Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. – Psalm 100:1-3

New Devotional Book:

Sunday morning is a good time to talk about my new project. I always like to have something cooking, and now the memoir is complete (and available) I’m already well into my next book.

There is no working title yet, but the manuscript will offer a collection of meditations, featuring a reading/story for each day of the year.

I often think of this blog as my personal devotional time – the caveat being that several thousand people tend to look over my shoulder and read along.

With this new volume, each day will be designed for that exact purpose. I am just now completing February, and my goal is to have the project ready a few weeks before Christmas so people can begin in the New Year (although it will be set up so anyone can jump in on any day).

Rebekah and I are both committed to the proven truth that when faith is nurtured, and celebrated – day by day – it is always alive and vital. Our morning devotionals together are a key part of the process.

Do you want to know our secret?

Likewise, the practice of attending public worship at our local church, the place where we are loved and nurtured and encouraged in every way.

There is no secret to the deep joy, the profound beauty, and the constant assurance Rebekah and I experience in our life together. It is all tied up with the fact that we do not try to do this alone. We need each other, we need the community of faith where we are grounded, and we need to walk with Jesus every day, held in God’s love and filled with the Spirit.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100:4-5

In love, and because of love – DEREK

• (if you are curious about my Memoir – Grace Upon Grace – I can promise it is a seriously engaging read)