500 Days of Devotion: A Journey into the Bible

Day 1. I remember when I first made that decision clear as day, committing to reading the Bible every day. I was talking with my friend who said I should think of it like brushing my teeth every day. I felt shame for not reading until I decided to push past that shame. Fears of lapsing into old habits taunted me—I've tried becoming a regular Bible reader in the past, only to fall short. Could I really follow through this time? I had my doubts.

But 500 days on, here I am. The transformation is undeniable, and it's not just about acquiring knowledge or ticking off a religious check box. It's about growth in my intimacy with God. My patience, once so fleeting, now seems more steadfast. It's not perfect, mind you, and there's plenty of room for improvement. But it's a start, and that in itself is something to be grateful for.

Some of you remember how I used to grumble about chores—such burdensome tasks! Maybe some of you can relate to this. Recently, because I stayed close in intimacy with God, that's all changed. I've learned to find joy in them, a sense of fulfillment. It's not the tasks that have changed, it's me.

This journey is not just about reading the Bible. It's about embodying its teachings, letting them guide my actions, and change my perspectives. And guess what? I've discovered a secret place of communion with Him. Once a week—at least during the summer, it’s more often when the girls are in school—I retreat into this space, spending hours in His presence, worshiping, reconnecting and praying.

Through the day, I engage in conversations with Him, mulling over the dreams He's given me, the visions that stir within my spirit. It's not always structured or planned. Often, it's a spontaneous whisper, a quiet word of thanks, or a cry for guidance when my patience is tested. In fact, the last eight days, I really struggled to remember to read the Word and to have personal communion with Him. I almost broke my 500 day streak because of the struggle.

This is not just my story. It's a testament to what's possible when you commit to knowing God intimately, when you immerse yourself in His Word. It's an invitation to you to embark on your own journey of daily Bible reading, prayer, and worship.

There will be days when you might falter, when life gets in the way, but don't let that discourage you. It's not about perfection but about progress. If you miss a day or two, don't beat yourself up. Simply pick up where you left off and re-commit yourself. After all, your relationship with God isn't a sprint to the finish line, it's a journey of a lifetime. It’s a marathon, and sometimes we slow down, even stop to use the port-a-potty, but the important thing is that you keep moving.

So, if you haven’t started a regular time of devotion to God, are you ready to take the leap of faith? Ready to make the Word a part of your everyday life? Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let your journey of 500 days begin with the turn of a page. Here's to your first day and many more to come!