Do you remember my big plans for November? I failed at all of them.

I wrote approximately 4,000 words in my NaNoWriMo novel. Nowhere near the goal of 50,000 words.

I wrote 339 words for my non-fiction book. I didn’t get chapter one finished on this one!

Well, I did write a blog post every day through November, so I didn’t fail at every goal I set.

So what happened? Right after my big commitment, I needed to create two presentations on my trip to SE Asia. By the time I completed these two projects, I really felt I could never catch up, so I gave up.

That’s not so pleasant to admit.

I gave up.

So here I sit on December 3^rd wondering why I thought I could do it all in the first place.

Several years ago when I first decided to try my hand at writing a novel, I was so excited. At the time, I wasn’t writing a daily blog, so it was the beginning of getting words to flow from my mind to my hands.

But through these years, I’ve discovered that writing a novel wasn’t as satisfying as writing my blog. I’ve lost interest in writing a novel. I’ve certainly not sold many copies of the one that is published.

So I’ve come to the conclusion that, while it is exciting and pleasurable to say, “I’ve written three novels,” it isn’t where God wants me to spend energy.

Yes, I gave up on writing something that isn’t as meaningful to me (and perhaps others), but I’ve renewed my commitment to writing about God daily. And that is exciting.

I’ve often wondered what it would have been like for New Testament authors as they wrote what they were told. They for certain had God’s Spirit to lead and guide them in their writings. He also helped them to remember all that Jesus had taught them. It must have been thrilling to see words form that were truly inspired by God.

And the Old Testament authors must have felt the same way. Reading the history of Israel penned by their own hands must have been exhilarating.

Now I would never profess to have the same gifts that the authors of Scripture possessed, because God’s Word is the infallible word of God. He chose specific men to write what He wanted mankind to know about Him, His created world, His plan of salvation, and our eternity with Him. But I do believe God leads me in the direction He desires my writings to go.

Another large and important part of my writing revolves around God’s Word. I spend time reading the Bible and searching for the right Scripture to validate my writing. If it isn’t in God’s Word, I won’t write about it.

And then there is the idea that we are to live out what we read in Scripture and obey all that we’ve learned. We can gain all the knowledge in the Bible, but if we do not put it into practice, we are a like a resounding gong or clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).

I want to share some passages about God’s written Word. I pray that you’ll be inspired by His words. That you’ll have a deep desire to read it, study it, live it, proclaim it, and share it with others. It has become my greatest joy to do so.

We Must Know and Obey God’s Word

Joshua shared this message with the Israelites. He knew the power of God’s Word. “Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8 – NIV)

Jesus also had something to say about obedience. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28 – NIV)

Jesus Fulfilled God’s Word

All of the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus were fulfilled by and through Him. His words to the disciples show this truth. “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” (Luke 24:44 – NIV)

God’s Word Leads to Salvation

I love these verses, because it leads us to understand that the Bible is God’s way of showing us life. Where our life comes from. Jesus. “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31 – NIV)

God’s Word Changes Us

When we know God’s Word, we cannot help but do what the Bible says. These verses show that God’s Word is working on us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)

God’s Word is Our Weapon

As we are attacked spiritually, we can pick up God’s Word and use it against the forces of evil! “Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17 – NIV)

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12a – NIV)

The written word is powerful. It can be used for good or for evil. My goal is to use my writing for God’s use. For His purpose. For His glory. If I ever miss that mark, I pray that God will bring someone into my life to show me the error of my ways.

Perhaps November wasn’t as unsuccessful as I once thought. For while I didn’t reach all of my goals, I believe I completed the most important task I set before myself. To share God’s Word with others.

How are you sharing God’s message?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna