"Sometimes while I'm talking to God, He'll show me something about myself in such a way that I have to laugh at my own humanity and how funny I must look to Him." - Donna

Donna...just found your blog...I absolutely love it! And I love your singing! I'm at work right now and it was just exactly what I needed to hear to help me make it through tonight! Thanks for your ministry here!
- Robert

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Monday, June 16, 2014

Writers' Moment: Write a Memorable Devotion in Three Steps


Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 (ESV)

Devotionals may be short but pack a message and inspiration into very few words. Many times, I have people ask how I come up with the ideas for my devotionals. Most often, I say that the key is to be sensitive – to the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you with an idea, to the circumstances surrounding you where you'll find inspiration, and to the people you interact with or listen to who may motivate or inspire you to share a message.

Have you read a devotional first thing in the morning that stayed with you all day? How do you affect your readers?
  • 1. First and foremost, ask, "Is my writing in line with Scripture?"
Many times, God will give you a message as you're reading and meditating on His Word. Even if God gives you an idea first, your next step is to research the Bible to make sure your message is biblically sound.
  • 2. "Is my message relevant?" 
Are you writing to moms? Dads? Grads? Grandparents? Children? The list goes on and on. With so few words, you must focus on your audience with precision addressing their needs and concerns.
  • 3. "How's my summation?"  
A devotion is so short that you have to conclude with a punch - a challenge, a question, an encouraging word, a prayer. What do you want your reader to remember?

I could go on and on about the subject, but I'm giving advice about writing with brevity. I'll simply say – Ask the Holy Spirit to help you share the message God wants you to share today. Read your Word. Pray. Listen. Be sensitive. Write.

7 comments:

ML said...

Thanks for the advice!

Blessings

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate it.

Amy Hagerup said...

Donna, This is so practical. And I loved the brevity. Oh, and I love your name too. My new branding is The Vitamin Shepherd. You'll see more about that once I get my branding changed on my blog. Go gently, Amy

Anonymous said...

Hi Donna, glad to 'see' you again. Your personality is so clear in what you write. "3 steps" was a very helpful piece. Thanks.

April

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Thanks, Amy and April, for stopping by!

April, I hope that the personality coming through is a good thing. :)

Trish@A House Upon The Rock said...

These are great tips. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Blessings,
Trish

Donna J. Shepherd said...

Thanks, Trish! I found you on Facebook and 'liked' your page. Bless you!

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