It’s time…
Good morning! I hope all of you had the most wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.
As we approach a brand new year, 2024, I want to challenge you.
Get into God’s Word. Every single day.
On January 1 ,2012, this blog began, formerly called “Shine Girls”.
I was on a quest to read my Bible and I needed some accountability partners.
Nervously, I sent out an email to a handful of friends asking them if they would like to read the Bible with me.
Almost everyone I reached out to said YES.
Those friends shared the plan with other friends, and this little community was built.
God’s Word has the power to bring so much fellowship and community, something we all desperately need.
God’s Word also brings us wisdom, true wisdom. Not wisdom from the world, but godly wisdom.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. 1 Corinthians 3:19
We all know people that are very smart, but severely lacking in wisdom. Without wisdom, we destroy our lives by unwise decisions.
We all know people as well, that are not as educated or worldly, however they have godly wisdom and it shows in all they do.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
Just look around you. This world is in dire need of wisdom.
As parents, as spouses, as neighbors, as daughters, as sisters, as friends, as co-workers…
Wisdom is the greatest thing we can ever acquire because it affects everyone around us.
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
This year, let’s set out to acquire wisdom.
The only way to truly gain this wisdom is through God, and reading His Words.
We must stop ingesting the world, and start ingesting God’s Word.
What comes out of our mouths is a by-product of what we are being fed.
The heart speaks through the mouth.
Good comes from a good man because of the riches he has in his heart. Sin comes from a sinful man because of the sin he has in his heart. The mouth speaks of what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45
Hey, let’s read that scripture again. Wow!
So, how can we fill up on wisdom?
Reading God’s Word.
Asking God daily for wisdom.
Wisdom is not a one time shot, it is a daily vitamin that we must take in order for it to function properly.
We must clothe ourselves with wisdom daily.
Through the years, I have done several plans to assist me in getting into God’s Word.
Having a plan is key.
If we don’t have a plan, we won’t do it. Period. Trust me on this one.
Here are some ideas to get you started this year…
*Read a proverb and a psalm a day. For example if it’s the 28th day of the month, read Proverbs 28, etc.
*Order a bible reading plan. This one is a good one that I have done for many years. It is more reading, however, you can break it up if needed. Read only half of the days reading if that is all you can get in. Just read. That’s all that matters. It also has a little devotion at the beginning of each reading. It is about $20.
*Find a plan online. I have also done Billy Graham’s reading plan. I liked it a lot because I could always find the plan online if I was traveling.
https://pages.billygraham.org/daily-bible-reading?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=nn%20biblereadingplan-test&SOURCE=BY2102BPG&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1rSsBhDHARIsANB4EJay6vr58jEzk6y7xH-vC9f_E5l0OECnO3FxOPuHOSLPVnVWrRubBWsaAvGWEALw_wcB
*Read a chapter a day through the new testament. Easy and oh so good. When you finish, do it again, or go to the old testament and do the same thing.
Friend, don’t let this year get away from you without deciding to once and for all get into God’s Word.
There is nothing that compares with HIS Words.
Devotionals are fine, and can be good accompaniments to His Word, but they should never take the place of His Word.
Call a friend, or ask your spouse to hold you accountable.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
You will be ever amazed at how personal and intimate God speaks to you through His Word. You will be in awe at the things He teaches you.
You will change.
Others will notice.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. Psalm 34:5
You will begin to crave your time in His Word. You will hunger for it and wonder how you ever lived without it.
He will refresh your soul every time you open His Word.
It will never ever get old.
You will be different. For the better.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
If you need some prayer and encouragement, please reach out to me. I am happy to cheer you on!
Ask God to help you as well. Ask Him to give you the discipline, the time, and the desire. HE WILL.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.” My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. Proverbs 4:7-10
seeking wisdom,
jill
