Daily devotional – The devotional systematic reading of the Word of God.
Daily Reading of God’s Word
Daniel 9:2
“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”
Devotional reading of the Bible is one of the greatest joys of following Christ. Yet, when people are asked what book of the Bible they are currently reading, many respond as though they have been caught with their hand in the biscuit barrel. Some mention a single verse from a daily verse calendar or app, while others speak of a fictional book with a Christian theme.
But devotional reading of God’s Word is how we receive our daily bread from the Lord. It is as simple and as essential as eating our daily meals.
What is devotional reading? It is prayerfully seeking God’s guidance as you read through a particular book of the Bible, or systematically reading through the Scriptures book by book, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse. It is this consistent, contextual reading of God’s Word that nourishes a healthy walk with the Lord.
Some people are discouraged by the thought of devotional reading because they imagine they must read ten chapters every day or rise at 4:00 a.m. without fail. But that is not what God requires. The issue is not the length of your reading but the faithfulness of it. Read persistently and prayerfully, working your way through a book of the Bible from beginning to end. This is how God intended His Word to be read—in its context.
Ask questions as you read. Who was this book written to? What circumstances were God’s people facing? What issue is being addressed? What is the Lord revealing about Himself? What timeless truths is He teaching that apply to every generation?
Perhaps begin with the Gospel of Mark and read ten or so verses each day. Before you begin, ask God to speak to you through His Word. Pray that He would open your eyes to understand what the passage truly says. Then ask Him to help you apply its truth to your own life.
As you read, ask yourself, “What is God saying to me about my walk with Him through this passage?” Remember, the Bible is not open to private interpretation. Every passage has the meaning God intended when He inspired it. Yet the Holy Spirit faithfully applies that unchanging truth to the particular circumstances of our lives. Sometimes He brings correction, sometimes direction, sometimes encouragement, and sometimes conviction. Our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need, and He speaks to us through His living Word.
May we never neglect the daily privilege of hearing our Shepherd’s voice through the Scriptures.
Psalm 119:105
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”