Good Morning Girls!  Over the years I have read a lot of books on successful Christian living.  I have read a variety of authors that have covered a variety of topics.  Whether it is parenting, marriage, weight loss, leadership, you name it, they all have one piece of advice that is consistent in every single book.  After they give you their personal testimony,  the scientific research,  the countless examples,  the scriptural references, at some point in their book they all say this: the key to successful living in (insert topic) is to get in to God's Word.  Every "successful" Christian will tell you that the very foundation of their faith comes from them getting into the Word for themselves.  It was no surprise to me to read today's assignment.

When I was newly born again, I desperately wanted to experience the same life changing "bible moments" that I heard others talk about.  I bought numerous books on "studying the bible".  They all left me feeling empty.  I believe I felt empty because I was treating the bible the same way I treated a college course.  I would read the required reading, answer the questions, pray their prayer, and check out for the day.  The next day I would do whatever "assignment" I was given.  Studying the bible is good.  There is a time for that.  However, before you start to study, I suggest you simply enjoy what God has written for you! 

Start out simple.  Take today's verse and look it up in your bible.  I believe there is power that comes simply from opening up your bible. Read the verse in whatever translation you have.  Ask the Lord "Lord, please reveal to me something about your Word.  Show me how it applies to my life.  Show me how it applies to those I love.  As I go about my day, please give me the eyes to see someone who may be encouraged by this verse.  Give me the courage to share this verse with them."  Gaining revelation of one verse is worth much more than being able to check of a whole chapter each day, and walking away empty.  After a while you will be surprised at how the Lord directs you in your bible time.  You will look up the one verse, but suddenly you will feel "led" to look over at the next page and read something else, which may lead you to something else, which will lead you to the one special thing the Lord had for you that day.  When that happens, it is the most amazing feeling.  That Word sticks with you forever!  Some days, I don't feel anything in particular.  I used to get discouraged, but soon I learned that a Word that didn't make sense one day, suddenly applies to my life 3 days later.  God was preparing my heart for that very moment.

Don't get caught up in the "how to's" and the "how longs".  Start simple.  Start expectant.  And most importantly....start today!

Assignment:
Commit to reading the bible every day.  find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance.  If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily bible reading with you.  Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the book.

Questions:
What parts of your life are in the greatest need of God's counsel?  Where do you feel the most susceptible to failure? What are you asking God to show you through His Word?

Psalm 119:115 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path

Love you all-
Jen