You Are My Tribe and I Need Your Help
Yesterday, for the first time, I used these words in a sentence together: I am a writer. Most of the time when people ask me what I do (and they always do don’t they?) I hem and haw, not really sure how to answer that question.
Yesterday, in a completely random setting with people who don’t know me, I declared: I am a writer.
Something clicked into place. This is what I do. I write words down that are for other people. That’s what writers do isn’t it? The words are not mine to keep. The words I write are to be given away. Shared.
And so, in that very random place, it was time to own that.
Now it’s time to own something else. I desire to be an author. There is a difference. A writer writes words. An author is a writer who has had their words published. And publishing them on your own blog doesn’t count. Bummer.
I am blessed to be a contributor to Papa’s Pantry publication Christian Community News Magazine. I am honored that Lynne Saunders believes the words I write are words that others might need to read. So, I can say I am published. But there is more. I sense it.
Last year, the Lord placed a huge burden on my heart: write a devotional that goes with the 
One Year Chronological Bible. Some of ya’ll know this is my absolute favorite way to read the Bible for my personal time. It is not how I study, but it is how I read and pray.
God says his Word is life giving. I believe that we are to find life in all of the Bible – even the hard passages. So right now, I call this book Life Giving Words.
For the past year, I’ve been working on writing devotions, one for each day, that lifts something out of that day’s reading to focus on: a situation, a concept, or a specific verse. Together, we explore the context, relevancy, and application to our lives today.
Much of what I send to you and post on my blog comes from this project. My passion is to open up the Word of God in such a way that you can’t miss the love he has for you. I hope to be a vehicle through which his Word becomes alive and active for you and then in you.
This devotional can come alongside you if you are reading the Bible chronologically and it can stand by itself if you are not. But you’ll be encouraged to do so! You’ll still get a glimpse of the larger story of God and his people.
This project has changed me. I have come to know the Lord in an entirely new way and this is what I hope will happen with those who read it. My heart quickens at the thought of what life change might happen for people.
There you have it. I’ve made this public and that scares me. What if I fail?
Truly, I’m okay if this project never gets published. Publishing it is not the end game. Knowing God is. But I believe it is supposed to be published. I have no idea how or when. Next week, I am headed to a writer’s conference. This is not the first time I’ve been to one, nor the first time I’ve pitched an idea. This is the first time I am going with such a clear purpose.
I’m writing this to you, the Women of Hillside and everyone else who gets this email because ya’ll are my tribe – my people – to ask you to do few things for me.
- Please pray for me between now and next Thursday. Actually, I welcome your prayers all the time, but this next week is crucial. I need to finish putting my proposal together. They say the devil is in the details and I believe that. Please pray for my technology to cooperate, for things to format and merge the way they need to, for me to have the patience and perseverance to not settle for anything less than my best work.
- Please pray for my time at the conference. That I will represent God well as I represent this project.
- Please join me in boldly praying that God will open the door for this project to move forward. To me, a novice, a book contract is impossible. But what is impossible to me, is very, very possible with God.
And lastly, I would be so appreciative if you would click the link below and leave a note on my blog if this kind of devotional appeals to you. Your encouragement will mean the world to me – and frankly – It’ll give me a foundation to say to those who I pitch this to – see… ladies want this.
I love each and every one of you. Thank you for the joy of letting me into your lives through the words I write.
Love and blessings,
Denise
43 Comments
Linda Wilkerson
I love the idea of a daily devotional to go along with the Bible reading. At this time I read three different ones and it sometimes makes my mind go in all different directions.
Nancy High
Denise, I think this is a wonderful idea. I love reading your weekly devotionals that you send out to the women of Hillside. Yes, you will be in my prayers this next week. Nancy High
Suzanne Porter
Denise, you have such an awesome passion for the Lord. Your words about the Bible bring the Bible alive for me. Prayers for the conference and your project.
Leaha Rice
God is using you in a mighty way! I love the idea of this devotional!!!
Dionna
I can’t wait to do this devotional!! You are an amazing woman and so dedicated to God’s word. I know you will write in a way that speaks to us all. I will be one of many in line to purchase this. I hope you do a study at the church so we can follow you through this journey! So exciting to see this coming to a reality! God and all of us are with you!!
denisemroberts@comcast.net
Hi Dionna! I am actually going through this with a group now – they are my guinea pigs! It would be a hope fulfilled if this project becomes a resource for small groups to use in order to read together. May very well do this again next year – stay tuned!
Cathy Long
You are doing a good work! I love the idea of the devotional. Continued prayers.
Erin Slykhouse
I love this concept. I look forward to the day I can add it to my quite rime.
Susan purifoy
Oh yes!! I would love that! I too read a chronological bible each day and have too many disparate devotionals stacked up beside it.
My mind does have that tendency to wander, so would love a devotional to keep me focused.
Virginia
Denise your writings are always relevant. I can’t tell you how many times I read them and feel lifted up or validated in how I might be feeling that day or that week. I believe you are on His path! Blessings, I will continue to pray for you sister.
Linda Turner
Denise,
I totally agree with the above responses! My daily prayers will be with you.
Kris Cho
Denise,
I’m so excited about this devotional!!!! I’m reading the chronological Bible for the first time and thankful for your weekly notes. It really has helped me to understand the scriptures. You will be in my prayers and I’m so happy for you!!!! Love, Kris
Jennifer Pefferly
Denise, I feel blessed by the parts of this you have shared so far. It has really helped me to gain new context and perspective on familiar (and not so familiar) Bible stories. Praying for God’s leading as you take this next step.
Susan Coker
Denise,
How exciting! I believe that your devotional will bless many and will point them to the Word as well!
Kathy Prine
Denise,
This will be a blessing for so many. I will be praying for you as you prepare for the conference.
Janelle Hardin
These lovely ladies have said it all! I will be praying for you.
Karen Peacock
I Love the idea of putting these devotionals together. Your writings have really touched my life. On a personal note you know I had to move to Ca. andI wanted your to know that each time I get your devotional I am so excited to read it, feel closer to my sisters in Christ and grow stronger in my faith. Your biblical in sites are so inspirational.
Dierdre Spear
Denise – You have always had a special gift from God to speak to the heart…I have 100% faith that God’s hand is leading you, step-by-step, down the path of publication of a powerful resource for people who long for a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior. I know you know this better than me… but I’ll “publish” it here again:
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ~ Philippians 4:13 NLT
Tammy Mcfarlin
I love reading your devotions. Looking forward to adding this one to my daily reading. You are a true Godly woman and such a inspiration for everyone.
Christy Webb
I am reading for the first time this year a daily devotional and it has really helped me grow spiritually. I would love the chance to read a daily devotional from you along with the Bible chronologically to deepen my knowledge and faith.
Laura Weathers
I am always inspired by your wise words. You have a true gift for sharing God’s wisdom through your beautiful writing. I am excited about your new devotional. I can’t wait to see what God will do with this vision He has given you! I know He will use it in a mighty and awesome way!
Julie Weaver
“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask “What if I fall?”
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”
― Erin Hanson
God has given you wings…use them without fear!
Love you, dear friend. XOXO
Tina Kirkland
This is a enriching idea that will touch many – I love reading your devotions and so will many more. I pray save travels over you and that your preparations for this trip will fill you in a way in which you know is only of HIM.
Blessings to you and your writing .
Camille Rogers
Denise, you are not only a “writer” but a very gifted and talented one! I always enjoy your devotions you send to Women of Hillside. I have been reading this chronological Bible with a small group for a little over a year, and I know we would benefit from some additional insights, especially one tailored to the way we are studying in addition to the traditional Bible commentaries we’ve been using. I already pray for you my friend, and will add these specific requests over the next days/weeks.
Katherine Amick
I love your writing Denise! I also see God in everything you write. I think it is exciting and will pray! I love that you are being obedient and moving forward, that’s the hard part! I would love to do this study!
Rita Faber
Anything and everything you have written has so much meaning! I would llove to see a devotional that accompanies a planned daily reading of God’s Word! Sounds like a God-inspired project and we all applaud your efforts in bringing this devotional to life!
denisemroberts@comcast.net
You all have so blessed me with your encouragement! I can’t thank you enough. I go armored up with your sweet words. I’ll keep you posted as to the progress and how the Lord is moving. This is exciting ya’ll!!
Martha Turner
You are a great writer. I have always enjoyed your email. I know you’ll be even better at this. For your love in Christ
E J Johnson
Dearest Denise
I love the words you write and definitely feel blessed and encouraged by them
You can do this and I’m thrilled at the prospect of having this devotional to grow with.
Prayers and Blessings
E J
Linda Abbott
Dearest Denise,
Go, in the name of the Lord, Your tribe will be praying for you. May the Lord Jesus put His words into your mouth and His desires in your heart that many women will be blessed by this wonderful idea.
Kelli Reeves
Dearest Denise, God has used you to change hearts and minds for Jesus. I am excited to see the fruit He will bare through this work. I would very interested in a devotion such as this. As you know I have tried twice to complete this one year bible and have only made it half through but I love it and am determined to finish. Perhaps this devotion will help? Go where He leads you and the possibiities are endless! I love you dear sister in Christ!
Katie Cromwell
I love this idea, Denise! Having this devotional to go along with the Chronological Bible would be wonderful! We are blessed by you so often at Hillside, and for other women to be able to experience this same blessing would be amazing! Praying for you this week!
Beth Teller
Dear Denise, You will be in my prayers. This will be a wonderful addition to the daily Chronological Bible readings. You have been blessed with such a wonderful gift from God.
Pam Rountree
You are amazing at putting historical context into the Bible and that just brings it to life for me. It would be great to have that context in a devotion for daily Bible readings, making it more rich. Look forward to reading your works!
Lucy Sugg
Denise,
I have read several “devotional” Bibles, but I always come away disappointed because there are a few devotionals scattered throughout the Bible, but none relate to the specific reading for the day. I would love a daily devotion written specifically for each Bible reading!
I love the devotionals that you send out. You are GIFTED!
Wendy M
Denise, I love reading what you write, it’s real and honest for the Godly woman. So proud of your obedience as you add the title of “writer” – may you be rewarded for your faithfulness!! Praying for you this week.
Molli
This is absolutely a wonderful idea! You are the perfect person to write it. Your writing is clear, heartfelt, relate-able, honest and most importantly brings God to your readers in a way that makes them want to know more.
You can do this, Denise, and I believe you will! Prayers are in progress!
Cathy Chung
This sounds like a great devotional. I haven’t read the Bible chronologically, but I like the idea of having a devotion to guide the way.
Donna DeYoung
Praying for you, Denise, as you step out in faith.
Your devotionals are thought provoking and applicable to our lives. This chronological approach will add another way to relate to God’s work in our world.
Judi
I can’t wait! Sign me up for a pre-order!! May you be encouraged and affirmed at the conference, my writer friend!!
Janice Carter
Denise, you know I’ve told you many times what a blessing your devotionals and inspirational messages are for me. And even though I’ve physically been away from Hillside for over 2 years now, I still look forward to the words I will hear anew when you share your thoughts. This devotional book is a great idea. Many, many women (and mean as well, you know) will benefit from the truths revealed to you and shared with us through it. Go get ’em, girl!
Janice Carter
oops on the spelling…MEN as well
Dana Duncan
I admire your obedience and would love to have this devotional to study the bible with. What a great idea!