Another year is upon us. It’s a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Many of us make resolutions this time of year. How about you? Are you making any resolutions for the new year?

Let me offer a suggestion.

Something we can do together.

Will you read the Bible with me this year? Will you memorize some Scripture with me this year?

Reading the Bible and memorizing Scripture can only take a few minutes every day, but the benefits can be life-changing. Let me share with you a few:

 

The Bible is God’s Word

 

The whole Bible is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16). It is God’s Word to us through the inspired writings of Scripture. The Bible has the authority of God behind it.

 

The Bible is our spiritual sustenance

 

Jesus reminds us that we live not by physical sustenance but by God’s Word (Matthew 4:4).  Just as we need physical food to nourish and sustain our bodies, so we need God’s Word to nourish and sustain our souls.

 

The Bible defeats sin

 

Scripture helps us defeat sin in our lives (Psalm 119:9, 11). The Bible helps us defend against sin and actively battle it in our lives.

 

The Bible reveals God

 

Scripture is a revelation of God and his work in the world (Psalm 19). By it we understand our place in creation and his many attributes as the creator.

 

The Bible reveals Jesus

 

Scripture is a revelation of God’s greatest gift to us (John 3:16). As Jesus walked with two of his disciples on the Emmaus road, “he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). God’s Word is about Jesus!

 

Let’s do it together

 

Let me invite you to join me each week in reading through parts of the Bible and memorizing a portion of Scripture each week. Each week I will post Scripture for reading and memorizing. Follow along and be changed by God’s Word.

 

A final encouragement

 

Let’s follow the example of the Psalmist who said, “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). The Psalmist also describes the one who is blessed: “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). May we be blessed as we read God’s Word and memorize it this year!