Our family, meaning my husband, our two children and me, often speak to one another in movie quotes. “So, how did it go?” is a line we picked up many years ago from the movie Aladdin. My husband often used Iago, the parrot’s voice, to ask our kids this question. As January ends, that is the question I’m asking myself.
Daily Devotional Reading
I had decided that I would read one chapter from Luke every day for the first 24 days of the month, then read through Ephesians for six days, and one day of Jude to add up to 31 days. I made it through Luke and wanted to go back and look over the questions Jesus asked. I wasn’t ready to move on. So, how did it go? I found myself wanting to slow down. I tried to power through, but my heart wasn’t in it. Did I hear correctly when I set my goal? I think so. But, I also believe the Holy Spirit used my goal to draw me deeper into the book of Luke.
So, what spiritual goals have you set for yourself? Did January turn out the way you planned? If it did that’s great, but if it didn’t, perhaps that’s great too! In devotional reading, I’m learning that the goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to draw closer to God. It is intimacy with Christ. It is alignment with His will. God is concerned with the position of our hearts in light of His word, not whether or not we completed our personal Bible to-do list.
Trust in His Guidance
Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT
I came into 2024 with a Bible-reading strategy that I still believe was inspired by the Holy Spirit. I haven’t abandoned the goal, but because of God’s prompting, I’ve modified the plan. I will spend this year in Luke, reading it repeatedly to glean all God wants to show me. What’s your plan? How has God modified it? Pray for me to stay in tune with His leading, and I’ll be praying for you as well! And be sure to ask yourself today, “So, how did it go?”