Why Worry? (Friday Devotional)

Have you ever tried to make yourself grow taller?

Maybe as a child or teenager you wanted to be just one more inch taller to catch a friend or sibling. Perhaps you would stretch in front of the mirror by lifting your arms high and standing on your toes. Maybe you hung from a bar in the closet while willing yourself to grow. Silly thought isn’t it.

Jesus says worrying is as effective trying to make ourselves grow. In fact, he uses this as a comparison. He said, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Mt. 6:27)

There are many things which we can worry about: finances, health, our children, our parents, jobs, war, economics, etc. Yes, there are many legitimate concerns in this life.

However, God is bigger than all these concerns. He loves us more than all His creation.

If He takes care of the birds and clothes the flowers, He will take care of us. Jesus said, “Are you not of more value than they?” The answer is emphatically, yes! We are of more value and God promises to take care of us.

Thought for the day – The problem looming before you is still beneath the feet of God.

What Makes You Sing – Psalm 32

“…You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7

The ancient Hebrews sang when the Lord would deliver them from difficult events or enemies.  They sang a lavish song of praise and Miriam’s women danced in celebration when He rescued them from Pharaoh and brought them through the Red Sea (Ex. 15). 

David teaches us to praise God for something even greater than physical deliverance. He praises the Lord for deliverance from sin.  Of all the needs we have as humans, being forgiven of sin and becoming reconciled to God is our greatest.  The Psalm says that when God delivers us, we shall be surrounded by “songs of deliverance.” 

David doesn’t say who will be singing these songs which surround us; but in Revelation we see angelic creatures singing.  As they watch God redeem His creation, they sing songs of deliverance rejoicing that God is faithful, has reconciled us to Himself, and has rescued us from the penalty of sin and death. 

Now that is something to sing about.

Lord, Thank you for delivering me from the penalty of sin through your Son Jesus Christ.  Teach me how to celebrate my deliverance. Help me tell someone today that they too can be set free.  Amen.

2008 Christian Writer’s Conference – Kansas City

Whether you write devotionals, Christian articles, books, Bible studies, curriculum, or online material there was a workshop for you at this year’s Christian writer’s conference in Kansas City sponsored by HACWN (Heart of America Christian Writer’s Network).

Mark and Jeanette Littleton are the co-directors of HACWN and organize the conference along with a group of members from the network.  Once again they offered a conference packed with informative workshops, experienced speakers, publisher representatives, writing contests, and numerous professional critique services.

Some of the publishers represented included:

·         Thomas Nelson

·         Focus on the Family

·         AMG

·         Barefoot Press

·         Gospel Publishing House

·         Kregel Books

·         Broadman and Holman

·         Come to the Fire

·         Bible Advocate

·         Share the Fire

·         Word Action

·         MomSense

There were 45 different workshops offered.  They included almost any writing topic imaginable: children’s books, blogging, fiction, basic photography, interviewing technique, the writer as speaker, etc.  The conference bookstore offered books on all kinds of writing and books written by local Christian authors.

You could also do the following:

·         Get a professional photo taken for promoting your work.

·         Get a free 10 minute appointment with an editor.

·         Sign-up for a manuscript critique (cost extra).

·         Get a website critique

·         Enter any of 8 writing contests

To see the conference brochure click here: http://hacw.winsunliterary.com/2008HACWNConferenceBrochure.pdf

The conference boasted 99 participants and 27 staff members, a 15% increase over last year’s conference.

I highly recommend HACWN and their annual conference to any writer; especially to those near enough to take advantage of other network benefits including: regular critique groups, professional email leads, and monthly meetings with professional speakers.

To learn more about HACWN click here:  http://hacw.winsunliterary.com/

Here’s a few pics of the event – yes, I need to sign up for the basic photography class next year

* Mark and Jeanette Littleton – HACWN Co-Directors

* Panel for First Page Exercise

* Workshop on writing devotionals (Paul Smith – Gospel Publishing House)

* Conference Bookstore

* One of Carmen Leal’s workshops (specializes in Marketing your work)

* Workshop on what editors look for in submissions.

Lunch on the first day