Daily Reprieve - January

[bluidkiti]

January 1

LEAVING NO DOUBT

“We never thought of making honesty, tolerance, and true love of man and God the daily basis of living.” 12&12 p72

“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God…” 2 Thessalonians 3:5

For what it's worth: When I was drinking, the thought of loving God never entered my mind. My mind, like my heart and soul, had to sober up and clean up before anything spiritual entered my being. That transformation could have been accomplished only by the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Then those same Steps performed another miracle. This shameful, unlovable drunk came to believe I was loved unconditionally by God. My life experiences leave no doubt about His love for me. I pray my daily life leaves no doubt about my love for Him.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 2

GUILT vs. PEACE OF MIND

"To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless." Psalm 119:96

"We are not saints." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60

For what it's worth: Alcoholism transformed me into a hypocritical devil, certainly not a saint. When I tried to act holy, I fooled no one except myself. Early in Alcoholics Anonymous, I was relieved when I heard "we are not saints", but it appeared the Steps were trying to make me one, and I resisted far too long. Even today, after years in sobriety, living the Twelve Steps as best I am able, I have to ask my Heavenly Father what he expects, because there are many days I am fully aware perfection is impossible for me, yet, it seems His "commands are boundless" that day. My guilt easily kicks in and severely damages my peace of mind. It is at those times I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father's unconditional love, because He whispers to me that He needs to talk with me. When I listen and sit down with Him, He reminds me I am only human and He loves me just as I am. Slowly, peace returns.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 3

HEALTHY BY GOD’S LOVE

“We are convinced that a spiritual mode of living is a most powerful health restorative.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 133

“You restored me to health and let me live.” Isaiah 38:16

For what it's worth: Every thing about me was unhealthy when I arrived at Alcoholics Anonymous. I was severely retarded emotionally, starving spiritually, and crawling toward the grave. Sober time, professional help, and daily practice of Alcoholics Anonymous principles restored my wellbeing. Age is demanding its price physically; although disputed by some, I am certainly improved mentally; and, the spiritual transformation is nothing short of miraculous. I will always be amazed at the therapeutic power in Alcoholics Anonymous. Only God could have created something so wholesome for a bunch of drunks. I believe He loves us dearly!

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 4

AN EDGE

"...There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!" Luke 15:7 (NLT)

"If we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let God take us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 70

For what it's worth: I had no edge when I was drinking. After being sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, I was given an edge. The longer I was sober the more I became sorry for my past, and as I lived the Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, I developed a desire to turn my will and my life over to God. With sober time, I certainly learned my lesson, and I slowly trusted God had forgiven me. I came to believe my Heavenly Father loved me just as the miserable drunk I was, and treated me like the Prodigal Son, holding me close and rejoicing in my coming home to Him. Now I had an underserved and freely given edge.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 5

WHAT COMES FIRST?

"Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with man is possible with God.'” Luke 18:27 (New International Version)

"Alcoholics Anonymous saved my life, and it comes first." 12&12 p.159

For what it's worth: My life was lost because alcohol came first. I was doomed to die the worthless drunk I was with the fires of hell welcoming me. I had harmed many of God's children, and I believed salvation impossible. However, the merciful God rescued me from the gates of hell and somehow shoved me through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous with a bunch of tricky drunks. He knew their bamboozlement would break through my prideful resistance and their example would lead me to Him. Now, undeservedly but gratefully, my Heavenly Father and Alcoholics Anonymous come first in my life.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 6

"MY HEART WILL NOT FEAR"

"Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident." Psalm 27:3

"...We had to fearlessly face the proposition that either God is everything or else He is nothing." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 53

For what it's worth: Alcoholism filled my heart with fear by persistently parading God as nothing before me. Although I could not appreciate it while I was drinking, gratefully, I was everything to Him. His grace gained sobriety for me in Alcoholics Anonymous and gave me strength to make a fearless moral inventory in Step Four. I found I was controlled not only by addiction but all forms of fear, and, if I were to remain sober and stay out of hell, my Heavenly Father needed to become everything to me. But, how? Blessedly, during sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, many "wars" broke out against me in the form of physical, mental and spiritual attacks. I say "blessedly" because my Heavenly Father used each "war" to teach me to trust His love. Now, when the "armies" of life "besiege me, my heart will not fear".

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 7

WHAT OTHERS SEE

"Be diligent in these matters (speech, conduct, love, faith and purity); give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress."

"We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60

For what it's worth: Practicing anything like spiritual principles meant nothing when I was drinking. Only after years of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous did virtue become important, not to be saintly, but to survive. I did not realize it at first, but God had given me a proven way to spiritual progress, the Twelve Steps. Being the immoral, worthless drunk I was, I was deeply grateful when I begin to realize practicing these Steps made it inevitable I would grow spiritually. Progress was possible, but not perfection. Still today, no matter how hard I try, I often go to my Heavenly Father and beg his patience and forgiveness. I am in no way saintly, so it is vital to me that my Heavenly Father loves me just as I am, imperfect, but doing my best to rid myself of defects and gain virtue. This is impossible without my Heavenly Father's merciful grace. Any diligence developed in moral matters is my Heavenly Father's work, not mine. He deserves all the credit and praise for any spiritual progress others may see in me.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 8

THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE

"We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in Him (Jesus Christ)." Romans 8:29 (The Message)

"...Any person capable of enough willingness and honesty to try repeatedly Step Six on all his faults -- without any reservations whatever -- has indeed come a long way spiritually, and is therefore entitled to be called a man who is sincerely trying to grow in the image and likeness of his own Creator. 12&12 p.63, Step Six

For what it's worth: Of course, there was no imitation of Christ during my drinking. Early in sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, however, I learned the necessity to grow spiritually or rot in hell as the evil drunk I was. My willingness to try to be Christ-like was weak, but my desire to avoid the fires of hell was strong, so I listened closely to the members of Alcoholics Anonymous. I found how to follow the example of Christ. Their method was the Twelve Steps. Today, I have to practice all Twelve, especially Step Six and Seven to even come close. I fail frequently, so, I ask my Heavenly Father daily for His grace to follow the example of His Son. He loves to assist me in this climb.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 9

PRAY FOR OTHERS

“We are careful never to pray for our own selfish ends.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

For what it's worth: The absence of prayer contributed to my alcoholic disaster as surely as the presence of prayer provides for my recovery. Sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, my prayer life began slowly and simply with “please help me” and “thank you”. However, it seemed the Big Book statement about never praying “for our own selfish ends” was saying I was praying all wrong. I am grateful the Prayer of St. Francis offered some clarity: when my prayer focuses on others, I surely benefit. Francis knew praying to be an instrument of peace for others and seeking to love more than being loved is most pleasing to God. So he concludes his prayer reminding me when I give to others, I receive; when I pardon others, I am pardoned; and, when I die, I am born to eternal joy. Today I know from my own experience when I focus on others in prayer, my Heavenly Father attends to me and my needs.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 10

FOR ME

“We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84

“Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” Psalm 66:16

For what it's worth: God did nothing for me. I embarrassed Him and alcoholism was my punishment. Years of sobriety, daily practicing the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, returned me to enough sanity to realize I have a Higher Power who is not against me. He is for me. He always was and always will be. God rescued me from the gates of hell, carried me through the difficult days, and has granted all my joyful days in sobriety. I know Him now as my Heavenly Father. He smiles when I jump up in His lap and thank Him for all He does for me.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 11

A SACRIFICE OF THANKS

“For if an alcoholic failed to perfect and enlarge his spiritual life through work and self-sacrifice for others, he could not survive the certain trials and low spots ahead.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 15

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12

For what it's worth: I would sacrifice for a drink, but for no other purpose. I knew the drink was killing me, but I had no idea I needed to change to survive…until my first day in Alcoholics Anonymous. The people there said to escape the horror of an alcoholic death I had to become spiritual. And they were clear about how – daily “work and self-sacrifice for others”. It took many sober years of hard work with my sponsor and other old timers to learn to surrender self for others, but I finally embraced a give-to-receive philosophy, not to attain sainthood, just to sustain my daily reprieve. I notice my Heavenly Father smiles down on me when I give of myself for others. I believe He takes it as a sacrifice of thanks for all He has done for me.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 12

THE SIMPLE WAY

“So we let God discipline us in the simple way we have just outlined.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 88

“Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Isaiah 38:3

For what its worth: I was a simple drunk. I took only one drink at a time. That one drink progressively turned me into a hopeless alcoholic with no desire for sobriety or God. I sought only relief from the agony of my alcoholism when I walked into a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. There I found immeasurably more: sobriety and God. I thought God had forbidden me any joy in life because I had offended Him. Instead of punishing me, God granted me this humble, straight forward, Twelve Step way of life, changing me from a worthless, no good drunk into a child of God. To express my gratitude, this child will seek to spend the day in my Heavenly Father’s arms, seeking His will in each of my next right steps today.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 13

PEOPLE OF FAITH

“Imagine life without faith!” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 54

“For the word of God is alive and powerful.” Hebrews 4:12

For what it’s worth: My faith was betrayed by all. Even alcohol abandoned me, dumping me like waste into a deep, dark depression. I came to Alcoholics Anonymous a man without life, empty and decaying, trusting nothing. The people accepted me without judgment. They had been like me and found something to fill an empty soul. It became obvious even to this mistrusting drunk these were people of faith. They readily shared that gift with me, taking me under their wings and teaching me I needed to believe in a Higher Power, not only to stay sober, but to find whatever it was I was searching for in life. Their example opened my closed mind and hard heart to the reality that they themselves were the word of God, alive and powerful.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 14

A MIRACLE OF TRUST

"And the miracle of all miracles was that I didn't have to drink over any of it." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 336

"We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8 & 9

For what it's worth: God had forsaken me, and I relied on Him for nothing. This attitude fueled my alcoholic drinking for years. I found the truth only after being in Alcoholics Anonymous for the intensive care I received from a bunch of tricky, sober drunks. Despite my defiance and resistance to things spiritual, they planted the idea I could trust their Higher Power as they did. Nourished by the Twelve Steps, the idea grew into complete trust I am loved by God just as I am. This great reality was made obvious to me by the fact this once desperate drunk did not have to take even one sip of alcohol through all manner of desperate and close to death situations. This was God’s love, and it continues every time I place myself in His hands.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 15

IN MY BEST INTEREST

“…Though perhaps he came to scoff, he may remain to pray.” Alcoholics Anonymous, Doctors Opinion

“I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3

For what it's worth: During my drinking years I was afraid to ask God for anything. Even early in Alcoholics Anonymous I defiantly refused to pray with you at a meeting. After all, was not my presence enough? My sponsor confronted my cover and taught me to say “Please help me” each morning and “Thank you” at night. Such was the simple start to a rewarding prayer life. At first I had to learn to be patient with the good Lord. Now I can seek my Heavenly Father’s help and wait, trusting His response will be in my best interest, although at times I may not see it that way.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[BW1]

they planted the idea I could trust their Higher Power

Trust God and clean house

It don't say trust everyone...When I place my trust completely on or in God-He will lead me to those persons that are trustworthy

The book uses the word "discretion"...In the Bible it is "discernment"..these are gifts that God can bestow upon us if we ask in Jesus's name.

[bluidkiti]

January 16

THANKS, GOD

“We thank God from the bottom of our heart that we know Him better.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 75

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

For what it’s worth: What a waste, all those years of drinking, painfully trying to escape a judging, punishing God. Or were those years necessary? After all, it was the agony of alcoholism that drove me to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, seeking only relief from the suffering, but finding hope and nourishment for my empty soul. That little taste of heaven on earth kept me coming back to those meetings. One day, I cannot pinpoint when, I came to believe there was a kind and merciful God who thought I was worth saving. I set about to know more about that God. Over the years of my sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, I have come to know a Heavenly Father, who loves me just as I am, and who I can trust with every little detail of my being and my day today. For that, I am deeply grateful!

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 17

CRITICISM

“Remind the prospect that his recovery is not dependent upon people. It is dependent upon his relationship with God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 99-100

“For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them.” Psalm 109:31

For what it’s worth: Criticism, or anything I interpreted as criticism, could wound my heart. Enough alcohol would kill the pain before, but even after I was sober for years in Alcoholics Anonymous my heart would bleed easily. Many sober years were necessary for healing. The scars are still there, so I have to be on my guard and not take myself too seriously, because I can still be too sensitive, especially when criticized by loved ones. Now, when that occurs, I am blessed to have prayers that work, if I pause and work them. The Prayer of St. Francis and the Serenity Prayer certainly help. I also remind myself that my recovery does not depend upon my relationship with anyone but God. He loves me just as I am right now, and He is always ready to hold me in His open arms.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 18

CLOSER AND CLOSER

“When we drew near to Him He disclosed Himself to us!” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 57

“You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” Psalm 73:24

For what it's worth: Failure, shame, and fear caused it. I managed to distance myself faraway from God, but I could not hide from Him. "The Hound of Heaven" pursued me, found me, and carried me to a place He knew would bring me back to Him. And, indeed, it did. Alcoholics Anonymous gave me guides to show me how to climb the Steps that took me back to my Heavenly Father’s open arms. Now, thanks to His grace, instead of hiding, I try to grow closer to Him. And the closer I come, the more I am motivated to grow even closer.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 19

GOD IS GENEROUS

“Never could we recapture the great moments of the past.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 151

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18

For what it's worth: How much of my past was lost to alcohol? How many precious moments of life are not remembered because of blackouts? However, I do not want to squander even more time by dwelling on the past. Instead, let me focus on the many joyful moments I have experienced in recovery. Let me be grateful much lost to alcohol has been restored, and dreams I never believed could possibly come true are now reality. Indeed, God is generous!

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 20

OUR CODE

“Love and tolerance of others is our code.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84

“All of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.” 1 Peter 3:8

For what it’s worth: All my values were violated. It did not matter when I was drunk. But when I was sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, I felt the agony of an empty soul, and I desperately sought to fill it. Thank God that is what Alcoholics Anonymous did, fulfilling my need by joining a group of people accepting me, caring for each other, bound together in the same purpose, on the same path, sharing from the heart, seeking God as they understood Him. It was heaven to me. So, I’m still coming back. I want to do everything in my power to keep Alcoholics Anonymous like it was for me, full of love and tolerance of others. After all, that “is our code”.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 21

WHAT HAPPENED?

“Ideas, emotions, and attitudes which were once the guiding forces of the lives of these men are suddenly cast to one side, and a completely new set of conceptions and motives begin to dominate them.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 27

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21

For what it's worth: A miraculous transformation…a spiritual awakening… what truly describes what happen to me? A worthless, self-absorbed, miserable drunk now has value, cares deeply about others, and has a full life. What words explain it? I am unworthy of such wonder as has occurred deep within my being. I hurt many of God’s children. I remember the tears of despair and the shame of my sinful behaviors. I used to spit at myself in the mirror. Now I laugh at myself and enjoy feeling worthwhile and loved. I cursed God. Now I shout joyfully of His glory. What happened? I know without doubt such is possible only by my Heavenly Father’s love. How can I ever say "THANKS!"?

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 22

LIFE’S PLANS

“He (God) has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25

“The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.” Psalm 138: 8

For what it's worth: All my plans sank in a flood of alcohol. I would have drowned with them, except that I was blessed to have washed up on high ground in Alcoholics Anonymous. When I finally dried out, I realized God had rescued me. I had sought to live without God, and my life was wasted. When I was a drunken, worthless fool, all alone and in despair, was that part of “his plans for my life”? Perhaps so, because God knew without Alcoholics Anonymous I could never be sober and worthwhile. I would never trust - with all my being - my Heavenly Father’s plan for my life is to never again be a drunken, worthless fool, all alone and in despair.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 23

THE GIFT

“Carry this message to other alcoholics! You can help when no one else can.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:6

For what it's worth: There was no meaning in my life during my drinking years. I wandered around lost, with no direction, no purpose, until I finally found the welcoming arms of Alcoholics Anonymous. There I discovered a loving Higher Power who assigned me a mission in life and promised His grace to help me carry it out. God granted this unworthy and hopeless drunk a special gift, a daily reprieve, and my fellows in Alcoholics Anonymous taught me well to keep the gift I had to give it away. I believe such is God’s will for me today. Moreover, I am convinced I will have to answer to Him about how well I use His gift and carry the message to other alcoholics.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 24

GOD’S LOVE AT WORK

“Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63:2

“For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard.” Acts 22:15

For what it’s worth: There was no purpose to my alcoholic misery until God rescued me and guided me to Alcoholics Anonymous. There I was given a mission and Twelve Steps to prepare me to fulfill it. I remind myself each morning of my reason for being alive when I say my Third Step prayer. It tells me my agony has been removed so people can see what God can do. I am to be a living, breathing witness of His power and everlasting love. But I can be chained by complacency and ingratitude or hide in my comfort zone, so I beg my Heavenly Father each new day to free me from bondage of self and give me strength to do His will. I want to get up and out and be where people can see God’s love at work.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 25

ON AWAKENING…

"On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86

"Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer." Psalm143:8

For what it's worth: I dreaded awakening for years. Each new day of my drinking was worse than the one before, promising more suffering and shame. The fear it would never end drove me to Alcoholics Anonymous. Relief came with sobriety and trust in a Higher Power. Today, when I awake, I am greeted with a sunrise of hope. I pray immediately, thanking God for His many blessings, and spending time with Him in prayer and meditation. It may be weak on many mornings, but my Heavenly Father still loves for me to come to Him. He reminds me I can trust His love and assures me He will guide my next step all day long. I have found even a short period of prayer and meditation makes the next 24 hours far better than anything I ever experienced in my diseased days.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 26

A SUNRISE IN MY SOUL

"I did not need to find God. I only needed an open mind, and the spirit found me." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 397

"...The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

For what it’s worth: The only "spirit" given me was in a bottle and turned me from God for years during my alcoholic drinking. I certainly was not seeking God when I came to my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I was searching for relief from my diseased, miserable existence. My mind was closed and locked with fear of God. I was sure, since I withdrew from Him, He would reject me. Once free of anesthetic alcohol, however, I began to feel the wrenching anguish of my dark, empty soul, and I was forced to unlock my mind about God. As soon as I turned the key with Step Two and “came to believe”, the Spirit rushed in with a ray of light gradually building into a sunrise in my soul. Being a drunk, I want more, and when I “practice these principles” in all my affairs and trust God’s unconditional love in my daily life, sunshine continues to brighten my soul and warm my heart.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 27

LET THE LIGHT SHOW

“Our behavior will convince them more than our words.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83

“For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it!” Ephesians 5:8

For what it's worth: Knowing the self-centered drunk and hypocrite I was, it is difficult to believe this is me. And I am sure there are folks back home who would not believe it. But I am deeply grateful that God has brightened this once dark, empty soul with His grace. The light may still be dim at times, but the reflection of the Creator is much more apparent than when doused in alcohol. Today I want my behavior to reflect His light as clearly as humanly possible. Perhaps this will be a day someone sees the light in me and wants to follow God's way of life.

God bless you!
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 28

HEALING THE HEART

"Then I began to heal emotionally, to experience feelings that had long been so deeply buried they had atrophied." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 345-346.

“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’" Psalm 27:8

For what it's worth: It was the best free therapy I have ever encountered. Never had my cold, contemptuous character experienced the "language of the heart" spoken at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Members shared with a sincerity and honesty foreign to me. It touched my soul, a powerful magnet overpowering my stubborn resistance and repeatedly drawing me back to meetings. There people’s example showed me the way to break through my walls and be open and honest. Thinking back, I know it was a spiritual experience. God was calling to me to share with Him through you. As I did, my bleeding heart started to heal.

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 29

FROM A LION TO A LAMB

“…Personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism has manifested itself among us in many different forms.” Alcoholics Anonymous, Appendices II, Spiritual Experience

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.” Isaiah 40:11

For what it's worth: God punished me enough during my diseased days, so I wanted nothing to do with Him even long into my sober days. One night at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, I loudly expressed my anger about a picture of the Good Shepherd hanging in the meeting room in a church. Like a menacing lion, I growled they should take it down. Those stubborn drunks did not. So, I showed them…I left the meeting. Many sober years later, I purchased that same picture and it hangs in my home today. The concept of a Good Shepherd holding a wayward, little lamb close to His heart kindles my spirit. I often see myself as the lamb. My Heavenly Father and Alcoholics Anonymous have transformed me from a roaring lion to a tame little lamb. (Well, “tame” may be stretching it.)

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 30

IT WORKS

"I keep coming back because it works." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 374

"Your faith has healed you." Mark 10:52

For what it’s worth: For awhile alcohol eased the agony in my being, then it lost its magic, and I was left unprotected from a pathetic, alcoholic existence. Finally, as a last resort before suicide, I attended a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. Something happened to me there. Without realizing it, I felt hope witnessing the power of God in the lives of others. For more assurance, I started attending many Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and repeatedly heard the truth about God’s power and love. I gradually came to believe it could happen to me. And, it did. Even my weak faith was enough to start the healing process of Alcoholics Anonymous. So “I keep coming back because it works.”

God bless you.
Joe W.

[bluidkiti]

January 31

WEAKNESS AND STRENGTH

“Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power-that One is God. May you find Him now!” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 59
“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with men is possible with God.’" Luke 18:27

For what it’s worth: Drinking, I was superman. In the evening I would write out my plans to save the world. In the morning I could not even read them. When I tried to act adequate, I became more inadequate. When I relied on other people, places and things to satisfy my needs, I became more dependant. Only after alcohol beat me to my knees was I capable of going to God for strength. Since then, I find the more I acknowledge my own inadequacy, the more support God offers me. He was there all along, but pride blocked me from His grace. And it still can. Daily, I must admit my weaknesses to my Heavenly Father and beg for humility and the strength to carry out His will.

God bless you.
Joe W.