My heart’s desire
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. ~ Acts 17:11
I started writing the Daily Dose back in 2019. It is hard to believe that I have been doing it for over six years now. Initially, I began writing the Dose for myself. I was searching for a devotional that would encourage me in my walk with God and include a portion of scripture to study and meditate on, but I couldn’t find one that fit. So, I wrote my own. At first, I sent it out by email to a small group of people because I needed to be accountable to stay committed to my mission.
At the end of that first year, I had 365 devotionals compiled that became my first book. By that time I had grown to love writing each day and didn’t want to stop. That is when the Daily Dose blog came into existence. The discipline of writing has changed my life and strengthened my spirit in ways I never imagined. This is why I am always encouraging others to keep a journal and to write down what God is showing them. Writing out your journey allows you to see how God’s Word comes alive in your everyday life.
If I had to sum up the desire of my heart today, it would be this verse in Acts 17:11. The reason I continue to write the Daily Dose each morning is so that you will receive God’s Word with eagerness and search the Scriptures daily to discover truth for yourself. My prayer is that you take time to hear God’s message in each passage and not simply rely on my words.
Receiving God’s Word with eagerness means setting aside time to spend with Him each day, but it also means connecting with a body of believers through a local church to attend weekend services and small groups. When you share with others the promises of God you have been reading and holding onto, you not only grow personally, you also encourage others in their walk. Daily time with your heavenly Father equips you with revelation and empowerment to face whatever the day brings.
Examining the Scriptures every day goes deeper than simply reading. It means slowing down and asking questions. Take your time with the Daily Dose or any devotional you read. Search out cross-references, look at the context of a passage, and most importantly, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply what you read. When you do this, your character will grow stronger and wiser, just as the church at Berea demonstrated.
Here are some ways you can begin:
• Set aside a consistent time each day to read God’s Word with eagerness and expectation.
• Connect with other believers through a local church or small group where you can share what you are learning.
• When reading scripture, take time to look up cross-references and understand the context.
• Keep a journal to write what God is teaching you and how you see Him at work in your life.
• Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to understand and apply God’s truth.
Today I want to encourage you to eagerly receive God’s Word every day and search the Scriptures for yourself. This isn’t just about listening to my words or anyone else’s. It is about God speaking directly to you. His Word has the power to strengthen you, transform your thinking, and give you answers in the middle of life’s challenges. When you keep His Word as your focus instead of life’s distractions, you will be equipped to stand strong and to help rescue others who are struggling. My heart’s desire is that your life will be changed, just as mine has been, by the promises of God’s Word and His unending love for you.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 17:10-15
10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.
13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds.
14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there.
15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.
Journal:
- What does eagerly receiving God’s Word look like in your life right now?
- How can you make searching the Scriptures a daily habit?
- Write down one truth from God’s Word that has recently encouraged you and how you can share it with someone else this week.
The Daily Dose 