A A bY B J Bassett #devotional

 

A.A.

God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out. Psalms 30:2-3 MSG

Bill Wilson, an alcoholic and deeply depressed, found himself at the bottom of a pit, unable to climb out of it. That’s when he cried out, “If there is a God, let Him show Himself! I am ready to do anything, anything!” Not unlike the Apostle Paul’s conversion, the room lit up. Bill was bathed in love and ecstasy with no words to describe it. He felt a Presence, and peace stole over him. He was free.

Rowland H., another alcoholic, traveled to Switzerland to be under the care of psychiatrist C. G. Jung. After a year of medication and psychiatry, Jung told Rowland there was no more he could do for him. The only thing left was a spiritual experience. Rowland returned to America and joined a group of Christians who sought conversion through prayer, confession, and helping others.

Knowing alcoholics cannot stay sober independently, Wilson founded Alcoholics Anonymous, a Twelve Step program that has ministered to millions.

Are you an alcoholic? Do you know an alcoholic? No one can do it alone. We need God, and we need each other.

Father, I pray for alcoholics and for those who love them. We need You desperately. Intervene, Lord, I pray. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

BJ Bassett

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.