Daily Reprieve - June
 

June 1

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.

June 2

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.

June 3

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.

June 4

YEARNING FOR GOD

“The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” Psalm 42: 2

For what it’s worth: No one told me the agony in my life was that my soul was empty, and I drank to try fill it. Alcohol numbed the pain, so I drank daily and was rapidly addicted; wrecking my life and wronging those I loved. Alcoholism enslaved me, and denial hid it from me. I was searching for something to fill the hole in my soul. Although I looked in many places and tried many ways, I never found anything until I stopped drinking in Alcoholics Anonymous. I had no idea that Alcoholics Anonymous was such a spiritual program. I did not trust it at first because of my resentment toward church and things religious, but now I see as soon as I was here, even without knowing it until much later, the miracle started – my soul was filling. At first, just a drop; now the hope and trust brim over as I continue my search for fulfillment in God’s peace.

God bless you!
Joe W.

June 5

HIS GIFTS

“Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences may be.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 79

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7: 11

For what it’s worth: Continued suffering for me and others was inevitable and would end only with my lonely, miserable, alcoholic death. And it was near. I had no other choice than going to any links when I entered Alcoholics Anonymous. Despite mistrust, I had to turn to God. My motives were selfish, but God heard my plea. He granted me a daily reprieve and Twelve Steps to a spiritual experience that totally transformed me. Still, this child of God desperately needs his Heavenly Father, especially when maintaining sobriety and my spiritual condition is an uphill climb. I am blessed that no matter how troublesome and steep the mountain, my Heavenly Father always gives His child strength and direction. And He and I continue to climb together. I find that my Heavenly Father does not wait until we get to the top; His good gifts are given along the way.

God bless you!
Joe W.

June 6

WORSHIPING ALCOHOL

“That special relationship with alcohol will always be there, waiting to seduce me again.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 397

“But be vigilant, lest you be seduced away and end up serving and worshipping other gods…” Deuteronomy 11: 16

For what it’s worth: My god was alcohol, the center of my life. I donated far more money and time to alcohol than any religion, so, obviously, I worshiped it. But I thought I was above such things once I stopped drinking in Alcoholics Anonymous. Such pride could have killed me. Being witness to many tragic relapses, I am fully aware of alcoholism's seductive powers. It can insidiously turn me away from all things I love, including God. And alcoholism would love to watch me die in the gutters of Baltimore with the cockroaches crawling all over my stinking body. Remembering how close I was to that sad ending, and knowing my defects still outnumber my virtues, I must stay close to my Heavenly Father today, humbly begging for His grace to stay sober and give Him the glory.

God bless you
Joe W.

June 7

UNWRAP THE TRUTH

“We found that we had to rely upon the principle of attraction rather than of promotion.” 12&12 p.181

“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23: 12

For what it’s worth: It was not only alcohol that filled my being, it was shame. To hide my feelings of worthlessness, I tried to impress others. It became a habit, following me long into sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. I can still promote myself instead of simply sharing the truth, especially at those times when the scares of shame bleed again. It is then I must trust God's love for me just as I am, and practice the principle of attraction rather than promotion, giving God the praise. I’ve heard that there’s no smaller package than an alcoholic all wrapped up in himself, so I need to unwrap any layers of deceit that still remain.

God bless you!
Joe W.

June 8

WATCHING GOD WORK

“To some extent we have become God-conscious.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85

“The Lord gives strength to his people.” Psalm 29:11

For what it’s worth: Alcoholism had me isolated from God and man. Fortunately, this void became unbearably agonizing and drove me to seek help. Alcoholics Anonymous immediately reversed this condition, placing me with caring people, sharing together their experience, strength and hope. At first, I was resistant and blind to it, but eventually I grew to see God was there with those people, granting them the strength to stay sober, grow spiritually, and be an example to me. Today, as I become God-conscious, when I open my eyes and soul to it, I can see my Heavenly Father working in His children He places in my life. His timing is infallible, and He can be real clever about it. It is important I do my best not to tell Him how to do it, just relax and enjoy the pleasure and privilege of being aware of His presence and love.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 9

WATCHING GOD WORK

“To some extent we have become God-conscious.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85

“The Lord gives strength to his people.” Psalm 29:11

For what it’s worth: Alcoholism had me isolated from God and man. Fortunately, this void became unbearably agonizing and drove me to seek help. Alcoholics Anonymous immediately reversed this condition, placing me with caring people, sharing together their experience, strength and hope. At first, I was resistant and blind to it, but eventually I grew to see God was there with those people, granting them the strength to stay sober, grow spiritually, and be an example to me. Today, as I become God-conscious, when I open my eyes and soul to it, I can see my Heavenly Father working in His children He places in my life. His timing is infallible, and He can be real clever about it. It is important I do my best not to tell Him how to do it, just relax and enjoy the pleasure and privilege of being aware of His presence and love.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 10

SAFE, SANE, & SOBER

“…We simply do not stop drinking so long as we place dependence upon other people ahead of dependence on God.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 98

“In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your God…” Deuteronomy 1:32

For what it’s worth: Everyone and alcohol betrayed me. There was no trust left when I walked into my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. The accepting and caring people there suggested I turn my will and my life over to God, but false beliefs blocked me. I was blind to all the times in my past God had saved me. But my empty soul screamed out for some kind of fulfillment, motivating me to, at least, try to do as Alcoholics Anonymous suggested in the Third Step. This decision is all it took. Without demanding anything of me, God started teaching me to trust Him. He made me aware of all His help in my past; I saw how He was placing all the right people at all the right moments in my life; and, as His grace kept me sober, I began to realize He was carrying me through some extremely difficult times without alcohol. Now, after years of learning, I have an inner peace when I depend on my Heavenly Father. When I trust His love, I stay safe, sane, and sober.

God bless you.

Joe W.

June 11

GOD’S WAYS ARE NOT ALWAYS MY WAYS

“We are in the world to play the role He assigns.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 68

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” Psalm 28:7

For what it’s worth: Alcoholism dictated my role as a mistrusting slave. My confidence was destroyed, even in alcohol, and especially in God. So, in sobriety, I am slow to learn to trust. Gratefully, God is patient and usually gentle, but His lessons are not always the grand and glorious ones I would like. Sometimes He teaches humility by assigning me to make coffee or set up chairs for a meeting. Other times His help comes through the most unlikely people, at least, according to my judgment, but He does not check with me first. Often He even allows pain and discomfort to teach me something I need, and, when I ask for an easier, softer way, He smiles and tells me “NO”, going so far as to suggest I relax and take it easy, and leave it all up to Him.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 12

STEPPING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

“We usually conclude the period of meditation with a prayer that we be shown all through the day what our next step is to be…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 87

“The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.” Psalm 37:23

For what it’s worth: Down was the direction of my drinking until a Higher Power pulled me from the gates of hell and placed my feet on a path up the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. On this proven path, a loving Heavenly Father directs my every step, when I remember, and take time to ask. When I do, my Heavenly Father always shows me my next right step; although, He has been known to wait to the last minute. Then, I tend to be in a hurry, take charge, and wonder why my day is all wrong. So, today, I will seek His guidance, practice staying out of His way, and trust He loves me and will be there for me.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 13

INFINITELY MORE

"We found the Great Reality deep down within us." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 55

"Glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." Ephesians 3:20

For what it's worth: God would not let go. I tried to escape, but He was always there deep down within me, even during my darkest days. And He still is. Back during my drinking, I did not welcome God's whispers. It felt like He was nagging me with his constant attempts to save me from myself and my alcoholism. Today I welcome the way He encourages me with His soft and gentle words and holds my soul in His strong hands. The emptiness of my drunk, dark days of despair is gone. I have “found the Great Reality deep down within” me, and I have experienced the life-changing miracles He accomplishes. I say “thank you, Lord”, knowing how inadequate it is compared to blessings infinitely more than this once no-good drunk would ever dare to ask or hope.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 14

PRINCIPLES

"The principles we have set down are guides to progress." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 60

"Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!" Psalm 119: 5

For what it's worth: Principles were my strong point. So I thought until alcoholism easily eliminated my ethics and I had no moral convictions left when I finally reached Alcoholics Anonymous. I heard people discuss “practicing these principles”, and I did not believe I was capable. But I stayed sober and attended meetings daily, and ever so slowly, with your guidance and example, and by the grace of God, I was able to make a start. First, I had to be honest - about my life, my losses and my limitations. My human weaknesses combined with my disease of alcoholism demanded strength from a Higher Power. So, as humbly as I could, I turned my life, losses, and limitations over to the care of God. That was all that was required. Immediately I began a spiritual journey, daily trying to practice these principles in all of my affairs. When I fail, I crawl up into my Heavenly Father’s lap and let His love hold me and heal me.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 15

PATH TO PEACE

"I am at peace with myself and the world around me." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 318 (Fourth Edition)

"The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace." Psalm 29:11

For what it's worth: All my pacifiers had lost their "magic" and inner turmoil raged daily. This misery, thank God, forced me to seek relief in Alcoholics Anonymous. God knew I would find much more than relief: sobriety; people to accept me; hope and healing in the Twelve Steps; and, most importantly, God knew I would find Him, my Heavenly Father. He reached deep into my being and removed the rage and turmoil and He placed me on a path to peace. My Heavenly Father holds me up when I falter and leads be back when I go astray on this path to His peace.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 16

GETTING UP

“I have been brought into a way of living infinitely more satisfying and, I hope, more useful than the life I lived before.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 42-43

“The Lord is kind and merciful...full of unfailing love.” Psalm 145: 8

For what it's worth: Alcoholism stole my dreams of a satisfying and useful life and dumped me deep in despair. There would be no mercy for me. Certainly, no love. I was down as low as I dare go. Later, sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, I would come to realize God reached down and lifted me up to a useful and satisfying life. This demonstration of God's mercy and love gave me an overwhelming sense of gratitude and trust. Today, if I sense I am drifting back down hill, I grab onto something strong, remembering what God has done for me, and pull hard on my attitude of gratitude and trust. This always gets me back up.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 17

A BIG JOYFUL REWARD

"Simple, but not easy; a price had to be paid." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 14

"Put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me." Mark 8:34

the For what it's worth: As the slave of alcoholism, I was not only blinded by the drug alcohol, I was so self-focused I could not see the harm I created for myself and others. I nearly died not knowing. Thank God, sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous opened my eyes to the tragedy of my drinking existence, and my disease is arrested, but the consequences continue. They are a price to be paid. I know God helps with the payments because professional care and the therapy in the Twelve Steps are healing some of my wounds. But, sadly, the bleeding caused to some others may never stop. There are some days this awareness and continuing repercussions of my alcoholism are heavy, and I struggle to keep following in the way of the Twelve Steps, but carrying this small cross promises to pay a big joyful reward.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 18

BLOCKING THE FLOW

"Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences may be." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 79

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7

For what it's worth: My alcoholic drinking and shutting out God left me spiritually bankrupt. No wonder I was shocked when Alcoholics Anonymous told me I needed a spiritual condition. They said the only protection I had from alcoholism's devastation was a daily reprieve, and that was dependent upon my spiritual condition. That fear drove me to beg God's help. He offered me the tools: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, the people’s support, a sponsor, the Twelve Steps, and a Big Book. I work hard with those tools every day, begging for God's strength to do His will, “no matter what the personal consequences". When I do, spirituality flows abundantly. But, when I insist on my will, I block the flow.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 19

HIS STUBBORN MULE

"Self-seeking will slip away." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 84

"Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." Psalm 32:9

For what it's worth: My alcoholism enslaved me in a dark, bottomless pit of self-centeredness for years. Being rid of the drink is only the beginning of climbing out of that pit. It still calls to me, so my battle with self is ongoing. Thanks to God's grace and years of practicing the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, self-seeking is slowly slipping away. But despite my best efforts and prayers, the senseless, selfish mule in me wants to run wild. I want what I want when I want it. I insist on my way and my will. And I pursue my wants instead of being happy that all of my needs have been provided. I am deeply grateful that God loves donkeys like me. He is overwhelmingly generous and merciful with me. And He is so patient with this stubborn mule of His. Thank you, Heavenly Father.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 20

INSIDIOUS PRIDE

"Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling." Proverbs 16:18

For what it's worth: What was there to be proud of while alcoholism reduced me to a mess of worthlessness? Yet, I acted with “a haughty spirit” to impress others and hide the mess. Being an alcoholic hypocrite for years made it hard to drop my prideful front, but recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous demands an honest and humble spirit. I had to level my pride and ask for help. God heard my plea and gave me the Twelve Steps to search out and be rid of the insidious ways pride hides itself from me while setting me up for the fall. Again, today, I ask my Heavenly Father to keep me honest and humble about who and what I am and how much I need Him. He will because He knows my heart and loves me just as I am.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 21

TODAY’S CHALLENGES AND BLESSINGS

“When the time comes to solve them (problems of the future), God will give me strength for that day." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 300, (Fourth Edition)

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Mathew 6:34

For what it's worth: My alcoholic mind was full of fierce thoughts about the future. The alcohol I used for relief created even more fear. Often, I attempted a cowardly suicide so not to face that frightful tomorrow. God rescued me from the inevitable and carried me to a place where I could find true relief, Alcoholics Anonymous. Gradually, living the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and seeking closeness with God, I grew free of the fear of the future, and I learned to live one day at a time. Today is here now, and I look forward to both, the challenges and the blessings. My Heavenly Father always sees to it that the blessings are plenty and the challenges build strength and trust.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 22

A BUNCH OF MIRACLES

"My ideas about miracles were drastically revised right then." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 11


"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." Job 9:10

For what it’s worth: My life turned out to be horror and misery, convincing me there would be no miracles in my life. There have been, however, thanks to God's loving mercy; more than I could have ever imagined; far more than deserved; and, it all started simply by walking into a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. First, there was a seed of hope planted into the hardened heart and empty soul of this hopeless drunk. As I miraculously stayed sober one day at a time, this seed of hope grew into a whole forest full. During this time many more miracles matured: I grew able to trust; I began to know that I was lovable and could be loved; I gained some worth and knew I was worthwhile; I came to believe that a Higher Power could not only make me sane, but love and care for me – unconditionally; and, instead of distancing myself from Him, I want to grow closer. Yes, I am a living, breathing miracle. More accurately, I am a living, breathing bunch of miracles.

God bless you.

Joe W.

June 23

LISTEN FOR THE MIRACLE

“The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 25:2

“I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say.” Exodus 4:12

For what it’s worth: Although I ran my mouth a lot, there was nothing worth talking about during my miserable, alcoholic existence. This changed, thanks to the miracle of recovery. Now I have a “deep and effective spiritual experience” to share with others. However, I do not need to sit at a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous and think about what and how I am going to tell others about my experience. This blocks me from listening, and I miss hearing about some one else’s miracle. I need to trust that my Higher Power will tell me what to say.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 24

THE POWER OF SHARING

“If he is alcoholic, he will understand you at once.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 92

“I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other.” Romans 1:12

For what it’s worth: No one understood me. Such I believed until I arrived at Alcoholics Anonymous. At first in Alcoholics Anonymous, I was still too foggy to recognize the wealth of empathy there, but my heart heard it, even at my first meeting. I was starving for hope and understanding, and I found it there in Alcoholics Anonymous in the depth of the caring and sharing of Alcoholics Anonymous members. That is what kept me coming back. I have never been involved with people any where else that speak the language of the heart like in Alcoholics Anonymous. Even after years of attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, I am inspired by the way we touch each others soul. I have grown to believe that God attends the meetings. When an Alcoholics Anonymous member sincerely shares their experience, strength and hope, I can feel Him there. His spirit, will, and love are demonstrated so vividly to me in that healing place of His.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 25

RESCUE FROM “LIVING DEATH”

"They have a new attitude, and they have been saved from a living death." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 150

“When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer them." Isaiah 41:17

For what it’s worth: “A living death” well described my wretched existence while I was enslaved by alcoholism. I was most certainly "poor and needy" in every way, and my soul was “parched”, thirsting for even the slightest fulfillment. I prayed to die. But God heard my cry and answered with life, not death, by guiding me to Alcoholics Anonymous. Here I discovered hope to live one more day. Then another meeting and hope to live another day - and on and on, one day at a time until I loved life. But death did occur – the old me died. I have a new attitude and my yearning has been satisfied with the unconditional love of my Heavenly Father.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 26

MY WEAKNESS, HIS STRENGTH

"…We ask God's forgiveness and inquire what corrective measures should be taken." Alcoholics Anonymous, page 86

"My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

For what it's worth: God's favor would never be mine. Shame caused that belief back in my drinking days. All too often, even with years of sobriety, my continuing weaknesses cause me to feel unworthy. My experience proves that God does work through my weakness, so I go confidently to my Heavenly Father and tell him here I am again, Lord, your weak child. I beg His forgiveness and ask His help to change. Today I will be grateful He never lets me down when I desperately need His patience and love. And I will thank Him for His favor, using me as an instrument of His strength when I am so weak and unworthy.

God bless you.
Joe W.

June 27

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: What a waste! I lost so many of life’s precious moments to alcohol. Many I will never remember because of blackouts. However, I do not want to squander even more by dwelling on the past. Instead, let me focus on the many joyful moments I have experienced in recovery. Every thing I ever lost to alcohol has been freely restored to me a hundredfold. Dreams I never believed could possibly come true are reality. God has been generous with me!

God bless you!
Joe W.

June 28

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 27:4

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

For what it's worth: Was it a miraculous transformation? A spiritual awakening? What words truly describe what happen to me? I was a worthless, self-absorbed, miserable drunk. Now I have value. Now I care deeply about others. My life is full. I do not know the words to describe it, nor do I feel worthy of such wonder as has occurred deep within my being. It has to be a gift from God. It could not have come from any other source - certainly not from me. I am the one who used to curse God. I am the one who hurt many of His children. I remember the tears of despair and the shame of my sinful behaviors. I used to spit at myself in the mirror. However, now, I can laugh at myself, and enjoy feeling worthwhile and loved. Now I do my best to shout joyfully the glory of my Heavenly Father. Only He could have made that possible!

God bless you!
Joe W.

June 29

HIS DAILY BREAD – MY DAILY REPRIEVE

“What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 85

“Give us each day our daily bread.” Luke 11:3
For what it’s worth: When I was drinking, I focused on just getting through this one day until drunkenness dissolved it all anyway. So, in that sense, my alcoholic existence was on a daily basis. Now that I am not drinking, thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous and a merciful Higher Power, I pray my daily reprieve is built upon a more spiritual foundation. Or is it just words? Something I hear every now and then at a meeting? Or read once in awhile in the Big Book? Do I inventory my spiritual condition daily? Do I ever meditate about the daily reprieve statement? Do I truly appreciate this precious gift? I must improve, so each morning as I prepare for my day, I will gratefully think of my Heavenly Father personally handing me his daily bread, my daily reprieve.

God bless you!
Joe W.

June 30

SELF GETTING IN THE WAY

“Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63

“Don't be selfish.” Phippians 2: 3
For what it’s worth: Alcoholism, I am told, is a disease of self-centeredness. It certainly was for me; I drank alcohol with no regard for others. It seemed cruel then, but natural now that I ended up alone with my miserable self. And there is where I would have died, except for Alcoholics Anonymous. God knew what He was doing; no therapy other than the Twelve Steps could have cracked the steel surface of my self-centeredness. Without that progress, I could not remain sober. Actually, I could not make any spiritual progress. For example, when I offer myself to God each morning in my Third Step prayer, I could not expect Him to build anything with me according to His will, if I insisted on having everything according to my will. Perhaps that is the reason we ask for relief from bondage of self in the Third Step prayer. I wonder if I need to ask for it in all of the Steps. I do not see how any of the Steps can be accomplished with self always getting in the way.

God bless you!
Joe W.