One thing consistent in my daily reading habit is my devotional. Basically, a devotional gives a suggested verse reading for the day with an accompanying reflection which aims to encourage and uplift one’s spirit. For the whole 365 days in a year, there is one passage that is up for reading.
I had been reading devotionals for quite a number of years now and have different tried various versions already. I have to say, my favorites are Our Daily Bread and Didache. What is exactly the difference between the two? Both have suggested bible verses everyday and have good reflections. The difference is mainly on the scripture assignments for the day. Our Daily Bread’s verses are sequences from the Old Testament and the New Testament. If one wants to read the Bible in its entirety, Our Daily Bread is a good devotional. Before, I tried reading the entire Bible countless times but somehow fails to finish it at some point. However, with Our Daily Bread, I felt guided when I was going through the Bible verses everyday. I ended the year not only having read the entire Bible but also more immersed in its message.
Didache on the other hand, follows the scriptures for the day’s Holy Mass. Thus, it has (usually) the first reading from the Old Testament, responsorial verses taken either from Psalm or Proverbs and the Gospel from the New Testament. For Sundays and Feast Days, there is a second verse reading which is (usually) from the New Testament. Reading Didache, especially on days of obligation, allows me to reflect on the verses even before I hear the mass. By the time I actually got to hear it in church, the reflection given by the priest during the homily has a deeper impact on me.
Short trivia, If I am at home, i read my devotions with the Bible that we used and was blessed during our wedding.:-)
Reading a daily devotional gives me a sense of peace and calmness especially when I read it before I start my day. The daily reflections gives me that boost to start my day in a positive vibe. It has gotten me through a lot of hard days. A devotional does not necessarily have to be a religious one. Nowadays there a lot of reading journals; for moms, for teens, for men, for students, for husbands and wives etc.. There are page long daily readings, there are also those with just quotes.
Even my son Heinel has daily devotional readings too.He started with Veggietales a couple of years back. It is really meant for kids because the reflections are relatable to young minds. What we love about Veggietales is that there recommended discussions with the parents to help children understand the topics for the day. I’m thankful to my mom who gave Heinel his first Veggietales as a Christmas gift.
Now that he is 11 years old, the one that he reads has a lengthy verse. By next year, he will start reading one that has bible verses too. He joined the Bible club in school and he got familiar with the Bible through it.
What about you? Is there a particular book that you read everyday that is giving you a positive boost? Reading, even just short uplifting quotes, is like a vitamin. You may not see the results right way, but over time it can change your mindset and mood. It is healthy for your soul. If you can recommend a good one, please feel free to share it. i would love to read the ones that uplifts you the most.
Note: the recommended books are not meant to promote or advertise. this is not a paid post. We just want to share the ones that made an impact on us the most.