With the exception of the weekends, every morning after I eat breakfast and dress I head to my computer to write a devotion. I’ve been repeating this action for the last four years, but periodically I ask myself why.

I’ve now had four books published with my most recent scheduled to be several books with different themes. In evaluating why I write, the following verse came to mind: And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father (Colossians 3:17 NLT).

Though I’ve written sporadically since my college days, I wasn’t serious about it until my father’s death in 2009. Why this became a demarcation line I’m not sure. He wasn’t a writer…except for his sermons and Bible studies. As far as I know, he didn’t publish anything. His writings were shared only with the college students he taught and congregations he preached to. But for me, God wanted more.

Dad taught me to use the gifts God gave me, and writing is one. And Paul says God uses our circumstances to teach us how to help others traveling similar paths (II Corinthians 1:4). For the last 10 years, I’ve been hobbling along some rocky financial roads. Most of them because of other’s decisions that affected me, but some because of the stagnant economy. Nevertheless, God has taught me important lessons down each road, and my writing is an attempt to help others who are traveling similar trails.

Grits & Grace & God: Manna From Heaven Served Up Southern Style is a series of devotions that represent my effort to use the gift and experiences God has given me to help others along life’s financial journey. Are you using the gifts God has entrusted to you?