The most important New Year’s Resolution

At this time of year, it’s common to think back on the past year and make a New Year’s resolution to help the new year be better. But you can’t change the year, so to make any difference, you will have to change yourself. Of all the things you could do, there’s only one that has promise in both this life and the life to come: godliness. (1 Timothy 4:8)

• But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
• But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. (Psalm 37:11)
• The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. (Proverbs 19:23)
• Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)
• “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)
• All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Why is it so hard to read the Bible?
• 7 important reasons to study the Bible
• Failure to read and apply the Bible causes spiritual wasting disease

Here are 3 ways God will help you:

• The Spoken Word (including all of creation)
• The Written Word recorded in the Bible
• Holy Spirit working in your heart, mind, and conscience

If you would like to get closer to God this year, then make a resolution to spend more time reading the Written Word of the Bible. When you read the Bible quietly, carefully, and prayerfully, God will speak to you through his Spoken Word and the Holy Spirit will guide your understanding.

• The power of biblical meditation
• What is Godly Christian Fasting?
• It is time for the church to awaken and grow up

But the Bible is long and complicated, so I recommend these 3 books to help navigate the 66 books in 1200 pages of the Bible…

Here are two astonishingly easy ways to read the Bible. They average about three pages per day. Anybody can do that. Save this link to your home screen and take 5 minutes per day to draw closer to God.

In today’s modern world, there are many apps that make it easy to keep this resolution. Here are two of my favorites. Bible Hub has better searching and cross-referencing. Bible Gateway has more versions and more features (especially in its paid subscription version). You will need an internet connection to use both of these apps.