How did 2021 go for you? Where did you see blessings and success? How did you suffer and endure hardships?

Sometimes reflecting on the past can be a helpful way to plan and prepare for a better future. When we want to lose weight and be healthier we have to change our diet and exercise. When we want to grow spiritually stronger we have to take in more of God’s voice through Bible reading and listening. Planning and practicing daily disciplines can radically improve our future but require commitment and motivation. Do you want to grow spiritually stronger in 2022?

Here are some motivating truths to encourage you to read or listen to God through the Bible each day.

The Bible…

1. Helps us to believe — John 20:31 “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ”

2. Is used by God to save your souls — James 1:21-25 “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls”

3.Connects you to God— 2 John 1:9 “Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”

4. Is a living, active, & relevant book— Hebrews 4:12-13 “For the word of God is living and active”

5. Is authored by God through the Holy Spirit — 2 Peter 1:19-21 “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

6. Lovingly guides us into God’s good commands— Deuteronomy 29:29 “the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

7. Is commanded to be read & taught— 1 Timothy 4:11-16 “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching”

8. Is trustworthy in a world of deception— Titus 1:9 “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

9. Is better than money — Psalm 119:72 “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”

10. Should be loved more than money — Psalm 119:127-128 “Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.”

11. Reveals God’s will & transforms our minds— Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

12. Can be handled with confidence— 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

13. Protects us from being wrong— Mark 12:24 “Jesus said to them, ‘Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?”’

14. Is God’s weapon for your battles — Ephesians 6:17 “take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”

15. Is eyewitness testimony to the majesty of Jesus— 2 Peter 1:16 “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

Will you make plans today to fulfill God’s purpose for you in 2022? In a world full of opportunities  — faithful churches, audio Bibles, Bible apps, devotional books, and Bible reading plans we have no excuse for not listening to God’s voice. If you intentionally spend more time in the Bible in 2022 than in 2021, you will be amazed at the work that God does in and through you in the year ahead.

Author – By Jonathan Carl