Carried By His Wings© -- Sexual Purity Recovery

I want to apologize for not sending devotionals ... It is complicated ... I went on vacation then my mother was very sick ... then she passed away at the end of June ... ten I grieved until now I think I can resume ..

Wings Devotional Recovery ... September 4, 2009

Just For Today – Step Nine -- Beginning

STEP NINE  Is the discipline of making amends.

We make direct amends to people wherever possible, except when doing so will injure them or others.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.  --Matthew 5:23-24

"We usually want to sit down with some member of the family and readily admit the damage we have done by our drinking.  Almost always we want to go further and admit other defects that have made us hard to live with.  This will be a very different occasion, and in sharp contrast with those hangover mornings when we alternated between reviling ourselves and blaming the family (and everyone else) for our troubles. . . . It is necessary only that we make a general admission of our defects. It may be unwise at this stage to rehash certain harrowing episodes. . . . We must be sure to remember that we cannot buy our own peace of mind at the expense of others."

© 1952, AAWS, Inc.; Printed 2005; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg. 84 Alcoholics Anonymous, AA, and the Big Book are registered trademarks of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. Just For Today is neither endorsed by, approved by, associated, nor affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., or The AA Grapevine, Inc.

Wings Devotional© Daily Meditation Translation

is property of Wings Of Eagles Recovery©

Just for Today -- A Daily Devotional

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Living in active addiction for the length of time most of us do, we have to realize that it is not about us.  For a very long time, we have been the center of our universe.  That is why making amends is Step 9 and not Step 1 or 2.  We have to learn humility and grace. 

Making amends is not cleansing us so to speak, it is making a general admission of our part in the problem, not retelling all the sordid details to our loved ones over and over again.  They really do know – they really do remember – they really are hurting.

Remember it is not about us – it is about God and His plan in our recovery – and it is about loving our family and friends and putting their needs before ours when we process this Step, remembering that they remember – probably better than we do – and their hurt goes deep.

Remember to work Step 9 – with always the thought in mind – How will my words affect the other person – will they be hurtful for them – never make the first thought – will they be cleansing for me.

Time will allow us more detail and more healing – as God directs us.

9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

10You, then, why do you judge your brother?  Or why do you look down on your brother?  For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.

11It is written:
" 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord,
every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.'"

12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

15 If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.

16 Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.

17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. -- Romans 14:9-17

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* As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

·        greater personal discipline,

·        worldwide persecuted Christians,

·        Hedge of protection to our children

·        Blessings to our spouses

·        Godly men in Government

·        Rest and Peace to our pastors

·        Your activities for the day.

Love One Another

Stand Together

Fight this war, no matter the cost

Pray for our children

Turn our hearts toward heaven

Seek to be one nation under God.

God Bless and Guide You in your Christian Walk Today

“The Lord bless you and keep you,
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
-- Numbers 6:24-27

You can help when no one else can."
  -- c. 2001, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 89
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