All Kathleen's Devotionals (181)
In this age of incendiary sound bites it's not surprising that Christians seek daily posts delivering spiritual meaning and/or encouragement in the form of brief devotionals.
In May of 2021 I was invited to join the weekly South Fellowship Daily Devotional ("the Daily") writing team – nicknamed the "Devo Team". What were my qualifications? There was no interview process for the team – I just jumped in. However I did have a writing background. I co-wrote a silly play while in high school.
More seriously, I was employed as a paralegal for seven years. During that period I wrote documents with, and for, many attorneys (all opinionated wordsmiths). They quibbled about writing issues, such as direct versus obfuscating language and whether to never use commas or use them after practically every word. As a result, I became acquainted with authoritative manuals and books describing methods for clear writing styles and correct grammar. In subsequent years I volunteered my editing services to charitable organizations and friends.
I have thoroughly enjoyed our Devo Team interactions. Like a small group Bible study, our discussions were designed to gain insights about Scripture – usually Scripture relating to upcoming sermon topics. Each week those insights were divided into writing assignments.
Over four plus years I've been energized by my time with the team: every writer blessed with a different style; each having vibrant wisdom intertwined with good-natured humor.
For me, each writing assignment led to further investigation. Research sometimes filled several hours before I started to write. Then, I was confronted by the challenge of reducing my thoughts into 200 to 400 words. Occasionally an error popped up on an almost finished composition. Whoops, start over! Thank God for our editors.
After each publication, I rejoiced that the Holy Spirit had done it again. He had used my life experiences and years of looking to Jesus as my Lord to wrap a special package for each reader of that meditation.
I've been affirmed when friends and acquaintances from South Fellowship on the Daily's mailing list have remarked that a particular devotional has been meaningful. It's also encouraging that, though the Devo Team has now been disbanded, the Daily's historical posts will remain on South's website.
I'm waiting for the Holy Spirit's next assignment!
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 ESV
All Kathleen's Devotionals (181)
by Kathleen Petersen
