Since reading the Bible more and getting more out of it was the number one item on the Renewal Survey, let's start there. Actually, it's the best place to start because God's word guides our life.

A lady wrote that she just can't make the time to read the Bible. I know this woman from other groups, and she is a godly woman. Her intentions are excellent but she just doesn't get that Bible read!
Sound familiar?

Or maybe you're reading the Bible but not getting anything out of it.

The secret to meaningful Scripture reading is to take it in tiny parts. It's all fine and good to "read the Bible in a year" or "read the Bible in 90 days", but those programs are often invitations to failure. You may get caught up in the logistics of the reading and overlook the meaning.  WOW! I read the Bible in a year! Or you may miss a day or two, get discouraged and give up the whole thing with the intention of starting over again when you can do it right -- but you never do.

Have you ever gobbled down an entire meal and realized you didn't actually taste the food? On the other hand, have you ever taken ONE bite of something and chewed it slowly, releasing all the flavors and savoring all the tastes and textures? One bite is a lot easier to swallow, easier to digest, and the flavor stays with you.

It's the same thing with your Daily Bread. It's far better to read one chapter, one paragraph, even one verse and really get something out of it. Sometimes when I read, one verse jumps off the page at me. I read it again and again. Sometimes I look at the margin notes or footnotes, if there are any. Ask God what He wants you to get out of that particular verse or chapter. Dwell on it. Savor it. Be nourished by it!

That's why I've chosen Matthew 6:11 for this month's scripture. Give us this day our DAILY bread. Not a whole loaf -- just enough for one day. Be nourished with God's manna -- enough for one day!

This principle applies beyond Scripture reading, too.
If you want to lose weight, tackle it one day at a time. Don't change your entire way of eating all at once because it probably will fail. Instead, eat sensibly just for today. Then tomorrow, eat sensibly just for that day. Soon you will have eaten sensibly for an entire month -- but you did it one day at a time! For example, don't eat butter on your toast today. Or for that matter, forego that slice of buttered toast altogether. That will save you 200 calories! It doesn't seem like much, but it WILL result in weight loss!

And apply the same principle to every avenue of renewal. Want to unclutter your house? Clean out one drawer today. Tomorrow clean something else. Eventually, you'll be uncluttered! Want to clean up your finances? Pinpoint one expenditure you can do without -- eating out, for example. Pennies do make dollars, and it's amazing how many pennies we "waste" each day.

If you are lonely or angry or hurt, find one person to talk to or one way to forgive the person who has made you angry or hurt. Yes, I know you're probably tired of those forgiveness talks, but God gave us the gift of forgiveness for US, not the perpetrator!

Don't forget to pray! Ask God for strength and resolve! Remember, it's just for one day. Tomorrow is another day. One step at a time.........

PRAYER
Lord, my sister needs strength for today.
Give her Your sustaining and satisfying DAILY BREAD.
Feed her.
Fill her.
Nourish her.
When she comes to you tomorrow, I know You'll
be there for her again
because You said You will never leave nor
forsake us.

SCRIPTURE CHALLENGE

Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11

1. Memorize this scripture.
2. Personalize it. Give ME this day MY daily bread.
3. Write out what it means to you on your journey.
4. Believe God will provide manna for you!