con·sist·ent – /kÉ™nˈsɪstÉ™nt/ Pronunciation Key[kuhn-sis-tuhnt] –adjective – constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, etc.

Lately, I have followed a Bible reading plan as part of my daily devotion. I really like it. I used to hate the idea of any kind of layout that would “restrict” my devotions. There was a part of me that thought it was neccessary to be unplanned and spontaneous in order to “get anything” out of time spent with God. That is not the case, nor is itimportant. It’s not about what I can get in the first place. My main fear was that my Bible reading would become yet another item on my daily checklist and that I would read for the sake of completing the task. However, I believe that God honors faithfulness. Consistence. If you make a commitment to read through a certain book, portion of the Bible, or period of time, God honors that faithfulness. It may seem elementary, but it is something that we all think about. Should my time with God be more spontaneous? Should I be a little less planned? Should I spend more time? Less? All of these are valid questions. I am not saying to abandone spontanaity. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Be spontaneous, but be consistent. Commit to do something and do it. As I thought about this post I realized that spontanaity is romantic. Romance is not love. They are not the same. I am sure there have been many a romantic one night stands. Often when we don’t have a plan for daily devotions, we become inconsistent. We have an occasional “one night stand” with God. True love is built on consistency. Relationships don’t last because of spontanaity. Relationships last because of consistency. “Love never fails”.