 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our
devotionals reach about 3,000 people on our
regular list and hundreds more on other's lists
who distribute them, blogs, widgets, etc.
We
are honored that we have such gifted writers
who donate their time to encourage others on
behalf of Rest Ministries. We hope these tips
will help you in writing and formatting your
devotions.
|
|
 Guidelines
for Devotionals! |
Specific
Tips From Kay, the Coordinator |
|
- At
the top:
A Scripture verse from the NIV version
of the Bible. If you don't have
an NIV version see Bible Gateway
for reference.
-
The
Body: A devotional
approximately 250-350 words. We will
send it back if it's over 375 words
(including scripture.) If your scripture
is exceptionally long (or you include
a poem, etc.) our devotional coordinator,
Kay, may use her discretion. Please
stay within the word limit to assist
us.
-
At
the bottom: a personal
biography 2-3 sentences in length.
It can be professional or creative,
written in third person.
-
Please
spell-check your devotional before
sending it. It's helpful
to have someone proof it for you.
If it is not proofed thoroughly, it
will be returned for you to do so.
Please avoid using caps. Use complete
sentences. Have a specific point.
-
Editing:
Kay, Rest's devotional coordinator,
and Lisa, director, have authority
to edit words, grammar, etc. as appropriate.
Any major changes (ie. questions regarding
content) will be forwarded to your
for approval.
-
-
Any
comments/thanks that we receive on
behalf of your devotional will forwarded
to you as we receive them.
|
-
Many
of our  writers
tend to write about themselves and then
not turn it around, bringing God into the
picture. We easily
talk about how God is there for us, but
we need to go to the next step. How do you
find God when you are lost, feeling depressed
and suicidal? I would like the writers to
cite specific verses of Scripture where
God talks about His Love how to turn to
Him and He will be there to catch us if
we fall.
-
Remember
this is a devotional as well, however, so
don't let it fall into too complicated of
a "Bible Study." Don't be
tempted to paraphrase a Bible Study or sermon
on how important is to have faith. Ask yourself,
"How does one get that faith when their
life has been turned upside down with a
serious chronic illness?" People are
scared, frightened, lost and confused. The
feel helpless and alone; they seek God,
but often have difficulties feeling like
He is there.
-
Be
careful not to come across harsh, for
example ":I know that I am in pain,
but I just turn to God and He helps me.
It is so wonderful to know that God is there."
This statement is dangerous and futile to
a suicidal person. I want reader, the "wandering
lamb," to be drawn back by the crook
of God, back into His flock. I want the
reader to see Jesus gently picks them up
and carries them, willingly, realizing that
God is the God of second chances time and
time again.
-
If
I give some assistance or advice, please
don't take it as a personal attack on your
experience or your writing. We're all
in this together, and as devotional coordinator,
I feel in touch with what readers are searching
for and what brings them peace. I'm willing
to work with you to help you improve your
writing ability, but since I live with chronic
illness too, it may not be quickly!
|
| Example
of a Correctly Formatted Devotionals |
"God
is able to make all grace abound to you,
so that in all things at all times, having all
that you need, you will abound in every good
work," (2 Corinthians 9:8) Scripture
has quotes,
ends with a comma inside the quote and then
has location in (parentheses)
The
trials and tribulations we experience in
this life sometimes seem overwhelming. Illness,
constant pain, financial,insurance concerns
and lack of understanding relative to our illness
are just a few of the difficulties that may come
our way. I've learned to depend on God's grace
to
get through difficult times.
A
most important lesson, however, is that God's
grace always comes when we need it, when we ask
for
it. God's grace is part of our human nature that
our earthly minds want to store up grace so that
we
will be ready when the trials come into our lives.
However, we must learn that grace is bestowed
moment by moment, so that we learn to walk by
faith,
step by step, trusting in God's timing.
Just
as the children of Israel were given manna
daily in the desert after fleeing Egypt, we receive
God's grace according to each day's challenges.
God wills that we continually grow in our walk
of
faith, to depend day by day on God's provision
for
our lives. Note: these
are the perfect length of
paragraphs
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, teach us to receive Your
grace daily with gratitude and humility. Amen.
Prayer is optional for
writers, but if included,
this is the format.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Va. Beach, Va., with
her husband, Richard. Patricia is a retired
elementary school teacher and enjoys church
activities, reading, gardening and camping. Patricia
strives to trust that God's grace will always
provide
as challenges arise related living with a
neurological disease. 3rd
person bio.
>Back
to guidelines
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Many of our
programs are "Sunroom
Enhanced" meaning you can find additional social network communities
in the Sunroom, as well as the regular program itself. For example there
is an email men's group and also men's groups in the Sunroom for additional
interaction. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
