We are at that time of the year when Christmas is over and our minds are turning to yet another new year. As we say farewell and 2022 and prepare to embrace 2023 many of us will have our thoughts and our plans.

For some the new year will bring hopes and dreams. For others there will be disappointment and loss.

As January begins we begin naturally this contemplate the dreaded yet almost obligatory new year’s resolutions. Some plan to shed few pounds of weight after the excesses of Christmas. Others will perhaps be looking at new ways to economise, to save a few pounds sterling. Experience teaches us, however, that many such resolutions rarely take us beyond January; we quickly get back into the grindstone of life with all of its challenges and our best intentions for the future become waylaid.

There is one certainty regarding 2023 which we cannot avoid; there will be struggles and temptations. As Christians our foremost aim must be to go on with God. To live for Him. It is our priority to make progress in 2023, to grow in grace. It is only spiritual strength which will equip us for the challenges that will inevitably come our way as 2023 dawns. We can only be spiritually strong by paying attention to the Word of God. This is one resolution we cannot afford to fail.

The Bible is our most vital piece of equipment which strengthens our hands for the the months that lie ahead. To make use of the Scriptures, however, we must be disciplined in our approach. Regimented Scripture reading which takes us through the Bible at a steady pace over the course of a year, or perhaps two years, is always much more preferable than selecting passages at random. For your help I have selected three Bible Reading schemes.

THE WHOLE BIBLE IN 52 WEEKS

ROBERT MURRAY McCHEYNE’S READING PLAN; Old Testament once, New Testament & Psalms Twice

TWO YEAR READING PLAN

Whatever Bible reading scheme you chose, please avoid reading for the mere sake of getting through the set number of chapters. Such an approach will take the enjoyment of the Word away from your heart and will ultimately flounder on the rocks of failure.

View your Scripture readings as a meal. Gobbling our food swiftly is not good for our health. It is better to take our time over meals, chewing the food well and allowing our bodies to digest. As we read we should set time aside, reading slowly and carefully. Carefully in Bible reading parlance means prayerfully. Reading prayerfully is to ask God to open up His Word, to help us understand and open our hearts up to His will. This is to hide the truth in our hearts and such an approach will keep us from sin.

Another effective piece of the Christian’s equipment is a good daily devotional. While a devotional should not used instead of the Scriptures it is an effective supplement.

William Jay’s Morning & Evening Exercises

My personal favourite, not readily available in print. This PDF edition comes in 4 volumes, they take time to read but your soul will be enriched by William Jay’s keen observations and remarkable insights.

DAILY LIGHT

Daily Light is a remarkable piece of writing. For every day, morning and evening, a specially curated of Scripture verses following particular themes are put together for the reader’s edification.

A WORD IN SEASON

Edited by the late Dr Alan Cairns, with contributions by Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster ministers, this is available on the Free Presbyterian Website via web link or by an email subscription.

SPURGEON’S MORNING & EVENING

Spurgeon’s devotions have a certain timeless and enduring quality. Morning and Evening contains two brief readings for every day of the year. Available through weblink or email subscription. Hard copies can be purchased from good Christian booksellers.

WISHING YOU EVERY HAPPINESS FOR 2023; PRAYING THAT IT WILL BE A YEAR OF MAKING PROGRESS FOR GOD.