Wednesday, February 27, 2008

An Interview with Derek Maul

Below is an interview with Derek Maul, the writer of the devotions for the week of February 24-March 1. Derek Maul is a freelance writer and teacher. In addition to writing a column that runs in several Tampa newspapers, Derek has written articles for These Days and Presbyterians Today and is a contributor to Faith in Words: A Celebration of Presbyterian Writers, published by Geneva Press. He is the author of the new book, Get Real: Spiritual Journey for Men.

1. How did you first become interested in These Days? Why is the magazine important to you and your faith and how do you think it can be beneficial to all Christians?

I've always been all too conscious of my need for ongoing help regarding spiritual discipline. I don't think I'll ever grow beyond my need for some kind of a daily prompt. When I first joined a Presbyterian congregation I pulled a copy of These Days off the information table - I've been hooked ever since.

These Days stood out for me because the format allows writers to develop a theme over several days. God often works in my life over the long haul, and I realized right away that something more than a simple devotional thought emerged from the inspirational readings.
Later I sent Vic Jameson (former These Days editor) a series of meditations. Vic wrote right back. "I was so delighted," he said, "that I read them aloud to my wife that very evening." His response was so genuine and so encouraging that he helped release a gift that had been waiting for just the right time. I know I'm not alone in needing the kind of direction and focus These Days brings to a spiritual life.

In my These Days devotion for February 28, 2008 I reference my book. "Research reveals that less than 10 percent of Christians set aside time for regular devotional reading and prayer…. But 100 percent of Christians who do a devotional reading say the daily routine is inarguably life- changing…" (condensed from Get Real: a Spiritual Journey for Men, pp 81-82).

2. What do you think others should take from reading the devotions you write in These Days?

I want readers to be encouraged in their faith. Typically my writing provides a glimpse into the struggles, the tentative steps forward, and the joys that characterize my own spiritual journey. I want God's nourishing word to connect with readers in ways that leave them breathless with wonder and motivated to go deeper with God. I want them to know Jesus more intimately, and I want them to take firsthand knowledge of that wonder from every devotion I share.

3. You are the author of a relatively new book, Get Real. What is this book about? What inspired you to write it?

First, I'm passionate about connecting men with Jesus. I'm part of a dynamic, growing congregation, and I've observed that congregations where men get excited about their faith are congregations that grow in other amazing ways.

Get Real: a Spiritual Journey for Men was written in response to the crying need for an easy-to-read book that will inspire and encourage men to follow Jesus. Too many Christian men shy away from a dynamic spiritual journey because it is so often "bundled" with conservative politics and an "evangelical" package many find hard to swallow.

Get Real outlines how desire, discipleship, devotion, and daring can lead us into an authentic and life-changing encounter with the living Christ. My These Days devotions (February 24-March) introduce this content.

The editors at Upper Room Books invited me to write Get Real because my devotional writing touched a nerve in the United Methodist Church. Methodist churches all over the United States are reading the book. This book is exactly what Presbyterian congregations need to be reading, and it's my prayer that they will.

4. What do you think is so unique about the spiritual development of men?

We (men) are so performance-oriented and individualistic that we're nervous about opening up. We want everything to be clear-cut, manageable, and pretty much in our control. That makes Christ's message challenging – because so much of the language Jesus uses about spiritual life is relational. That's hard for men – so we need a little help. That's why I believe Christianity is often best understood and experienced as a team sport. Most of the solid progress I have made spiritually has been in the context of small groups, and my men's Bible-study group is the basis for much of what I share in Get Real.

Let's face it guys, we need each other. The principles, of course, speak to both men and women.

5. Do you have plans to write another book? If so, what will it address?

I'm actually editing the final proofs this week! In My Heart I Carry A Star: Stories for Advent is being released by Upper Room Books this August. The book is designed to prepare us for Christmas. It's all too easy to get sidetracked by the razzmatazz, the noise, and the cultural overlay. Most of us arrive at Christmas Eve too exhausted to appreciate the coming of Christ.
In my other life I'm a columnist for The Tampa Tribune. The 33 chapters read much like my (award-winning) Op-Ed column. The book includes loads of amazing scripture (some you wouldn't have expected), great stories, and some creative ideas you won't want to miss.
I can guarantee that if you read In my Heart I Carry A Star your experience of Christmas 2008 will be so meaningful that you'll want to get a copy for everyone you know.

Thanks, Vince, I've enjoyed chatting with you.

Derek

http://www.derekmaul.net/

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=430180&ep_id=120

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