Writing Plans for 2016

In considering goals for the coming year (yes, I’m a goal-setter), I want to tackle a goal I’ve dreamt about for several years. I plan to write a daily devotional post to run Monday through Friday. I may add something for the weekends, but that will remain to be seen and I’m not ready to commit to that. If it happens, bonus!

Here are my format plans. I’ve selected several key texts that I believe will provide a useful framework for Christian formation: The Lord’s Prayer (found both in Matthew 6 and Luke 11), The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5), Psalm 23, the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), and the Apostles’ Creed. Perhaps one or two more. These will be the basis for several series. Each week will focus on a topic or small section from each.

As for the daily posts, I intend to write 5 posts that explore that topic or small section. I plan to write about 1000-1500 words per week, which means about 200-300 words per day. That’s brief, by design. I hope to include assignments from time to time–workouts, if you will. Often, we need to practice something in order to grow in Christ, not just think about something. For example, it’s one thing to read or hear something insightful about forgiveness, quite another to practice forgiving someone of something when we’d rather harbor resentment. Anybody with me on that one?

I’m not promising to be profound, my principle desire is to be consistent. While I want to be thoughtful and practical, I don’t want to fall into the temptation of trying to impress. Usually insight doesn’t come as a flash in the pan anyway, but in the midst of consistent engagement with God. So I aim to consistently engage God and let Him do with that what He will.

Now, here’s where I need your help. I’m asking you for 2 things.

Read. Would you read me for a couple of weeks consistently? You can do that via Twitter, Facebook, RSS, or Email. Pick your favorite. I hope this will be a blessing to you. If you’ll read consistently for a couple of weeks, later this month I’ll be asking for feedback on how I’m doing and how I can make it better.
Share. If you find what I’m doing here useful for growing in Christ, please share however you share stuff online: Forward an email, share on Facebook or Twitter, text it to someone, etc.

Again, my goal in all of this is to grow in Christ and to bless others as they work at growing in Christ. If you’re up for making this journey with me, I appreciate your company and I look forward to sharing 2016 together in Christ.