Local pastor writes devotional book about finding daily joy

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A local pastor has written a new book about finding joy in each day.

Rene Maciel, missions and community outreach pastor at First Baptist Woodway, wrote “31 Days of Joy,” a devotional book designed to help readers intentionally live out joy over the course of a month.

The book has a quick daily read that invites readers to reflect on the joy found in Christ with a different topic each day.

Maciel said he got the idea after seeing how many people were facing trials including depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I started writing it in 2020 just during COVID, and it’s just something that laid on my heart for a long time and finally decided to do it and looking forward to sharing it,” Maciel said.

Maciel’s book is designed to be a quick read. Each devotional would only take a few minutes daily.

Maciel said it’s a good starting point for finding better days in a world that can be tough.

“It’s a start, it really is a start. I think it really all comes back down to knowing the joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ,” Maciel said.

Each daily entry includes scripture that highlights the joy found in a relationship with Christ, Maciel said, and that’s a message he’s thrilled to share.

“I think more than anything else just revealing my heart about the joy that God gives us and having a chance to share with other people in the community,” he said.

“31 Days of Joy” is available for preorder on Amazon.

The official book launch will be Dec. 12 at La Fiesta in Waco from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The book signing will be Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Starbucks on Archway Drive in Woodway.

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