Sweeter Than Honey: Faith and Works

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.

Galatians 1-6: Faith and Works

“Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who raised Him from the dead—and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 1:1-5

Paul first establishes the authority by which he comes to the Galatians. He comes not by the authority of men, “but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who raised Him from the dead” (1:1). Much of Paul's letter deals with faith and works. He begins in chapter 2 reminding them that they are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, and not by works of the law.

"We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose." Galatians 2:15-21

Three important points that Paul makes here are these:

1. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me” (2:20).
2. “the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God” (2:20).
3. “if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose” (2:21).

Paul continues on into chapter 3 writing of faith, works, and the Law, and telling the Galatians that the righteous shall live by faith. These are all good reminders for us today as well!

As we reflect on Paul's message to the churches in Galatia about faith and works, how do we see the balance between living by faith in Christ and the actions we take in response to that faith in our own lives today?

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

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What People Are Saying About Sweeter Than Honey

"Only on day 10 but I already love everything about this devotional. I look forward to reading it each morning. If your goal is to not only read the Bible in a year but to also better understand it I highly recommend purchasing this devotional." —​Brandi

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​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.

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