GREEN PASTORS: Writing Devotionals As Someone Who Doesn’t Like Devotionals
I have a confession: I don’t like devotionals. That might sound odd from a pastor — especially one posting devotional reflections on Facebook. Ironically, just a couple of months ago, I preached on the discipline of Bible study and casually mentioned my disdain for most devotionals. A week later, I started writing them.
Many devotionals on Christian bookshelves are shallow and hollow. Most devotionals I’ve encountered seem more concerned with making me feel good about myself than leading me to wrestle with the weight of God’s Word. Scripture calls us not merely to be encouraged but transformed (Rom. 12:2). The ministry of the Word should strive for transformation over mere inspiration. But what if devotionals, when done well, could be a tool for this kind of renewal?
I realized my disdain may have been misguided as I sat down to write my own. Devotionals are popular because they provide a structured way for believers to engage with Scripture daily. They fit into the hectic lives of modern Christians. While devotionals feel thin, they serve as an entry point. If they draw people to Scripture, they serve a purpose.
This realization has shaped my approach to writing devotionals. Instead of fighting the format, I’ve been experimenting with it and aiming for excellence by asking, “How can a devotional offer depth without becoming overwhelming? How can it challenge without intimidating? How can it nourish while remaining accessible?”
Writing What I Wish Existed
The easiest way to write a devotional as someone who doesn’t typically like them is to create what I wish existed. That means structuring devotionals around the gospel — making each entry a gateway into something meaningful. Here are the principles that now guide me:
• Pour from My Time in the Word — Instead of pulling verses out of context to match a thought, I begin with Scripture and let it shape the devotion. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (II Tim. 3:16 ESV). God’s Word, not my reflections, must be the anchor.
• Push Beyond the Surface — It’s easy for most people familiar with their faith to read Scripture and identify a couple of points of application. Allowing those truths to penetrate one’s heart, however, can be painful. Devotionals, when crafted well, penetrate the heart. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12).
• Provide a Path for Deeper Study — Devotionals will never be a sufficient diet for a fully fed and growing Christian. They shouldn’t become a replacement for Bible study. Therefore, they should provide an on-ramp for further study and application.
An Unexpected Benefit
Writing devotionals challenged me. Distilling complex theological truths into digestible pieces taught me that depth and accessibility don’t have to be at odds. As friends and strangers have commented on posts, I’ve been reminded that even brief encounters with God’s Word shall not return empty (Isa. 55:11).
I’ve been guilty of making an issue out of nothing. Getting hung up on things that should have no place as obstacles comes naturally. The path to greener pastures isn’t about blazing a trail against our frustrations but cultivating what’s already around us. If that means writing devotionals, so be it.
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Derrick Bremer
Derrick A. Bremer grew up in Northwest Arkansas where he met his wife, Michelle, in their 9th grade English class. Derrick surrendered to the gospel ministry in 2018 at Temple Baptist Church of Rogers, Arkansas under the leadership of pastor Wade Allen. Derrick was ordained in 2020 when he was called to serve as the pastor of Denver Street Baptist Church in Greenwood, AR.
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Derrick A. Bremer grew up in Northwest Arkansas where he met his wife, Michelle, in their 9th grade English class. Derrick surrendered to the gospel ministry in 2018 at Temple Baptist Church of Rogers, Arkansas under the leadership of pastor Wade Allen. Derrick was ordained in 2020 when he was called to serve as the pastor of Denver Street Baptist Church in Greenwood, AR.
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