I began reading Scripture regularly my sophomore year at Norfolk State. Most mornings, I woke up at 5:30, prayed, rushed to the campus gym to shoot around, returned home, showered, and then read my Bible with a cup of hot tea. It was then that I picked up a good habit for devotional Bible reading: I began making an appointment with Scripture—not because I was so disciplined, but because the Word was so inspiring, so intriguing, so compelling, so gripping, because I couldn’t wait to hear what it had to say next.
When you make an appointment, you meet at a certain place. Many couples have their special place—their favorite restaurant or beach or mall or park. Maybe it’s the place of their first date or kiss or dance or whatever. Regardless of the details, this place is significant to them. When they think of it, they stir up warm, fuzzy feelings. Likewise, you and Scripture need a special place, a place for just the two of you—perhaps a special chair or room or couch or desk. When you’re in that place, you’re able to give Scripture your undivided attention, so that you’re in a better position to receive, and focus on, its message for you.
When you make an appointment with Scripture, you also meet at a certain time. If something is a priority, you get to it not just when you’re up to it, but when it’s time to get to it. If you’re in school—and expect to do well—you can’t go to class only when you feel like it. If class begins at 11:00, you better be there by 10:55, not 11:42. If keeping your job is a priority, you won’t show up thirty minutes late everyday. (Well, you shouldn’t.) Important stuff is to be done at certain times, not just when you get around to it. And time with Scripture, I believe, is important.
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