The Lord’s Prayer for Writers (Part 3)

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

The integrity of our writing relies on the integrity of our character—not the ones we create for our narratives, but the character of the one typing. For those called to the ministry of writing by God, the condition of our hearts toward sin dictates how effective our craft can be for the Kingdom.

In this series on The Lord’s Prayer for Writers, we’ve explored how we should approach God in our writing and how our relationship with Him and others will affect our writing. 

This month, we’ll look at the last line of Christ’s outline for prayer:

And don’t let us yield to temptation,

but rescue us from the evil one. 

(Matthew 6:13 NLT)

The Lord’s Prayer for Writers (Part 2)

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

It is the depth of their connection to God, not the depth of their words, that measures the life of a Christian writer. And we build that relationship in sincere, continual moments of conversational prayer. Yet, we often allow the tasks of our writing to take priority over the One who’s called us to that career. 

Beware 5 Things Replacing God’s Direction in Your Writing

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

You sit at your keyboard gently tapping the keys, not hard enough to bring letters or words to your digital page, but just enough for the rhythmic click, click, click to break the awkward silence of your uncertain direction. 

For Christian writers, feeling directionless is a more humbling experience than simple writer’s block because there’s an overwhelming sense you’re disconnected from God in the purpose He’s given you.

The Promise of Christmas for Writers

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

As many of us toss our normal writing routines aside like the wrapping from a toddler’s Christmas present this month, let’s be sure we take time to reflect on the Christmas story in our lives.

The Fruit of the Spirit in a Writing Career (Part 2)

by Joshua J. Master @JoshuaJMasters

“If God has called me to write—if His purpose in creating me is crafting words to glorify His name, then should I not experience the Fruit of the Spirit in my writing career?”

That’s the question we asked in last month’s column.

The Fruit of the Spirit in a Writing Career (Part 1)

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

When we think of a fruitful writing career, we usually weigh our success with the number of books we’ve published, how many articles we’ve had printed, or the quantity of paperbacks we’ve sold. But for Christian writers, the development of our character should be of greater concern than the success of our career as an author. But developing Christian character is the greatest thing we can do for our writing.

Write a Powerful Testimony Using These 5 Elements

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

Writers often bare the depths of their souls in the pages of their work. Every broken character, every tension-filled moment, each non-fiction revelation whispers our life experiences. 

Many authors prefer to keep their own stories hidden beneath the protective veil of another character’s words. But sometimes, the most powerful story is not the one we’ve crafted, but the story of restoration God’s written in our personal lives.

The Ministry of a Book Launch

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

I welcomed the typical author concoction of excitement and uncertainty in the depths of my spirit as I hovered over the send button. With a click of the mouse, the first email went out announcing an invitation to join the launch team for my new book, A Faith Unleashed: Living in the Hope of God’s Rescue.

The message described the true story of a rescue dog’s journey from isolated brokenness to joyful belonging and how it mirrors our own spiritual path, teaching us to a pursue a healing relationship with the One who brings true rescue. Throw in a cute dog on the cover and who wouldn’t stumble over themselves to be part of that launch team? 

3 Ways to Encounter God at Your Next Writing Conference

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

The hurried pace of a writing conference can rattle the most seasoned author—after all, we want to get the most out of the experience. But with so much to do and learn, it’s easy for the Christian Writer to leave God on a shelf at home.

You can’t actually do that, of course. God is going to be at the conference whether you want Him there or not. The real question isn’t whether He’s present but how present you’re willing to be with Him. 

The Character of a Christian Writer

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

The standard trope of a writer’s life evokes visions of someone sitting in the lonely glow of a laptop as fingernails tap out the rhythm of a single-toned symphony, an arrangement for keyboard that results in the creation of a well-rounded, dynamic character. But what is the character of a Christian writer—not the characters we’re creating, but the character God is creating in us?

A Biblical Prayer for Writers

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

After the struggles of the last year, many of us are rededicating ourselves to more productive writing schedules, a greater respect for deadlines, and an organized plan for our business. But if our last turbulent trip around the sun taught us anything, it’s that we should focus on the things that are most important and be grateful for the things we take for granted.

TAKING PART IN GOD’S WRITING PROCESS

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

Christian writers feel called to take part in the creative nature of God, emulating the greatest author in (or outside) history by changing the lives of others with words. 

But God writes more than words. In fact, Scripture says you are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). He’s authoring your life story, skillfully weaving a chronicle of hope, purpose, and transformation.

3 Elements in a Caring Writing Community

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

As I completed the manuscript I recently sent to my publisher, the process overwhelmed me with questions.

When I Fail God in My Writing

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

Despite my good intentions, I’m often faced with how to respond when I fail God in my writing. That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? We might not say it aloud, but many of us in the writing community feel that way in the pit of our stomachs right now.

Bible Verses to Transform Your Writing Career

by Joshua J. Master @JoshuaJMasters

The life of a Christian author should be rooted in faith. Scripture is God’s love letter to us, directing our path and drawing us closer to Him. It’s “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16b NIV). So, we should also expect the Bible to transform how we approach our writing careers.

The Good Friday Journal for Writers

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

Today is Good Friday, the day Christians reflect on the sacrifice of Christ. It’s a solemn day to remember the dark hours Jesus faced before His victorious resurrection on Sunday. 

So I’ll do something you’re probably not supposed to do on a writing blog; I’m asking you to put aside your current writing project. That’s right, put in in a drawer. Rather than focusing on our deadlines or drafting that next scene, let’s spend today penning a Good Friday Journal.

5 Ways to Honor God in Your Writing

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

As a Christian writer, our first goal shouldn’t be a publishing contract or word count. Those are both important, but our priority should be to glorify God and draw closer to Him in our writing.

Two Words Christian Writers Should Stop Using

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

As Christian writers, we know the importance of selecting just the right words. But many of us over use two words that stunt our growth as writers and followers of Christ—two words we should remove from our vocabulary. Those words are have to.

Writing with the Fire of a Yule Log

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

“Am I writing with the fire of a yule log?” That’s a question every Christian author should ask themselves during the Christmas season and continue asking throughout the year.

No season affects the heart of man like Christmas. If only for a short time, the holiday allows people to see the world through a different lens, and isn’t that what we’d like our writing to do?

5 Daily Questions Writers Should Ask God

by Joshua J Masters @JoshuaJMasters

Learning the disciplines of writing is important, but it’s even more essential for Christian authors to develop an ongoing focus on God as they use their gift. 

Here are five questions every Christian writer should ask God to start their day.