Sweeter Than Honey: Jesus Called Her Name

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.

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

Let me introduce you to Sweeter Than Honey: A 365-Day Devotional Journey, a devotional patterned after that Bible Reading Itinerary. On Tuesdays, through the end of the year, I’d love for you to join me as we journey through parts of Sweeter Than Honey together!

As we look ahead to 2026, why not make a plan now—either on your own or with your small group, Sunday school class, or women’s Bible study—to read through the Bible together using the Sweeter Than Honey Bible Reading Plan? Imagine the growth, encouragement, and community that could come from walking through God’s Word side by side for an entire year!

John 19-21: Jesus Called Her Name

I love how, in these final chapters of his book, the Apostle John states the purpose of his writing:

"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:30-31)

It is impossible to read the details of the crucifixion, the death of Jesus, His side being pierced, and His burial without seeing my sin hanging there on that cross. It was for me He suffered, shed His blood, and died. It was for you too.

I am so glad that John also records the resurrection! I’ve often thought about, and wondered, what the three days between the crucifixion and the resurrection might have been like for the disciples and other believers. Certainly, it must have been a time of much sorrow and confusion that challenged their faith.

I find the fact that Jesus appeared first to a woman—Mary Magdalene—after the resurrection refreshing. Jesus cares about us, friend! He wants to make Himself known to us, just like He did to Mary Magdalene the day He arose from the grave. And just like He did with Mary Magdalene, He calls our name.

“But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.’ Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and Your Father, to My God and Your God.’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’—and that He had said these things to her.” (John 20:11-18)

Did you read that? He called her name! Mary Magdalene did not recognize our risen Savior. Then, “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’” He called her name, and she clung to Him! This fills me with so much joy and hope!
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Just as Jesus called Mary’s name that day, He calls your name today. Will you cling to Him as Mary did? Not physically cling, as she did, but spiritually speaking. Will you cling to the risen Savior today in a spiritual sense? Meet with Him in prayer. Meet with Him as you read and meditate on His Word.
Let’s listen for the risen Savior to call our name today, and then, let’s cling!

Mary didn’t recognize Jesus until He said, “Mary.” Just as He called her, He calls you. Will you listen for His voice and cling to the risen Savior today?

About Sweeter Than Honey
Spending time in God’s Word each day changes everything. It brings peace in chaos, strength in weakness, and direction for whatever lies ahead. Scripture truly is God’s Love Letter to us—personal, powerful, and life-giving.

Even in our busiest seasons, there’s always time to meet with Him—early in the morning, late at night, or somewhere in between. When we make space for His Word, we allow His truth to shape our thoughts, guide our steps, and overflow into the lives of those around us.

That’s why I created Sweeter Than Honey—a 365-day devotional journey designed to help busy women read through the entire Bible in one year. Inspired by Psalm 119:103—“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”—this devotional offers daily encouragement rooted in Scripture.

Each day includes a short devotion and reading itinerary that follows the Bible in chronological order of book authorship. By year’s end, you’ll have read the entire Bible while deepening your relationship with the Author Himself.

You’ll find encouragement on every page to seek God first, experience His presence in new ways, and live each day with purpose and peace. Sweeter Than Honey isn’t just another devotional—it’s a keepsake for your journey of faith.

Join the private Facebook group to connect with other believers, share insights, and grow together in God’s Word.

What Readers Are Saying
"Sweeter Than Honey is the devotional book I’ve been looking for! Patsy does a wonderful job of leading us into Scripture and helping us apply it to our lives. God’s Word sometimes feels irrelevant to modern-day Christian women—especially obscure passages of the Old Testament—but Patsy has a gift for helping us connect these unchanging truths with our present realities. This devotional book is leading me closer to the heart of the Father and challenging me to apply His written Word to my everyday life. Get a copy of the powerful devotional for yourself and for your friends. You will be inspired, equipped, and empowered to go deeper in faith and live out your faith in your everyday moments!" —Stacey Pardoe, Encountering God in the Ordinary
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Get Started Today
Want to try it out? Download January for free and begin your journey through God’s Word today!
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Leading a small group, Sunday school, or Bible study? Download the FREE Media Package, complete with planning tools, promotional materials, and leader resources—everything you need to guide your group confidently through Sweeter Than Honey.

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