In fact, there are some things we need to watch out for. James Houston, professor of spirituality at Regent College, has said that most damnation comes not through ignorance, but in keeping things in our heads instead of our hearts. We've seen this before. Somebody says she believes, but you know it hasn't become real to her because nothing about her life has changed. We read with our hearts by allowing God to challenge our attitudes, our reactions, and our emotions.
Devotional reading is meant to challenge the inner soul.
So often I have found that God wants to root out the critical attitudes that lie buried deep within me. I may be concerned about why I am undisciplined in the outward practice of prayer or Bible study, but God may want me to focus on what has captured my heart's attention. I look at the symptoms, while God searches out the source. We also read with the heart by reading slowly, prayerfully considering each phrase, and always with a listening ear to God's Spirit. Perhaps a point will be emphasized, or a Bible verse will come to mind that underscores the point's importance.