Daily Reprieve - June

[janbear]

CHOSEN FOR ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS



“We were in a position where life was becoming impossible, and if we had passed into the region from which there is no return through human aid, we had but two alternatives: One was to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best we could; and the other, to accept spiritual help.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25





“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1: 26 & 27





For what it’s worth: Life was impossible in the region of no return. I attempted to escape the bitter end by suicide often when I was drunk. But God would not let me die. I cursed Him because I could not see He had chosen me for Alcoholics Anonymous. I may never know why. There were many far more deserving than I. I could never have entered on this spiritual journey without God's intervention. And, even after many sober years, my weaknesses and defects make God do all the work. If I am to make any progress along this spiritual path, I need Him every day. If I try to walk alone, I stumble and fall. But I thank God I have found a sure way of rising up and moving on. All I have to do is be grateful I am chosen, and think about those I know who were not.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[janbear]

HEALING, INSIDE AND OUT



“After all, our problems were of our own making. Bottles were only a symbol.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 103



“For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.” Psalm 109:22



For what it's worth: My insecurities and weaknesses came before the alcohol. When those defects became too heavy, I used alcohol for relief and rapidly became addicted, creating havoc in my life and the lives of others. Being aware of the damage I caused, I lived in despair with guilt and shame for years, until I finally reached out to Alcoholics Anonymous. Here I find hope, people who understand and accept me, and a God that loves me. His grace, the power of the Twelve Steps, and the support of the people of Alcoholics Anonymous are my road to recovery– not just from my drinking problem, but for the whole me – a way to joy and peace, inside and out.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[janbear]

BLESSINGS FROM CARING MOTIVES



“Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86



"But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." Jeremiah 17:10



For what it's worth: The drink dominated my thinking so that my motives were always to satisfy my need for alcohol. I did not realize this fact until I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. The First Step revealed the depth of control alcohol had on me, even mandating my motives. The Second Step gave me hope my mind would be free of alcoholism’s control. And so it is as I daily turn my will and my life over to God's care in the Third Step. First thing each day now for many sober years, I ask God to direct my thinking, and throughout the day He and I examine my motives. Correction is needed often, and I ask for His grace to improve. My Heavenly Father and I work on this daily, and I know He puts good will and concern for others in my heart and mind because I sense the blessings He gives with this.



God bless you!



Joe W.

[kimberly nicole]

thanks, your posts are very encouraging and refreshing and enlightening

[richardhiggs47]

Thanks for the Messages today! As always may your Higher Power Bless You!