Sweeter Than Honey: Bless, Endure, and Entreat

What if we spent a few quiet moments with God each morning? What if we were intentional about making time for it? And what if we committed to doing that all year long, only to find that by the end of the year, we had read the entirety of God's Word—His Love Letter to us? 

​How many times have you, on January 1, resolved to read the Bible from cover to cover in a year? I’ve made that commitment more times than I can count, and I’ve failed more times than I’d like to admit. But a few years ago, I tried something different—I used a one-year, chronological order of book authorship, Bible Reading Itinerary. Did you know that Genesis wasn’t the first book of the Bible written? While these plans can vary, since it's impossible to pinpoint exact dates for some books, the plan I used began with the book of Job. Let me introduce you to Sweeter Than Honey, a book patterned after that Bible Reading Itinerary.

​Sweeter Than Honey is a 365-day devotional journey ​that leads the reader
​through God's Word ​in chronological order of book authorship.

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON [HARDCOVER | PAPERBACK | KINDLE | AUDIOBOOK]

On Tuesdays, through the end of the year, I’d love for you to join me as we travel through parts of Sweeter Than Honey​ together! I also encourage you to join the private Sweeter Than Honey Facebook group, where you can share your thoughts and connect with like-minded, Christian friends.

​1 Corinthians 4-7: Bless, Endure, and Entreat

The Apostle Paul devotes the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 4 to an explanation of the ministry of apostles and what that should look like. He writes that the apostles are “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (4:1). We too are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Like Paul, and the other apostles, we also should be found faithful.

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord Who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, Who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart…. each one will receive his commendation from God.

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-13)

Paul writes that he and the other apostles are reviled, persecuted, and slandered. Sometimes, we too may experience this kind of treatment for Christ’s sake. Let’s read and record how Paul says he and the others reacted to this kind of treatment: 

• “When reviled, _______________________________________________” (4:12)
• “when persecuted, ____________________________________________” (4:12)
• “when slandered, _____________________________________________” (4:13)

​We should react the same when these things happen to us.

How does being a "servant of Christ and steward of God's mysteries" shape the way you respond to criticism or hardship for your faith?

About Sweeter Than Honey

When I read God’s Word each morning, it brings inspiration and insight that guides my day. Let's treat His Word as the Love Letter it truly is, finding peace in chaos and strength in our weaknesses.

​Even on our busiest days, we can carve out a few minutes to focus on what truly matters. Whether it's early in the morning when the house is quiet or late at night after everyone else is asleep, we can make time for God’s Word.

Let's be intentional, letting His truths inspire us to live out our faith daily, in a way that draws others to the peace and joy we've found in Him.

Remember, God sees you, knows you by name, and cares about every detail of your life. Let's dive into His Love Letter, together!

​My top tip for successful Bible study? Be intentional with a plan. Without one, it's unlikely to happen. That's why I created Sweeter Than Honey—to give busy women like us a manageable, attainable plan to read through the Bible in a year.

Sweeter Than Honey is a 365-day devotional journey inspired by Psalm 119:103: “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” This book is designed to help you find peace amid chaos and strength in your weakest moments, all while encouraging you in your daily walk with God. Each day’s reading itinerary and devotion will guide you through God’s Word, in chronological order of book authorship, and by year's end you will have read through the entire Bible!

“You’ll find encouragement on every page of this book—encouragement to seek God above all else. The strong, spiritual emphasis will challenge you to turn to God for daily direction and experience His presence in a whole new and intentional way. Sweeter Than Honey will become more to you than just another daily devotional, it will become a keepsake as you record prayers and participate in thought-provoking, practical exercises that touch every aspect of your life and draw you closer to our Creator.” —from the Prologue

JOIN THE PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP

What People Are Saying About Sweeter Than Honey

"Sweeter Than Honey invites readers into a robust reading of God's Word with the expectation that they will continue in the spiritual practice for a lifetime. With space to record prayer and reflection along the way, the book becomes a keepsake as well as a resource. Best of all, following the narrative arc of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation reveals the beauty of God's great rescue plan from start to finish." —Michele Morin, Living Our Days ​

Get started with January for Free

​Download the Sweeter Than Honey Media Package

Looking to promote your small group Bible study with Sweeter Than Honey: A 365-Day Devotional Journey? We’ve got you covered! Everything you need is right here, including Your Ultimate Planning Guide for Leading Small Groups & Bible Studies. From posters and postcards to social media graphics, we’ve assembled all the resources you need to plan and lead with confidence.

Grab the complimentary Media package

---

Thank you for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We’d love it if you could grab our IE link-up button, add it to your blog, and link back to this post. We truly appreciate your support. 

​If you’re new to link-ups, be sure to check out our IE LINK-UP page for a brief explanation and a list of other link-ups you can participate in. Have an amazing week!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

---