NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Quite often, the New Year ushers in a host of resolutions. Ways that we're going to change our lives for the better: Lose weight. Begin an exercise program. Be more organized. Set a budget and live by it. Give up junk food. Get out of debt. Save more money. Quit smoking or drinking. Manage stress better.

While these are quite admirable things to strive for, I would like to suggest another list of New Year's resolutions. These resolutions will truly change your life and transform you into becoming more like Christ day by day.

  

Resolution #1: Be in the Word on a daily basis.  Why? Because of just a few reasons God gives:

1.  to keep from sinning - "I have hidden thy word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Ps. 119:11

2.  to know what direction in life to take - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Ps. 119:105

3.  for protection - "You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word." Ps. 119:114

4.  for understanding - "The unfolding of your words gives light: it gives understanding to the simple." Ps. 119:130

5.  because God works to change you through his word - "For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Heb. 4:12

6.  because God uses his word to change us and equip us - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for  every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16-17

So, how do you get in the Word on a daily basis?  Perhaps you've tried and failed.  Here are some ideas.  See if one works for you:

1.  Join a Bible Study.  There are so many options.  It seems every church has a women's Bible Study group that offers group study, fellowship, and accountability.  (Look to the sidebar to see what our church is offering in the daytime and evening in 2012)

2.  But if it is difficult for you to attend a Bible Study at a set time each week, there are many opportunities for online study.  Here are just a few to choose from:

*Made to Crave Bible Study - http://melissataylor.org/and-more/

*Psalm Study - http://wendypope.org/psalm-study/

*Lots of online Bible Studies through Lifeway -   http://www.lifeway.com/n/Bible-Study/Downloads-&-Online-Studies?intcmp=iTeam1-MerchText-BibleStudy-Category-DownloadsAndOnline

3.  Another option is to download the Bible app on your mobile phone. You can browse different plans for studying the Bible. Some last for only a few days while others last for weeks or months. There are numerous topics of study. To download, go to www.youversion.com

4.  Read a chapter a day of whatever book of the Bible you like - Pick Esther or Ruth. They're short and you can finish them in 10 and 4 days, respectively. Or choose Proverbs. It will take about a month to complete it. If you have time, write down one verse to meditate on. Just one. Write what this verse means to you or how you could implement this verse in your life.

5.  Reading through the Bible in a year could be your goal - You can download a plan at  http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/  You will read an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a passage from Psalms, and a passage from Proverbs. You could also use The One Year Bible for the kindle, or you can find a one year Bible plan on the YouVersion Bible app for your mobile phone.

6.  You may be thinking, "Read through the Bible?! I hardly have time to eat, let alone read through the ENTIRE Bible!" Okay, start simple. Read one verse a day. Start in Psalms or Proverbs or John. Just start.  Read one verse. Only one. Think on that verse during the day. Pray about that verse and ask God to use it in your life. He will, you know. 

Just get started. Don't wait for January 1. Do it today.

Tomorrow, I'll share another resolution that could transform your life in 2012.