Daily devotional, January 26, 2024 Serious plan

"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

One month has almost passed in this brand new year, and for us moms who have resolved to read the Bible daily, may I ask how things are so far? If you answered yes, and you are on it day after day, then congratulations, and may you continue the habit.
For those who have yet to fully commit to reading The Word everyday, then this devotional entry may be helpful for you. Today, we will deviate from our usual devotional format and take a look at what can help us develop a habit of reading God’s word daily.

Of course the first way for us to get into the habit is to have conviction. We have to know why we want to read the Bible everyday. Once we have pinned down our reasons, which are hopefully to Worship God, get to know Him more, nourish a personal relationship with Him, and be a better Christ follower — then we can get ahead with developing the habit.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

So first, we have to set a place and time on when and where we will do our Bible reading. As moms, we can do it first thing in the morning (before everyone is awake), or at the middle of the morning when the kids are already in school and the baby is napping. We also have the option of reading at nighttime after everyone is in bed. The duration of reading is up to you. There are days that you can read a whole chapter, then there are days you can read more or less.

Regardless of your chosen Bible reading schedule we have to make sure that we set this time apart, and dedicate it solely for Bible reading. Of course it may not be cast in stone for all the days of our lives because there could be emergencies or unforeseen circumstances but, if we know that such time is alloted for Bible reading then most likely we will be accountable to ourselves.

"With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." 
Psalm 119:10-11

Next, we have to set apart a location for our bible reading time. We can either  do it on our home office, our kitchen table, our veranda, or even in our favorite chair in the living room. What is important is we have a nook for reading and we will go to this nook every single day to read God’s word.

We also have to get a permanent Bible that we will use for our daily reading. What does this mean? This is a hardcopy of a version that we fully are comfortable with, and that we fully understand. For instance some people like the King James Version while others find the old english wordings a bit hard to understand. Others like the English Standard Version, while others got used to the NIV or New International Version. Whatever version you like, just stick to it, and make sure, the copy will be available to you each and everyday that you read.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." 
Romans 15:4

You may also want to get a pen, a little journal notebook, a highlighter, and some bookmarks. These extra supplies are not meant to beautify a picture spread that you may want to post on Instagram. Instead, it is meant to help you with your note-taking, and in case you want to go back to some passage next time, or if you want to clarify something.

Next step is to have a Bible Reading Plan. No, this is not something that is rocket science or deeply theological. It only means that you have to have a schedule on what you want to read, and how much you will be reading.

For instance you can use devotional books or apps that share different stories plus reflections, and then suggest passages to read (just like this devotional series). You can also start by choosing a book in the Bible. For instance you want to know more about Jesus then try reading the four gospel books first, like the Books of Matthew, Luke, Mark and John.

If you would like biblical guidance on practical things then start with the Letter of James, and the Letters of Peter. For life lessons, then you may want to begin with the Book of Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. For reflections, then you may want to read the Book of Psalms.

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

If you are into chronological reading then, you may want to have a one-year Bible reading plan which can guide you with the passages to read so that you can completely read the Bible in one year. There are downloadable apps for this, or there are flyers usually given for free in churches and Christian bookstores.

Once you have the reading plan, then you can now start reading your bible daily. Start by praying — asking God for guidance so that you can understand His Word, apply it to your everyday life, and glorify Him.

After reading, you can also consult Bible commentaries written by renowned biblical scholars so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the passage you have just read. Make notes, highlight passages that speak to you, and share to your children what you have just read and learned.

Stick to your plan for the next six weeks, unrelenting every single day, and witness yourself get into the habit of reading your Bible. Always remember that your sincere heart to worship, love, and know Jesus Christ will power your mind and body to show up in your reading nook everyday.   

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." 
Joshua 1:8

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on  2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 1 Peter 1:13-25 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question:  Have you gotten into your bible-reading habit?

Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for giving us Your Word. It guides us, nourishes us, and blesses us each and everyday. Grant me Lord the strength of mind and heart to stay disciplined and committed to know you more so that I can be a better follower to you. Amen