It’s a new year, so a new you right? Most of you probably have a resolution already, and you’re probably already determined to keep it all year long (we’ll see). If you’re stuck, I’ve got a resolution that’ll be worth your while.
Let’s read the bible.
The last few months, I've discovered that the YouVersion bible app on iPhone, Android, Windows and Blackberry has a lot of neat things that you can benefit from this year. You can set up a profile, see what others are listening too and reading. You can have the verse of the day sent straight to you via text, email, or push notification.
What I really found interesting though, is that they have plenty of free devotionals you can choose from. Once you choose one you can set up reminders so you stay on track. Those came in handy a few times this year. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites, in case you're looking for a place to start. I encourage you to download the app, and give it a look over. See what you can discover, and see what God will open your heart too.
1. Simple Pursuit: A Heart After Jesus
This devotional is only 8-days long. It's based on a bigger devotional, after the same name. Based on the Passion Generation, it's written by college aged students, just like you and I, for us. It talks about real problems that we face today. If you've never heard of Passion, check it out here (I hope to attend sometime soon). Honestly, this 8-day plan is a great look into the bigger version. I can't wait to get my hands on it.
2. Discovering Your True Identity: Shaken
This is a 5-day devotional written by Tim Tebow, but based around his book Shaken. I haven't gotten by hands on the book yet, but after reading the plan I'd love too. We all know about Tim Tebow's journey, but do we really know? It's just a snippet, but it gives you the ground work in finding a secure identity in God by using his testimony.
3. Chase The Lion
Sometimes God calls us to do something, but we're too scared to do it. We lack courage, and that's okay. This 7-day devotional (also a book), helps you uncover your dream, your calling, and the courage to chase after it full force.
4. The Pursuit
Alright ladies, this one is particularly for you. It's based on a four-week bible study by Amy Groeschel. After reading this 5-day plan, you'll want to get some close girlfriends together and do this one. I still want too with some of my friends. Having a relationship with God is important. In this devotional you'll discover how to pursue God whole heartily, but you'll also discover just how hard God is pursuing you too.
5. Relat(able): Making Relationships Work
This 7-day devotional is based on Louie Giglio's curriculum of the same name. This plan will show you how God makes us relate to other people. How we need other people. It'll be the groundwork for what you may need to heal a relationship, or find peace in times of conflicts with others.
These are just some of my favorites. There are many more that you can choose from and discover that fits what you may be going through, or what you may need at this moment in time. As always, when it comes to devotionals, the most important thing is to dig deeper into God's word. Open your heart, and he'll reveal so many things to you. Find some friends with some of the same goals, and help keep each other accountable.
Who knows what God will show/reveal to you by the time 2018 rolls around.