Why am I writing this?

Over the years, you get asked as a church leader about recommendations for devotionals. My problem is that I don't care much for devotionals. I know, I know that I am not supposed to say that as a Christian. Perhaps I simply haven't found the right one for me. But generally, I find that the devotionals I try are often flowery (I am a man), over-spiritualized (silly), tough-talking (I get it, you are a man trying to be tough, but calm down), or downright dull. So inevitably, I try to find one to recommend or offer up some old standbys by Oswald Chambers or Charles Spurgeon.

This last year (2025) I was asked multiple times about devotions, and the last query that came in at the end of the year really got my attention. It was from a former member of the church who had moved away for work. She had recently gotten engaged and wanted to find a devotional that she and her future husband could read together. In particular, she asked for a "non-fluffy" devotional. I knew what she meant by that.

I decided then that it seemed others had the same struggle I did in finding a "non-fluffy" devotional that spoke to them. So the idea for this devotional was born. It is dedicated to my friend Katie, and anyone else who wants a simple, straight-up devotional based on the Word of God. No fluff, no frills. Just the Word, what it is saying to me, questions to prompt you to think "What is it saying to me?" and some ideas about what we can do to apply it our lives today. That's it. I hope you enjoy it.