I consistently remember to do my devotions but rarely think about going further into God's Word. It’s definitely a problem. I love that devotions center me on Christ, guide me through passages in Scripture, and help me apply the Word to daily living. But reading directly from God’s Word is incredibly important for growth. While I do my devotions regularly, I’ve wondered how I can use that practice to launch into deeper studying of the Bible.

Enter a devotional Bible. Why does a devotional Bible make it easy to remember to study the Word? Because it incorporates devotions (which I am already doing) directly with the Word.

Here are some suggestions for using a devotional Bible to enrich your Bible-reading routine: 

The Epistle reading for today comes from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, where he writes about the proper use of the Law. Our devotional reading comes from A Year in the New Testament: Meditations for Each Day of the Church Year.

Today the Church celebrates Holy Cross Day. The Gospel reading for this feast is John 12:20–33, where Jesus speaks of the cross upon which He will be lifted up. Our devotional reading comes from Meditations on the Gospels: According to His Word.

This post is an excerpt adapted from Praise & Honor by Timothy J. Shoup

The Gospel for today is Luke 14:25–35, where Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship. Our devotional reading comes from Meditations on the Gospels: According to His Word.

This post is an excerpt adapted from A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World by Bryan Wolfmueller.

The Christian hero is not the person who has obtained all that he or she desires in this life. Our heroes are not those who have gained the entire world but lost their soul. Our heroes are not those who have achieved a great degree of worldly success or notoriety. Our heroes are those who have fought the good fight and kept the faith, and who have finished the race. Our heroes are those who have stood against the wiles of the devil, who have stood against the wild beasts (see 1 Corinthians 15:32) of the world and the flesh. And having stood, our heroes are those who have died the blessed death.

Overview

The Book of Ezekiel follows the prophet Ezekiel and his message to the Israelites about the destruction of Judah and his prediction about the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. After confronting the Israelites with their sin, God promises restoration to His people.

Today the Church commemorates the great prophet and deliverer of God’s people, Moses. Our devotional reading comes from Celebrating the Saints.

“You matter.”

It’s a simple, three-syllable phrase loaded with meaning.

So meaningful, in fact, that Heather Ruesch, author of Sexuality Mentality, is touring the country talking about how much you matter.

Heather advocates for human life, marriage, family, and sexuality. These topics are the core of her first-ever national speaking tour, “You Matter,” which starts the first week of October 2019 in Seward, Nebraska. She will visit 11 states (and counting!) to talk with parents, pastors, teachers, and students of all ages. Her goal is to reach 100,000 students with the “You Matter” message.

The Old Testament reading for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost is Proverbs 25:2–10. Our devotional reading comes from A Year in the Old Testament: Meditations for Each Day of the Church Year.