As you may know, I am the editor for Proverbs 31 Ministries' online devotional "Encouragement for Today." I'm also the General Editor, along with my friend Lysa TerKeurst, of the devotional book God's Purpose for Every Woman. I read devotions because in just a couple minute's time, they pull my heart towards God.
And that makes me a better woman.
I'm not alone. Last month I got an email from a sweet husband saying: "I signed my wife up to your daily devotionals about 2 years ago. I have noticed a change in her heart, her actions, and words. She is even more beautiful today than when I married her. Thank you for your words of encouragement, your transparency and most of all sharing God's truth and Love."
Reading devotionals can be a powerful exercise in renewing our minds in Christ. Writing them can too. Writing does wonders for my walk with God. It helps me recognize what God's doing, or has done, in my life. It helps me grapple with and apply God's truths from scripture. And writing devotions helps me turn my thoughts heavenward.So I got to thinking ... what if you wrote devotions too? And I and others could read them? So I decided last month to hold a devotional carnival here on my blog (see here). It was so much fun, with about 40 participating, that I'm continuing this month. Next Monday, March 15, I'll host another devotional blog link up party.
If you're interested in participating, here's the simple how-to: Offer a key Bible verse that ties with what you are writing about. Keep it under 650 words total. And write on the topic of PLEASING GOD. Anything at all to do with pleasing God. It can be serious, funny, or poetic - it's all up to you. Just be sure that it teaches or illustrates your verse and draws our heart towards God - that's the purpose of a devotional after all.
Then post your devotion on your blog on Monday, March 15th and come here to link it with my post for that day. There'll be instructions on my blog that morning for how to do this with a simple Mr. Linky box. People will be able to get to your devotional post from my blog.
Doesn't that sound like all kinds of spiritual fun?!
PS. The next day I'll randomly draw a name from all the devotion posters that participated, and they will win a $10 Starbucks gift card. I know you want to go start plotting your devotional post right now, along with your Starbucks order. But before you do, go tell a friend about Monday's carnival and get her to participate as well. The more who do, the more we'll all be encouraged to please God.
Thankful for those who pierce my heart with just a few devotional words.
Sounds good! I'm looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteI love how smart you are! What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteAnd BEAUTIFUL new pic and design Rachel! Really, really beautiful.
Haven't visited in a while. Thanks for the opportunity to share my heart. Have a blessed and productive day!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI came here to tell you your devotion today really spoke to my heart. When I became a Christian 25 years ago, I was filled with joy most of the time. I couldn't understand why some Christians felt they didn't have time to be in the Word every day. Well, as time as gone by, my focus has been more on my daily life and what I want to do before spending time with God each day. There are days where that time gets squeezed out. Yet, God always finds ways to break through and assure me of his love. I feel ashamed and unworthy. Well, it's true, I am.
I am so thankful for God's love for me in drawing me to Him and gifting me with faith. I do find myself thinking of heaven and longing for it lately. Reading your words lifted me up.
As far as writing a devotion, I don't do that on a regular basis, but it's something I may think about.
Sue
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI just knew I left a comment the other day, but it must have gotten lost somewhere in blogger land. Anyway, I love, love, love the new look on your blog! I'm looking forward to participating in another Devotional Carnival. Thanks for providing the opportunity.
Blessings to you for a wonderful day!