Local Author Pens Devotionals

Lake Monticello resident John Chandler grew up in a time when reading the Bible was intrinsically valued as the path to personal transformation. Heavily influenced by his grandparents and local church John strived to devote part of his day to reading and comprehending the Bible. As demands on his time increased, John experimented with creative ways to continue his Bible study; including, listening to the Bible on tape while commuting to work on his motorcycle. John was facing the challenge of balancing a hectic work and family schedule with his desire to continue a daily diligent study of the Bible. While discussing this with a friend, the friend pointed out that “winning the first battle of the day” would lead to a more disciplined and richer Bible study. That is, to engage in listening conversation with God through the Bible before turning to the inbox, reading the paper, or watching the news each morning. John began to devote his first hour of the day reading and writing notes in the margin of his Bible.

Through disciplined study, John found himself becoming a calmer, clearer and more effective leader. As his personal muscle for the practice developed, so did his ability to lead others to do likewise. Soon John began sharing his reflections from his Old Testament study with other leaders and would often diagram his insights with simple illustrations on the back of a napkin. His wife Mary suggested he should compile these reflections into a book.

After a year of assembling insights, reflections and diagrams, John has published three new books: “Praying the Kings,” “Praying Wisdom” and “Praying the Prophets”. These devotionals were written with a simple premise, reading the Bible expectantly can change your life. The books share nuggets of gold John has found in his study and are intended to help the reader mine their own precious gold nuggets of wisdom that lie just below the surface. The books contain simple illustrations by Jessica Luttrull which can be copied on scratch paper or on the back of a napkin and make it easy for the reader to share insights with coworkers or family members. It is John’s desire to help others “build the muscle” of disciples to listen to God everyday through scripture.

You can meet John, learn more about the books and purchase signed copies at the Jefferson Pharmacy in Fluvanna County on Thursday May 23^rd from 4-6 PM.

(John Chandler is now the author of four books, he is the former pastor of Effort Baptist Church and has been a resident of Fluvanna since 1987)