In just two short weeks, it will be 2025! Many people will return to the gym, resolving to get fit by lifting heavy weights, feeling the burn and strain in their muscles, but I’m committing to a different type of workout. I’m returning to a consistent writing routine. The rhythmic tap-tap-tap of keys on my keyboard will take place of the metallic clanks of dumbbells in the gym. Unfortunately, there will probably be some grunts, I’m afraid.
Like resuming gym workouts, I understand I must gradually acclimate to this mental training regimen again. It wasn’t long ago that I was cranking out 1,000 words before sunrise, completing 2000–3000-word sermon manuscripts, and publishing a weekly column in a local newspaper. However, my writing muscles are flabby now. So, I aim to ease into a workable schedule and notch up a few wins.
What am I ultimately trying to achieve? My goal is to publish 52 weekly devotions during 2025. These devotions will be published on my personal blog on Monday by 8:00am. By that time each week, there will be a 400-word devotion sitting in my subscribers’ inbox. (If you haven’t subscribed, what are you waiting for?)
These devotionals will coincide with my annual Bible reading plan. This year, I’m leading the congregation at Morningside Baptist Church through the Scriptures, using Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s reading plan.
This plan, developed by the 19th-century Scottish minister, is structured to guide readers through the entire Bible in one year while revisiting the New Testament and Psalms twice. It is perfect for individuals, families, and local congregations seeking a disciplined and holistic approach to reading the Bible. My weekly devotions will be born from these shared community readings, enriched by collective wisdom and faith.
I’m combining these weekly devotions with a daily reading plan to stay accountable. Like a workout buddy, my church and online community will expect me to show up every Monday. To be honest, it’s a bit unnerving to make this public commitment. If you’ve ever walked into the gym, you’ve felt everyone looking at you (even if they really were not). That’s the feeling I have now. However, I know that when I hit publish on this post, I’m a step closer to realizing my goal.
Will you come alongside me? Really. I need your help. Your “attaboys,” comments, and questions in the comments will keep me motivated. Go drop your email in the form and hit that subscribe button now. 😉
Kevin W. Bounds 
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