira3_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq05mDlAMZVGHDZz6lSSeZTjkfcHIY7TCq7iADe7HsTzAbhYPxz19GRWcLTK3e9ew5ogcs8ImAR7JILYYqgMOL-2BjPUacD8z-2BOaNXvEXc-2FP3oX2JHajFJ8TxeNeD8vxz6xydsI5-2B-2B06U7sbSehtpLzz6zMk64KS-2F-2FWkwG5JMA89Uv-2FWoZzzx4qxJ3Bx7K6EprutDnL5h1w4Pd6suZgx9lWyGI-3D). Which quotes speak most to you, and why do they resonate with you? 2. "One of the hardest things was learning that I was worth recovery," wrote singer-songwriter Demi Lovato. Someone else, whose identity is unknown, declared, "The goal isn't to be sober. The goal is to love yourself so much that you don't need to drink." Why do we sometimes find it hard to believe in our own worth? What does our faith teach us about our value? What might help us to cling to God's view of us? How can we help others who feel unworthy of love discover the truth of how God sees them? 3. Symptoms of substance use disorders may include: Inability to control your use of drugs or alcohol Craving for drugs or alcohol Taking large amounts of drugs or alcohol over a long period of time Maintaining a constant supply of drugs or alcohol Spending money on drugs and alcohol even if you can't afford it Neglecting or failing to fulfill responsibilities at home, work or school Isolating yourself or withdrawing from your loved ones Spending time with other users of drugs or alcohol Stealing or lying to obtain drugs or alcohol Continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol despite repercussions Engaging in risky behavior under the influence of drugs or alcohol Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs or alcohol Do any of these symptoms appear in your own behavior, or in the behavior of someone you know? If so, it may indicate that it's time to reach out to caring people who can help you think about next steps that might be appropriate. **Responding to the News** You may find Bibles that highlight topics related to addiction and recovery beneficial, either in your own spiritual journey, or for someone you know who is dealing with these matters. Here are two you may want to consider: [Life Recovery Bible](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEUyPrkHaTyYbS4C17JO1UzcxlHYAF3SXS08hNsYh8Pr04VcuF4RV-2FcgoRU2UEHe1Q-3D-3D1sww_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqzrFnC6Sv95V81jN2dpS7E7RD-2BcVUBOjm-2FVACECQ9nbrbkhbFOoGhz4sKpblI6fajlEPmGo4P8ThTmV8GijkyeH1HLHNFlHB7EMFMYJgiTaVPd3z8eC6Q8GBS3knr7SEJh3or3uvt6pwPvHoIkmBTMMaqR9wf9hhpt1Q-2FwWQt2hAKf-2Fo5IL1ZCBU7mbvnWdu5HZK141nHIur-2F1CsjmDWtEY-3D) (also [here](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGALxAy9wzzac7tb8xx9ReoLnE-2FKaqZ-2BDXn1PaXm-2FW5iUtEy_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqySPpt1hQceY7-2BnOxphdD-2FA8p46lQy9zakn-2Beyf-2Fo5MoOn53noNZyY7HrNaVpxbV72yDSWGvqUK8yLcKK1fYQ2PhnDPkmtRH523VbewRmPa2mbrWUmnOu4dbUo7GCAjQl0YvRhRiIycPb2-2F08Rp1svzLEPN-2FsLFjTkRZvaFnd7U7HtrQatXgw3YnH4MNQ6xSagEmYIwLqgwongUYOO0VzcU-3D)) and [Celebrate Recovery Bible](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPA3vi0UVZWGBMxOB2xsT4XIcEiutsyjhyry612xKHVtjikT-2FkVBAQxmGVWVYvUodovcCNGWL-2BeXPZz8OD6Qqf-2BY-3DnGD-_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqzKTWEH9kif-2FCHb-2BciYJYwqsARh5kzqJdLciWFN-2BDwvnribd9OnfnoCrV2JjCOcsWKlVx4gx-2F3jJwPO44COY8U0QyvBrTQuIzYPOeZ5A1XzizaZ5hikToMnoyqVv2k7fo7ESM-2BxUJN5UzsNZ-2F724apBT79gBjMh7akyw4qCTRudrcJ-2Fdxuf1gZwUznDrZPpxmXNdVXCOOkRCVkfNTttHdg8-3D) (or [here](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGRAfabCXRFNA5kzk67Eh1qXU2qhvkWoTBKcYfRDgQOYAw4O3wXoczmmh15IEa3PseaNAoqWfIAcwOFkJFrYRX7KwZQ0mRShFETZgGtkwK05kYS1VTwc5dUOit1cL0MrwQLq-2BYiXRX5fSePzo-2Fx-2BZZo-3DtJQL_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq0WO-2FBS0SbALT33iqIV-2Bp7R6eaq-2FcuMmybwwrvxvMilrPwz3Y6Fo-2Fx-2Fq6Tc8-2FgEhSUI7eCNrfVSL-2FJaqtmmg1Hy-2Bzy1Eb4i-2BivYG3sfmq5xVHiJOFMvma69mpwp2R39xdP-2FRt4vu4-2FEu8rQtW-2FxCCINZCg7Hzt9LWCEOfhDugcOkO2D-2FufKLHVcb1vfncf8IOEaqy65rFL-2FtEXIi4s-2BavN4-3D)). The first is based on the 12-Step recovery program, and the second uses the Beatitudes as a foundation. **Prayer** (suggested by [Psalm 91:1-3](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxsU14iTyWz9Yhf8YCPUmXz70UiGplpr-2FwAIAvQhn5Mdopn6uLcx-2B-2ByPoWEMfch85F51kE_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq7gZnBr1ThKGrSjwIi-2Bedky7v9jh6nb5jrove9aJ68eQpvksa4UjB443ABnc8m8BZ43-2Bx0kfOLe9v-2Fw390faWLTs7L7l5H1JhULNCfvT7AlnvaxsC9mZkL-2Bo-2BiGUXZs57b3MyciLs2xySOufOk2tyaLlSbLEKHahZLi0gDLtFj-2B7-2B11PAsTu4qusRhF3Qo9XekHbVHgCQRluN1cpdRTMBqU-3D); [Psalm 94:17-18](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxspY8nlyUhAxVWALjS5-2FFBz7mbMzMLyl6n7pYg4O3qwL9QokUpdPFC5fI-2BBjmx2LFy9JR_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq9ppCr-2FAvENeaseFiThlx09RIXT6Ko6kYzAHUY-2BZeKwsOUjsv4wRsOSSEUoj1UZdQuxECyqLvsjBbO5F8dPUdGN-2B-2Fv69i2Gp4MOV6Lb1suz98i9m-2FrPsC88-2BhrVGGmnuSf8lsLSZfGM71S9ouboNcgxz6njbAfYQxqtxM9OoGVWec-2F5sLNV7h-2FVIHfrbOzfRq8G1Qn0aWpN-2BhR2pVdJkx1w-3D)) Gracious God, thank you for the many blessings of nature, which have the power to gladden our hearts and strengthen our bodies. Forgive us when we misuse those gifts, making them idols that trap us in slavery. Deliver us from our craving for worldly things. Instead, awake in us a hunger for you. When we feel our feet slipping, hold us up by your steadfast love. Teach us to rely on you, our All in all, trusting you to provide whatever we need for life. Amen. ****Copyright 2026 Communication Resources**** [Unsubscribe From This List](https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user_id=14323725&data=EDir8KDi24LevwgD3uVmaz_zzuNxo9vQ5hPoKAZfkTZoMDAwdTAwMJKCy9w32TmO_wvJbPXVkIToZtcVnmcitnMKy0lposkQSrOp9tGmg35TwarRNimdAbv4ytjFwHtdhBjGtKAQ7hhgnWt36xIcpZYwK8seoJNRvFb0jmLbIyMCIjn_Xg0f1OsblTdlFF5iSr9IKQXFNKp1AxbN8p9m5scJrN_1J0aXgALQZZE8a_Db0VJI_CjKyxaBKjDmlH0Drf03nvT2SAr1aq2xskVOlDY_jsvzaI-3EfDZN4E3AWllGWygEJp7qJovLY5jvlPDMMEpALEddf-Lm3FHwMrH3pz0UydSsbkfQ7xkGBPVW7tyPd3K4HQTJsOG9gnYcUKJ4fpXKi7rW2Glek_juHAt_lqGEt2vl82zBPSIN8-aGT3Ly3MdpPwbcLNxRx1TEAXkTXCTPaxszHcSsP3pDDDGUmKm5PKxB0o8Pkmoo8K-v23LZmst9hO37VO5LSrz0_eWwipg8dxpJ8InEPYTmXrhx2vjklcFZdOIXQxbKKJXKwINu2arFZuiQX8uzpfdapxTMIYf5-1kCiNhlhVWJPX9TRL6CfxufY0Gi4lNzor4jCUOEy3KoNOPNtDI41rizPkoiuq7iGxGG-A=) <div><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Dear Class Members,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">News that golf superstar Tiger Woods, 5-time winner of the Masters Tournament, was arrested again for driving under the influence brought the subject of substance use disorder to our attention. As the 2026 Masters ends, we'll consider what help our faith offers to those whose lives are impacted by addiction.</span></p> <br/><center><img src="https://www.thewiredword.com/\_img/tww\_logo\_email.jpg"/></center> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; border: none; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #222222; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Tiger Woods Flips Car, Charged With DUI</span></strong></p> <p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; border: none; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">The Wired Word</span></em></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> for the Week of April 12, 2026</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">In the News</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">On Friday, March 27, golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) following an accident around 2 p.m. on Jupiter Island, Florida. According to Martin County Sheriff John Budenseik, Woods was allegedly attempting to pass a flatbed truck at a "high rate of speed" when he swerved to avoid an oncoming car, causing him to clip the back of a trailer being towed by the truck and flip his luxury Land Rover. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">While a breathalyzer test showed no signs of alcohol, two hydrocodone pills were found in the 15-time major champion's pocket. His refusal to take a urine test at the station led to his arrest on two misdemeanor counts. Authorities noted that Woods, 50, moved "lethargic and slow," and his eyes were "bloodshot and glassy," making it appear that he was under the influence of "some type of medication or drug." Woods was not injured in the incident. He pleaded not guilty, saying he was distracted by his phone. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This wasn't Woods' first accident. In 2009, as his marriage to Swedish model Elin Nordegren crumbled in the wake of revelations of his flagrant infidelity, Woods clipped hedges with his Cadillac Escalade outside his Windermere, Florida, home before careening into a fire hydrant and crashing into a neighbor's tree. He was driving under the influence of sleeping pills.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">"I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to," Woods said at the time. "I felt that I had worked hard my entire life, and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn't have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">"Tiger's statement was insightful, to a degree. He acknowledged typical factors that could have contributed to his unusual behavior," noted Dr. Todd Grande, a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health and Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional. "Even so, he continued to have problems after this. It's almost like he understood what he was doing wrong, but was still unable ... or ... unwilling to stop. ... Sometimes people know exactly what they are doing. They understand precisely how destructive it is to people around them, but they keep doing it anyway."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In 2017, on Memorial Day, police found Woods asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz with the engine running at 3 a.m. in Jupiter, Florida, and booked him on a DUI charge after he failed a series of field tests. A toxicology report revealed five drugs in his system, which Woods said were prescription pain medications he used after undergoing back surgery.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Woods suffered severe leg injuries in 2021 when he rolled his car over while driving at a high rate of speed on a California highway. Since 2002, the athlete has had seven operations on his spine and over 20 surgeries on his legs, leading to his use of various prescription drugs to manage chronic pain and insomnia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Australian professional golfer Jason Day said he plays golf because of Tiger, who was his hero growing up. He remarked, "It just shows the human element and the human side of someone that is struggling with some sort of an addiction. He's not immune to it just because he can hit a golf ball really well."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">"It's hard to see him go through what he's going through," Day continued. At the same time, he called Woods' decision to drive while under the influence of pain meds "selfish" since it put others at risk.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Dr. <span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Grande said that even though Woods, a billionaire, could easily have afforded to hire a driver when he was incapacitated, he chose n</span>ot to do <span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">so, demonstrating "a high level of arrogance and a disregard for the safety of others." He said Woods knew he shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car, but "wanted to have his way." Grande points out the hubris of believing that he could ask the president to take time from his responsibilities of running the country to intervene in a traffic stop situation in Jupiter, Florida. Not only that, but he seemed to believe that mentioning that he was on the phone with Mr. Trump would so impress the police officers with his importance that they would </span>go <span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">easy on him.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Grande observed that while Woods </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">has won 82 PGA Tour titles, lives in a mansion, owns a private jet, and has the president of the United States on speed dial, he has yet to deal with his dangerous compulsive behavior. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">More on this story can be found at these links:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ0Lj2PTPqht9GuQVNiH9zUcTjmIXVR0d-2FyfJfRPtwRmgKrGB3jJS6qJYb2DHPmo7BRj-2B8AmFIgMDkzP8VZgDBrsFrOURoQ8J7JTBQz-2BHMmoFjxiVI72qpMOkLRC8gCaZg-3D-3Dt3zC\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq0cpM8xAHVkAJ0AaU58bzGUUN-2BS6BFvfnCJ9lxt6Qt6uDzFj6Q2VBPCkuyLyy9I-2BQFwqfj9dlOHUoaF62CKOWxmP7fz3-2BjeCD2KO44RMIjEb1is478WKMQJysMM8ErcCaGpIUkc1-2BqE-2FqP28j9ZEND7v2LU2ERSrHnHPkqOIYx5QyUU-2F2sFzn6tGwi-2FnbqhdiovOeVWLvSKLyBSXPTgv3Yw-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc;">Tiger Woods' Troubling History With Prescription Pills Back in the Spotlight After DUI Bust in Latest Car Crash. </span></a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPJ0Lj2PTPqht9GuQVNiH9zUcTjmIXVR0d-2FyfJfRPtwRmgKrGB3jJS6qJYb2DHPmo7BRj-2B8AmFIgMDkzP8VZgDBrsFrOURoQ8J7JTBQz-2BHMmoFjxiVI72qpMOkLRC8gCaZg-3D-3DzXCZ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq7O5zDSh1jlVPfS94u3TlyOncRlUjhBQ-2F2cIH5rG9b8ZY67ifGJRGkEJ5SypxvnyzH-2Fjwdz89uEpTGZUulvy2-2BqoU44AftV1RH49yZy74ZCYIz9jnTxjIxo5a79xI4hBTqESo4gKod-2BIqk5hLo0wwRYCdd-2FkGm-2BMDx2Mfd-2FKz1qZHZdS3PtV-2BwHpAx35mnANcKbEukDrlLHQJknk-2BCNhxWc-3D"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc;">New York Post</span></em></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; background: white; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIUPAjr0i18vKUHWgK6uJHO0u1y-2BdGgmX1eUTZaMnltCMcWR\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq0EulZ7hdBoUKPmmSZs9-2B0mr6cvtkUck-2FMpSCwN5FswDzTllGfIrbkpGC43g094dfrjC9e-2BVv0wC01EShEdHecckmhCiLeEtreBVXd-2BrJraLQf7xKBycfrj-2Fn26HhKyIti3Z-2BUZnruoWMW-2B-2By0YhwRWi-2Bqy2QvkHJUWMjpUT-2BvW0Ya9mtgEM6wB9uNSVcnq6SqRGrOwxzFlM5pgEBeFJPXQ-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc;">Drug Abuse Statistics. </span></a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIUPAjr0i18vKUHWgK6uJHO0u1y-2BdGgmX1eUTZaMnltCy9MS\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqzctXQHf9c84hGCmj60CfMV9PRfZY3tLwIALpQgRbkJi4ykTXKkCGFnnDjq7TWjKOMbKdQqfe5Jk0IegkZ4qzw3F-2FRDrSU4oDACO-2FLX2LcmvF-2BC8o4iqM7T02iW7kfN9I-2BN7-2FWY5FUGGB4XmkR65MKdcdKtq3tk6UScPl746ZQ5f5IsrUnYpbNVHyQ7Nq3xUmqewOEj7RIn6MXjfDdpc0-2B8-3D"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc;">National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics</span></em></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIRKg6BGr23NfguWot5eRJ57chJ-2BUWywg11bM8Xb01ji3m9WfWNp-2F9VcQyASZjkVtnHcXvsFgZ-2FpZuf3ZBtUXdZROb8ckBrEWvbtI4EwYgDcb0svPFQY9cNZy6Zakaqp-2FI3nlBqKLbRDUpQBc8gE3fr1eyseS4uYLDFHEn6R-2BLASAzXN\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq1oX7TMn-2FtxbdbR6fR4SxGTL7GgakY9ZEB4NfqDQ-2BY1a2lgkSIXA47p1pElZJklkEBfiSF5f-2F5bi4-2Fn0I-2BgNN3oZdcHL5r5AKdTweS6M-2Fen0xqe47bp3797vdcVeQsLklKoYqCyzA1zaHUm3AN8uexELgpTDUFOLOXIlVCXCOus5uuDzXJjeNrHXcYcBNexPYrsPtDWn-2FtNB8Q4rk3lIwVU-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc;">Over 48 Million People Have a Diagnosable Substance Use Disorder in the United States. </span></a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIRKg6BGr23NfguWot5eRJ57chJ-2BUWywg11bM8Xb01ji3m9WfWNp-2F9VcQyASZjkVtnHcXvsFgZ-2FpZuf3ZBtUXdZROb8ckBrEWvbtI4EwYgDcb0svPFQY9cNZy6Zakaqp-2FI3nlBqKLbRDUpQBc8gE3fr1eyseS4uYLDFHEn6R-2BLAS\_6id\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq7OFyz3GGpAuBk5nxhyDh2nhIISglLCJUzQMJS-2BloBiOw4xl8tcDczZmGeDTL2jLgj9gReHNPF2RyHRzrUTtWJ1vhfrDlKarxBU8VJ8pkRXkcK3SOcSpVfPRmKXPccXDzaxL58DwQv2s1la-2BTdMWSaXksoZcxE-2B3f-2FAT0Hks7uvQT5FwdzkV2MaK0z1xhMFWF6p-2BYUiZm7b6FTY1SK60UxA-3D"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc;">Addiction Policy Forum</span></em></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNxxXapR8kgxIwYcpAsURCmK9VRt2-2BbyJR5V6uX5FwyRzncDDZ07oFQXFr8QPp92kND07gtyGtDJa-2B4IKEZ0iOz28G1nhDDZMdMlHuJ3Jbf346\_5\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq1k8JHTVbUXpIsXucu1-2BY0mGCkmSYyIEOFxXd1E-2F1CtYq-2Fk5deABg0u4-2BkXSlduf2mYkNMmnRvcwIkCCZIbJB8Q4wlIZrGWSkci346-2BV2jsFWKYoj3HW2TtNoh-2B86c-2BkqSSNhOd9Unm7PKM96y2PQDv-2Bmxrwypa9-2FY-2Bo878sHzfsCHMi832hoN8C5TyJ-2BrdbMh1WHcfSoThWc5TYtf1i-2FWc-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc;">Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics (Facts About Addiction). </span></a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPNxxXapR8kgxIwYcpAsURCmK9VRt2-2BbyJR5V6uX5FwyRzncDDZ07oFQXFr8QPp92kND07gtyGtDJa-2B4IKEZ0iOz28G1nhDDZMdMlHuJ3Jbf3daD5\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2FhcZripqjVeoNnVLBuUnz1Sxx5kTTQY0LwEYpWkK6pQtmznUf6tpJfDpubB5Udi8hxkWLDV1OSWPb6covZ5sva1WQlpcoFu14Vri2O7h9TzcAD8mgXkBDjioeyzDEW4l1yTIdo8ZjszfClOsg2LS3zzso855ubPXHAazDSJoERtbdn00QfSFDDOsAayaigK8SxSc4EoWfbk7cgTeB2OVI0-3D"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc;">American Addiction Centers</span></em></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHlFLc3EOp-2FuySMzeUHRj8OJN0-2F9E86cJZ6a8jtiEp-2FDFNosv8bRy-2BjGCjV6KvM1SDZ37mRoFIQTbNTPuaXAAmiZOKn9pYGNgxDjVVEvr6GdTEsUcVAstJiX263MJQS7Yw-3D-3DIk6w\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqzincw7Sm4Wi88fjQ0DTkzhL2yw5vI7iAkpyzwHPyqdZX8Tp2Jg4j4nkG4dDVB8tgVvqvBc08c9yVcAZOfUB-2FhghO-2F7aDuecEsFSmOeUHmwkR4RppNsaULvjLo5fMXlSknBwWFsYgvkps5Xu-2FaZPBSnPIs7kxiXCFHshqPRFKumXL5ivs-2Fwp0jm3CQlzqYB6LXAO1n2B1CWay7-2F-2F-2FbFOV2I-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">What the Bible Says About Addiction</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">.</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHlFLc3EOp-2FuySMzeUHRj8OJN0-2F9E86cJZ6a8jtiEp-2FDFNosv8bRy-2BjGCjV6KvM1SDZ37mRoFIQTbNTPuaXAAmiZOKn9pYGNgxDjVVEvr6GdTEsUcVAstJiX263MJQS7Yw-3D-3DHVWs\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq2AaBHqw4t6Bdkz0DMqN-2Fw3AR3ffjj2xRM3s12bh3F1oPiBJJE4A5R8x2ISkJpORc632FIC-2Bpdbm-2BwoZsSpNml99AhcfC3RFH-2BXqXRgjVnrOfo6umZErfiQFvmg0j7366GoUSla0pEbzJ7pRq1x1qtvreb-2BdNkCZ8Ja3x8oRaYbvisj4xrP0yDi7cpO0vssFIi7b6BZOnuyUDCPgALgb5JY-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> </span></a><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPHlFLc3EOp-2FuySMzeUHRj8OJN0-2F9E86cJZ6a8jtiEp-2FDFNosv8bRy-2BjGCjV6KvM1SDZ37mRoFIQTbNTPuaXAAmiZOKn9pYGNgxDjVVEvr6GdTEsUcVAstJiX263MJQS7Yw-3D-3DwHu6\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq5H-2BAonJ5uPkCujMDWwTfsRsYAmj7bKgJyS-2F1vv84YbFiuX4ghY6iYRUTa8CW6HHzHxlXZKBmP6OSYKALei3vOm8FWqV-2BqK1z-2FN-2FqbwSU8V6txNfWTM3db-2BqtBFTGR1tCecEhpfK87z7oYzFBU5x20dp4l-2BQc3lqOoO4OidH4BHdCHp4fC5VXwN2fTJWMmjrXjBt4sV7lIOqDAuvNz35zqk-3D"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Faith in Recovery</span></em></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Applying the News Story </span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In 2024, 48.4 million people in the United States, ages 12 and older -- about 1 in 6 people -- suffered with a substance use disorder (SUD), according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Many people with SUD misuse more than one substance (alcohol and one or more types of drug) and over 21 million adults with SUD also experience mental health challenges. Almost 19 million U.S. children under age 18 (1 in 4) lived with at least one parent or primary caregiver who had a substance use disorder in 2023. Alcohol and a<span style="color: #2a2a2c;">ccidental drug overdose are leading causes of death in the nation. </span><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">"Addiction is a hole in the soul. You fill it with whatever you can," wrote Scottish journalist and recovering alcoholic A.A. Gill. Use this lesson to consider how God can fill the holes in our souls, as nothing else can.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">The Big Questions</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">1. How, if at all, have you or people you know been impacted by addiction? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">2. What kind of support is most needed by people who are dealing with addiction issues?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">3. How is sin defined in the Bible? In what sense, if at all, might addiction be understood to be a sin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">4. Why might defining addiction as sinful be too limiting, unhelpful, ineffective, and even potentially harmful? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">5. What support does your church provide to people in your community who are dealing with substance use disorder?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope<br/></span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Here are some Bible verses to guide your discussion:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Proverbs 31:4-7</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to one who is perishing and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. </span></em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">(No context needed.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, self-control and sobriety, calling the body the temple of God which should not be defiled or abused. Many texts warn against excessive self-indulgence, whether that is expressed in drunken debauchery; profligate sexual immorality; gluttony; the flaunting of power, privilege and position, or the hoarding of extreme wealth (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxB1sByFkCq00De7qxK5ZsvhJOyVkLSywNUpEN4txeMdYQ5ogcZ5xQKyBSSLbv8FMrvlN8\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq63h4oNGaIjeaPMELik5udt6gwWyHNJV8wPBy7XC4fKrP2HfGGS096Un1eSnDgLQSkvwYcOHIMr12IZAaeOFvDMyUDzm3iKfzDVDjDxQP-2Fc-2FrKSi-2B7-2Fa1G6HboO85floS3HCxwhAN4XmFe0xvTrakgmbx5nh3eN6o89DMcNT2S3ibP0-2FkOZRdRLEIO6Ew8URH-2FJkh0t1J1GLJcqxgIDvO9M-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Romans 13:13-14</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">; </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihb7uUewvxFOhb32TVaERsMAcuXEADRSyEY-2FJd0tHmo-2B3\_rTX\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2BBlkcYYi-2F5MRHZWBBDOujyXIgkbcmrnw8ZmgTMKt7zIBAI8qU0giXhYVjc4NwX-2BMOBdafNEyJs7LlZqIYhCwZww04PmiMyH1HBKVoEa0jwWs5Lk3XF9kOFwMfJLUn9P-2F5AeWAIFLReey2auTxp45Uam2CYYsRBtxsY903LtqBZO0Q8ky1wrsMS3wCWZ7Ogg3dow7z2ZESKK5GBZJ1C3I1o-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Proverbs 20:1</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">; </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihX0aJB-2B-2BDpuj-2FAGODxZquptSGW04-2BzMWSIXKHURUNYYBKa1\_\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2BN5GC9E2OEAXx9c1qEOgjt2FfMhdKDf9M5YpVN4cW-2FmGp2CyeMdVRKXbcRTRUoTUhDNXKl0k49b46kbtY45pWtXJp6nQwVYIyhVTOvKpqCpVtcQA0bG-2BLWUgAb26Mi-2BxmGpo4sAXOoCQlXV-2FGbFEJ6SBdI1HIGFNds5FImGMZVTQ99dUSS9gm55w-2BLf1kUEjg5StXEBMRocDzuFbFhSEBM-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Proverbs 21:17</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">; </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihdH-2BmA3wXNBPozBm-2FxR8BfZMVPiLjvrHXrsMA4U-2BubZPwKQQ\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqwmz8-2FpdD1sbHr4DLXpFagg2ExWCCavact-2FLL-2BHQeGA7x44gVJw-2Bu76STRBFykA-2F6vGm7VV6q2f1fn3WaIpyh5uT5mzQnPFnCPOe4ZXereJhZONN1bYPMNYsthL1E20qiYGDKLHwPByjETyTnpBINkX-2F9DMXOD5sfDOoE3RI62KV-2Fsd7qJ0xfFfax9ZPv8fMXThwfjk-2B-2BPEGNA1C35w9R3k-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Proverbs 23:29-35</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">; </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxkbFv7nat5bHPJJ9MZ1n5Owhs06l89PO39-2B-2FpsgsDuEnOQSYPgD6uxFTGORyLYOzCq46RG946B2P6Qx1XIS55mA-3D-3Dg9hc\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq3vFXajwZIh4hkxKtwuV-2FlDdH1IuNwVz1RZtTkYqs5rKRcKv0FeBqh7n3G2LUYIWweZYz4Hp-2F3pJ9p18FFfD-2B5Bgjsav0zGRP58j9v7Hh57OrWK4lxheJuAtHTOy2ddtdd8sGRW25w-2FflxlgUOPeDRpeSfZswiVv2-2FIESSSZIWD8wQalJkClqA0clkITPSaDTSEBv2N4SeU6nTf2iOzyDGY-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Galatians 5:1, 13-25</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">But other texts permit and even encourage the enjoyment of the gifts of the Creator (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwo1yRV2l8a4Gm-2FxomKEKNTx77UmsUV6EIwb-2FibipzmEMhSt9LKG99Zg1T-2FN13nXE8Z3d\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq01L-2F-2FxzlMRZ7ZpDNeuL2CQumXO16Fdd1KAS3Ea9sGnn0JT33-2BzXCSjB-2BJmIwJUCeT9DqnGIq8bDfF2-2B42gdxJqnh-2BiA9-2Fh9V-2BMSlXp97odkEKPRbYVsFK1n9-2BJHoLm3MjpRIFvDsLOIJTPWjb5X-2B2qJsSSoj0aJsCXzfA22BnM1KPpA3lyABAAeft2leFLXVLSf4Qn-2FBNsLoNzCiUgNCY8-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Ecclesiastes 9:7</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">; </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxMbNERZTYI-2BExXfknk1JglCrRVRONBiOCfXESDAwS2eKcXc8AcHgXUBI5yXlHrxs8xnzH\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq5smw0FSA3C0QOVETYFkGrz127ejQElSyAYGLCNtBrVNOCK-2Bkut0-2Fo39nwSIzIQQdTt7V5UACJSk22i-2BT1Ki9GcitPbqIWWdtjy4DlTfdDVo1w9PQ-2B5ubdutYNNXDKz-2B1RHwgXVI3o9bRu5hqQct5VtH7Zvk52d3py-2Bt4eVTNBwgokOeV22ERold-2B6mSOt1LSVGSxWj70B4RkhxYkdrKdcM-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Psalm 104:14-15</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">), especially when gratitude is expressed and those gifts are shared with others. Jesus himself was labeled "a glutton and a drunkard" (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDeiqfXtOlPqHjsGzPg69A3lRXH8AHiT4-2B6RLoO2s7833Bafu\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqxmZJNAVyxG-2BEte50yzvL0Kw8rqtSbKB1YBJlGDh0Y94KuYHLz6J-2BAL2cvbw6-2BgOOBTPd8PC07gBRL4pTK5xtJK7ws7yJZigOCgvpIjj8n-2B2jrLgCqXijQvveHfnH9TM9eCFHuy30lnSyCnrKq0UaCCIO7Ogb-2B32tGs7pNISsWfPznHFDZYouGmWfzkeuwIWx-2FVMaGmYU5xHV-2FoLGCV27Ic-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Matthew 11:19</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">), and his first miracle was the transformation of water into wine for the wedding in Cana (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxnSbX8JFuvFcNUYnl-2BWAV4EyJumR3kn1oG8biovy5g9niDeHnJwdkxkGFliU033Tf1Ru2\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq8POxRFy0HB2DXJDlATLgUS7iWafVv2dgI9Yu-2FbLSs9dOU1N05jQwXEyhW8Fom-2FJRM4lZAz9ClvJLmORVmiyENYjDpYndhjcMq91JP-2FIOcg1Eyj0lvq8E78vLaQFdGoJBU-2FlWmI7zz-2F9pW-2B3TqkCnKftQwFljZuvQMpNSDzolw-2BsMHCW1i9kW1r0wG-2BGBQi1A2VOx5T9mT2aUCN71vbplkQ-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">John 2:1-11</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">). Paul encouraged Timothy not to drink only water, but to "take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments" (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxBpJPfBLlryTXsGfLPep7NneTxGASb3GCVJN0N4gQCYGJ-2BHDcORIKx-2FUww2jrO9sU6L-F\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2BSUzHBgr5Eht-2FnEamyuBkB-2BZKo9snPEq3oFXIt-2BeybuiCBAgMqGeJhkmGDHf9wC-2B3y4jP86Kk9JxnqqfatUmPbmzV7a0BoHaQgYkkC7HJiRWHIYL3MlsdxkLPmjBRKlYixmy1jcCP1Te1P3LVPSkctda7mv7RZVlv3DLOtnGUotnqNTKx42Fi7NEU56odTCpYXTOaHxnG6EY4FIi1mEuok-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">1 Timothy 5:23</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Those in positions of authority and influence, whether in government, as seen in the Proverbs text, the church (as seen in </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxBpJPfBLlryTXsGfLPep7Npk21KVZzzutnR2GOzupoAjLZidEtxWGxdB-2Bv4xf6-2BOPPwRVRWPl-2FWIjhphf4WpnmQ-3D-3DBJ4x\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq29wYDKQJMws4y7VqovfW6X1P-2Fr9tGjJfG5Sqkutb3HewWy35BO-2FiGbniS8SumfRLPIVueXAqso9lKu9dFrx6v8EkaS3kY-2Bx7m2tP-2BRe2LcrcXnpNnf0bc97H7kmzS2HQdbwePfoXmYefQaAwTi0-2BHEc4UYloCxBtJhd1a2US08FLdNPQ0COdOR-2Brov0OtgEBXDKVsMK0wQh937xv1e8gjk-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">1 Timothy 3:2-3, 8-9 ESV</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">), or home (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx2Jqj7NezB7s8B64pouOkpIolwrD3VDIWSqHFP-2B9m7QL6RYeTA6IJ3Tu4xFog5WKiTiJf\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqyTyiuBjGiLXkOIjVbjUAYq7QW11fCuwLfOyX7da04obQNx3Vfb4oCVqvFDK6Hff4UOlG9z5zeDDelVjf0kE9QaPlX3Zia1Fkl8shrhPNONdI2tiRVsHXJ175hdykPJge3KHA2cnj93mgy1-2BwVvJcQeMEsBs3DmGA4RP72NDEArNwAN14-2FjJ8iaoGk-2BKV8SVTex9phEPHeCbAoyqJeupV-2FA-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Titus 2:3</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">) should exercise special caution when it comes to the use of alcohol or other substances.</span></p> <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Questions:</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> When, if ever, have you struggled with intense cravings you couldn't control? What did you do about it? How should followers of Jesus handle the use of alcohol and drugs? What is permissible, and what is beneficial? Why should authorities and influencers be particularly careful about how they handle their desires? Why is leniency afforded "to one who is perishing" and "to those in bitter distress"?</span></p> </blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Ecclesiastes 4:9-10</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other, but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.</span></em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> (For context, read </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxwo1yRV2l8a4Gm-2FxomKEKNbrfu2JUnI6QK6EcXNRsMHzZW1hVOjJ6ePuUSSXHrxmj9XZx\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq4ORqio7VGI4FprW9uhxa-2F7NDPIpLg-2FI2ko-2B9lg3N932LhKqgp07qZH-2BwPAWjDD4WjOTtDeJwzShmOweytKbDbsdaU-2FdLzANmrYvOl5XCCSTVRC-2BBGbyd8xPqLl0TIZ0-2BsFD8KlbD0QIikdGA54EcXeoCXGrmQuZ3svL1ZbCFZLcDgejjmGT4TkPMcLp-2FLPBlWo-2F6Q2ZrbZHeJ04faGOmy0-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Ecclesiastes 4:9-12</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">We are warned throughout the Bible not to associate with people who abuse substances, their own bodies, and others (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxtUL-2BBngs4gHqgEeaCN1ihXSoQThK6ZXLjGxHsXG9v-2BQmYZ9sjUBprqCeeYvMQrbdyj0f\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq5E7FMQk-2FsLwlIsNvadBbj2ZEgr03GVbf3lDl8KzzTfkr76eRLDGEDo0sPk8adDbRER7ZvypvYxkvke-2BXM8CvxKmsdpp-2FQutBUo47O2Gf5GbEJE09eUnl1nPgQAe6TUIAXfcjk6O0KHvHIHbDr6fptlgDVwAEd-2B-2FyaKhRlWxJIvZ8IB526X6V4nSmlvbr9vqp-2F0t50fQ25wd36oFBsRXLGo-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Proverbs 23:20-21</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">; </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxFKf4-2BjncwMNTEU93vCUB-2BnSHQhbpJM7dFPt9kVcNTCXmHBzZ41uMLsv2XM5c5cu1w-3D-3DKq4V\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq4I3j5J85rMb68Wct0WOk9rtNAtqsbOkFhyMCd7tEXgr-2FScXMha8DJzEzrBi5ag1870l4dHED52el7ZuRtvoQ5r40yHwe8v0eStPcA4HpYREzw0resQj-2B1Wrqdj0GpL7pNtZ1nq5MGsv7JP2qGBDhAPhBII6SLJFCIWYH8dDgmhwKyLZPx3aG1LsdmVS5nckCdysWPlYpiQmUjKab1APvKo-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">1 Corinthians 15:33-34</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">; </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxOdlwvpIcp6dpBWksJaxTxCA-2BWXYivA4vlFjKYPffD2Y5rP1TysONog5f8yeSWRfpyKSp\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqxAfgUt4cIMGQ1wxXa4H4ho1vQEdrICsItHSZwxa2qneUXf1waaOYltwF-2FZVYhDqV0ueE9Ieh4n1tA1n-2F9J-2F970JWsizsZHX3qea8qW2sysjsJHblnt34Dkim5DtMdFFVaCCoUWy9bIFrd-2BqCg3LMnkd3fV7jsPgOZxx1PjZXRGzWIgXl4JIQSopJvbokVP6nfTVlrRkMUkt4mhxOR22Dro-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">1 Corinthians 5:11</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">), for such behavior leads to poverty and the ruin of good morals.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Many people in recovery discover the importance of supportive companions. When one feels close to a relapse, a friend may come alongside to speak just the right word, to give confidence or a warm hug, to offer a prayer, or to remind the struggler of promises made, the rewards of perseverance, and the consequences of giving up. Admitting that we need one another is often the first step toward healing (James 5:16).</span></p> <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Questions: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">What might prevent people from asking for help when they need it? When have you experienced blessing from connecting with others, either because you were able to assist them, or they helped you in some way? </span></p> </blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Ephesians 5:15-18</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit ...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">(For context, read </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzx-2F9xuITdvxpNxFuzW6j6ZGEYhg3hYmI-2Bk5nnY7vn-2BY7zuYikHZgcHvmAlueGu-2Fcu3RzBE\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2F2O07llycTYnSZNJZP7NVTQg3L1RZIZpViJ0fd-2Be08dxwM7FkAq9gQSMfMXb2nuiYX-2BOgQ2TgMdE6jpIuNk8VmDHfg0hayIXknyRZJ1-2BhzBs-2BKYGsVrpgk0t7lmZoWtdZgbBy4I55cQ03ohraVmwUe9vKV-2FrKSfCXvWlhI3d0M2gBuPpsU9xS-2BDiXj3-2FWXPQk9EXqr8dTBw5v96dlLSAVU-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Ephesians 5:15-21</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">.) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Paul posits that the opposite of getting drunk with wine is to be filled with the Spirit, which can be seen in communal worship, as people offer thanks to God through music and humbly honor one another. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">On the Day of Pentecost, when the disciples were gathered together, the Holy Spirit descended on them and filled them, giving them the ability to speak in other languages about God's powerful deeds accomplished in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Some of the onlookers assumed they were all drunk. But Peter stood up, and called their attention to the words of the prophet Joel, who said that God promised to pour out his Spirit on all flesh, male and female, young and old, slaves and free (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxdO90EW-2B3UHrQQRmRxgrB1EyhYnrTmHrVZLzZ3-2B3qBZUN6Q5V8-2F9etZO9r-2B1-2FDaUfaU6I\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq1qL-2BrjTG5Kop-2BLnmGamiy9IMMwrna7dw9LYcXL-2F6GRHlDH6n50V5L45m8K0ftoZ0ODkDOhpPMo2v-2FzwM2YFhOs66LXROss-2FfHdCpwreNf3AvXB-2Ftx9t9Q4RzeYWjygK5liozo3rMixETWQzFvfC-2FnkxNNnTUxBxwoaVn2Wcw1VRkXL6YB8YAV2Svi2y2MVXMjDDF60Qg4tfB39HkOoJr68-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Acts 2:1-18</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">).</span></p> <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Questions: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">What is the connection between being filled with the Spirit and wisdom? Why is getting drunk or abusing substances wasteful, while being filled with the Spirit empowers people to make the most of time? How were the disciples making the most of the time on the Day of Pentecost? How are you making the most of your time on Earth? </span></p> </blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Romans 7:15</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.</span></em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> (For context, read </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxVE80xiJi4jNasJ8IP3kHUwZit0pVsBPWYq-2BnkhKIVZzza320NxyeZhMarBXqG70WpHcs\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq-2Bs9RpWkEMOS1d0pTQYC2tuR7rwZY2A4WkHgI1vxKaZU1GdtzQpgUVQNDbLMbfGOcFB4eeqhXz25xcnep1aaOiQ1TV6D39jF5Ql81LRQYBMG-2Bd3v4ay5P5kyhOJVYDD99U2xX7UG-2F8vvrXrbGIIl-2Bt-2BhIoVIT1xVEKwYzhY5hQ4ApvBIKjuQCBc-2FG-2B5dxE1dm6bpNKTBXKUcDuawjl-2Fed3s-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Romans 7:14-25</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">.) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">The apostle Paul seems to find himself in a similar place as Tiger Woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>He knows what is good and what is right to do, but finds that he does wrong anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Christians </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">generally r<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">efer to this as our “sinful nature.” It is likely neither Paul nor Woods is unique -- and that each of us can at times say the same words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">That seems pretty hopeless -- until we remember what Jesus has done for us. We can take comfort in Paul’s conclusion: "Wretched person that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"</span></p> <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Questions: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Think of some sins that you know you shouldn't do -- but do anyway. How does knowing of forgiveness through Christ Jesus comfort you? How does it strengthen you to continue efforts to stop a particular sin?</span></p> </blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Hebrews 2:18</span></u></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. </span></em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">(No context needed.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Hebrews 4:14-16</span></u></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested [or tempted] as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. </span></em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">(No context needed.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (</span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDdBbRnlzb-2FI78y-2FL7QxpNc8K6d6-2FIk48sFttRw-2Fj7HTSmF8F\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqy7vENDvYRSayKunXwG2w0ForBeXRZYD9H107hLnqlF-2BQFan-2FJdc8Xs8g2yyOSI9GOSB4-2B4hiobVztRnqEYP2rHS8XBVZdgkAHZMGgkaNzO1EPwxpBiKJqnwaXiqonNEJxZy3aPz7csKjQXRRRBUTeeMhMe-2FmMeg3oD9XImHZrldaYAqVkHzQLVxANUGpoq6JiuEjkW2R5WYKz0ebbQXXls-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Matthew 4:1-10</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">), but no doubt he faced more challenges throughout his life (e.g., </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDcxgapNH7joy-2Ba9ZsZxTXJAHVlf-2FojzMeaMGMQ5PrUHdluPa\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq556T6d7vbkMEztePnKLkQdKUWAxvXt5rpdapL8rq9wYLASlE7RzaCY7LkzQw5nXyBttrmB4QaLGt-2Fkfh4GdwrM9pPKVkk3F8a8Ivt1hbRNtMDJBKIfiul8CE-2Bor5EMr9NgjZlVu418tfCUz3hsJc2p5xXOZQxm-2FDQfgF6kOVS4OhWNqO0GLgejuSI1CPyU0tGiquPU5IvF37yyDkNz2DQg-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Matthew 16:21-23</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> and </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxEE9arX6m0yHZZAbtNhYaDREs1-2BiwADhhqXA6HEhI4e57bSsCMmUvzsG22l2Epg0UkrH5\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq86z3YZ235taio2JABm-2BxxIpkNiZhS7FSpChnE2973N21jO-2BYwuQEyX7qFmkbbiIbR2OP2jQaNeI9nKpwJ2576ebMjtEJTu-2FpU6p32zg6-2BG3UiCNnBmGvZg-2BoNeoAOmbqu2act1JZwnV9d6y8qL25EFHYyIyviiLne56-2BUwdRmyZxjGtr-2B6qD-2BuPjjczbgjnvziK3e4c6E-2BOVDkRoRiWXPo-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Matthew 26:36-46</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">). We can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggle against sin, and that he understands what we are going through.</span></p> <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Questions: </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">How might knowing that Jesus experienced testing help you when you are tested? Why is it significant that he "has passed through the heavens"? What is the significance of the fact that he was tested in every respect, just as we are, yet without sin? Why do those things make him qualified to render aid to us? How do those facts give you strength to "hold fast to our confession" and courage to "approach the throne of grace with boldness"?</span></p> </blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">For Further Discussion</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">1. Scan this list of </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPKROA-2F-2BVchVsyxMwk0OIBV76BYwK2H0deNvpN3lFRQn0MLlZpmJMg9HcotBHwq3iwPNThkPN0v7jnQW2iiLRyLb-2FAVfGqM8T3wUNft-2BFBL6qira3\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq05mDlAMZVGHDZz6lSSeZTjkfcHIY7TCq7iADe7HsTzAbhYPxz19GRWcLTK3e9ew5ogcs8ImAR7JILYYqgMOL-2BjPUacD8z-2BOaNXvEXc-2FP3oX2JHajFJ8TxeNeD8vxz6xydsI5-2B-2B06U7sbSehtpLzz6zMk64KS-2F-2FWkwG5JMA89Uv-2FWoZzzx4qxJ3Bx7K6EprutDnL5h1w4Pd6suZgx9lWyGI-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">40 Quotes on Addiction Recovery</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">. Which quotes speak most to you, and why do they resonate with you?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">2. "One of the hardest things was learning that I was worth recovery," wrote singer-songwriter Demi Lovato. Someone else, whose identity is unknown, declared, "The goal isn't to be sober. The goal is to love yourself so much that you don't need to drink."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">            </span>Why do we sometimes find it hard to believe in our own worth? What does our faith teach us about our value? What might help us to cling to God's view of us? How can we help others who feel unworthy of love discover the truth of how God sees them? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">3. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Symptoms of substance use disorders may include: </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Inability to control your use of drugs or alcohol</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Craving for drugs or alcohol</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Taking large amounts of drugs or alcohol over a long period of time</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Maintaining a constant supply of drugs or alcohol</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Spending money on drugs and alcohol even if you can't afford it</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Neglecting or failing to fulfill responsibilities at home, work or school</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Isolating yourself or withdrawing from your loved ones</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Spending time with other users of drugs or alcohol</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Stealing or lying to obtain drugs or alcohol</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol despite repercussions</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Engaging in risky behavior under the influence of drugs or alcohol</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs or alcohol</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Do any of these symptoms appear in your own behavior, or in the behavior of someone you know? If so, it may indicate that it's time to reach out to caring people who can help you think about next steps that might be appropriate.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Responding to the News</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">You may find Bibles that highlight topics related to addiction and recovery beneficial, either in your own spiritual journey, or for someone you know who is dealing with these matters. Here are two you may want to consider: </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPEUyPrkHaTyYbS4C17JO1UzcxlHYAF3SXS08hNsYh8Pr04VcuF4RV-2FcgoRU2UEHe1Q-3D-3D1sww\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqzrFnC6Sv95V81jN2dpS7E7RD-2BcVUBOjm-2FVACECQ9nbrbkhbFOoGhz4sKpblI6fajlEPmGo4P8ThTmV8GijkyeH1HLHNFlHB7EMFMYJgiTaVPd3z8eC6Q8GBS3knr7SEJh3or3uvt6pwPvHoIkmBTMMaqR9wf9hhpt1Q-2FwWQt2hAKf-2Fo5IL1ZCBU7mbvnWdu5HZK141nHIur-2F1CsjmDWtEY-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Life Recovery Bible</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> (also </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGALxAy9wzzac7tb8xx9ReoLnE-2FKaqZ-2BDXn1PaXm-2FW5iUtEy\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqySPpt1hQceY7-2BnOxphdD-2FA8p46lQy9zakn-2Beyf-2Fo5MoOn53noNZyY7HrNaVpxbV72yDSWGvqUK8yLcKK1fYQ2PhnDPkmtRH523VbewRmPa2mbrWUmnOu4dbUo7GCAjQl0YvRhRiIycPb2-2F08Rp1svzLEPN-2FsLFjTkRZvaFnd7U7HtrQatXgw3YnH4MNQ6xSagEmYIwLqgwongUYOO0VzcU-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">) and </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPA3vi0UVZWGBMxOB2xsT4XIcEiutsyjhyry612xKHVtjikT-2FkVBAQxmGVWVYvUodovcCNGWL-2BeXPZz8OD6Qqf-2BY-3DnGD-\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRqzKTWEH9kif-2FCHb-2BciYJYwqsARh5kzqJdLciWFN-2BDwvnribd9OnfnoCrV2JjCOcsWKlVx4gx-2F3jJwPO44COY8U0QyvBrTQuIzYPOeZ5A1XzizaZ5hikToMnoyqVv2k7fo7ESM-2BxUJN5UzsNZ-2F724apBT79gBjMh7akyw4qCTRudrcJ-2Fdxuf1gZwUznDrZPpxmXNdVXCOOkRCVkfNTttHdg8-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Celebrate Recovery Bible</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> (or </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPGRAfabCXRFNA5kzk67Eh1qXU2qhvkWoTBKcYfRDgQOYAw4O3wXoczmmh15IEa3PseaNAoqWfIAcwOFkJFrYRX7KwZQ0mRShFETZgGtkwK05kYS1VTwc5dUOit1cL0MrwQLq-2BYiXRX5fSePzo-2Fx-2BZZo-3DtJQL\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq0WO-2FBS0SbALT33iqIV-2Bp7R6eaq-2FcuMmybwwrvxvMilrPwz3Y6Fo-2Fx-2Fq6Tc8-2FgEhSUI7eCNrfVSL-2FJaqtmmg1Hy-2Bzy1Eb4i-2BivYG3sfmq5xVHiJOFMvma69mpwp2R39xdP-2FRt4vu4-2FEu8rQtW-2FxCCINZCg7Hzt9LWCEOfhDugcOkO2D-2FufKLHVcb1vfncf8IOEaqy65rFL-2FtEXIi4s-2BavN4-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">). The first is based on the 12-Step recovery program, and the second uses the Beatitudes as a foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Prayer</span></strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> (suggested by </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxsU14iTyWz9Yhf8YCPUmXz70UiGplpr-2FwAIAvQhn5Mdopn6uLcx-2B-2ByPoWEMfch85F51kE\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq7gZnBr1ThKGrSjwIi-2Bedky7v9jh6nb5jrove9aJ68eQpvksa4UjB443ABnc8m8BZ43-2Bx0kfOLe9v-2Fw390faWLTs7L7l5H1JhULNCfvT7AlnvaxsC9mZkL-2Bo-2BiGUXZs57b3MyciLs2xySOufOk2tyaLlSbLEKHahZLi0gDLtFj-2B7-2B11PAsTu4qusRhF3Qo9XekHbVHgCQRluN1cpdRTMBqU-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Psalm 91:1-3</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">; </span><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.kR2s0BHA4IMM0a9cQYZVPIPMr3QdAndcnhgARhLxPRBMJBYCTolkbvW-2F0TosyGzxspY8nlyUhAxVWALjS5-2FFBz7mbMzMLyl6n7pYg4O3qwL9QokUpdPFC5fI-2BBjmx2LFy9JR\_-2FDMt8DmC0b3MPPPEfxHbnxzgfJsbXDNMpwCP9nNwhUmwW6wkyKFLFNgtWOsfoWlqzJWknYznvBlIhQrMvSLcaZdhhbJIKGm-2F5qmCcYPIpJSn2obb9skqJf4MgaypxrLi7oLPa8a7eS7JtzjOXCCX8BHD-2F4cv9wFI-2FUH-2BL75pc25Hbh6RKf8EPZebHASiEu2b1aGXbOqJQ3Dnm6HAk92YmTFg2kL7YFX-2BzVfipCFOAUEYgWaeTXxtnt5loUdrS-2FP3m27k6sU6z7x-2F-2BrCw2tSRq9ppCr-2FAvENeaseFiThlx09RIXT6Ko6kYzAHUY-2BZeKwsOUjsv4wRsOSSEUoj1UZdQuxECyqLvsjBbO5F8dPUdGN-2B-2Fv69i2Gp4MOV6Lb1suz98i9m-2FrPsC88-2BhrVGGmnuSf8lsLSZfGM71S9ouboNcgxz6njbAfYQxqtxM9OoGVWec-2F5sLNV7h-2FVIHfrbOzfRq8G1Qn0aWpN-2BhR2pVdJkx1w-3D"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1155cc; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Psalm 94:17-18</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Gracious God, thank you for the many blessings of nature, which have the power to gladden our hearts and strengthen our bodies. Forgive us when we misuse those gifts, making them idols that trap us in slavery. Deliver us from our craving for worldly things. Instead, awake in us a hunger for you. When we feel our feet slipping, hold us up by your steadfast love. Teach us to rely on you, our All in all, trusting you to provide whatever we need for life. Amen.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: times new roman,times; font-size: medium;"><strong><strong>Copyright 2026 Communication Resources</strong></strong></span></p> <br/><br/><p style="font-size: 11px;"><a href="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/asm/unsubscribe/?user\_id=14323725&amp;data=EDir8KDi24LevwgD3uVmaz\_zzuNxo9vQ5hPoKAZfkTZoMDAwdTAwMJKCy9w32TmO\_wvJbPXVkIToZtcVnmcitnMKy0lposkQSrOp9tGmg35TwarRNimdAbv4ytjFwHtdhBjGtKAQ7hhgnWt36xIcpZYwK8seoJNRvFb0jmLbIyMCIjn\_Xg0f1OsblTdlFF5iSr9IKQXFNKp1AxbN8p9m5scJrN\_1J0aXgALQZZE8a\_Db0VJI\_CjKyxaBKjDmlH0Drf03nvT2SAr1aq2xskVOlDY\_jsvzaI-3EfDZN4E3AWllGWygEJp7qJovLY5jvlPDMMEpALEddf-Lm3FHwMrH3pz0UydSsbkfQ7xkGBPVW7tyPd3K4HQTJsOG9gnYcUKJ4fpXKi7rW2Glek\_juHAt\_lqGEt2vl82zBPSIN8-aGT3Ly3MdpPwbcLNxRx1TEAXkTXCTPaxszHcSsP3pDDDGUmKm5PKxB0o8Pkmoo8K-v23LZmst9hO37VO5LSrz0\_eWwipg8dxpJ8InEPYTmXrhx2vjklcFZdOIXQxbKKJXKwINu2arFZuiQX8uzpfdapxTMIYf5-1kCiNhlhVWJPX9TRL6CfxufY0Gi4lNzor4jCUOEy3KoNOPNtDI41rizPkoiuq7iGxGG-A=">Unsubscribe From This List</a></p><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://u14323725.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=u001.ri3TO7QGEXgsxcVdo6-2BoAGTuuWiDEfH5lVjP7AVQ-2Bcl7JaDKdeJ1ydQkXpTFAEqRD2SOncm40jgMuVls37ZLseTP-2Bc5kaLjFJf1Q3kw4FZdt1YoCkYWvLa1l-2BT-2F-2F8yIUiLbFHrmn64p2Xwmffzl3edR6Ty8TRKnThBIufHec6MYr94WZQxWVvMWvfNqNZdVSm2JpSP2sJuJ7h3Z8Ne0G7k5SU4Wa9lukCQo7ERyY32ildGR6ZNg7-2FWmNQxdFTMZ9-2BsNSbQwlNlWAXL0ehTK-2FZ0Rz7GTliBlhkDY9KiijrhX0Y4mJwI4ubYjXeNnB67MJYQUCtpeOObucJsMbYoWdM9BcqST5CEz7MfdPVyZr7mWnzT2MPDf94v57ScFcPLdNC1Ss2eZsXeFShDT7B2RUIKci40jvX66F8n19m5-2FiZQ0Zhkz38x746VNXBys3-2Bfa0kOzIAuck54uQYPSAqMIVQtyJsEenA7n6KAVLiaDjVmI-3D" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;" width="1"/> </div>, The Wired Word for 04/12/2026, The Wired Word, 01knsc4shdd4ncd65d1wzq2tz0.