The Bible is God’s Word written to us—a personal, loving message from the Creator. When you read Scripture, you’re spending time with God, learning His heart, and understanding His ways. Just as relationships grow through communication, your relationship with God will flourish as you listen to Him through His Word. The psalmist says it so well as he contemplates reading and meditating on God’s Word: “You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth” (Psalm 119:151).

Life is full of decisions, challenges, and uncertainties. The Bible offers timeless wisdom for every situation you face. Again, we turn to the psalmist: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). By reading daily, you allow God’s Word to guide your steps and shape your choices.

Romans 10:17 reminds us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Daily reading builds your faith as you see God’s promises, His faithfulness throughout history and to His people especially, and His power at work in the lives of His people.

The Bible describes itself as the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), a vital tool for standing firm against temptation and spiritual attacks. By immersing yourself in Scripture, you arm yourself with truth and wisdom to resist the enemy and stay focused on Christ. Again, the psalmist declares, “Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies” (Psalm 119:157).

In a world full of distractions and negativity, the Bible has the power to renew your mind and transform your thinking. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Daily reading helps you focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, filling your heart with God’s peace and joy.

Reading God’s Word daily reminds us of His commands and encourages us to live in obedience. James 1:22challenges us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” As you apply what you read, you’ll grow in Christlikeness and experience the joy of living in alignment with God’s will.

Daily Bible reading helps establish a consistent rhythm in your life. Starting or ending your day in God’s Word creates a foundation for other spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and meditation. The Word of God helps keep our lives in proper order and perspective, which changes us (Psalm 119:9-16; 97-112).

Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Just as your body needs daily nourishment, your soul needs the life-giving truths of Scripture to thrive. The psalmist proclaims, “Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction“ (Psalm 119:92).

As you read and grow in God’s Word, you’ll find yourself better equipped to encourage, counsel, and share truth with those around you. Whether it’s a friend in need or a stranger seeking hope, Scripture gives you the tools to point others to Christ. The all-sufficient Word of God provides you the wisdom you need to help others in their pressure-filled circumstances. The Word provides the wisdom you need: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

Each time you open the Bible, you’re reminded of God’s character, His promises, and His unchanging faithfulness. This daily reminder helps you face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with you and for you. God’s Word is His voice and in it you are reminded of His presence (Psalm 119:151; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Yesterday I wrote about “Resolutions. I think I can safely say that to some extent all Christians make resolutions of some sort, at some time during the year. I say that because the Holy Spirit makes us aware of our failures and draws us to follow Christ. Every Christian loves God and wants to please Him. But, as you know we all fail Him at times. The question is “what then?”.

Sadly, rather than making it right, some make matters worse. They failed and they admit it, but Satan, the accuser, drags them down all the more. Consequently they become distraught and discouraged- overwhelmed by the feeling that they are a failure and will never be able to live as they should. Rather than going on they just settle down in the rut, living as a spectator rather than a servant. Rather than getting back in the race and going the extra mile they watch from the sidelines. They feel they would just fail again so they make no effort press on.

If you are in that group you need to remember this- you are not a failure just because you failed. We all fail. But you are not a failure until you quit learning from failures, give up, and stop striving to succeed. So rather than giving up, you need to give in – give in to God’s will and depend upon His power to enable you. Although you have failed miserably you can make it right and go on to live a highly productive life. Peter is a good example of that.

Although we fail to keep our resolutions we can nevertheless repent and be restored to fellowship with God. Don’t focus on your failure. Focus on your future by thinking about the person you could become by the grace of God. When you do that you will discover that God can still use you. An old song says, “It pays to serve Jesus”, and indeed it does. So, instead of giving up – give in to God by surrendering your all to Him. If we are truly serious about our resolutions we won’t quit just because we failed. Go ahead and take the bold step of making a resolution and then ask God to help you overcome all that comes against you.

It’s my prayer that a year from now you will be able to look back and rejoice because God has enabled you to keep your resolution to the praise of His glory. Think about it! – HDS

David Stone  
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.

RESOLUTIONS
Here we go again. It’s time for those New Year Resolutions. I can’t help but wonder how many folks take them seriously. Considering that so many people often make jokes about them it’s evident that that many people don’t. However I’m sure that some are serious about their intentions. They honestly admit the shortcomings in their life and express a determination to do better.

That’s well and good, but as everyone knows that’s not enough. Confessing failure is one thing and conquering it is another. Fact is, we need help! A strong resolve and stiff upper lip is not enough. We need the kind of help that God alone can provide. And, by then way, He takes us serious when we make a resolution. Lying is a sin that God hates. Therefore we best do what we must to carry through on our resolutions.

To succeed we must first realize that without Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5). If we are to succeed we must abide in Christ. If we are serious about changing we will be willing to accept God’s help. Every person is in need of divine aid. None of us can live successfully without a willingness to trust and obey God.

I pray that we all will take time to reflect on our failures, confess them, and seek God’s help. As the old song says, there is “Victory in Jesus”. Thank God for that! May God help us to live in such a way that when this new year comes to an end that we will be able to look back and see the great things God has enabled us to do. Recognizing our need of God’s help is paramount to a life well lived. And living such a life is the only way to truly have a happy new year, Think about it! – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.

THINK ABOUT IT            1-1-25
Wow! Really? As I woke up this morning for the umpteenth time I was keenly aware of the fact that we entered a new year. I was also aware of the fact that I dislike, almost hate, New Year celebrations as they are done in my neighborhood. Maybe, no actually, I am getting older and I dislike noise in the night.

That being said, I am truly thankful for reaching another landmark in time. I never dreamed I would be alive in 2025. Most, all as far as i know, of my childhood friends have already died, yet God left me here. And He did so without me begging Him to let me live long. Too the contrary, I have sometimes thought that death would be sweet relief- “far better” as Paul said. Yet here I am. And I suspect many of you could say the same.

The fact that we are alive isn’t by accident. We are here on purpose. Our all wise God has deemed it so. Although it’s easy to complain about the problems and pain in life, we would do better if we praised God for giving us a divinely appointed purpose in life. To think that we can have a part in God’s plan should be seen as a blessing, rather than a burden.

It’s true that we don’t always know exactly how God is using us, but we can rest assured that God has a reason for us being alive. I hope you will keep that thought in mind as you traverse the path of life. Doing so can keep you from disappointment and despair. Believe it or not even difficult days can become delightful when you realize the difference that God can make in the lives of others whom we come in contact with. By word and deed God wants to use us and that makes every day important. Think about it! Happy New Year! – HDS

David Stone  
Lakeway Baptist Church  
Humble, TX