Writing with the Promises of God

Our writings in almost any genre will stay on track and be more powerful with a theme and purpose we believe to be important. As Christians, that purpose often stems from our desire to spread the Good News of the Gospel and to encourage readers in their faith.

To find a purposeful theme, we can look to God’s word and, specifically, God’s promises. For example, I’ve developed entire stories from Romans 8:28, “And we know God will work all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose.”

With that Bible promise in mind, a novel can develop as the main character faces hard times until the last chapter when a change of circumstances or an insightful resolution brings something unexpected and wonderful.

Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, your favorite Bible promises provide themes for your work too.

I wanted to know more about those promises because it seemed to me they offered the key to praying in God’s will. So I researched hundreds of Bible promises, then compiled them into the book, Kneeling on the Promises of God, with a brief prayer as an example guided by each verse.

Since I also wanted to know what promises mean the most to others, I searched online and asked a group of Christians to share their favorites. Not surprisingly, John 3:16 (and 17) rate the highest:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved,” “John 3:16-17, King James Version (KJV)

After John 3:16, the most often prayed promise comes from Jeremiah 29:11, “"For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope’."

Other Christians gain hope from Matthew 6:33: ^“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
 

Although I haven’t written about this, John 10:29 has encouraged me greatly when I start to worry about loved ones who have drawn far away from the Lord. As Jesus promised, “My Father, Who gave them to Me, is greater than all! No one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

And when we ourselves drift too far, Jesus reminds us, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world,” Matthew 28:20.

With hundreds of Bible promises to choose from, you have themes to last a lifetime of writing! May God guide your choices and your writing life in Christ.

 

Mary Harwell Sayler
who thanks God for promises never broken

 

 

 

 

Where Do You Want Your Words to Go?

 
“Ouchy! Ouchy, I stubbed my toe!” Hopefully, such words do not need an audience. Even if we’re in a room with a compassionate person, who says, “Oh, Poor Baby!” we really don’t need to commemorate those words in writing.

Unfortunately, many writers, including Christians, crave attention for every woe and complaint, often going on and on as though no one will understand without lengthy explanations. That sounds like a harsh assessment! But it’s true, and I pray it gives us all cause to pause and question our purpose in writing.

If we say, “God called me to write!” Excellent reason! That happened to me, too, so our job then is to follow up by writing FOR him and letting HIM write through us. (Oh, I pray He does so now!)

Decades ago, I sensed Christ Jesus showing me His nail-pierced palms and saying, “Heal My hands.” Since I think of churches around the world as being the Lord’s hands, I took that encounter to mean He wanted me to do what I could to help bring the church Body of Christ back together, holding hands, working together, and making a unified difference in the world. At the moment, we seem more polarized than ever! But I keep praying and writing whatever God puts on my mind.

But, back to the topic of considering where or to whom our words go. When my children were growing up, I wrote Sunday School take-home papers for young readers – both Bible stories and little contemporary stories children could relate to as “take-aways” for their lives. This meant using short sentences – the younger the reader, the shorter the words and paragraphs too.

Later, writing for teens required another vocabulary and more grown-up tone, even if the overall message remained the same. For example, children of all ages need to know that God WILL work things out for good for all who love Him (Romans 8:28.) And, yes, for all who are called according to His purpose, which most likely includes children who do even know yet what that means. Regardless, how you approach that or any topic must consider the most relevant level – beginner to advanced. 

So consider using a favorite scripture as a theme, then deciding where you want your words to go. To whom will you speak? Then, as you think about your choice of readers, ask yourself:

What do we most likely have in common – love of God, problems with relationships, enjoyment of a hobby or activity, the same denominational preference?

What type of tone might be most effective – playful, serious, conversational?

Do I want to inspire readers by offering daily devotionals, uplifting poems, encouraging articles, stories illustrating problems overcome by faith in God?

Do I enjoy research? If so, what topics would I like to investigate – scriptural takes on worship, medical issues, artistic endeavors, technical concerns, mental health, insomnia?

Do I want to educate or inform?  For instance, when a “military neck” became a pain in the neck and an aching back affected mobility, I wanted to find out various causes and treatments, so I started researching medical journals (found online via state libraries) and trustworthy websites such as NIH (National Institutes of Health.) Each entry required at least six reputable resources, but eventually, the research lead to two life-health encyclopedias written for Facts on File with a medical professional in the field to proof the entries.

The above examples offer only a few to consider before writing. Then, let each theme, purpose, and genre draw readers with whom you can connect, speaking in an appropriate voice. Of course, if you want to write about the strong reactions caused by most toe-stubs, go for it, but don’t tip-toe around. Investigate. Research. And, always, always be the very readership God had in mind for His written word.

Thank you for commenting below, asking questions, suggesting topics for future posts, and subscribing to this blog. May blessings abound in your writing life in Christ.

Mary Harwell Sayler