Dear Church Family,
One of the questions I’ve been asked a lot over the years is, “What do you read for your morning devotions?” Or, “Do you have a devotion or devotional book you recommend?”
I love those kinds of questions—because it means folks are seeking to grow deeper in their walk with Jesus.
One of the resources I consistently turn to—and have truly come to appreciate—is a daily email devotional calledThe Wake-Up Call,written by my friend and fellow pastor, J.D. Walt (J.D. stands for John David). I first met J.D. at Epworth By the Sea several years ago, and since then we’ve stayed in touch. We’ve prayed for one another and sent encouraging texts—especially during some of the most difficult seasons in our personal and family lives. To this day, we still check in from time to time and reconnect at various conferences.
The Wake-Up Callis Scripture-centered, insightful, and deeply encouraging. It’s inspiring without being fluffy—and it always challenges me in the best way.
Here’s what works especially well for me: J.D. offers a short audio version (and podcast) of the devotional each day. I listen to it every morning alongside the written version. It’s a simple, soul-lifting way to begin the day grounded in God’s Word—and I’m confident it can do the same for you. In fact, we already have more than 20 people from our congregation using The Wake-Up Callas a foundation for their Personal Time With God (PTWG), also known as their devotional time.
We also have one of our Sunday School classes and another Bible study group that have been—and continue to be—blessed by using J.D.’s other teaching material in their group studies. His writing and teaching resonate deeply, and I believe this new summer series will do the same.
StartingJune 9, J.D. is launching a new summer series titled“Encourage One Another Daily.”I’d love for our entire church family to go through it together. It’s a great way to stay spiritually connected—even as our summer calendars take us in different directions.
Let’s be honest—we all need encouragement. And as a church family, let’s make this summer a season of planting seeds of encouragement in each other’s lives. When we do, I believe we’ll reap a beautiful harvest in the fall—a renewed strength, deeper faith, and greater unity in our church’s ministry.
What better way to do this than all of us participating and sharing this journey together?
Here’s the link to subscribe:https://seedbed.com/wakeupcall/
Or scan the QR code below with your phone—it only takes a moment.
I truly believe this will strengthen your faith and lift your spirit. Let’s walk through the Word together this summer—one day, one Scripture, one hymn at a time.
In J.D.’s own words at the close of each day’s entry:“I’ll see you on the field.”
For the Awakening,
Dorsia
The Preacherman