Category: Life Recovery Bible

The Life Recovery Bible has helped millions of people meet the only one who can break the chains of addiction. Helping readers encounter God through his Word and study Scripture with notes and features created by addictions experts to specifically combat the hold addictions have, the Life Recovery Bible is a resource for new life. Each feature in the Life Recovery Bible leads readers to powerful resources for recovery that are found in Scripture. Articles and guides offer help to anyone starting or running recovery groups at a church or in the community.

The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is the foundation for many recovery programs. The Life Recovery Bibleconnects these steps back to Scripture, allowing God to take over. Throughout the Bible you will read devotionals that are based on the 12 Steps and emphasize how God’s Word can transform lives. Read this Step 10 devotional based on James 1:21-25.

Step 10: We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

“So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:21-25, NLT

How many times do we look in the mirror each day? Suppose we looked in the mirror and found that we had mustard smeared around our mouth. Wouldn’t we immediately wash our face and clean up the problem? In the same way, we need to routinely look at ourselves in our “spiritual mirror,” the Bible. Then if anything is wrong, we can take the proper steps to fix it.

James uses a similar illustration to show how God’s Word should be like a spiritual mirror in our life. He said: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it” (James 1:22-25).

This illustration supports the sensibleness of making a routine personal inventory. As we examine our life, we need to respond with immediate action if something has changed since we last looked. If we put off taking care of a problem, it may soon slip our mind. Just as we would think it foolish to go all day knowing there is mustard on our face, it is not logical to notice a problem that could lead to a fall and not correct it promptly.

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The Life Recovery Bible emphasizes God as the ultimate source of recovery and offers essential tools and features to break people free from the grip of addiction. It is widely embraced in 12 Step recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, correctional facilities, and by individuals seeking help taking their life back from destructive behaviors and substances. Millions of lives, like Peter’s, have been transformed with the help of the Life Recovery Bible.

Read Peter’s story:

I grew up in a violent alcoholic home and became the monster I swore I would never be. It still pains me to think about my rock bottom. Around 2001, I began, one way or another, to try to wrestle the monkey off my back, and I just couldn’t do it. I was the “In and Out Kid”: 30, 60, 90 days sober, and then a jag; 30, 60, 90 days sober, and then a jag.

At one of these points, I remember sitting in the basement of a local Alano Club after about 90 days in, and a very spiritual man looked me in the eye and said, “You know, you’re about due. I can see a bender on the horizon. There’s a jag coming around the bend like a freight train that’s on the loose. You need to get a Recovery Bible.”

I had never heard of such a thing. I said, “What’s that?” And he said, “Well it’s a Bible that is the Word of God, the Living Word of God, but it’s annotated and footnoted by and for people in recovery.” Well, I left at that moment and drove down to Eau Claire, WI, which is a bigger town around here, and I went to the Christian bookstore and bought myself a Life Recovery Bible. That changed the vector of my life! From that point on, one reading at a time, one day at a time, one step at a time, one prayer at a time, it worked.

A few years later, one of the elders at the church I had been attending saw me knit together recovery and Christ using the Life Recovery Bible, and he suggested, “You need to start a group here.” At the time, I guess pride had crawled back into me, and I kept telling him, “Yah, I’ll pray on that, and I’ll get back to you.” Life was good, you know? The wife wasn’t afraid of me, the kids weren’t afraid of me, the police weren’t pulling me over three times a week, the boss didn’t want to fire me. I was just fat and happy.

Then once again the Holy Spirit used a 2×4 to get my attention, and I found myself out of a job, so I went to God in prayer. I can still hear that voice in my head that told me, “Ah, schedule opened up, has it?!? Got a little time for me now?!?” We began a Life Recovery Group on December 5th of 2009 at that same church, and it has since grown and sprouted into 8 different meetings at 5 different churches locally—and the ones in prison and jail, as well.

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Article from the Life Recovery Bible

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy* awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.” Hebrews 12:1-4, NLT

Hebrews 11 has been called the “Hall of Faith.” It mentions a long list of people whose lives were used by God because of their faith. The next chapter begins this way: “Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Our addictions interfere with our ability to win in the race of life. Many of us feel like losers who have just dropped out of the race. Faith in God can give us the motivation to run the race, with a real chance at winning life’s rewards.

This illustration referred to the ancient Olympic games. In Bible times men wore flowing robes. Before an event, the athletes would strip off their robes and lay them aside to run without encumbrance. If someone tried to compete in his robe, he would get tripped up, losing both the race and the prize.

It is God’s will for us to win the race of life. The robe of our recurring sins needs to be laid aside. There will be pain from the exertion, but we are told to pace ourselves and bear the pain with patience. And remember, others who have run the same race and finished well are cheering us on!

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12-Step Devotional from the Life Recovery Bible

The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this? ”Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city. And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant. But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed. Jonah 4:4-8, NLT

We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. When we are upset, we often depend on our addictions to make us feel better. As we get rid of our addictions, we must face the deeper character defects that God wants to heal.

Our addictions function as a place of “shelter” from our pain. But when that “shelter” is removed, deep anger may surface, exposing even deeper character flaws that need healing.

Jonah had a glaring defect of character: He couldn’t forgive and have compassion on the people of Nineveh, whom he
hated. When God decided not to destroy them, Jonah threw a temper tantrum.

“The Lord replied, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about this?’ Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city. . . . And the Lord God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. . . . The next morning . . . the plant. . . withered away. And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die” (Jonah 4:4-8).

God did this to show Jonah that the real problem wasn’t the loss of his shelter. Hatred was the real problem. The removal of our sheltering addictions may expose deeper problems. This may spark defensive anger as God touches our deepest hurts. It is all right to let the anger out. But it is also important to let God take care of the real problem.

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Steve Arterburn, co-editor of the Life Recovery Bible pays tribute his friend and Bible co-editor, Dr. David Stoop, who passed away in March 2021.

On March 10, 2021, Dr. David Stoop died after suffering a second stroke. He was 83 years old and had been married to Dr. Jan Stoop for 63 years.

In addition to being a clinical psychologist, Dave was an early champion for Christian counseling and a pioneer in Christian recovery.

He was also a bestselling Tyndale author and Bible editor. From the Tyndale Bible division, Blaine Smith said of him, “Dave was a creative and gifted author, a man of incredible wisdom and steadfast devotion. His approach was one of patience, persistence, and purpose. A great man of quiet strength.”

Dave’s editorial work on The Spiritual Renewal Bible was responsible for that Tyndale publication receiving the ECPA Gold Medallion Christian Book Award for Bible of the Year. Dave also edited the Life Recovery Bible for Tyndale, which has sold over 3,000,000 copies. The Life Recovery brand is second only to Tyndale’s Life Application brand and is one of the ten bestselling Bibles on the market every year.

Dave Stoop was also a valuable part of the New Life Live! radio broadcast.  His writing, speaking, and hosting of New Life Live! has impacted many lives. In his words: “When I see lives miraculously changed, I feel blessed and incredibly thankful and celebrate God’s provision, for he is my source.”

Dave was a strong believer in Jesus, and when he became a clinical psychologist in 1982, he was one of the first people ever to effectively integrate Christian faith and counseling. He was one of the most respected Christian psychologists in the field. Dr. Henry Cloud said, “What I loved about Dave was his consistency of faith over many decades and also his ability to relate the stories of Scripture to help our growth.”

To some, he was the father they never had. To others, he was a brother. To me, he was my writing partner and best friend for over 40 years. Dave was the most consistent and solid man of integrity and character I have known. He frequently spoke of how honored he was to publish books and Bibles with Tyndale. He was a gift to my life and the lives of many others. He will be greatly missed.

Dr. David A. Stoop, clinician, author, and co-editor of The Life Recovery Bible, had a passion for God’s transforming love to bring healing and hope to people who felt trapped in addiction. We will miss his insight and devotion to the power of God’s Word in people’s lives, but we are thankful he is now with our heavenly Father. His obedience to God’s call has changed millions of lives as people around the world continue to use resources he created, like The Life Recovery Bible, to help others find their way not only out of addiction but also into a new life in Christ. His legacy lives on in groups and ministries like the Bible study at Seminole County Women’s Residential Facility, where hope is being found and lives are forever changed by God’s Word.

Sharon Germaine has been leading a Bible study there for over a decade. One of the first things she noticed was that most women in the study didn’t have Bibles, and the few who did were not familiar with Scripture, so finding passages was difficult. Having numerous different types and translations made it even more confusing and frustrating for women in the group.

“God led her to The Life Recovery Bible,” said Cindy Sawyer, who joined Sharon in leading the study group about a year ago. “She makes sure every woman in the group has a copy of The Life Recovery Bible so all we have to do is say we are on a certain page and everyone can easily find it together.”

When COVID hit, the study group continued, but on Zoom. Sharon and Cindy didn’t let that stop them. Even though they couldn’t give it to them in person, the leaders made sure each woman in the group had their own Bible.

“A woman who had been recently admitted to the program ran up to the camera and thanked us repeatedly for her Bible. She said she had never had a Bible she could understand before, and she had spent over three hours reading it because she couldn’t get enough. God is using The Life Recovery Bible to bring change!” said Cindy.

Addictions impact people from all walks of life. Often, we can try to hide them, like Lisa, a former registered nurse who, in the prime of her career, lost her license and job because of her addictions.

“When she came to the center, she had no Bible knowledge and little interest in spiritual things. But God called her to himself over the months of studying his Word. When she graduated the program, she was offered several jobs but chose to work at another women’s rehabilitation center where she now uses The Life Recovery Bible to help others find their way out of addiction through God’s Word,” shared Cindy.

Though helping people battle addictions can be exhausting and heartbreaking, people like Cindy and Sharon are able to help people break through the darkness and discover God’s hope and new life through his Word.

“Thank you, Dr. Stoop and Steve Arterburn, for investing your time and gifts into The Life Recovery Bible. It is making a huge difference in so many lives,” Cindy said.

The start of a new year means some great new Bibles are releasing in early 2021. See what’s coming your way this winter and early spring.

Filament Bible Collection

The Filament Bible Collection now includes a Personal Giant Print line. These Bibles have a 12 pt readable font and are a great size to carry with you on the go. They are available in the NLT and KJV translations and include the revolutionary Filament Bible app. Learn more

A New Testament for a New Generation

We have partnered with an amazing ministry, Streetlights Bible, to release a multimedia New Testament. This visually compelling, easy-to-understand Bible links to remarkably creative audio and video resources. The NLT Streetlights New Testament explains Christian truth and is a discipleship tool for young people and beyond. It’s unique tone and approach removes road blocks, allowing users to actively engage with God’s Word. Learn more.

Journaling and Art Bibles

Our Inspire Bible line continues to bring beautiful and exciting ways for you to engage with God’s Word through art journaling and coloring. Releasing this month are two beautiful new covers for the original Inspire Bible. A navy and pink floral hardcover and a pink softcover provide more cover options for this beloved line of Bibles.

We are so excited about our new Art of Life Bible that releases next month. This Bible features 450 original hand-drawn illustrations in a unique style that encourages contemplation and visual interaction with God’s Word. Learn more about this beautiful, unique Bible. Take a look inside.

For Kids

The Hands-On Bible is more than just a Bible you read; it’s a Bible you experience. The entire text of the NLT is surrounded by games, crafts, recipes, and so many more activities to get all the senses involved. It helps kids (and you) better understand and get excited about God’s amazing Word. And the new LeatherLike covers releasing next month add to the fun of this Bible. Find out more about the Hands-On Bible.

Women’s Devotional Bible

The THRIVE Devotional Creative Journaling Bible for Women has become a fan favorite. In the fall, we released two new covers in the journaling edition. Next month, we are releasing an edition with no wide margins, making it easier to carry with you. It still has the treasured 365 devotionals within the entire NLT text, but this edition has a beautiful rose interior. The navy and pink floral hardcover and rose metallic LeatherLike covers will be cherished.

Reading Plan Bibles

Just a few months ago some exciting new One Year Bibles and the NLT Daily Reader’s Bible were released. Check out these Bible if you are interested in reading through the entire Bible in a year.

Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience is revitalizing communities and bringing people together in God’s Word. This spring, we will be releasing a large print edition of Immerse: Messiah and Immerse: Beginnings. Learn more about Immerse.

Study Bibles

Every Man’s Bible is the top-selling Men’s study Bible. We recently released some new covers in the large print editions, including a beautiful genuine leather cover. See them all.

The Life Recovery Bible is now available in a LeatherLike rustic brown cover, and the personal size recently released in a black LeatherLike cover. Learn more about The Life Recovery Bible

Want to see more? Check out tyndalebibles.com

 “‘Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood. For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth. For the Lord has called you back from your grief—as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband,’ says your God. ‘For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will take you back. In a burst of anger I turned my face away for a little while. But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,’ says the Lord, your Redeemer.” Isaiah 54:4-8, NLT

Devotional from the Life Recovery Bible 

“We made a decision to turn our wills and our lives over to the care of God.” Step 3

Each one of us comes to God with a past. In turning our lives over to him, we give him our entire selves, including our past losses and shame. We hand over to him every moment of disgrace, every tear we have ever cried, every word we wish we could take back, all the broken promises, the loneliness, all the dreams that died, the dashed hopes, the broken relationships, our successes and failures—all of our

yesterdays and the scars they have left in our lives.

Under Old Testament law, if someone lost freedom, property, or spouse because of a disaster or a debt, the next of kin was looked to as a “redeemer.” If property had been lost because of inability to pay, the redeemer would pay for it and return it to the original owner. If a woman lost her husband, the redeemer would marry her, providing her with protection and love.

God tells us, “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood. For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer. . . . For the Lord has called you back from your grief” (Isaiah 54:4-6).

God is our Redeemer, the restorer of our losses. He is Lord of all, even of our days and our dreams in the past. When we give God the past, he can make up for all we have lost. He can rid us of the shame and fill the empty places in our hearts.

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Article from the Life Recovery Bible

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. ” Luke 6:27-18, NLT

As we set out to mend relationships, there may be some things that are beyond our control. Some people may refuse to be reconciled, even when we do our best to make amends. This may leave us feeling like victims. Once again we are stuck with the pain of unresolved issues. We may be left with negative feelings that continue to surface. What can we do to gain control in these situations?

Jesus said, “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. . . .Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked” (Luke 6:27-28, 35).

We no longer need to be controlled by other people’s dispositions and actions. Even when we have done our best to make amends for the wrongs we have done, the situation may not change. And even when we have come to terms with the wrongs that have been done against us, our feelings may not change. But we don’t have to be held captive by our feelings or the feelings of others. We can choose to forgive and act in loving ways. This will free us from being controlled by anyone other than God. As we choose to forgive others and do good, our feelings will change with time.

Learn more about the Life Recovery Bible.

“Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, NLT

Devotional from the Life Recovery Bible

Our addictions may be so ingrained in us that we define our identity by them. We may even begin to feel that we are predisposed to behave as we do. We may grow discouraged as we are condemned for behaviors that seem beyond our control. How can we escape this self-perception that defines us in terms of the addictions that dominate our lives?

One passage in Scripture seems to identify people by their behavior: “Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). This doesn’t seem fair. We feel like we will never be able to escape our addictive nature. But the
passage continues: “Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (6:11). “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God doesn’t just erase our sinful behaviors. When we identify ourselves
with Christ, he gives us a new identity. We will always remember what we were and realize that our sinful nature and our body may always be predisposed to a particular addiction. We may even still slip up at times, but we need no longer define ourselves by our addictions. In Christ we are all the forgiven, cleansed, and holy children of God.

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