I did it.
I finally did it.
After writing devotionals for nearly 10 years, I figured it was time to make my favorite devotionals available in an easy to read PDF format for those wanting to get back into the Word daily.
Thanks for all your prayers, love, and support.
I’m so glad this day is finally here!
2012 marks a huge milestone in my writing career. I began writing 8 years ago in 2004 before blogging was cool, hipster, and on WordPress.My first blog was called More Words Than Webster on blogspot. I had a lot to say then as I do now! Then I changed the name to E-couragements.
After reading some of my four-hundred blog posts–my mentor Marcia Ramsland, The Organizing Pro named me Devotional Diva and it stuck!
I cannot say how grateful I am to have this medium on which to express myself. Without blogging I probably wouldn’t be here today. I went from a shy, fearful girl into an expressive and transparent woman thanks to blogging and writing.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a long-time pro like me–we can all use the encouragement to keep writing!
8 Excerpts
1. Ten Tips to Renew YOUR Devotional Life – My favorite ways to stay refreshed spiritually.
2. Beautiful Girl – My favorite poem.
3. I like Big Butts – My favorite revelation from Scripture.
4. I Suck Without Jesus – My favorite devotional from Faithbook of Jesus.
5. When God Says No – My hardest lesson learned.
6. Launching Devotional Diva Ministries – My transition into full time writing as a ministry.
7. Endorsements for Not Another Dating Book – My supporters–I couldn’t have done it without them.
8. Happy Endings Do Exist – My love story.
8 Tips
1. Accidental Author – I didn’t set out to become a writer or dream of the day I’d make a living as an author. I actually wanted to teach high school math. I’m so glad I obeyed God’s nudging into writing because it turned out to be something I love and can use to support myself with.
2. Spur Others Forward – My number one passion is encouraging others through writing (1 Corinthians 14:24-25, Hebrews 10:24).
3. Publish His Deeds – I write because of what Jesus has done for me (Psalm 96:3).
4. Suffer With Those Who Suffer – One of the fruits of the Spirit is longsuffering (Galatians 5:22, NKJV). It’s easy to follow those who have everything going for them, but a real friend is one who can stick close during the hard times. I write for them!
5. Writing Is Worth It – If you’re looking for a wider audience to reach others with your writings I urge you to find a writing mentor, get into a writing critique group, and attend multiple writers conferences. If you feel writing should be your business/calling/whatever then it’s worth making the investment. I spent a couple thousand dollars to rebrand myself, which helped to catch the eye of my first publisher, NavPress.
6. Pay Your Dues – You may feel compelled to write on a certain subject, mainly your story, but to make it in the writing business you’ve got to be versatile. Pay your dues so one day you can write about what really matters to you!
7. Make Friends First – Build your audience with your friends and family first. This is usually the toughest but most loving. If Jesus wasn’t welcomed in his own hometown, then you’re going to be rejected also. Persevere because a crown is waiting for you on the other side.
8. Never Surrender – I can personally attest to the fact that writing is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had. Writing my first book put me in the hospital with panic attacks. I continue to write because of the things God teaches me in every day life, and because I’d die inside if I couldn’t express those Truths that transform not only my life, but for others as well.
To watch this Wwek’s Video Blog please click here.
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. — Psalm 7:17
From the very beginning of the book of Psalms, David gives thanks. Of all people in the Bible, David knew what it meant to experience trials of every kind. He knew the purpose: One day he would be king of Israel. In the meantime, that didn’t take away the fact that everywhere he went, he was a walking dead man.
King Saul, the current king of Israel, had a hit out on David. Even though Saul had watched David defeat Goliath and save the Israelites from the Philistines–and was soothed by David’s skills on the harp, Saul knew that the Lord had rejected him as king and that David was to be next in line (see 1 Samuel 16:1).
So David hid.
In mountains, caves, enemy towns, and any place that Saul’s men wouldn’t find him.
For me, this means no iPhone service, portable laptop, cushy job, food to eat, or warm place to live.
Can you imagine?
And yet David still praised Jesus and still became the next king of Israel.
Today and every day start by giving thanks. The same God who spared David’s life can and will spare yours too.
Dear King Jesus,
You are worthy of praise. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Help see us through our trials from the moment they make us hide to the moment we begin walking in freedom again. By the power of your name we pray. Amen.
To Read Further: Psalms 30:12; 75:1
[Devotional Taken from Faithbook of Jesus (C) 2010, NavPress]
Athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. — 2 T i m o t h y 2 : 5 ( n l t )
Want to lead by godly example? Follow the rules Jesus laid out in his Word. Don’t become part of the statistic of twentysomethings who don’t go to church. Be the
answer to why they do.
© 2010 by Renee Johnson. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. www.navpress.com
Turn to Page 258 to read along in “Faithbook of Jesus.”
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. — D a n i e l 1 : 1 8 – 1 9
Daniel won over the foreign king because of his character. He and his friends were on a mission, and because of their witness, Jesus showed up (literally) and saved them. To read more of this fascinating story, read Daniel 3.
© 2010 by Renee Johnson. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. www.navpress.com
Turn to Page 259 to read along in “Faithbook of Jesus.”
