God's Word in 2012

The following, written by Anthony Stephens of Crystal Springs, Mississippi, on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 are from his blog "The Way I See It."

... Many people are making “new year’s resolutions.” These resolutions cause great frustration for many. One of the resolutions that I’ve heard before from Christians is that they are going to finally read through the Bible this year.

Over the past couple of years this resolution has grown stranger to me. Why is it that Christians will say that they believe and trust the Bible yet they don’t know what it says? How do they know what God says and desires if they do not take the time to use the most plain revelation of Himself?

I have tried to make it a top priority to read through the entire Bible each year over the past few years. I have used different methods at different times. One of the best ways I’ve found is to read through the Bible chronologically. One of the best tools I have found to help with this is the One Year Bible Plan. They have two great plans: one that is chronological an another that is just passages from different genres of the Bible. There are also great plans that can be found at YouVersion.com.

I would encourage every Christian to read through the Bible this year, not as a resolution but as a way to know the heart of God more intimately.

...I’d like to share some reasons that you (and I) should get into God’s word – the Bible – more.

The Word is our provision. Deuteronomy 8:3 reminds us that man lives off every word that comes from God’s mouth.

The Word is protection against sin. Psalm 119:11 reminds us that as God’s Word has root in our hearts, then sin has a hard time taking root.

The Word is our guide.Psalm 119:105 So many are looking for direction in life. The Bible is a directional light for us pointing us toward God’s desires.

The Word is eternal. Isaiah 40:8 tells us that though everything else fades, dies, or corrupts, the Word of God stands firm and true forever.

The Word is the clearest picture we have of God. John 1:1-5, 14 shows that the Word is God and became flesh in the person of Jesus. It also shows us that the Word is personal.

The Word is alive. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God’s Word is alive. It will speak to the specific needs of our lives just like a good friend.

With reasons such as these, what will keep you and me from one of the greatest treasures mankind has ever known – the Bible?

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