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January 14, 2020 - January 13, 2021
Christian-ese as a defense against self-revelation.
doesn’t connect to the reader with authentic, practical reality.
memorable when the writer uses words and content to make “good connections”
in the reader’s brain.
what strengthens those connections
existing connections, sensory
details, and e...
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previous pathways in y...
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existing synapses
get strengthened.
It’s one reason Jesus used parables.
Emotions “turn up the volume”
your content.
You order a chocolate milkshake at a new restaurant.
(Sensory details are vivid.)
(Emotions intensify the experience.)
Sticky devotionals are memorable. They make connections through experience, the senses, and emotions.
She used the seashell illustration as a centerpiece of her 31-day devotional book, Abiding in Christ
How could I “abide” with Someone I couldn’t see?
Beach vacations gave me a reference point from
which I could relate to shell hunting.
Putting the One Point Rule into practice is THE key skill you need to write devotionals that stick.
we try to make too many points in one piece.
thorough does not necessarily equate with inspiring.
many different directions a devotional’s content can take
Write down the points. Then choose one.
Once you make a list of points, you’ll be better able to identify one of them as the issue for this devotional and then purposefully target your writing to make that point.
Most of us don’t want to work too hard when we read.
take the reader by the hand and lead him directly to the point by telling him what it
Sticky Tip:
Extra Tip:
A topic is too big to cover well in a short piece.
You can recognize this problem in devotionals when the content is superficial, cliched, preachy, or impersonal.
How can you drill down to one of them? The best way is to test your ideas
identify each idea’s roots in the Bible.
Timing.
Cost.
Initiative.
Response.
Freedom.
each scripture addresses the topic from a different angle.
Once you test various points against scripture, your task is to choose the biblical point the devotional should make.
Your point about forgiveness — the particular angle you address in your devotional — may be exactly the truth a reader needs. Which biblical point is best demonstrated by your illustration?
You may just have a good story or you may have a scripture verse stuck in your head. But you don’t have a devotional … because you don’t have a point.
pathway to the point is by finding a connection.
what difference does the illustration or the scripture make? Is there a conflict and resolution? Is there an object lesson?
an illustration, then ask God to show you how it connects to the Word or a biblical truth.
have a verse, study it. Ask God to show you why He keeps persisting with bringing into your heart and mind. H...
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you need to know “the rest of...
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Un-forgiveness had a cost. She missed enjoying her favorite sport. But today, on the court, she was confronted with her stubbornness. She couldn’t wait any longer.
