Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is: He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery! --Anne Frank Someone once said happiness is like a butterfly: if we chase it, we'll never find it. But if we sit quietly, it will come and land on us. Faith and courage are the same. All we have to do is sit quietly and ask for these gifts from God. In time, and with patience, they will be ours, and so will the happiness we can then pass on to others. Anne Frank wrote the above words facing a concentration camp and certain death. If she could find happiness and faith and courage within herself under those circumstances, then certainly we can too. These gifts are ours, already within us, if we but look for them. You are reading from the book: Today's Gift by Anonymous Today's Gift © 1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirations Read a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-855-873-1297 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 1525 Pleasant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Thursday, September 13, 2018
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] AA Thoughts For Today - 9/15
Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Recovery Links Daily Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Weekly Spiritual Readings Daily Prayers AA Thought for the Day September 15 Fellowship To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends
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Wednesday, September 12, 2018
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] Daily Readings - September 21
Daily Recovery Readings Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Daily Recovery Readings and Meditations Recovery Links More Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Daily Prayers Disclaimer Click here to make a Donation God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. September 21 Daily Reflections THE LAST PROMISE We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84 The last Promise in the Big Book came true for me on the very first day of sobriety. God kept me sober that day, and on every other day I allowed Him to operate in my life. He gives me the strength, courage and guidance to meet my responsibilities in life so that I am then able to reach out and help others stay sober and grow. He manifests within me, making me a channel of His word, thought and deed. He works with my inner self, while I produce in the outer world, for He will not do for me what I can do for myself. I must be willing to do His work, so that He can function through me successfully. *********************************************************** Twenty-Four Hours A Day A.A. Thought For The Day Let us continue with Steps Four, Five, Six, Seven and Ten. In taking personal inventory of ourselves, we have to face facts as they really are. We have to stop running away. We must face reality. We must see ourselves as we really are. We must admit our faults openly and try to correct them. We must try to see where we have been dishonest, impure, selfish, and unloving. We do not do this once and forget it. We do it every day of our lives, as long as we live. We are never done with checking up on ourselves. Am I taking a daily inventory of myself? Meditation For The Day In improving our personal lives, we have Unseen help. We were not made so that we could see God. That would be too easy for us and there would be no merit in obeying Him. It takes an act of faith, a venture of belief, to realize the Unseen Power. Yet, we have much evidence of God's existence in the strength that many people have received from the act of faith, the venture of belief. We are in a box of space and time and we can see neither our souls nor God. God and the human spirit are both outside the limitations of space and time. Yet our Unseen help is effective here and now. That has been proved in thousands of changed lives. Prayer For The Day I pray that I may make the great venture of belief. I pray that my vision may not be blocked by intellectual pride. *********************************************************** As Bill Sees It Fear And Faith, p.263 The achievement of freedom from fear is a lifetime undertaking, one that can never be wholly completed. When under heavy attack, acute illness, or in other conditions of serious insecurity, we shall all react to this emotion--well or badly, as the case may be. Only the self-deceived will claim perfect freedom from fear. ******************************** We finally saw that faith in some kind of God was a part of our make-up. Sometimes we had to search persistently, but He was there. He was as much a fact as we were. We found the Great Reality deep down within us. 1. Grapevine, January 1962 2. Alcoholics Anonymous, p.55 *********************************************************** Walk In Dry Places The Good that I do____ Action Why do we hold back when we’re offered the opportunity to help others or to do something unusually kind? Why is it that many people are reluctant to give of themselves unless rewarded with recognition or praise? We may hold back because we do not understand that any good action always brings its own reward. Despite Shakespeare’s timeless saying, the good we do is not “interred with our bones”… it does survive, now and in the future. We’ve learned in Twelve Step programs that it’s not really satisfying to work only for recognition and praise. There also has to be a confident feeling that our efforts are contributing to a large good with a worthwhile purpose. That’s what makes AA so special to people who are completely devoted to it… we know that anything done for AA makes the world a better place. We should also know that those who can help others are fortunate, well-favored people. Others may want to help, but lack the tools. We have the tools to give the help that changes live
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] AA Thoughts For Today - 9/13
Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Recovery Links Daily Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Weekly Spiritual Readings Daily Prayers AA Thought for the Day September 13 A New Perspective As long as we placed self-reliance first, a genuine reliance upon a Higher Power was out of the question. . . For us, the process of gaining a new perspective was unbelievably painful. It was only by repeated humiliations that we were forced to learn something about humility. - Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 72 Thought to Ponder . . . My perspective will change my perception. AA-related 'Alconym' . . . A A = Always Alive ~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~ Trouble "There was a time when we ignored trouble, hoping it would go away. Or, in fear and in depression, we ran from it, but found it was still with us. Often, full of unreason, bitterness, and blame, we fought back. These mistaken attitudes, powered by alcohol, guaranteed our destruction, unless they were altered. Then came AA. Here we learned that trouble was really a fact of life for everybody
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] Daily Readings - September 19
Daily Recovery Readings Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Daily Recovery Readings and Meditations Recovery Links More Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Daily Prayers Disclaimer Click here to make a Donation God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. September 19 Daily Reflections ACCEPTANCE We admitted we couldn't lick alcohol with our own remaining resources, and so we accepted the further fact that dependence upon a Higher Power (if only our A.A. group) could do this hitherto impossible job. The moment we were able to accept these facts fully, our release from the alcohol compulsion had begun. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 109 Freedom came to me only with my acceptance that I could turn my will and my life over to the care of my Higher Power, whom I call God. Serenity seeped into the chaos of my life when I accepted that what I was going through was life, and that God would help me through my difficulties- -and much more, as well. Since then He has helped me through all of my difficulties! When I accept situations as they are, not as I wish them to be, then I can begin to grow and have serenity and peace of mind. ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ** Twenty-Four Hours A Day A.A. Thought For The Day Let us continue with Steps Two, Three, and Eleven. We must turn to a Higher Power for help, because we are helpless ourselves. When we put our drink problem in God's hands and leave it there, we have made the most important decision of our lives. From then on, we trust God for the strength to keep sober. This takes us off the center of the universe and allows us to transfer our problems to a Power outside ourselves. By prayer and meditation, we seek to improve our conscious contract with God. We try to live each day the way we believe God wants us to live. Am I trusting God for the strength to stay sober? Meditation For The Day "These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy may be full." Even a partial realization of the spiritual life brings much joy. You feel at home in the world when you are in touch with the Divine Spirit of the universe. Spiritual experience brings a definite satisfaction. Search for the real meaning of life by following spiritual laws. God wants you to have spiritual success and He intends that you have it. If you live your life as much as possible according to spiritual laws, you can expect your share of joy and peace, satisfaction and success. Prayer For The Day I pray that I will find happiness in doing the right thing. I pray that I will find satisfaction in obeying spiritual laws. ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ** As Bill Sees It "Fearless and Searching", p.261 My self-analysis has frequently been faulty. Sometimes I've failed to share my defects with the right people; at other times, I've confessed their defects, rather than my own; and still other times, my confession of defects has been more in the nature of loud complaints about my circumstances and my problems. ************ ********* ********* ** When A.A. suggests a fearless moral inventory, it must seem to every newcomer that more is being asked of him than he can do. Every time he tries to look within himself, Pride says, "You need not pass this way," and Fear says, "You dare not look!" But pride and fear of this sort turn out to be bogymen, nothing else. Once we have a complete willingness to take inventory, and exert ourselves to do the job thoroughly, a wonderful light falls upon this foggy scene. As we persist, a brand-new kind of confidence is born, and the sense of relief at finally facing ourselves is indescribable. 1. Grapevine, June 1958 2. 12 & 12, pp.49-50 ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ** Walk In Dry Places Keep the common problem in view Maintaining It there's been one major change in AA, one old-timer observed, it's probably in group discussions. The focus today is far more on overcoming personal problems than in staying away form the first drink. "The early AA members were continuously concerned about the dangers of drinking," he said. "Members today are more concerned about their feelings and personal issues, such as relationships. " This change has probably been an improvement, but it carries the risk that members will forget why they needed the program in the first place. For alcoholics, it is dangerous to let the problem with alcohol slide out of view. It is important to keep in mind at all times the life-or-death nature of our drinking problem. Even if we are not totally successful in dealing with our feelings or establishing harmonious relationships, it's always necessary to stay sober. Disaster is in that first drink, and let's keep that constantly in view. No matter how long I've been sober, I'll remind myself several times this day that I'm an alcoholic. I'll also remember that it's only sobriety that enables me to deal with my other problems. ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ** Keep It Simple When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God’s hands were better than anything we could have planned
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] Daily Readings - September 20
Daily Recovery Readings Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Daily Recovery Readings and Meditations Recovery Links More Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Daily Prayers Disclaimer Click here to make a Donation God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. September 20 Daily Reflections H.P. AS GUIDE See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 164 Having a right relationship with God seemed to be an impossible order. My chaotic past had left me filled with guilt and remorse and I wondered how this "God business" could work. A.A. told me that I must turn my will and my life life over to the care of God, as I understand Him. With nowhere else to turn, I went down on my knees and cried, "God, I can't do this. Please help me!" It was when I admitted my powerlessness that a glimmer of light began to touch my soul, and then a willingness emerged to let God control my life. With Him as my guide, great events began to happen, and I found the beginning of sobriety. *********************************************************** Twenty-Four Hours A Day A.A. Thought For The Day Step Four is, "Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." Step Five is, " Admitted to God to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs." Step Six is, "Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character." Step Seven is, "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings." Step Ten is, "Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it." In taking a personal inventory, we have to be absolutely honest with ourselves and with other people. Have I taken an honest inventory of myself? Meditation For The Day God is good. You can often tell whether or not a thing is of God. If it is of God, it must be good. Honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love are all good, unselfish helpfulness is good, and these things all lead to the abundant life. Leave in God's hands the present and the future, knowing only that He is good. The hand that veils the future is the hand of God. He can bring order out of chaos, good out of evil, and peace out of turmoil. We can believe that everything really good comes from God and that He shares His goodness with us. Prayer For The Day I pray that I may reach out for the good. I pray that I may try to choose the best in life. *********************************************************** As Bill Sees It Individual Responsibilities, p.262 Let us emphasize that our reluctance to fight one another, or anybody else, is not counted as some special virtue which entitles us A.A.'s to feel superior to other people. Nor does this reluctance mean that the members of A.A. are going to back away from their individual responsibilities as citizens. Here they should feel free to act as they see the right upon the public issues of our times. But when it comes to A.A. as a whole, that's quite a different matter. As a group we do not enter into public controversy, because we are sure that our Society will perish if we do. 12 & 12, p.177 *********************************************************** Walk In Dry Places All we need to know. Maintaining Seen from today's perspective, the early AA members had rather narrow attitudes toward the study of alcoholism. They became restless and fidgety if member started discussing psychological aspects of the problem or gave other indications that they were trying to learn more about the disease. While we don't need to hold such narrow attitudes today, we should at least concede that we don't need complex information to stay sober. All we have to know is that we have a very compulsive problem that can be arrested by eliminating the first drink. Even today, nobody fully knows why the first drink is so deadly for people like us. Our experience and the experience of others tells us that it is. That knowledge alone can be an important building block in finding and maintaining sobriety. While being open-minded to new information, I'll remember today that a fairly simple idea.... that I'm an alcoholic and can't live with alcohol.... Is the main thing I need to know. *********************************************************** Keep It Simple The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] AA Thoughts For Today - 9/14
Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Recovery Links Daily Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Weekly Spiritual Readings Daily Prayers AA Thought for the Day September 14 Willingness We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to define or comprehend that Power, which is God. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 46 Thought to Ponder . . . Minds are like parachutes ... they won't work unless they're open. AA-related 'Alconym' . . . W H O = Willingness, Honesty, Open-mindedness. ~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~ Comfort "When I am feeling depressed, I repeat to myself statements such as these: 'Pain is the touchstone of progress.' . . . 'Fear no evil.' . . . 'This, too, will pass.' . . . 'This experience can be turned to benefit.' These fragments of prayer bring far more than comfort. They keep me on the track of right acceptance; they break up my compulsive themes of guilt, depression, rebellion, and pride; and sometimes they endow me with the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Bill W., AAGrapevine, March 1962 c. 1967AAWS, As Bill Sees It, p. 110 Thought to Consider . . . God enters us through our wounds. *~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~* H E L P = Hope, Encouragement, Love, Patience. *~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~* Upkeep >From "Having Fun Yet": "When my own house is in order, I find the different parts of my life are more manageable. Stripped from the guilt and remorse that cloaked my drinking years, I am free to assume my proper role in the universe, but this condition requires maintenance. I should stop and ask myself, Am I having fun yet? If I find answering that question difficult or painful, perhaps I'm taking myself too seriously and finding it difficult to admit that I've strayed from my practice of working the program to keep my house in order." 1990 AAWS, Inc.; Daily Reflections, pg. 31 *~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~* "The way our 'worthy' alcoholics have sometimes tried to judge the 'less worthy' is, as we look back on it, rather comical. Imagine, if you can, one alcoholic judging another!" AA Co-Founder, Bill W., August 1946 "Who Is a Member of Alcoholics Anonymous?" The Language of the Heart *~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~* "When we became alcoholics, crushed by a self-imposed crisis we could not postpone or evade, we had to fearlessly face the proposition that either God is everything or else He is nothing. God either is or He isn't." ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 53~ If a mere code of morals or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago. But we found that such codes and philosophies did not save us, no matter how much we tried. We could wish to be moral, we could wish to be philosophically comforted, in fact, we could will these things with all our might, but the needed power wasnt there. Our human resources, as marshalled by the will, were not sufficient, they failed utterly. ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, We Agnostics, pg. 44~ I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. -Alcoholics Anonymous p. 76 Learning daily to spot, admit, and correct these flaws is the essence of character-building and good living. -Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 95 Misc. AA Literature - Quote The unique ability of each A.A. to identify himself with, and bring recovery to, the newcomer in no way depends upon his learning, his eloquence, or any special individual skills. The only thing that matters is that he is an alcoholic who has found a key to sobriety. In my first conversation with Dr. Bob, I bore down heavily on the medical hopelessness of his case, freely using Dr. Silkworth's words describing the alcoholic's dilemma, the 'obsession plus allergy' theme. Though Bob was a doctor, this was news to him, bad news. And the fact that I was an alcoholic and knew what I was talking about from personal experience made the blow a shattering one. You see, our talk was a completely mutual thing. I had quit preaching. I knew that I needed this alcoholic as much as he needed me. Prayer for the Day: Dear God, Having had a spiritual experience, I must now remember that "faith without works is dead." And PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. So, God, please help me to carry this message to other alcoholics! Provide me with the guidance and wisdom to talk with another alcoholic because I can help when no one else can. Help me secure his confidence and remember he is ill. Click here to make a Donation This is not spam. You are receiving this because you joined this list. Click here to receive Daily Recovery Readings in email. Click here to receive AA Thoughts For Today in email. Click here to receive Daily Prayers in email. Click here to receive Weekly Spiritual Meditations in email. **Click here to receive all 4 in email. ***If at anytime you wish to unsubscribe then send an email to bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com with unsubscribe in the subject line. Please note what you are unsubscribing from. If this message was forwarded by someone other than bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com, please reply to the person sending the email.
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] Daily Prayers - September 17th, 18th, 19th, & 20th
Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Daily Recovery Readings and Meditations Recovery Links More Recovery Readings Daily Spiritual Meditations Weekly Spiritual Meditations Daily Prayers Disclaimer God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. September 17 For Those in Financial Difficulty Lord God, I remember and pray for all those suffering severe financial problems; the unemployed, the homeless, the bankrupt, the hungry, and those in desperate fear of such problems; people who are deep in debt, not to be able to pay bills, who are losing or have lost possessions to foreclosure, or who have to watch their dependents go without things they need. I open my my heart to them. I pray that your Holy Spirit will be with them, that they find comfort in utter trust and faith in you, and that their anxieties be alleviated by certainty of your love. And if it is your will, I pray that they can find a way out of their difficulties, into financial stability. And finally, I pray that I not close my eyes to them; and that I not judge those in pain, however they might have acted; but instead, that I might love them as your have loved me, despite my faults. And if it is your will, that I might do what I can to ease their pain. In the name of Christ, who loved us so perfectly, I pray, Amen. ***** Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, let me think about these things. What I have learned and received, let me do; and the God of peace be with us all. Amen. ***** Almighty God, help me as I start this day to remember how easy it is to drive the peace from it. May I do my best to keep it, and defy any indolence or disposition, that may make me spoil it. May I lay me down at night in peace and sleep because of the contentment that has filled the hours. Amen. ***** People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." Mark 7:37, NIV Lord our God, you fill heaven and earth with your Spirit and allow us to share in your gifts. We thank you for all you have given us, for all you are giving and will give. We are poor and needy; all men are poor and needy in spite of their striving, longing, and seeking. Only you, through your Spirit, can awaken something in us to help us go toward your goal. Keep us from being caught up in what men do. The greatest help for our hearts is what you do, and each of us can tell something about it. Each of us has received help beyond anything we had hoped or thought of. How much you have done for us! How much you are doing for the nations! Yes, we thank you for this present time. Although our lives often seem hopeless and full of sorrow, your powers are still living among men, working for their good and awaking them to new life. The time will surely come when our hearts will be released from their hunger and we can be filled with the life from above, which you give us in Jesus Christ. Amen. ***** Dear Lord, please help me as I face this day. Give me the strength to handle what come my way and give me the wisdom to do the right thing. ********** September 18 Prayer of Resolve Blessed Jesus, my Savior and Master, model of all perfection, I resolve — and will try this day with my full heart — to imitate Your example, to be like You: mild, humble, chaste, zealous, charitable, and kind. I will redouble my efforts to see Your image in all those I meet and deal with this day — not only people I like — and to be as helpful to them as I would be to You. I resolve to avoid this day all those sins which I have committed heretofore and which I now sincerely desire to give up forever. Amen. ***** Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made me one with your saints in heaven and on earth. Grant that in my earthly pilgrimage I may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know myself to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. I ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. ***** Dear Lord God, some people are able to say short prayers and see immediate results. However, I must recognize that they have spent considerable time in studying Your Word, in prayer and meditation, and in seeking to know Your will. In other words, they were already "prayed up!" ... When a crisis comes, they know You! They know that they can trust You, and that You are ready to comfort, strengthen, and sustain them in their time of need. They know that You have said, "My strength is made perfect in weakness."* ... Oh Lord, help me to see that I too, need a close relationship with You in my life. I need to spend time with You each day, and learn that You are indeed faithful to Your Word and that I can count on You! Help me, Lord, for You too want to be able to count on me to share Your love with others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. * (II Cor. 12:9) © 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use. ***** “A Prayer For Bearing The Burdens Of Others” Father, we take to heart the inspired words of James that direct us to confess our sins to one another and to pray one for another. You bring us together in this journey of faith, those who are weak and those who are strong, that we might encourage our brother or sister and stand with them in prayer. You invite us all to Come, those whose joy is morning sun and those weeping through the night. Come, those who tell of battles won, and those struggling in the fight. For Your perfect love will never change, and Your mercies never cease, but follow us through all our days with Your certain hope of peace. We unite in faith through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen. ********** September 19 Prayer for the Morning Blessed are you, O Lord my God, King of the universe, who removes sleep from my eyes, that I may see the returning light of the your day. I thank you for all that you have done while I was asleep, watching over me and all your children while we slept unaware, and I pray that my thoughts and acts this day may show forth my love and thanks for you and all you have done for me. Help me through your Holy Spirit, that I may remember what you have taught me in the Bible and it may show forth in my every deed. Let me not wander into the hands of sin, nor into the hands of pride or perversity, nor into the hands of temptation, nor into the hands of shame, but steer my inclinations towards goodness and charity this morning and all the day. In the name of Christ I pray. Amen. ****** May the Passion of Christ be ever in my heart. May your law and your goodness guide my every thought, O Lord. And may the power of your Holy Spirit flow through my words and my actions today, and always. Amen. ***** Dear Lord, when we repeat the prayer that You gave Your disciples, we pray: "Thy will be done." Have I concentrated so long on knowing Your will that I have forgotten that it must "be done?" Often it will only be done when a Christian does it; other times, only if I do it! ... Oh Lord, it is not enough to just know Your will, is it? I must be ready to act on it. I ask that You empower me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may carry out Your will more effectively each day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. © 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use. ***** “A Prayer For Being Fruitful As A Christian” Father, like the Morning Glories we too want to be an example of one who is resourceful, perseveres, is proliferous in reaching others for the cause of Christ, and one who loves others just as Christ loves us. In our love for others, we consider the thousands who are suffering in the midst of the devastating floods in Colorado and earnestly pray that they will find refuge, restoration, and a hope that can only be found in You as their Saviour. May we live in such a way that Your glory is manifested in our lives not just in the morning but all day long. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. ***** You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Exodus 19:4–6 Lord our God and our Father, we thank you for all the light you let shine on earth to gladden our hearts. Your light shows us how to live in your creation with open eyes and open hearts, accepting in a childlike way all the good gifts from your hand. How much good you send to many sorrowful hearts, and how much strengthening to those in weakness, poverty, and sickness! Grant that we may recognize what comes from you, that we are not cast down in spirit but mount up again and again on wings like eagles. May we learn to say at all times, "Through how much need has not our merciful God spread out his wings to protect us!" Amen. ***** Dear Father, thank you for this day. Please give me the strength to get through the day. Grant me peace when this day is over. ***** Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of sweet sleep. I am most grateful to be able to lie down at night and be able to find rest. Lord, help me to be disciplined in all areas of my life and not to over-sleep, nor over-eat. I want to be a good example for You and walk in moderation in all things. Lord, may I never neglect my spiritual duties of prayer and devotion, so that I can be guided in Your ways and avoid the snares of the devil. May my light always shine in this dark world for You. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. ********** September 20 Prayer to Gain and Share Wisdom Lord, there is so much that I don't know, and I ask you to inspire me with a thirst for knowledge. I pray, too, for wisdom and understanding that I may use my knowledge well. I give thanks for many people I have never met whose knowledge and understanding have been passed on to me. I ask that I may benefit from their work and experience and may contribute, in turn, to the well-being of others. Amen. ***** Let the word of Christ richly dwell within me all this day; and whatever I do in word or deed, may I do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Amen. ***** Dear Lord Jesus, we sing that old hymn, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," but how do we define "friend?" I once wrote this definition: "A friend is someone who compliments you enough to encourage you, who is honest enough to keep you humble while being tactful enough to make his honesty acceptable, and who is sensitive enough to your feelings to let you know that he loves you." ... The more I grow in my faith and the better I know You, the more I realize that You are that friend! Now, I can define friend in two words - Jesus Christ! ... How well our parents and grandparents knew You when they sang, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." Sometimes we only discover this when You are all we have to count on! Thank You for Your loving, caring presence in our lives. In Your holy name we pray. Amen. © 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use. ***** Almighty God, I pray that thou wilt help me to correct my life to-day that I may know a better way to-morrow; and may I be mindful and try to do right. Grant that I may be patient and kind if I may be sick or in need, and always keep uppermost the faith of deliverance and eternal care. Amen. ***** Inspire me, Lord, so that I may reflect your image and likeness a little more clearly each day. Amen. ***** Dear Father, help me find peace in joy in a world that often is full of pain and suffering. Help me be a beacon of hope when others are in need. Give me the wisdom to guide them in the right direction. Ask and you shall receive, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7 Click here to make a Donation This is not spam. You are receiving this because you joined this list. Click here to receive Daily Prayers in email. Click here to receive Daily Recovery Readings in email. Click here to receive Weekly Spiritual Meditations in email. **Click here to receive all 3 in email. ***If at anytime you wish to unsubscribe then send an email to bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com with unsubscribe in the subject line. Please note what you are unsubscribing from. If this message was forwarded by someone other than bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com, please reply to the person sending the email.
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! Today's Gift - 9/12/2018
Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is: Reflection for the Day When I came to The Program, I found people who knew exactly what I meant when I spoke finally of my fears. They had been where I had been; they understood. I've since learned that many of my fears have to do with projection. It's normal, for example, to have a tiny "back-burner" fear that the person I love will leave me. But when the fear takes precedence over my present and very real relationship with the person I'm afraid of losing, then I'm in trouble. My responsibility to myself includes this: I must not fear things which do not exist. Am I changing from a fearful person into a fearless person? Today I Pray I ask God's help in waving away my fears - those figments, fantasies, monstrous thoughts, and projections of disaster which have no bearing on the present. May I narrow the focus of my imagination and concentrate on the here-and-now, for I tend to see the future through a magnifying glass. Today I Will Remember Projected fears, like shadows, are larger than life. You are reading from the book: A Day at a Time (Softcover) by Anonymous A Day at a Time © 1989 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirations Read a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-855-873-1297 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 1525 Pleasant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Tuesday, September 11, 2018
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] AA Thoughts For Today - 9/12
***Just wanted to let you all know that I live where our state is predicted to be hit by Hurricane Florence. If I should go missing for several days then you will know why. Please keep us in your prayers. Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Recovery Links Daily Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Weekly Spiritual Readings Daily Prayers AA Thought for the Day September 12 Surrender When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God's hands were better than anything we could have planned. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 100 Thought to Ponder . . . Avoidance is not the key; surrender opens the door. AA-related 'Alconym' . . . S W A T = Surrender, Willingness, Action, Trust. ~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~ Destiny "Yes, we are again citizens of the world. It is a distraught world, very tired, very uncertain. It has worshipped its own self-sufficiency
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! Today's Gift - 9/11/2018
Today's thought from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is: Courage is fear that has said its prayers. -- Dorothy Bernard No one of us is always courageous. With trepidation we embark on many journeys. Fear is dispelled each time we rely on our inner strength and trust that our lives are in good hands. Self-talk is powerful and will prepare us to meet whatever lies ahead today. Self-talk is like prayer and quiets our fears, making it possible to give our full attention to the events transpiring. Self-talk, when positive, cultivates a healthy self-image, one that offers security, even in the face of disaster. We all carry on a dialogue with ourselves much of the time. Taking charge of the messages - making sure they enhance our personal well being - is an option always available to us. No situation is more than we can handle. Whatever courage or strength is needed is as close as our willingness to go within, to commune with ourselves. I must own my fears before I can let them go. Courage follows closely on their departing footsteps. You are reading from the book: The Promise of a New Day by Karen Casey and Martha Vanceburg The Promise of a New Day by Karen Casey & Martha Vanceburg. © 1983, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirations Read a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-855-873-1297 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 1525 Pleasant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] Daily Readings - September 18
***Just wanted to let you all know that I live where our state is predicted to be hit by Hurricane Florence. If I should go missing for several days then you will know why. Please keep us in your prayers. Daily Recovery Readings Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Daily Recovery Readings and Meditations Recovery Links More Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Daily Prayers Disclaimer Click here to make a Donation God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. September 18 Daily Reflections LOVED BACK TO RECOVERY Our whole treasured philosophy of self-sufficiency had to be cast aside. This had not been done with old-fashioned willpower; it was instead a matter of developing the willingness to accept these new facts of living. We neither ran nor fought. But accept we did. And then we were free. BEST OF THE GRAPEVINE, Vol. I, p. 198 I can be free of my old enslaving self. After a while I recognize, and believe in, the good within myself. I see that I have been loved back to recovery by my Higher Power, who envelops me. My Higher Power becomes that source of love and strength that is performing a continuing miracle in me. I am sober . . . . and I am grateful. *********************************************************** Twenty-Four Hours A Day A.A. Thought For The Day Step Two is: "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." Step Three is: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him." Step Eleven is: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for the knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out." The fundamental basis of A.A. is the belief in a Power greater than ourselves. Let us not water this down. We cannot get the program without this venture of belief. Have I made the venture of belief in a Power greater than my own? Meditation For The Day "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Dwell for a moment each day in a secret place, the place of communion with God, apart from the world, and thence receive strength to face the world. Material things cannot intrude upon this secret place, they cannot ever find it, because it is outside the realm of material things. When you abide in this secret place, you are under the shadow of the Almighty. God is close to you in this quiet place of communion. Each day, dwell for a while in this secret place. Prayer For The Day I pray that I may renew my strength in quietness. I pray that I may find rest in quiet communion with God. *********************************************************** As Bill Sees It Inward Reality, p.260 It is being constantly revealed, as mankind studies the material world, that its outward appearance is not inward reality at all. The prosaic steel girder is a mass of electrons whirling around each other at incredible speed, and these tiny bodies are governed by precise laws. Science tells us so. We have no reason to doubt it. When, however, the perfectly logic assumption is suggested that, infinitely beyond the material world as we see it, there is an all powerful, guiding, creative Intelligence, our perverse streak comes to the surface and we set out to convince ourselves that this isn't so. Were our contention true, it would follow that life originated out of nothing, means nothing, and proceeds nowhere. *********************************************************** Walk In Dry Places The role of humor Attitudes There's a lot of humor among recovery groups, which probably came out of the bizarre drinking stories told by speakers. It's also a reflection of our real personalities. The right kind of humor helps us achieve balance and not take ourselves too seriously. Meetings can be terribly suffocating when they have neither lightness or gaiety. There is also a wrong kind of humor that should be avoided. It's very easy to let joking and good-natured ribbing take the place of the honest discussions all of us need. It's too easy in AA for a member to become known and liked as a charming jokester, even though he or she may be quietly feeling lots of inner pain. People are often surprised when such a person runs into trouble, because they had accepted the humorous surface personality without knowing the real person. In such a case, humor can send the wrong message. Most of the time, however, humor helps keep us on the right track. Let's keep it in our picture, but also in the proper focus. I'll not be afraid to laugh at myself or about myself today. Perhaps my right-spirited laughter also reflects the laughter of God. *********************************************************** Keep It Simple We feel that the elimination of our drinking is but a beginning
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Monday, September 10, 2018
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] Daily Prayers - September 13th, 14th, 15th, & 16th
Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Daily Recovery Readings and Meditations Recovery Links More Recovery Readings Daily Spiritual Meditations Weekly Spiritual Meditations Daily Prayers Disclaimer God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. September 13 Prayer to Inspire Others Lord, I ask you to inspire me to encourage others by what I say and do today. God and Father of all people, never let me look down on others or make anyone feel inferior. Lord, show me how to live today with genuine concern for others. In expressing my care, may I show people that they are valued, loved and appreciated for who they are. Amen. ***** Blessing for the Day Oh God, hold me in the palm of your hand. I pray that you will mold me into what you want me to be. May I joyfully fill the role you have given to me and feel your peace deep in my soul, today and always, Amen. ***** Dear Lord, today let me consider Your revelation to Your apostle Paul which is recorded in the twelfth verse of the sixth chapter of his letter to the Ephesian church: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against powers, against world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places." ... Oh Lord, save me from myself! Open my eyes before I become mesmerized by those who would try to lead me astray for their own purposes. ... Help me to realize that Satan often comes disguised as a seducer or temptress, a pretender, a deceiver, or a charming liar. ... Oh Lord, help me to recognize the enemy, lest I be easily taken in. Help me to stand firmly on Your Word and to trust You to put protective angels around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. © 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use. ***** Lord, as I offer you all that is ordinary and everyday in my life, I ask you to give me the power of your Spirit that I may do the ordinary things of life in an extraordinary way. Amen. ***** “A Prayer Expressing Hope In God” Father, You are the only source of eternal life to whom I can cling. I am confident that You will be with me to the end of my life here on this earth. I am grateful for the many people who bring me support, encouragement and companionship along the way. They’re a source of great joy as they enrich my life daily. But as I grow older I’m recognizing that nothing stays the same and much of what I came to rely on is no longer available to me. Losses of very dear people are now but a memory. And many things that once captured my attention are but a passing interest as I reflect upon the passing years. I find great comfort as I cling to the words of the 73rd Psalm, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none that I desire on earth beside Thee. My flesh and my heart, they may fail but You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Thank You for being my all in all. Amen. ***** For it is by his grace you are saved, through trusting him; it is not your own doing. It is God's gift, not a reward for work done. There is nothing for anyone to boast of. Ephesians 2:8–9, NEB Lord our God, we know that we are your children, and in this certainty we gather in your presence as a community. Grant us your Spirit, the Spirit who works in us and frees us from the many evils that still torment us. Be with us and let the power of your great grace and mercy be in our hearts so that we may gain the victory and lead joyful lives on earth in spite of our many shortcomings, blunders, and sins. For your grace is great, much greater than all our failings. You are our God and Father, and we want to keep our consciences clear today and always through your grace. Amen. ********** September 14 Morning Praise Blessed are you, Lord God: Blessed are you for ever. Holy is your name: Blessed are you for ever. Great is your mercy for your people. In the morning I cry out to you: Blessed are you for ever. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I praise you and give you glory: I bless you for calling me to be one of your holy people. Remain in my heart, and guide me in my love and service all of this day. Help me to shine your light before others and lead them to the way of faith. Holy Trinity of love, I praise you now and for ever. Amen. ***** For Forgiveness Among Fellow Christians Teach me, O Lord, to act so that all my deeds will glorify your holy name and your wonderful creation. Take pity, O Lord, on all Christians. Hear the desires of all who cry out to you, and deliver them from evil. Send them comfort; consolation in sorrows, and your holy mercy. O Lord, I especially pray for those who have in any way insulted, abused or aggrieved me. Do not punish them for the sake of me, a sinner; but pour your mercy upon them. I also pray to you for all those whom I, a sinner, have insulted or tempted in word, deed, thought, whether knowingly or without realizing it. O Lord God, forgive us our sins and offenses and insults against each other. Dispel from our hearts all indignation, suspicion, anger, remembrance of evil, quarrels, and all that might hinder and lessen brotherly love. Replace resentment with forgiveness, I pray, in the name of Christ. Amen. ***** Now all glory to God, who is able to keep me from falling away and will bring me with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time, Amen. ***** “A Prayer To A Loving God” Father God, Your almighty power is balanced with Your tender compassion toward all of creation. It is because of Your abundant mercies that we are not consumed or utterly forsaken. You provide exceedingly more than the bare essentials for our earthly dwelling. Your abiding presence provides faithfulness, stability, and expectant hope for every challenge we face. Thank You for clothing us with dignity, providing us with salvation and for abiding with us day in and day out. Amen. ***** This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the Lord. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the Lord. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:33–34, NIV Lord our God, we hope in you. One thing never leaves our hearts, your promise that you will be our God, our God in Jesus Christ. This stands firm, and we want to hold to it in trust and confidence. For your Word remains sure, and all your works lead toward a great and wonderful time when you will be glorified, when our hearts can at last become free because we know you. We can become free from all our own works, free from all trembling and hesitation, free from all suffering and distress, because we know that you, O God, are our Father. Amen. ***** Dear Father, give me peace and hope. Grant me the wisdom to see the perfection in imperfection. ********** September 15 For Peace of Mind Blessed Lord Jesus, I need you now because I am filled with stress and anxiety. But you have promised that if I read and remember your Word, and come to you in prayer, your Holy Spirit will come to me. I lay my burdens on you, precious Christ, as you have promised to take them. Please carry them for me so that I don't have to, for they overwhelm me. Replace my fears with your humble and gentle yoke, so that I will find rest for my soul today. Let me feel your love. I accept the peace of mind and quietness of heart, which you offer to all men as a gift. My praise and thanks that it is possible for me to lie down this evening in peace, and find the rest of sleep, by your gift. For with you, I have faith that I dwell in perfect safety. What should I fear, when you have promised to be with me for all time? I pray that I can find your perfect peace, by your Word and your promise, this day and every day, until I see you face to face. Amen. ***** Into your hands, O Lord, Jesus Christ, my God, I commend my spirit. Bless me and all those who pray in faith of You this day; save us and grant unto us everlasting life. Amen. ***** Dear Lord, today is Your gift to me! Let me not fret about the past, re-living my mistakes and hurts, rather help me to learn from them. ... Remind me not to live for some tomorrow that may or may not come, lest I miss the NOW. ... Let me treasure every precious experience, large or small, good or bad, for I can enjoy it, or learn from it. ... Let me try to live each day to Your glory, for only then can I be sure that my life is indeed worth while, and precious to You. ... Thank You, Lord, for this moment -- that I am here, and that You are with me! This is my joy! At other times this is my comfort, my faith, and my peace! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. © 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use. ***** Lord God, help me to look for those who are in need of help. Forgive me for my failures, and may I gather up my broken promises and try to redeem them. I ask for thy forgiveness, as I ask that thou wilt help me to forgive them who may have trespassed against me. Amen. ***** Living before the Omniscient God Hebrews 4:13 Dear Father, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, Help me to follow your teachings and live my life according to your will even in unusual or seemingly unimportant circumstances. O Lord, from you nothing is hidden; all things are open and laid bare before your eyes, and to you we give an account of our actions. Let my inmost thoughts and my most secret deeds, which you see and judge anyway, be done in righteous adherence to your teaching, and with a pure heart. And forgive me when I am forgetful or negligent. And if there is rebellion in my spirit, turn me around through your chastisement, that I may turn back to you. In the name of Jesus. Amen. ***** For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways. This is the very word of the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9, NEB Lord our God, we thank you for allowing us to come to you and to stand before your face. We thank you for helping us throughout our life on earth, for strengthening our faith in you and our trust in all you do. Bless us and give us courage. May your light shine out among the peoples so that they recognize your will. May your light shine out so that your name may be praised and we can rejoice in the new time you give us. For you will be at work and you will accomplish it. Even when we men do not know what will become of our time, you know what our time needs, and you will carry out your will. You will let your name be honored. You will bring your kingdom, and you will change everything for the good. Amen. ********** September 16 Prayer for the Morning Father, as I face this new day, let me be aware of the work you have done for me as I slept. I praise you that your loving care never slumbers, but has been with me while I was least aware of it; and that you renew me and the whole world, fresh every day, preparing your plans for me. I pray that I may seek your will this day, your plan for my life, and carry out your plan in my every action. I lay my hopes and fears on an altar before you, that your Holy Spirit may guide my hopes toward the light of your holiness, and may quiet my fears with the knowledge of your infinite peace, in total confidence that your grace will save me from the evils of this world. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. ***** Prayer for One's Home (by Edgar Guest) Peace, unto this house, I pray, Keep terror and despair away; Shield it from evil and let sin Never find lodging room within. May never in these walls be heard The hateful or accusing word. Grant that its warm and mellow light May be to all a beacon bright, A flaming symbol that shall stir The beating pulse of him or her Who finds this door and seems to say, "Here end the trials of the day." Hold us together, gentle Lord, Who sit about this humble board; May we be spared the cruel fate Of those whom hatreds separate; Here let love bind us fast, that we May know the joys of unity. Lord, this humble house we'd keep Sweet with play and calm with sleep. Help us so that we may give Beauty to the lives we live. Let Thy love and let Thy grace Shine upon our dwelling place. Amen. ***** Blessing The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, this day and evermore. Amen. ***** Prayer for the Nations God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the people of God. God is in our midst and we shall not be moved; God will help us. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. We proclaim that God will be exalted among the nations; He will be exalted in the earth. Amen Scripture Reading Psalm 46 ***** My Lord, forbid that I should want to live to be known only for power and pride. Help me to strive for that which is helpful and lovely. May I never be restrained from thee, but delight to follow in thy way. Help me to be obedient to thy laws, that I may learn thy truths. Amen. ***** God our Father, we thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the salt, earth and the running water, for the everlasting hills and the never-resting winds, for trees and the common grass underfoot. We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of the summer fields, and taste of the autumn fruits, and rejoice in the feel of the snow, and smell the breath of the spring. Grant us hearts that are wide open to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thornbush is aflame with your glory, O God, our Creator. Amen. ***** Dear Lord, my heart is full of worry and fear. Please take these burdens from me and give my heart peace. ***** Heavenly Father, we thank You for another new day with all its blessings, sweet pleasures and joy. Thank You for Your extended love and grace to everyone through Your son, Jesus. We ask you to reveal Yourself to the many needy victims of the recent floods, fires and other natural disasters; comfort and heal those in need. Lord, as we continue to pray for the nation’s leaders, continue to move them when, how and where You choose for Your glory and for the good of the people. We wait upon You and watch and pray without ceasing. Thank You for loving us. ***** Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for all of Your provision for me. I do appreciate Your goodness and love to furnish all my needs each and every day. I am looking to You to guide me in the financial affairs of my life. Lord, I resist greed and materialism, and ask for contentment with the things that I own today. I know that You will bless me more and more as I learn of Your ways and follow You. Help me to be a good steward over my finances, my home and all of the things that You have given to me. I do appreciate the material blessings You have given me, but most of all, I appreciate the spiritual blessings that are mine, which money cannot buy.I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. Ask and you shall receive, Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7 Click here to make a Donation This is not spam. You are receiving this because you joined this list. Click here to receive Daily Prayers in email. Click here to receive Daily Recovery Readings in email. Click here to receive AA Thoughts For Today in email. Click here to receive Weekly Spiritual Meditations in email. **Click here to receive all 4 in email. ***If at anytime you wish to unsubscribe then send an email to bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com with unsubscribe in the subject line. Please note what you are unsubscribing from. If this message was forwarded by someone other than bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com, please reply to the person sending the email.
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] AA Thoughts For Today - 9/9
Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Recovery Links Daily Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Weekly Spiritual Readings Daily Prayers AA Thought for the Day September 9 Listening In shame and despair, I went to my first AA meeting. By some minor miracle, I was able to suspend opinion, analysis, judgment. and criticism, and instead to listen and hear. I heard someone say that AA works for those who put action into the program. . . I heard that I should forget about yesterday and instead concentrating on today and staying away from the first drink -- now. I tried it, and it worked. - Came To Believe . . ., p. 42 Thought to Ponder . . . Learn to listen; listen to learn. AA-related 'Alconym' . . . A R T = Always Remain Teachable. ~*~A.A. Thoughts For The Day~*~ Delusion "We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we were like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed." 1976AAWS, Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 17 Thought to Consider . . . There is no such thing as being 'a little bit alcoholic.' *~*~*AACRONYMS*~*~* D E N I A L = Don't Even Notice I Am Lying *~*~*~*~*^Just For Today!^*~*~*~*~* Condemn Tradition Three: The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. Why did A.A. finally drop all its membership regulations? Why did we leave it to each newcomer to decide himself whether he was an alcoholic and whether he should join us? Why did we dare say, contrary to the experience of society and government everywhere, that we would neither punish nor deprive any A.A. of membership, believe anything, or conform to anything? The answer, now seen in Tradition Three, was simplicity itself. At last experience taught us that to take away any alcoholic's full chance was sometimes to pronounce his death sentence, and often to condemn him to endless misery. Who dared to be judge, jury, and executioner of his own sick brother? 1981, AAWS, Inc., Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 141 *~*~*~*~*^ Grapevine Quote ^*~*~*~*~* "When I'm willing to pay the price for top-shelf sobriety, 'action' is still the magic word." Craig, Colo., January 1997 "Paying the Price for Improvement" Emotional Sobriety II *~*~*~*~*^ Big Book & Twelve N' Twelve Quotes of the Day ^*~*~*~*~* "Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends, this is an experience you must not miss." ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, Working With Others, pg. 89~ Whether the family has spiritual convictions or not, they may do well to examine the principles by which the alcoholic member is trying to live. They can hardly fail to approve these simple principles, though the head of the house still fails somewhat in practicing them. Nothing will help the man who is off on a spiritual tangent so much as the wife who adopts a sane spiritual program, making a better practical use of it. ~Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition, The Family Afterward, pg. 130~ "Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely." -Alcoholics Anonymous p. 58 "And as we grow spiritually, we find that our old attitudes toward our instincts need to undergo drastic revisions." -Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 114 Misc. AA Literature - Quote Alcoholism was a lonely business, even though we were surrounded by people who loved us. But when our self-will had driven everybody away and our isolation became complete, we commenced to play the big shot in cheap barrooms. Failing even in this, we had to fare forth alone on the street to depend upon the charity of passers-by. We were trying to find emotional security either by dominating or by being dependent upon others. Even when our fortunes had not totally ebbed, we nevertheless found ourselves alone in the world. We still vainly tried to be secure by some unhealthy sort of domination or dependence. For those of us who were like that, A.A. has a very special meaning. In this Fellowship we begin to learn right relations with people who understand us; we don't have to be alone any more. Prayer for the Day: God, please forgive me for my failings today. I know that because of my failings, I was not able to be as effective as I could have been for you. Please forgive me and help me live thy will better today. I ask you now to show me how to correct the errors I have just outlined. Guide me and direct me. Please remove my arrogance and my fear. Show me how to make my relationships right and grant me the humility and strength to do thy will. Click here to make a Donation This is not spam. You are receiving this because you joined this list. Click here to receive Daily Recovery Readings in email. Click here to receive AA Thoughts For Today in email. Click here to receive Daily Prayers in email. Click here to receive Weekly Spiritual Meditations in email. **Click here to receive all 4 in email. ***If at anytime you wish to unsubscribe then send an email to bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com with unsubscribe in the subject line. Please note what you are unsubscribing from. If this message was forwarded by someone other than bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com, please reply to the person sending the email.
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] Daily Readings - September 17
Daily Recovery Readings Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Daily Recovery Readings and Meditations Recovery Links More Recovery Readings NA Just For Today Daily Spiritual Meditations Daily Prayers Disclaimer Click here to make a Donation God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done. September 17 Daily Reflections FREEDOM FROM FEAR When, with God's help, we calmly accepted our lot, then we found we could live at peace with ourselves and show others who still suffered the same fears that they could get over them, too. We found that freedom from fear was more important than freedom from want. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 122 Material values ruled my life for many years during my active alcoholism. I believed that all of my possessions would make me happy, yet I still felt bankrupt after I obtained them. When I first came into A. A., I found out about a new way of living. As a result of learning to trust others, I began to believe in a power greater than myself. Having faith freed me from the bondage of self. As material gains were replaced by the gifts of the spirit, my life became manageable. I then chose to share my experiences with other alcoholics. *********************************************************** Twenty-Four Hours A Day A.A. Thought For The Day Step One is, "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol--that our lives had become unmanageable." This step states the membership requirement of A.A. We must admit that our lives are disturbed. We must accept the fact that we are helpless before the power of alcohol. We must admit that we are licked as far as drinking is concerned and that we need help. We must be willing to accept the bitter fact that we cannot drink like normal people. And we must make, as gracefully as possible, a surrender to the inevitable fact that we just stop drinking. Is it difficult for me to admit that I am different from normal drinkers? Meditation For The Day "Show us the way, O Lord, and let us walk in Thy paths." There seems to be a right way to live and a wrong way. You can make a practical test. When you live the right way, things seem to work out well for you. When you live the wrong way, things seem to work out badly for you. You seem to take out of life about what you put into it. If you disobey the laws of nature, the chances are that you will be unhealthy. If you disobey the spiritual and moral laws, the chances are that you will be unhappy. By following the laws of nature, and the spiritual laws of honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love, you can expect to be reasonably healthy and happy. Prayer For The Day I pray that I may try to live the right way. I pray that I may follow the path that leads to a better life. *********************************************************** As Bill Sees It Servant, Not Master, p.259 In A.A., we found that it did not matter too much what our material condition was, but it mattered greatly what our spiritual condition was. As we improved our spiritual outlook, money gradually became our servant and not our master. It became a means of exchanging love and services with those about us. ******************************** One of A.A.'s Loners is an Austrian sheepman who lives two thousand miles from the nearest town, where yearly he sells his wool. In order to be paid the best prices he has to get to town during a certain month. But when he heard that a big regional A.A. meeting was to be held at a later date when wool prices would have fallen, he gladly took heavy financial loss in order to make his journey then. That's how much an A.A. meeting means to him. 1. 12 & 12, p.122 2. A.A. Comes Of Age, p.31 *********************************************************** Walk In Dry Places The world will recover Belief If our recovery program is working properly, an amazing thing can happen. Instead of being the bad actors of society, we become people who can be considered solid citizens in every way.. So square that we might even have sharp corners. We might then start becoming critical of the world in general. "I've recovered, so why does the rest of the world have to be the way it is?" A person might say. "Why don't other people do something about their resentments and fears, just as I have?" In asking such a question, we're already in danger of becoming self-righteous. We can remember, however, that our Higher Power has the same concern for others that was shown to us. By the grace of God, and in God's own good time, the world can and will recover. I'll remember today that God is in charge of the world and will set all things straight, just as I was brought to recovery. *********************************************************** Keep It Simple It is better to be wanted too much than not a all
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New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! Today's Gift - 9/10/2018
Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is: It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more "manhood" to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind. --Alex Karras In our culture, being a man often means being tough and not showing feelings. We realize in this life of recovery that those are silly and immature myths, even though we see them repeatedly on TV, on billboards, and in newspapers. When we are told these things repeatedly, it makes an impact on us. So we need to hear from each other that this is not the way we wish to live. We don't admire these attitudes, and we don't believe the stories. Truly courageous men know themselves. They have been around enough to have depth to their souls, to let themselves love, and to feel the pain of life. Today, I am grateful to know and share my feelings and to have genuine relationships with those I love. You are reading from the book: Touchstones by Anonymous Touchstones ©1986, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the permission of Hazelden. Online daily inspirations Read a Thought for the Day from six of our most popular daily meditations books. They're posted online, every day, at hazeldenbettyford.org. Are you or a loved one struggling with alcohol or other drugs? Help starts here. Call us at: 1-855-873-1297 Managing your email subscriptions Have an account on hazelden.org? Sign in now to manage your preferences. Can't sign in? Send us an email to Change your email address. Unsubscribe from Today's Gift. Stop all Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation email. To send us feedback, please email todaysgift@hazeldenbettyford.org Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 1525 Pleasant Valley Rd., P.O. Box 11, RW3, Center City, MN 55012-0011, 1-866-755-3221 Please feel free to forward this email to a friend.
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Sunday, September 9, 2018
New Post on The Official Blog of The Way Out Podcast! [aarecoveryreadings] Weekly Spiritual Meditations - 9/9
Weekly Spiritual Readings September 9 Bluidkiti's Recovery Forums Recovery Links Daily Recovery Readings Daily Spiritual Meditations Daily Prayers *********************************************************** When we include God in every aspect of our lives, we feel closeness and intimacy with our Creator. From generation to generation, God walks with us. When we are dedicated to God's service, our work will bear good fruit. No matter who we are or where we come from, God can use us. Our troubles can be helpful because they (1) humble us, (2) wean us from the allurements of the world and drive us back to God, (3) vitalize our prayers, (4) allow us to experience more of God’s faithfulness, (5) make us more dependent upon God, (6) encourage us to submit to God’s purpose for our lives, and (7) make us more compassionate toward others in trouble. God’s best servants are often plain people who are available to Him. God’s capacity for restoring life is beyond our understanding, forests burn down and are able to grow back, broken bones heal, even grief is not a permanent condition. God’s greatest gift to us is His love. Real prayer is not telling God what we want; it is putting ourselves at His disposal so that He can tell us what He wants. *********************************************************** God Can Turn it Around! When a tragic accident left Will Mitchell with disfiguring burns, he decided to focus on his possibilities, not his problems. Although he'd lost his fingers, he learned to fly an airplane solo. Then one day while flying from Colorado to California, ice caused his plane to crash. Paralyzed from the waist down (and you think you've got problems), Mitchell was understandably depressed about being confined to a wheelchair for life. Then a friend gave him the same advice he'd earlier given to her: "It doesn't matter what happens to you. What matters is what you decide to do about it." So Mitchell adopted the "Triple-A Formula." 1. Accept what has happened. Otherwise you live in denial, or open yourself to resentment and self-pity. 2. Appreciate what you can learn from it. Built into every painful experience is the potential to be wiser, stronger and more effective for God. 3. Adapt to the new opportunities it presents. It was darkness that drove Edison to keep searching until he discovered a source of light (and it can do that for you, too). Since then, Will Mitchell has held public office, found love, and given hundreds of talks. He says, "Before I was paralyzed there were 10,000 things I could do, now there 9,000. Should I focus on 1,000 things I can't do? No, I'd rather concentrate on 9,000 ways in which life is still good." So, whatever we're facing today, it's not too big for God. It can be turned around through "His power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20) Author Unknown *********************************************************** When Trouble Comes by David Jeremiah "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life." – 2 Corinthians 1:8 Some people grow depressed during the holidays or during the light-shortened days of winter. For others, it's the anniversary of the death of a loved one. Perhaps a single person dreads spending the Weekends alone. Identifying the "triggers" that promote discouragement can be healthy. Not long after beginning his missionary career, the apostle Paul learned when trouble was likely to come to him – when he entered a new area and began to preach the Gospel. He said that at one point in Asia, he and his coworkers "despaired even of life." But his troubles did not take his life. He later said he was "not crushed... not in despair... not forsaken... not destroyed." Indeed, it was the weakness of their "human vessels" that allowed "the life of Jesus" to be manifested through them to the world. When we despair, we do not despair about the ability of Jesus to see us through. When you see troubles coming your way, know that you will not be crushed, forsaken, or destroyed as long as Jesus lives in and through you. *********************************************************** Community is God's Answer to Defeat by Rick Warren "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." – Philippians 2:4 Each one of us needs other people to watch out for us – to defend us, protect us, and help us stay on track. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul tells us that we should look out for each other's interests, not just our own. What a counterculture verse! In America today, it's all about me – my needs, my interests, my wants, and my ambitions. But Paul teaches us to look out for others too. Did you know you have an enemy far more destructive than any terrorists? You have a personal enemy who wants to defeat you. His name is Satan. He wants to bring problems into your life, to ruin your relationships, and to hurt you as badly as he can. Why does he want to hurt you? Because he wants to hurt God, but he can't – so he goes after God's children. On your own, you will never win against Satan. But when you have other people to watch out for you and help you, you can be victorious. Here's good advice from Ecclesiastes 4:12: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves" (NIV). Does anyone have your back? Is anyone defending you – watching out for your spiritual welfare? You need a community of people who are saying to you: "We'll be with you when you're going through the tough times. We're not going to let you get discouraged or depressed." Community is God's answer to defeat. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him" (NIV). Remember: You can try, but you can't live life well on your own. We all need other people – to walk with us, to work with us, and to watch out for us. *********************************************************** You Have What is Required! When David first arrived at King Saul's palace he was a simple, unknown shepherd boy. But he had an impressive resume! God, in essence, said, "I saw you kill the bear and the lion; I was watching when you didn't realize it." Solomon wrote, "A man's gift makes room for him..." (Proverbs 18:16) David's gift may have been only a slingshot, but it opened the door to his future as Israel's king. So even though what you've got doesn't seem like much, give it to God and watch what He can do with it. You say, "But I'm not formally trained." All God requires is that you show up, say yes, and make yourself available. When you give God what you've got, He gives you what He's got; that makes your odds unbeatable. "But I don't have the right credentials," you say. So what? Benjamin Franklin had less than two years of formal schooling, yet at 25 he founded America's first library, at 31 he started its first fire department, at 36 he designed a heating stove that's still in use today, at 40 he harnessed the power of electricity, at 45 he founded the nation's first university, and at 79 he invented bifocals. He was an economist, philosopher, diplomat, inventor, educator, publisher and linguist who spoke and wrote in five languages. Chances are, you already have more education than he had when he was your age. Add to that these two promises, "The Lord is my helper..." (Hebrews 13:6) and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13) and you have what's required! Author Unknown *********************************************************** Listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity. What are you praying for? Are you asking God to give you more stuff--a bigger house, a new car, a bigger salary? What you pray for indicates what is important to you. It is a great lesson to examine what the people in the Bible prayed for. King David, in Psalm 27:4, prayed, One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. He asked God for just one thing: that he would dwell in God's presence. David clearly knew that in God's presence he would receive everything he needed (see Matthew 6:33). Paul also didn't pray for worldly things. Instead, in Philippians 1:9, Paul prayed that the church would walk in love: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more. Paul knew the importance of love, and so he made it a point to pray that the church would grow more and more in love. Furthermore, he prayed that believers would be strengthened spiritually: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16). In short, your prayers can tell what you consider to be important. If you are only praying for worldly stuff, then you are neglecting what is of lasting value: knowing God, dwelling in His presence, walking in His love, and being strong spiritually. Therefore, decide to adjust what you're praying for. Learn to listen to your prayers, because they locate your level of spiritual maturity. Weekly Wisdom *********************************************************** Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians during a long and unjust imprisonment. Even though he was in the midst of suffering, this short epistle is full of rejoicing. Paul never complains or casts blame for his situation, because he learned to live above his circumstances. Today, how do many people respond to difficulty? First, they try blaming others for the problem in order to make themselves feel better. But blaming only results in broken relationships. Second, they may complain, which brings pity from others but only enhances the problem in their own minds. Then, they search for a way out of the situation and, in the process, usually make things worse. Paul knew that in order to live above his circumstances, rather than merely muddling through them, he needed to shift his focus. Instead of examining his problem and complaining, he looked to God. He praised God, proclaiming, "I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:8) God wants to hear our honest concerns, anger, and confusion about our trials. But He also wants us to trust Him. Focusing on the Lord and praising Him doesn't mean that we insincerely pretend to enjoy tough times. Instead, we can honestly acknowledge that He is in control of the situation, and will guide our every step just as He promised. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." As believers have a simple choice. We can wallow in self-pity. Or, we can look to Jesus Christ and learn to live above our circumstances. Author Unknown *********************************************************** When you pray, give God your life by Rick Warren May your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 (TEV) We worship God when we give him our lives every time we pray. Jesus says when we pray, we should commit ourselves to God's will. After I give God my love, I give Him my life. Notice the prayer says, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Did you know God has a specific will for your life? The Bible says in Romans 12 that His will is good and perfect and it fits you. Part of connecting with God is saying, "God, what is your will for me today? I want to do your will." In heaven, God's will is done perfectly. The problem on earth is God's will is not always done. That's why we're to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We're saying, "God, I want to submit to You. I want to do what You want me to do." True success in life is knowing the will of God and getting right in the center of it. You can pray "Your will be done" in three different ways. You can say it in resentment: "Your will be done, but I don't like it." You can say it in resignation: "Your will be done, because I can't help it." Or you can say it in anticipation: "Your will be done, because I know it is the best and that's what I want for my life today!" When I was a kid, we watched a popular TV show entitled, "Father Knows Best." Your earthly father may not always know what's best, but your Heavenly Father does. That's what it means to say, "Your will be done." Pray: "God, I know your will for my life is better than anything I can dream up. I want to give You my life. I want Your will done in my life." *********************************************************** Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns Chaotic conditions abound, but you do not have to be affected by your environment if you stay in My presence and maintain peace and order, says the Lord. Stay focused on Me and allow truth and righteousness to prevail. This is a time when it is better to stay quiet so that you can perceive and discern the spiritual atmosphere and be ready to prevail over all evil. And, after you've done what you can do, stand in a strong and uncompromising position. Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. The battle of the ages is raging to transform you into the image of Christ while Satan also tries to make you into his image. I have given you free will, the ability to choose, says the Lord. The enemy has increased his pressure through your circumstances, difficulties, and persecutions to choose to respond to life with evil instead of good. But, I have given you My Word to influence and guide your choices. Be wise! Revelation 22:12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. “I am bringing you into alignment on every level. It is My will to position you properly so that My purposes can be accomplished and My kingdom established. You may not think that you, as an individual, have much to do with destiny. But, everything you think, say, or do is vitally important to the spiritual condition of your sphere of influence. Be diligent to demonstrate the kingdom.” “You have been repositioned as you have had to let go of many things that once meant everything too you. This has been for the purpose of establishing you in greater spiritual reality with renewed strength and vitality. You have stepped into a time of being reconnected to your spiritual roots yet with refreshing revelation.” “The days ahead will be filled with My glory in the practical and commonplace things of life as you maintain awareness and see My manifest presence in unexpected ways. Walk in the Spirit and be available.” “Events that left you reeling and trying to find stability and balance will now truly become a thing of the past as you begin to realize how insignificant it all was as compared with eternity and destiny. The power of My healing and restoration will become evident as you are able to release those who caused you pain. Forgiveness is essential to redemption.” “I have established an altar in the heavenlies, in the realm of the Spirit, where you can bring all that concerns you, things you can do nothing about, and things you have absolutely no control over. Leave them with Me and release your fear and anxiety. Nothing is impossible with Me. Come into that place of peace and rest, trusting Me in all things.” “You feel like you’ve been cut off, but this cutting off has only been from those things that needed to be put aside at this time. You are like a tree that has been cut off and banded so that your spiritual roots could go deeper and you could become stronger. Let your roots go deeper in the Word, in revelation, and relationship to Me. The day of release will come in due season.” “There are times when you feel totally disconnected and alone. This is because the enemy of your soul has lied to you and tried to isolate and weaken you. But, that is not My design or plan for you. Now is the time to reconnect spiritually, first to Me, and then to those who are Mine. Take the time and make the effort to re-establish yourself in divine connections and kingdom purpose.” “Allow Me to take you forward inch by inch, step by step, without fear or worry. I am with you and will open doors that no man can shut and to shut doors that no man can open. Trust Me with your future. I have already proven to you over and over again that I alone am your place of security, says the Lord.” The enemy is doing his utmost to paralyze you with fear of failure and condemnation. Refuse to allow the devil to strip you of confidence to accomplish what I have set before you. As long as you are one with Me and your confidence is in Me, you will come through this attack in victory, says the Lord. 1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Take time to establish yourself in the truth of My Word, and do not allow the lies of the enemy to obscure My character, nature and will for you. I am for you and not against you, and I will bring you forth in strength if you will trust Me, says the Lord. Defeat comes to you by way of fear and unbelief. Your victory will come through faith and trust. You will either choose defeat or victory depending on what you believe. 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Do you hear the sound of the trumpet blast? It is the predominant sound in the realm of the Spirit to call you, My people, to come up higher. Those of you who have ears to hear will hear the sound that resonates with your heart to draw near to Me to receive instruction and direction for the next significant phase of your journey. Quiet your soul and listen with a sense of purpose and intention, ready to move forward with resolve and determination. I will lead you, says the Lord. Psalms 47:5 God has gone up with a shout, The LORD with the sound of a trumpet. *********************************************************** The Trumpet by Bill Burns "Set the trumpet to your mouth!" Hosea 8:1 Many of My people are laboring under the burden of anxiety because of their circumstances. And because they are laboring under the spirit of anxiety they are not at rest and they are not at full strength. So I say to those of you who find yourself in a time of anxiety, fear not, for I am with you. Fear not for I have not departed from you. Fear not for I will not abandon you nor will I leave you without My help. Turn your eyes again with faith upon Me, says the Lord, and I will lift you up and I will be your strength. I will become the very strength of your heart and the strength of your body. For the times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. In My presence your youth will be renewed and you will rise up on wings of eagles. Take those things that trouble you and place them upon My altar where I can deal with them. As long as you hold on to them and as long as you fret about them, and as long as you worry about them, they are not Mine, says the Lord God Almighty. *********************************************************** JUST CALL UPON HIM Author Unknown The boy walked along the ocean shore . . . trying not to stray. He looked up to his father saying, "Dad, I want to play." His father looked upon him, with love showing in his eyes. "Do what you want to, my son . . . but do not leave my side." "I would never leave you Daddy, I love you way too much." But the boy took a step away, out of his father's range of touch. He walked through the surf, the waves tickling one toe. "If I take one more step in . . ." he thought, "Father will never know." His father called out to him, "Son, to me remain true!" The boy thought with glee . . . "At the moment I don't need you!" His father felt a sadness, but he held his tongue. Sometimes lessons need to be learned . . . even when so young. The boy stepped out a little further . . . the water covering his waist. His father spoke with urgency . . . his father spoke with haste. "My son, come back to me," he said, "The day is almost done!" "Not yet, Dad," the boy yelled, "I'm having too much fun!" But the boy did not have his father's insight so he could not yet tell, The tide was coming in fast . . . there would be no time to yell. "Father!" he tried to scream, as the water covered his head. "I need you now, Daddy!" was what the boy had said. And in a single instant his father was by his side. "I thought you left me, Daddy . . . I thought you went to hide." The father looked upon his son . . . a tear streaming down his cheek. The boy looked upon his father . . . and cried the sobs of the meek. "I would never leave you son . . . for I love you just the same." "I was only waiting . . . for you to call upon my name." *********************************************************** JUDGE GENTLY Author Unknown Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps Or stumbles along the road. Unless you have worn the shoes he wears Or struggled beneath his load. There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt Though hidden away from view. Or the burden he bears placed on your back Might cause you to stumble too. Don't sneer at the man who's down today Unless you have felt the blow That caused his fall or felt the shame That only the fallen know. You may be strong but still the blows That was his if dealt to you In the selfsame way, at the selfsame time Might cause you to stagger too. Don't be too harsh with the man that sins Or pelt him with word or stone Unless you are sure - yea, doubly sure - That you have no sins of your own. For you know, perhaps, If the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you As it did to him when he went astray It might cause you to falter too. *********************************************************** In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 Behave Like a Christian 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.12 Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. 14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:9-16 The Armor of God 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 *********************************************************** Pain is God's megaphone. When life is going well, it can be easy to forget God. So, sometimes God will use painful circumstances -- difficulties, trials, and troubles -- to get our attention and remind us of our need for Him. In James 1:2-4, we are instructed to rejoice in trials: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Why are trials good for us? Because they make us more mature -- that is, closer to God. So, when you feel the pain of life know that God is with you. Weekly Wisdom *********************************************************** Thank you, God, for giving us life and for protecting us from harm. You are worthy of praise! Keep us from going in the wrong direction, call to us when we are lost, and lead us in the right direction. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. *********************************************************** Read Through The BiblePsalm 103 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. *********************************************************** Dear Father, Help us understand that you want to be involved in every detail of our lives, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Help us this day to offer ourselves and all our work to your glory. Guide us in all we do, that as you make all things according to your pattern, you may also make us into the likeness of Christ. In his name we pray. Amen. Wherever you are in life, whatever you've done, you can begin again. If you do not have Jesus in your life and wish to ask Jesus into your life please go to this link now to do so: https://ift.tt/29YTKSQ . Jesus is calling you to live a life that matters.Small Straws In A Soft Wind - SeptemberThe Trumpet Click here to receive Daily Prayers in email. Click here to receive Daily Recovery Readings in email. Click here to receive AA Thoughts For Today in email. Click here to receive Weekly Spiritual Meditations in email. **Click here to receive all 4 in email. ***If at anytime you wish to unsubscribe then send an email to bluidkiti@bluidkiti.com with unsubscribe in the subject line. Please note what you are unsubscribing from. 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