Laura's Inspirational Weekly Spiritual Devotional
I'm glad you're here to learn about my weekly inspirational, spiritual devotional. Typically there are some Bible verses, thoughts from spiritual authors or faith-based song inspirations and encouragements. Below I've shared one of my devotionals, if you like what you read you can subscribe below (pastors, fill out the form at the bottom of the page for your free subscription).
"Lately I've been hearing quite a few people talk about stories. Everyone has a story, in fact, your life is the sum total of your story. That fact may excite you or it may worry you. The good news is that you have the power to change your story. But I'm getting ahead of myself- why does your story matter anyway?
As Christians we spend a lot of time looking at the Bible, and the interesting thing about the Bible is that it's not based on dates like a lot of the history books, it's full of stories. There's the story of Abraham and Isaac, Ruth and Boaz, David, Job, Jonah, Paul, Jesus and countless other individuals. Each of these people have a story that's much bigger than what we read in the Bible. Throughout the Bible we'll see the phrase "and many more things" at the end of a person's story (especially when reading about the Kings in the Old Testament), because the Bible simply isn't big enough to capture all of the stories of every person. So what can you learn from the Bible about your story?
"People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps." Proverbs 16:9
Your story begins as yours. Think of it as your first journal. It's totally your book, you write it however you want, whenever you want. When you decided to become a Christian it's like getting a new journal that you write together with God.
"I love the Lord for hearing me, for listening to my prayers. Yes, He paid attention to me, so I will always call to Him whenever I need help." Psalm 116:1-2
Your story is ultimately a conversation between you and God, with other people coming and going throughout "scene changes". You never have to worry about being alone in your story, because God is always there.
"Rain and snow fall from the sky and don't return until they have watered the ground. Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat. In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don't come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do." Isaiah 55:10-11
Just like any good story, the whole story isn't told until it's all done (in the case of your life, when you die). Often you can see some of the seeds being planted and plants watered for years before any true fruit emerges. Sometimes though the effect is seen much sooner and more dramatically. Each person's story is different.
"The believers spent their time listening to the teaching of the apostles. They shared everything with each other. They ate together and prayed together. Many wonders and miraculous signs were happening through the apostles, and everyone felt great respect for God. All the believers stayed together and shared everything.... More and more people were being saved every day, and the Lord was adding them to their group." Act 2:42-44, 47b
Your story isn't the only story, everyone has a story, and each story has common points and interactions where the stories and our journeys come together. Your story is just as much about telling as it is listening though. From what I've been able to figure out your story and life will be pretty boring unless you connect with other people who teach you and join with you in different experiences. But it's not just about having experiences together, it's about sharing our stories. The only way life will grow, change or improve, and the only way people will become Christians, is if you and I share our unique stories with someone else.
Your story isn't completely written yet. Although you can't go back and change anything, you definitely can go forward and do things differently. Today you can begin a new chapter in the story of your life if you want or need to. Where will your story take you tomorrow? If you haven't told your story lately, I encourage you to share your story with someone this week."
(c) 2012 Laura Dickey
"Lately I've been hearing quite a few people talk about stories. Everyone has a story, in fact, your life is the sum total of your story. That fact may excite you or it may worry you. The good news is that you have the power to change your story. But I'm getting ahead of myself- why does your story matter anyway?
As Christians we spend a lot of time looking at the Bible, and the interesting thing about the Bible is that it's not based on dates like a lot of the history books, it's full of stories. There's the story of Abraham and Isaac, Ruth and Boaz, David, Job, Jonah, Paul, Jesus and countless other individuals. Each of these people have a story that's much bigger than what we read in the Bible. Throughout the Bible we'll see the phrase "and many more things" at the end of a person's story (especially when reading about the Kings in the Old Testament), because the Bible simply isn't big enough to capture all of the stories of every person. So what can you learn from the Bible about your story?
"People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps." Proverbs 16:9
Your story begins as yours. Think of it as your first journal. It's totally your book, you write it however you want, whenever you want. When you decided to become a Christian it's like getting a new journal that you write together with God.
"I love the Lord for hearing me, for listening to my prayers. Yes, He paid attention to me, so I will always call to Him whenever I need help." Psalm 116:1-2
Your story is ultimately a conversation between you and God, with other people coming and going throughout "scene changes". You never have to worry about being alone in your story, because God is always there.
"Rain and snow fall from the sky and don't return until they have watered the ground. Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat. In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don't come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do." Isaiah 55:10-11
Just like any good story, the whole story isn't told until it's all done (in the case of your life, when you die). Often you can see some of the seeds being planted and plants watered for years before any true fruit emerges. Sometimes though the effect is seen much sooner and more dramatically. Each person's story is different.
"The believers spent their time listening to the teaching of the apostles. They shared everything with each other. They ate together and prayed together. Many wonders and miraculous signs were happening through the apostles, and everyone felt great respect for God. All the believers stayed together and shared everything.... More and more people were being saved every day, and the Lord was adding them to their group." Act 2:42-44, 47b
Your story isn't the only story, everyone has a story, and each story has common points and interactions where the stories and our journeys come together. Your story is just as much about telling as it is listening though. From what I've been able to figure out your story and life will be pretty boring unless you connect with other people who teach you and join with you in different experiences. But it's not just about having experiences together, it's about sharing our stories. The only way life will grow, change or improve, and the only way people will become Christians, is if you and I share our unique stories with someone else.
Your story isn't completely written yet. Although you can't go back and change anything, you definitely can go forward and do things differently. Today you can begin a new chapter in the story of your life if you want or need to. Where will your story take you tomorrow? If you haven't told your story lately, I encourage you to share your story with someone this week."
(c) 2012 Laura Dickey
Weekly Spiritual Devotional
It is important to be continually growing and attending to your spirituality. With this weekly devotional you will receive thoughts as well as passages or individuals that you can continue to discover in the week that follows. It is a Christianity-based devotional.
This is a one year subscription.
(Free sample here. Church pastors email me for a *free* subscription!)
This is a one year subscription.
(Free sample here. Church pastors email me for a *free* subscription!)
*I respect your privacy and will never sell your email address. I promise to only send you helpful and encouraging resources and advice for your success and growth, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
