Need a recharge in your life? So did our (in)courage writers. While our writing team was together earlier this week, each writer received a copy of this new Devotional Crossword Book: Renew Your Mind. We’d love to share an excerpt with you today! May your heart be recharged and renewed.
We’ve all experienced the ill-timed red, flashing “2% Battery” notification on our phones, reminding us to charge our device soon or else it will no longer work properly.
Feeling drained of energy can have the same effect on our souls. Our bodies and minds were not meant to operate on high levels of stress without renewal. They are trying to “notify” us when we get sick, when we are irritable with friends and loved ones, and when our thoughts are spinning wildly — especially at 3:30 a.m.! We need to recharge regularly, or we simply won’t be effective in the life God has for us.
Not only do we usually need more sleep, but we need REST. Psalm 23:2 (NLT) says the Lord “lets me rest in green meadows.” I love the idea that God LETS us rest! Often, we think we need permission, don’t we?
Even Jesus broke away in nature to recharge, rest, and talk to His Father. If Jesus needed time to renew His focus and His body, then certainly we can and should. Rest is not only good; it was God’s idea.
What recharges you? Perhaps a walk outside, breathing fresh air, brings renewed focus. Sometimes adjusting your schedule from too many commitments can bring about more peace and less “frazzle.” Maybe a cup of chamomile tea and a crossword puzzle help you unwind after a stressful day. Listen to your body when it lets you know its battery is getting low.
Be kind to yourself because God cares about you.
In the Devotional Crossword Puzzle Book: Renew Your Mind, the process of solving crossword puzzles becomes an opportunity for meditating on Scripture and important biblical concepts. Each entry is focused on renewing the mind, with themes such as Replace, Remember, Refresh, Restore, Recharge, and more.
With 36 insightful devotions and thought-provoking crossword puzzles, the Devotional Crossword Puzzle Book: Renew Your Mind will help you reconnect with the Source of true peace and joy. Solving each puzzle gives you moments to reflect on God’s Word, letting eternal truths sink deep into your soul.
Get comfy, grab a pencil, and get ready for your heart to be inspired, your spirit to be refilled, and your mind to be renewed!
My life has been in a valley for a while and I need rest. Whenever I am distant from the Lord, His Word recharges my heart and my soul. I am forever grateful for His peace and presence in my life.
Rest is not something I do well. I tend to feel guilty when resting. There is always something that needs done. I need to work on that more!
I love this – I have needed more mental stimulation in god’s word
What a lovely idea to incorporate a crossword puzzle into a devotional!
I’ve been awake since 3:39 am. I prayed to God to help me get some rest and to turn off the brain from thinking. Sometimes it works, today it did not, or so I thought. After spending 30 minutes using the shop vac to clear up water in my cellar- round 2 later- I am sitting here watching a bird build a nest above my patio door. This is my rest and reminder that all will be well. If God takes care of the birds, God will do the same with me. By the way, I love crossword puzzles. This looks like a fun book- maybe something I might use at 3:30 am!
Our world is oriented to be hectic. Even vacations for most of us are filled with itineraries that don’t allow much down time. How awesome is it that God designed & set boundaries so that we would be rested, renewed & refreshed. Just another way He demonstrates His great love for us. Blessings! (((0)))
Love your podcast and so needed this. I’ve felt so frazzled a lot here lately and I need to learn it’s okay to rest and not feel guilty. It’s okay to say NO and take time for me. Thank you
What a great idea. Doing puzzles helps and being in the word is even better.
Renew!
This is such a cool idea!
My mind and spirit has been racing for the past few months and I desperately need rest. I feel as if I’ve been holding my breath for so long and I just can’t exhale. I love the way God loves me through it all.
Sitting in silence in the early hours of the day, when it is still dark and my family is still sleeping, with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and the scent of a burning candle does recharge me.
Rest is definitely an area I need a little practice in! This crossword book is such a marvelous idea. I love that it is intentional in renewing our minds with THE WORD.
This is so, so good and what I needed. To keep giving, we need to rest, recharge.
Thank you for this.
Wow! The emphasis on “Let’s me rest…” was eye-opening to me. I am a go-getter, busy busy busy, list-maker and take satisfaction crossing off each task. I wear myself out and feel guilty resting. My Father wants me to rest. He leads me to rest but He doesn’t hold me down. He “lets” me choose without guilt or setting a timer. What freedom!
I love devotionals and crossword puzzles and this devotional sounds like it would be so fun and inspiring. I have been struggling with finding true rest these days. Not sure why.
Yes I need to escape to renew & refresh my inner woman (spirit), to combat & prepare myself against the enemy & his tactics by refreshing with the spirit of God daily in Jesus name!
This is a wonderful idea!
This is a wonderful idea! Radical rest indeed.
Love this! Two of my favorite things to do…Increase my knowledge of the Lord and crossword puzzles:)
I love the idea of a crossword puzzle devotional! I’m looking forward to this one because it takes two of my favorite ways to rest and puts them together!!!
Love this! To have the opportunity to infuse my crossword passion with the Word is golden!
I love the idea of a crossword puzzle that could be helpful for your spirit! It would feel uplifting to sit with a book like this.
I like crossword puzzles and love studying the Word of God!
My soul needs rest
You were describing how I am feeling currently as I am seeking to live above my circumstances. Thanks for your post.
It is important to find various ways to relax….
Audio scripture and prayer readings
Sounds like so much fun and more importantly, the perfect way to refresh my spirit! I haven’t done a crossword puzzle in a long time – hope I win a copy!!
What a relaxing activity for a couple to do together to spur deeper conversation!
Thank you for reminding us that Jesus wants us to rest. So often I feel like if I’m not feeling more or pushing harder I’m not succeeding. And I forget I have a father above who only wants the best for me.
Thank you for reminding us that Jesus wants us to rest. So often I feel like if I’m not doing more or pushing harder, I’m not succeeding. And I forget I have a father above who only wants the best for me.
What a great idea! This looks like a good way to read scripture and meditate on it as the spaces are being filled.
Thank you for (in)Courage
Love this idea and the book looks beautiful!
I am learning not only just to rest, but also in the Lord too.
I love the idea of this, and am thinking it would be good for my crossword loving teen to help her calm down at times.
Such an interesting concept to learn and meditate on scripture!
Happy Tuesday! Love the devotion. Rest is such an important topic especially for young mothers. (Please exclude me from the chance to win a copy so somebody else can.)
Sending you spring joy,
Lisa Wilt
This sounds way better than scrolling on a phone before bed. <3
Love doing crosswords, and love devotionals, so win, win!
I would love to win this devotional for my friend who loves puzzles!
I agree, FUN! Would love a copy of this.
This sounds like a great way to spend some time with God. Thank you for the opportunity.
What a wonderful way to spend time with God ! Great concept! I hope to get them for gifts and one for myself.
What a fun way to study the scripture!
Love this idea. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
I believe in taking moments to unwind and rest because when I practice it I see the positive results in my life. How great to see a devotional that feeds us spiritually but also helps us to also learn in a fun simple way.
Such a neat idea…..challenging your mind, refreshing your memory, maybe even learning a little something new along the way…..all while slowing down and growing your faith. I’d love to get a copy!
What a unique way to do devotions! It would be worthwhile to create more activities like this.
This sounds wonderful! Sign me up! For all of it!
Definitely need a recharge after this past year. Lost my 34 year old daughter and I gained custody of her 15 year old son, while still having an 18 year old daughter at home. I am a 55 year old divorced single parent to 2 teenagers. Need recharged, renewed and refreshed.
I so look forward to listening to your podcasts each day! I am a first grade teacher of 37 years and I use my commute to remind me that I am a daughter of Christ first. Your podcast helps me to affirm His grace and love! Thank you!
This is awesome! I love crossword puzzles and this is a great way to incorporate it into my quiet time. Thank you!
This is such a great idea! I would love a copy !
In the ink, dark season that I am in, what do I need the most is rest to clear my mind, help my body to not feel so much pain and know just what to say to Jesus when I pray for these things. Sometime I feel that I don’t pray the way I do. I do pray so frequently due to all the issues that I am facing. I do hope that Jesus will help me to. I repeat my prayers often. Is this too much to do? Is that where I am failing? I am so weary, I just don’t know anymore. Thank you (incourage) community for helping us every single day. I wish you all a Blessed week and if you have a prayer list, could you put me on it? Thanks for your words as they will certainly help me……………………….Betsy Basile
oh, so fun! I’ve been trying to find that time in the day to recharge…it’s supremely difficult with 2 teens, a full time career, volunteer activities, church activities, balancing a relationship with Jesus and my Husband. Love this thoughtful way to challenge our minds while dwelling with Jesus’ promises.
I love how the Lord speaks to me, often times through this website! I am older now (70) and been thinking I need to exercise my brain more since my memory isn’t as good as it used to be. They say crossword puzzles help but I was going to look for a biblical one so I could grow in God’s Word as well! Then I saw your new crossword puzzle and thought, this is it! God is so good and I am so thankful for the incourage family and inspirational devotionals! Blessings to you!
I love a good crossword puzzle almost as much as a good book! Reading and singing along to worship music are my favorite ways to relax and recharge. This is such a cool idea!
Rest is so important, and meditating on God’s word is a wonderful way to rest. This meditational crossword book is such a good idea, especially since our lives are all so busy these days. I know that not only would I enjoy it, but it would make wonderful gifts as well. Thank you to the (in)courage team for the reminder to rest and also to provide us with practical tools for doing so.
I love doing puzzles to unwind!
Working crossword puzzles are my one of my favorite ways to relax and unwind. I would love a copy please!
We are commanded to rest, but it’s one of those commandments most of us fail to obey well. This crossword puzzle book is definitely a great way to start to rest better!
We love crossword puzzles. This sounds wonderful.:)
Take care, Kathy
I love the idea of a puzzle book with scripture! My daughter is in a very, very busy season and is just keeping going. Great reminder to REST in the Lord! Thank you!
Yes! Rest is so necessary, but for many of us, it is anything but natural. I recently changed jobs and moved. Before, I was so overwhelmed and overcommitted. It did not seem to matter what I did, I never felt like I could truly rest. Moving forced me to slow down. I am in a new community, away from a lot of my connections, so I decided to use this year to rest and recover from a bad case of burnout, taking the time to see what opportunities for connection my community offered. I did not want to fill my calendar with things for the sake of filling my calendar. I attend church weekly and found a Bible study, but other than that, I have intentionally kept my commitments low, knowing this is a very unique season that I likely will not have again. It has been weird to have multiple evenings a week where I have no where to go (sometimes the extrovert in me goes a little crazy), but in some ways it has been a blessing as I have seen the positive affects slowing down has had on me both physically and mentally. You may not have an opportunity like I did to leave all of your commitments behind, but I pray each of you finds a way, however small it may be, to cultivate rest for your soul.
What an inspiring, fresh devotional!
The picture of all of you is so cute too.
Thank you for all your hard work.
Would love this for my wife and daughters this Mother’s Day season.
I love puzzles. Knowing that doing a puzzle can draw me closer to God and strengthen my faith makes it even better!
In a season of processing grief as my husband, 53 years, died in July. My daily focus needs renewing and refueling.
Thanks and blessings
What a great idea! Combine God’s Word with a puzzle, two of my favorite things! Love it!
I love the blending of these two restful devotions. Thank you for sharing.
Time in nature with a focus that God created it all helps me recharge. Need more of it.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this cool devotion. Rest is a choice that many times gets crowded out by life. This would be so much better than playing games on a device!
What a wonderful way to truly incorporate our minds and hearts while resting in the Lord!
Thank you for this idea ad for the opportunity to win a book. I have a sister who definitely would like this
God established a rhythm of rest when he created the world and rested on the seventh day. We need a rest day each week to function like He intended. If even God observed rest, shouldn’t we?
Thanks for creating a very unique and thoughtful way to encourage and equip me with more of God’s Word – the only thing that can restore my soul, while refreshing my mind and spirit.
I love this! I love crosswords and I love scripture. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
I have not typically enjoyed crossword puzzles, but this one! I think I could get on board with. Concepts and words that I might actually know! 🙂
So many times these emails have spoken directly to me. They are much needed and much appreciated!!!
Wow! What a unique way to focus on Scripture! …and renew my mind! Love the idea!
I could use some rest. A lot of people depend on me for many reasons and sometimes my cup is running empty. Thanks!
I definitely need to work on resting, renewing and recharging…i tend to go until I am only going on fumes and then wonder why I am irritable and feel overwhelmed. Thank you for the good reminder.
This is such a great idea for a recharge!!! I often do puzzle books of various kinds when I feel overwhelmed and need a recharge!!!
Love this! Words are my love language, so I love spending time with the Lord over HIS words in creative ways! It’s been years since I’ve done a crossword, brings me back to my little girl days when I was always solving word searches and crosswords.
That’s how I rest and relax: Crossword, logic, and jigsaw puzzles.
I would love a copy of this! Hits very close to home – I am often awake in the middle of the night feeding my baby when my mind starts to spin and feel chaotic during the day with a toddler as well. Love this idea of a truth-filled way to relax!
I find renewal walking in nature.
Love this so much! I’ve been thinking about how I’ve just been programmed to go, go, go and that rest is a reward. Whew! Rest should be a regular part of my daily routine. This will be the perfect resource to help me make that happen.
Such a cool idea! Thanks for the chance to win a copy. Also, I love how it brings encouragement and an activity together.
Also, rest is something I think we all need more of and can work on better.
I feel like I need a lot of rest because of my disability.
Rest Is Vital. ♥️
I do my hobbies to rest and recharge. Coloring and diamond art are my favorites!
Sounds fun and relaxing a scripture crossword puzzle book. Thanks to all who contributed
Can’t wait to see this new crossword puzzle book. Thanks to all the writers
The older I get the more important rest and renewal is especially in the Lord.
Great job ladies
This looks amazing!
This looks so cool
I love the concept of renewing and recharging in a crossword. Great idea and i believe for people like me very much needed.
I love to color or watch a show to recharge!
This sounds like fun. Please enter me in the drawing.
What recharges me is getting together with friends over a cup of coffee. If I were to win, I would gift this book to my closest friend Serra!
I love to recharge by listening to an audiobook while sewing. Being a mom to littles it’s my time to reflect and recharge.
Reading a good book with a cup of coffee
I need some rest. Thank youfor the reminder!
This sounds like a creative devotional!
What an interesting concept for a devotional!
What a great way to share part of our day with God!
Physical rest, reading, a walk outside.
Unique devotional… very fun.
We need to be purposeful and guard our rest…
Very Unique devotional… very fun.
We need to be purposeful and guard our rest…
What a neat idea!!
I have an older family member who does crossword puzzles every day. She could use some biblical encouragement to brighten her day. I would definitely share this book with her!
At age 75, puzzles have always been a way for me to ‘de-stress’! So I am thrilled you have combined devotionals with a favorite passtime!
Creative and fun idea!
This is awesome!
When I’m feeling super empty I go spend time with God in nature. I’m blessed enough to live right near the ocean!
This is beautiful! I’d gift it to my mother for Mother’s day. She loves word puzzles of all types and she does a daily devotional.
Daily meditation
Love this idea! Would love to win a copy
Love this! I recharge by going on walks or jogging.