Devotionals
In 2015, I was given the opportunity to write devotionals for LandMAX Properties and Timber Company, where I worked part-time. The "Words of Encouragement" devotional series was originally inspired by LandMAX’s owner, Chad Smith, whose heart has always been to be a light to others through his daily work. Though my husband, Matt, and I took on a new ministry role out of town shortly after this began, I’ve continued writing for LandMAX ever since (and sometimes Matt jumps in to write as well)!
We’re incredibly grateful for the many years we’ve been part of this wonderful vision for the LandMAX community, and now we’re excited to extend these devotionals to you, too!
As a thank you to The 31 Co. Foundation’s monthly business partners, we offer this devotional in a customizable, printable format that can easily be distributed to clients in weekly settlement checks or regular mailings. (Learn more about The 31 Co. Foundation here.)
Not a business? No problem! You can subscribe to our devotional and have it sent straight to your inbox weekly, or simply scroll down to start reading below.
What Are You Producing?
I’ll never forget my first job—picking tomatoes under the hot summer sun in the fields of Lawrence County, Mississippi. My mom and I would wake up before sunrise, head out to the field, and spend the day picking tomatoes. Afterward, we’d sort, clean, and box them, preparing them to be sold at the store. One thing was clear: the local Piggly Wiggly didn’t want bad or spoiled fruits and vegetables.
How Are Your Resolutions Going?
Lately, I’ve been listening to a newer worship song that has quickly become one of my favorites. It speaks about how we can never strive or perform enough on our own to earn or deserve God’s forgiveness—that it is only by the blood of Jesus that we are saved! As I was reflecting on this and listening to the song one morning while getting ready for the day, I heard the words of the first verse: “Everything changed. It’s getting harder to recognize the person I was before I encountered Christ.” In an instant, the enemy tried to twist the meaning of those words, and a little voice of doubt crept in: “But… have you really changed though?”
Chosen
If I had to guess, being chosen for something significant is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It brings a sense of validation—whether it’s the reward for hard work and effort or recognition of who you are as a person meeting the needs of something special. There’s truly nothing like it!
Worthy of It All
As a young believer, I remember being especially connected to a particular pastor’s teaching. I appreciated his style of preaching and how it felt like he was speaking directly to me with every sermon. When I found out he had written a book, I picked it up the moment I saw it. (Fun fact: I just happened to be at a bookstore after a ministry school class near where we currently live, and they had mistakenly put the book on the shelf about two weeks early. Did I feel guilty for buying it before its release date? Yes. Did that stop me? Absolutely not! I was thrilled to see it.)