This book  is a collection of devotionals written mostly early in the morning.  As such, there is a page or two out of order, incorrectly-numbered or not particularly well-thought out.  I have purposely left them that way because life at 5am is not particularly well-ordered or organized, and this is my devotional life, un-edited! 

These reflections began because my devotional life was disorganized and sporadic.  In May I began to write these daily for those who receive the Pastor’s Points weekly sermons.  I selfishly thought that if I made myself accountable to that group, it would somehow force me to be more committed to the kind of discipleship I preach about (you know where I’m heading with this).

I was wrong.

This devotional writing didn’t “force” anything on me.  While it could have made just another obligation on the calendar, instead, I found myself more drawn than ever to the beauty of God’s Word, and the efficacy of how that Word will grow in me as I grow closer to God.  In other words, as I attempted to be Pastoral towards those who find reading these devotions helpful, I have been helped immeasurably.  How about that?  I was trying to be an obedient Pastor, and wound up getting the biggest blessing!

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Russell Brownworth serves as a United Methodist pastor at Mount Zion and Pleasant Hill UMC congregations. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live with Gracie the Wonder Dog, in Thomasville, North Carolina