As we approach the dawn of a new year, many of us are thinking about fresh resolutions and goals we want to make for 2018. Perhaps we want to hit the gym, learn a new skill, or travel the world. However, we should also make spiritual goals for the new year. Here’s one awesome resolution you could make for 2018:
With God’s help, I will read the Bible every day in 2018.
Why is it so important to read the Bible?
Here are seven reasons to read this Book every day next year.
1) This Book reveals God to us in all His glory.
In the Bible, we see the character, the glory, and the greatness of God. This Book also teaches us of our sin, the consequences of that sin, and God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
When we seek to know God through the pages of the Bible, we can see Him through eyes of faith. We can hear His voice, understand His truth, and worship His majesty.
Jesus Christ said, “Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,” in Psalm 40:7. The more we love the Bible, the more we glimpse the glory of God shining from every page.
2) This Book provides a firm foundation on which to build our lives.
In the Bible, God teaches us time-tested principles about life on earth. From friendships to money to marriage, this Book can give us advice for every situation of life. In our prison ministries, we help people rebuild their lives on the Bible’s truths.
We especially recommend reading the book of Proverbs for wise advice on daily living. In the Bible, we have everything we need to live a happy, godly life.
3) This Book cleanses our mind and heart from evil.
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” (Psalm 119:9) The Bible has a double cleansing effect. First, it exposes the wrong thinking and lies that can easily creep into our minds. Second, it replaces those errors with God’s powerful truth. Reading the Bible will help us keep our minds and hearts pure.
4) This Book feeds our souls.
Peter encouraged new Christians, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2:2)
Whether you are a seasoned believer or someone who accepted Christ recently, you need to feed your soul with the Bible daily. It provides the motivation, guidance, and strength you need for spiritual growth.
5) This Book equips us to serve the Lord.
“All scripture is given…That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) God wants us to actively serve Him, both in our church in Prince Albert and in our community. How can we prepare to serve Him? We need to actively study, meditate on, and obey the Bible. This is the best training for serving God!
6) This Book enables us to conquer sin.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11) In the Bible, God has given us powerful truths to help us overcome sin. In our prison ministries, we help people conquer addictions and bad habits by using these truths.
Like Christ, we can overcome temptation by quoting Scripture and choosing to obey it. For more on conquering sin, study Romans 6, 7, and 8. To win your daily battles, you need to be in the Word every day.
7) This Book gives us joy.
Jesus told us in John 15:11, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The joy of Jesus is more lasting, sweet, and wonderful than you can imagine.
And He offers us this joy through His Word! As we read, meditate on, and obey the Bible, we can have the incomparable joy of Jesus Christ. “These things have I spoken…that your joy might be full.”
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let’s make it our goal to read the Bible every day. However, let’s go beyond just reading it. Let us enjoy it, cherish it, and search for the glory of God in it. Let’s read it to feed our souls, to conquer our sin, and to train ourselves for service. As we do so, let’s bask in the sunshine of His joy.
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Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!
For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
