Hi, all. I am crazily trying to get a writing proposal or two ready to be seen by editors at the Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference. I don’t know if God will open this door, but I want to be ready, if so.
To the right, in the sidebar, you will see a poll I have set up. If you haven’t yet, please vote. I would love to get 100 (or more) responses before the 19th. I know that is possible! Help me out if you don’t mind!
Below is a sample devotional day…I would welcome feedback, too…and if you do the optional exercises, I would love to know what answers you had or if the questions are wonky…don’t make sense, I want to know that too. 🙂 Thanks so much!
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Leave and Go!
Read:
The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” – Genesis 12:1
Consider:
Oh, Lord! I sense deep within me that you are calling me to leave what I know and to follow you. In this day, in this moment, you dare me to cast aside the familiar—that to which I cling so tenaciously—in favor of the better, the best! I get to walk with you! Lord! Oh, how this thrills my heart.
Yet, if I am honest, it frightens me, too. You challenge me to release so much. Will I choose to leave behind my attitude about my body, food, what size I think I should be, and what the world insists is “healthy?” I have relied upon compulsive behavior, lists and rules, “making the grade,” striving for the approval of people for so long, but if I evaluate (honestly) where these behaviors have gotten me, I see that I have been stuck. Yes, I need a new perspective. A new vantage point. I want to “live” some place new.
Lord, you see my heart. Even though I choose to step out and trust you, I wish you would tell me where we are going. Somehow, I guess that this isn’t going to be all about what size I am or how much I weigh. But I long for a glimpse of our destination. I wonder if I will allow being with You to be enough for me? I want results so badly!
Maybe it is the journey that matters the most. I know, Lord, I must trust you in order to leave what is behind. You will show me a “land.” A new “land” in which to “settle.”
You, God, are about a big business in my life!
Point to Ponder:
Am I willing to release my hold on the familiar in exchange for what God has in mind?
Optional – For Further Study and Prayer:
1.) God called Abram to leave three things: 1. His country, 2. His people, 3. His father’s house. What three things might God call you to “leave?” Are you willing?
2.) God called Abram to “go” to something he couldn’t see or know about ahead of time. Abram would have to follow the Lord in the moment. How do you feel about doing the same relative to your struggles with food, eating, and your body?
3.) Read Isaiah 6:1, Acts 9:1-22, and cross reference Ruth 1:11-18 and 4:13 with the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-5. Prayerfully consider: 1. What did each person give up? 2. What did each person receive? 3. How can these examples give you hope in responding to the call of God?
Optional – Journal:
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I always feel bad giving feedback that doesn't seem 100% "positive". This is just my opinion of what works for me.I like the set-up, with the different parts. I like the questions and the Scripture background. What doesn't work for me is the Consider section. I like the idea of a Consider section, but this example doesn't work for me. Let me explain: it seems that I am considering someone else's prayer. That may be lovely, but I have difficulty personalizing and internalizing someone else's cry to the Lord. For me (again, just my opinion for myself) I would rather have a Consider section that maybe has prayer points or questions or declarative statements to ponder based on the Scripture.I hope that makes sense.Additionally, the section "for further study and prayer" I think is very strong, if not essential to applying Gen 12:1 to my life. I wouldn't label it "optional". Readers can choose to do it or not, but I find that if they are told up front that it is optional, then many times they won't even try (I know this personally!).Praise the Lord for your obedience to this ministry, Heidi.Hugs,Yvonne
I always feel bad giving feedback that doesn't seem 100% "positive". This is just my opinion of what works for me.I like the set-up, with the different parts. I like the questions and the Scripture background. What doesn't work for me is the Consider section. I like the idea of a Consider section, but this example doesn't work for me. Let me explain: it seems that I am considering someone else's prayer. That may be lovely, but I have difficulty personalizing and internalizing someone else's cry to the Lord. For me (again, just my opinion for myself) I would rather have a Consider section that maybe has prayer points or questions or declarative statements to ponder based on the Scripture.I hope that makes sense.Additionally, the section "for further study and prayer" I think is very strong, if not essential to applying Gen 12:1 to my life. I wouldn't label it "optional". Readers can choose to do it or not, but I find that if they are told up front that it is optional, then many times they won't even try (I know this personally!).Praise the Lord for your obedience to this ministry, Heidi.Hugs,Yvonne
Hi, Yvonne. I posted another sample today. Let me know what you think, ok? I value the input very much. I agree with you about the first devotion. I had decided to toss that one the way it was written for that very reason…You confirmed it for me! Thanks! I have removed the "optional" ideas at the bottom, but included them because many might find them valuable as you suggested. I did include a sample prayer. But it is shorter. I wonder if it should be a "prayer prompt" instead…not sure about that. Open to further suggestions. THANK YOU!
Hi, Yvonne. I posted another sample today. Let me know what you think, ok? I value the input very much. I agree with you about the first devotion. I had decided to toss that one the way it was written for that very reason…You confirmed it for me! Thanks! I have removed the "optional" ideas at the bottom, but included them because many might find them valuable as you suggested. I did include a sample prayer. But it is shorter. I wonder if it should be a "prayer prompt" instead…not sure about that. Open to further suggestions. THANK YOU!