I have touched on several good devotional sources in posts last year; namely Oswald Chambers "utmost for the Highest" and Daily Bread. This site also is helpful when highlighting a daily Bible verse for the surrounding text to consider.
If I have the terminology correct Expository preaching is systematic reading of a book chapter by chapter. There is another term for topical studies that I am sure someone here knows. For a new believer it is hard to argue with the standard approach of beginning in the Gospels (usually John is picked) and then transitioning to Paul's Epistles. Scripture memory is helpful for two reasons particularly for new believers; one for edification and second to have verses to explain the hope within us in Christ when witnessing. Taking the example of John 3:16 for instance we have the assurance of eternal life but if we read the surrounding text we see in verse 18 that he who does NOT believe in Him is condemned already. This is one danger of "cherry picking" an isolated verse that gives us "positive vibes" and not comprehending God's Word as to repetitive themes; in this case blessings for obedience and faith and cursings for not believing. This contrast between good and bad is throughout scriptures; whether we look at warnings in Deuteronomy as to conditions affecting the entire nation because of disobedience vs obedience; Psalms and Proverbs related to characteristics of righteous and wicked and books of Chronicles and Kings as to righteous and unrighteous kings.
We are to be cautious; therefore with any devotionals that always have "encouraging" verses or if the author is skewed in that direction. The opposite could be said of the Oswald Chambers as some have accused it of being works oriented too much; they certainly are challenging unlike anything I've read. In terms of scripture memory; it is useful but internalizing the Living Word through meditation and application also.
I have touched on several good devotional sources in posts last year; namely Oswald Chambers "utmost for the Highest" and Daily Bread. This site also is helpful when highlighting a daily Bible verse for the surrounding text to consider.
If I have the terminology correct Expository preaching is systematic reading of a book chapter by chapter. There is another term for topical studies that I am sure someone here knows. For a new believer it is hard to argue with the standard approach of beginning in the Gospels (usually John is picked) and then transitioning to Paul's Epistles. Scripture memory is helpful for two reasons particularly for new believers; one for edification and second to have verses to explain the hope within us in Christ when witnessing. Taking the example of John 3:16 for instance we have the assurance of eternal life but if we read the surrounding text we see in verse 18 that he who does NOT believe in Him is condemned already. This is one danger of "cherry picking" an isolated verse that gives us "positive vibes" and not comprehending God's Word as to repetitive themes; in this case blessings for obedience and faith and cursings for not believing. This contrast between good and bad is throughout scriptures; whether we look at warnings in Deuteronomy as to conditions affecting the entire nation because of disobedience vs obedience; Psalms and Proverbs related to characteristics of righteous and wicked and books of Chronicles and Kings as to righteous and unrighteous kings.
We are to be cautious; therefore with any devotionals that always have "encouraging" verses or if the author is skewed in that direction. The opposite could be said of the Oswald Chambers as some have accused it of being works oriented too much; they certainly are challenging unlike anything I've read. In terms of scripture memory; it is useful but internalizing the Living Word through meditation and application also.
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