2024 Resolutions? Will You Join Me in Reading Through the Bible?

What are your new year’s resolutions for the coming year? Perhaps my question surprises you. So, you might reply, “But, Pastor, it’s not New Year yet!” Nevertheless, I would like you to join me in a resolution concerning our Christian faith. It will take preparation for you to make this resolution. So I am asking you now, “What are your New Year’s resolutions for the coming year?”

As you consider that question, here is my request. “Will you join me in reading the Bible together?” I have shared before in these devotions that God promises that His Word creates and strengthens our faith in Jesus. Paul encourages Timothy, “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17) ( See also Romans 10:18, and 1 Peter 1:23). In the Scriptures God “makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Through the Bible God teaches and corrects, trains and equips. Do you need what God’s Word has to offer? Do you want faith. or teaching, or equipping?

Paul also encourages the Christians in Colossae, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . . “ (Colossians 3:16 a) Do you want faith or God’s love or direction in your life? God speaks words of love to us through Scripture. He brings forgiveness and eternal life to us through faith in Jesus. You and I also need the Word of Christ dwelling in us! If you truly do desire these blessings of God in your life, please join with me in letting God speak into our hearts as together we read His Word.

One of my favorite devotional Bibles is entitled the “Today’s Light Bible.” This daily devotional takes a person through Scriptures in two years, reading Monday through Saturday each week, and taking Sundays off. (After all, we are called to “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.”) (Exodus 20:8) The Today’s Light Bible starts each day’s reading with a short section entitled, “Get at the Big Picture,” which helps a person consider ahead of time what they will be reading. Then, after the daily Bible reading. there is a short devotion called “Sharpen the Focus.” This devotion examines what God is speaking to us personally in part of that day’s reading. An average day’s reading takes 10-15 minutes. I personally take time to read my Bible in the morning, while I eat breakfast.

So, I am asking you to start studying the Word of God with me on Monday, January 1. However, if do join me in reading Scripture, you will need to have one of the Bibles. That is why I’m asking you to order a Bible online now in order to join me in 2024. Then, since we will be reading together, if you have any questions I would be willing to talk and pray with you about what we read. You can call me, or you can text, or even email. I do not have all the answers, but I will respond.

What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Do you need faith, or love, or direction? Do you desire God’s forgiveness or eternal life? If so, please join with me in letting God speak His love into our hearts as together we read His Word.

By the way, Happy New Year, perhaps just a little early!