Just One Thing
What if I told you that there is one simple change that you could make in the coming year that would change your life exponentially?
Would you do it?
What if I told you that there is one daily discipline, which takes about 15 minutes a day, that is stronger than an anti-depressant, more powerful than a personal trainer, and brings greater comfort and wisdom than the most renown counselor you could possibly find?
Would you participate in this discipline? Would you?
What if I told you that I, a formerly depressed woman, currently experience such joy and peace in my soul that it reaches far beyond my circumstances, past the difficult people in my life and overcomes my socio-economic level?
What if? Would you believe me?
It is not a “magic” fix although it is indeed a miraculous prescription! I have found that participating in this simple yet meaningful practice delivers eternal rewards and rejuvenates the woman that I am with inexpressible joy and purpose.
Are you in? Are you willing to take the plunge with me at the beginning of this brand new year?
If you know me at all, and you understand the miracle that God has caused to happen in my life, then you know exactly what I am going to tell you to do.
Read your Bible.
Read your Bible every day with joy and delight!
Immerse yourself in its powerful principles and in its extravagant peace.
Think about the Word of God … talk about the Bible … make it part of your emotional DNA.
Read your Bible.
Did you know that the Bible has healing power over sin, sickness and emotional pain?
“He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20)
Did you know that the Bible is able to do for you what other resources are unable to accomplish in your life?
“My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:28)
The Bible is the greatest source of healing, of comfort, of wisdom and of peace that has ever been known to humanity.
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your Word has revived me.” (Psalm 119:50)
Whatever you have gone through in life, the Word of God has the power to heal and to assuage your pain! I guarantee it!
Whatever you will face in all of your tomorrows will be bearable because of the wisdom and strength found in the Word of God! I guarantee it!
So many people just simply don’t know “where” to begin reading in the Bible. I don’t believe in playing “Bible Roulette”. Have you ever heard of “Bible Roulette”?! That familiar but frustrating game is when you just open your Bible and frantically look for a magic answer to whatever conundrum you have found yourself in on any given day of the year!
I believe that God’s Word is powerful and a wise counselor. I also believe that the Bible holds the answers for God’s children when applied appropriately, when treasured daily and when a heartfelt longing for God’s opinion is desired.
If you are wondering how to approach reading the Word of God during this calendar year, let me give you a couple of suggestions:
1 – Set aside 15 minutes a day to read your Bible. Perhaps on the weekend, you would be able to set aside 20-30 minutes a day. We spend our lives doing so many different and various activities and ignore the importance of daily time focused on God’s heart and on God’s will. God’s heart and God’s will is only found in the Bible … it is His eternal gift to us!
We go to the gym, play computer games, talk on the phone, watch pointless TV shows and clean things that will just need cleaning again tomorrow! The investment of time that you give to the Word of God will be the best investment of your entire life!
2 – Choose a Scripture once a month to memorize. At the end of the year, you will be the beneficiary of 12 new Scriptures that are hidden in your heart! On the first day of every month, simply write out a verse on a 3 x 5 card and then carry it around with you. When you are waiting in a line, read your memory verse … when you are in a doctor’s office, read your memory verse … when you are on the verge of frustration, read your memory verse. By the end of the month, it will be written on your heart! {Pick up a set of "Joy for All Seasons" scripture cards here}
3 – When you are in a difficult situation in life, get on your knees with your Bible open. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. Reverently open your Bible and bask in all that He is and all that He has. The best place to start is to study the verses that are on your daily plan for that day.
4 – Make it your personal goal to share with someone once a week what you are reading in your Bible. Ask God to open doors for you to share a Scripture with someone. Perhaps you could set a monthly appointment with a friend and determine that you will only talk about the Bible!
5 – Remind yourself that as the children of God, we do not primarily read the Bible for information but for transformation. Even if your mind does not understand what you have read, your spirit is being renewed, strengthened and restored! I guarantee it!
“So I will keep Your law continually, forever and ever!” (Psalm 119:44)
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:1-40
Joyful Thoughts to Ponder:
What is the best time of day for you to spend time reading your Bible?
Has God ever brought a Scripture to your mind when you were in a difficult place in life? What was that Scripture?
What Scripture verse will you memorize this month?
**This is a devotional out of my new book, "Joy for All Seasons - a 52 Week Devotional". You can purchase the book HERE.
Get Carol's newest devotional book, JOY for All Seasons AND our new scripture card set for only $30 (plus shipping)!
