Woman of Your Word

 

Google image

"The Bible is the greatest of all books; to study it is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals." ~ Charles C. Ryrie

🕮 How long does it take to start a habit?  The 21 days assumption is a myth, according to experts.  Time management expert Laura Vanderkam says in a Mon-Fri schedule, Thursday is the best day to start a new habit- Mondays are too busy, Wednesdays are typically the longest work days, then by Thursdays the work week starts to slow down. You can reinforce the habit on Friday when work is slower, continue it through the weekend and be off to a good start.

🕮 British author Samuel Smiles says of habits:

"Sow a thought, and you reap an act;

sow an act and you reap a habit;

sow a habit and you reap a character;

sow a character and you reap a destiny."

I have a lot of habits I'm not proud of.  They may involve Flaming Hot Cheetos & watching Law & Order.  But I always want to be learning and teachable.  I know time goes by quickly & I need to be self-disciplined in the present day.

🕮 It is incredibly important to be women of our word. But let's also, instead of being women that wished we were versed in the Word of God, be actual women of the Word of God.  

God's Word tells us to actively resist the world and its temptations by using our minds-

"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,  that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  Romans 12:2

🕮 It also tells us to let the Spirit renew our minds and attitudes-

"To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Eph 4:22-24

"Old Woman Reading a Bible"~ Gerrett Dou- the Louvre

🕮 So if we aren't used to delving into Scripture to renew our minds, where do we start?  How do we start?

John Maxwell (the author of Make Today Count) said we'll never change our lives until we change something we do daily.  The secret of success is found in daily routine. 

🕮 So how can we start a daily habit of reading the Bible?

First, I would say ask God for help.  In Proverbs 16 it says to "commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."  He wants us to succeed in knowing Him better. Maybe ask someone to join you in reading the Bible & commit to talking about it.  Use a reading plan or just start with the gospels in the New Testament. Just start.

🕮 According to one expert, the easiest way to form a habit (i.e. reading the Bible):

• start with an incredibly small habit (i.e. read the Bible for 5-7 min)
• increase in very small ways (I.e. increase by a minute or two)
• as you build up, break habits into chunks (as you build up your daily time, maybe do some in the morning and some at another time during the day)
• when you slip up, just get back on track the next day (no one's keeping track)

🕮 God is for us.  He wants to be our friend.  He sent His Holy Spirit to be our helper & friend.

It's not a failure if you don't read the Scripture every day; we don't earn rewards or penalties. It's not meant to be a chore. He gave it to us to know Him and His ways more intimately so we can serve Him better in this harsh & mixed up world. 

🕮 Happy and joyous reading!

✙ Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us all the tools we need to equip us in this world-Your Word, Your Holy Spirit, Your ear for listening to our prayers.  Help us to be women of Your Word.  You have equipped us for all we need this day; help us to come to You for it.  We ask for one more thing - grateful hearts to live our lives for You because You died for us to be able to live with You today & always. Amen.