Sweeter Than Honey: Love Meets Needs

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.

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, 2 & 3 John: Love Meets Needs

The overwhelming theme of the Apostle John’s three letters is love! He writes of what our love for one another should resemble, God’s love for us, walking in truth and love, and the kind of love that supports. ​

"For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another... By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:11-18

“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” 2 John 1:4-6

“For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God." 3 John 1:3-6

What does John say our love for one another should look like? John points us right back to the Savior—the grandest picture of love Who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, laying down His life that we may have eternal life. John says our love for others should look like God’s love for us. Then he tells us that if we see a brother in need we are to meet that need. “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18) John reminds us.

Twice, John rejoices, but not just rejoices. The Bible tells us that he rejoiced greatly! He rejoices when he finds believers walking in the truth. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” John writes. And then he praises those he is writing to for meeting the needs of brothers, believers, and strangers. John says, “it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these…” and that they do well.

Walking in truth and love means supporting each other. Our love for others should meet their needs as God’s love for us meets our needs. The overwhelming theme here for us today: Love meets needs!

How can we move beyond words to show love in action, meeting the needs of others as Christ meets ours?

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

"Sweeter Than Honey is a breath of fresh air for anyone seeking a meaningful and intentional approach to daily Bible study. The author's focus on providing a manageable plan for busy women to read through the Bible in a year is both practical and inspiring. The book's foundation in Psalm 119:103 sets the tone for a journey that is not only enriching but also sweet to the soul.
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The chronological order of book authorship adds a unique dimension to this devotional, allowing readers to experience the overarching narrative of the Bible in a cohesive way. Each of the 365 devotions is carefully written to offer encouragement, peace, and strength, making it a valuable companion for daily reflection and connection with God.

The spiritual emphasis throughout the book challenges readers to prioritize seeking God daily, creating a space for a deeper relationship with God and intentional Christian living.

In conclusion, I've found this book to be more than just another devotional that sits on my bookshelf; it's an intentional and transformative journey that guides readers to seek God's presence in their daily lives." —Evelyn

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