How to Make the Most of An Email Devotional

When I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to write a weekly email devotional I had already started this blog and as a wife and mother with a full-time job, I had a lot on my plate! However, God's leading is trustworthy so I followed the Holy Spirit's promptings and began writing. Praying into, researching and writing each one continues to be a blessing to me and I thank God for the positive feedback they have received.

Click here for past devotionals

Now each week, subscribers receive an email with a short reflection and 7 Scriptures (usually single verses). I encourage readers to write out each of the seven scriptures because Scripture writing has been such a fruitful practice in my life. This step is of course optional. I prayerfully select one of the 7 scriptures to turn into an image so it acts as a focus Scripture. Currently, the devotionals cover different aspects of a related theme for 3 weeks. Click the image or here to subscribe.

What is a Devotional?

A devotional is a short reading, prayer, or reflection designed to encourage, teach, inspire or guide the reader in their faith. These daily or periodic readings often include verses from the Bible, inspirational quotes, and prompts for personal reflection. Devotionals come in various formats, such as books, apps, email, and online resources, meaning most people will find a format to suit them. Sometimes the value of email devotionals can be reduced as we receive them along with a wide range of emails from other sources. So let's explore how to make the most of an email devotional.

Why Use a Devotional?

Incorporating devotionals into your daily routine can provide guidance, comfort, and spiritual nourishment. Here are some compelling reasons to consider using a devotional:

Consistency:

Devotionals offer a structured way to engage with your faith regularly, helping you establish a consistent spiritual practice amidst the busyness of life.

Understanding:

By reflecting on the Word of God through devotionals, you can deepen your understanding of your faith and its principles, fostering personal growth and spiritual maturity.

Inspiration:

Devotionals often contain uplifting messages, stories of hope, and motivational quotes that can inspire you to face life with resilience and grace.

Stillness:

In a world filled with noise and distractions, devotionals provide a space for quiet reflection, meditation, and communion with God.

My Journey with Devotionals

I have long enjoyed reading devotionals. I think it all started as a child when I would receive a daily devotional in the post every quarter.

Today, I have physical and electronic daily or weekly devotionals that I turn to regularly. Many devotionals are scheduled across a year but some like Jackie Hill-Perry's Upon Waking can be completed in 60 days. The Dwell app has a good devotional designed to be listened to (it can also be read).

Check out my favourite devotionals in my Devotionals reading list here.

I initially shied away from receiving devotionals by email because I did not want to slip into treating engagement with God's Word casually. I am grateful for the variety of tools on my phone or computer that help me understand or engage with God and His Word in different ways (more on these in a future post). I still turn to my physical study Bible or other Bibles to read day-to-day. However, I subscribed to my first devotional by email a year or so ago and still benefit from receiving it every working day. Read on for my thoughts on how to make the most of an email devotional.

If, as I once did, you have some reservations about receiving and using devotions by email here are some ways to benefit from them and not treat them like any other email that lands in your inbox.

How to Make the Most of An Email Devotional

There are a couple of benefits to receiving email devotionals. If you have email notifications their arrival in your inbox is a reminder to read them. Physical books do not ping at you to get your attention! Also, as long as you have your device and internet access, they are readily available for reading on the go and without the need to take something additional along with you..

So, how do you get the most out of an email devotional? Below are some suggestions. Most apply to getting the most out of any devotional you read or listen to.

Receive:

• Receive each devotional as a personal message. Believe God has something to say to you through it. Each person listening to the same sermon can receive something that speaks directly to their needs and circumstances. In the same way, readers of a devotional can find hope, help, encouragement and wisdom just for them.

• Consider each time you read a devotional a divinely appointed encounter with the Holy Spirit. No less so, because it came by email.

  
  

Relax:

• Don't rush into it. Stress, worry, and anxiety can make our hearts poor soil to receive God's Word. Take a few deep breaths to help your body and soul be ready to hear what God has for you. We remember things better when we are relaxed and calm.

Read:

• Don't rush through it. Many devotionals are very short so giving them a little extra time and attention does not take much. Read it slowly and then read it again.

• Don't skip the Bible passage(s). Devotional content is written to be engaging. Sometimes we can be more attracted by the reflection, story or encouragement than the associated Bible verses. Carefully, read any verses mentioned and pause to think about how they link to the reflection and how the truth they contain can become alive in you as you act on it.

Respond:

• Always end by praying based on what you have read. Making notes on paper or your device about what you have learnt and what you will do as a result can alsobe helpful. The prayer and the notes do not need to be long. Even a line or two will do.

Recycle:

• Don't keep it to yourself. You can forward an email to friends, family and colleagues in just a few seconds. By sharing you are sowing seeds into their lives. Sometimes we are tempted to share only with those we think will benefit from the topic. However, because we are not always aware of what others are experiencing it can be a good idea to share with a wider group.

Review:

• I like to look over past devotionals to read ones I may have missed or reread ones that stand out. It can help me to remember more, learn something new or check whether I acted on it.

• Reading a devotional can help build a routine with God's Word that transforms your life for the better. You may find guidance in times of need, encouragement in times of despair and wisdom for your journey through life. By approaching your email or other devotional reading with intention and openness, you can ensure you get the most out of it.

Blessing in Action: How to Make the Most of An Email Devotional

Remember, the blessing of a devotional is not just found in the words you read but in the heart with which you receive them. Consider how you engage with email or other devotionals so you do so in a way that honours the Word and wisdom of God they contain.

Are devotionals part of your routine? Let me know in the comments how you feel about email devotionals.