What will we do different this year? There are more resolutions made during the first week of January than at any other time of the year, more diets are begun and more attempts at various forms of self-improvement. I’m not really big on resolutions but several years ago I wrote about making a resolution related to running. That resolution helped me to run more miles in one year than I have run in all other years combined. I’m praying that a different kind of resolution will motivate me this year.
Most good-intended resolutions will soon be forgotten, but some will make lasting changes for the better. If it takes the commitment of a “New Year” resolution to break free of a bad habit, restore a broken relationship or improve your health, then by all means resolve! But as we reflect on the past and excitedly plan for the future, let’s focus our effort on changes which have eternal significance. Jesus said it well as He admonished the Pharisees: “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. First clean the inside…and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:25-26).
The Bible speaks about the initial transformation which occurs when we become a “new creation” in Christ. But it also speaks about the on-going transformation as we draw closer to God and achieve the peace and contentment found only in His presence.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When I began this ministry I focused much of my time on reading the Bible. In the first five years I was able to read the entire Bible three times. This was a special time of increasing my understanding of God and being drawn near to His presence. Since that time, I have continued to study, but I have not been as disciplined with simply reading and being guided by God’s Word. I would therefore like to invite you to join me in a resolution to read through the Bible in 2012. I will be using the One Year Bible reading plan which I have posted on my web site as Reading Plan Number 5 at:
http://www.gdwm.org/index.php/resources/
At the end of each message I will include the daily reading. Feel free to print the reading plan and read together in community with others around the world. I will also print the readings as a daily topic on our message board at:
The message board can be used to post comments, reflections, or questions. I believe this will be useful for many. I know it will be useful for me!
On our list of things to do different this next year, I pray we include more time with God in prayer, more time in His Word, more time loving Him with ALL our heart, seeking His presence, and earnestly desiring to know, and do, His will. Let our prayer for one another be that we draw ever closer to our Heavenly Father and experience His love new and fresh every day. In this new year, let’s make eternal resolutions as we resolve to be transformed!
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
****Reading Plan ****
Jan 1 – Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalms 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6
Jan 2 – Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalms 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9
Jan 3 – Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalms 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19
Steve,
2012 will mark my third time of printing out your bible study plan for the coming year. I have always chosen plan #5 so I was happy to read this morning that this will be the plan that you will implement for the coming year. I already have mine printed out and my yellow highlighter marked off day two this morning. Thank you for your faithfulness to our Savior and your willingness to have a ministry that furthers His message of a salvation to our lost and dying world. May God bless you and your loved ones in this New Year.
Bonnie Esteban