Simple Steps to Commit to Reading the Bible This Year

Read the Bible More Days Than You Don’t

Scripture References

Primary text

• Genesis 1
• 2 Timothy 3

Other references

• Genesis 2
• Matthew 11

Overview

Pastor James Meehan closes the year by challenging the church to make one life-shaping resolution: engage God’s Word four or more days a week. Research and Scripture agree—consistent Bible intake is the leading predictor of spiritual growth and freedom. Using Genesis 1 as a case study, he shows how every page points to Jesus and invites us to rest in God’s goodness. Practical steps—know the goal, find a guide, refuse to give up—turn this resolution into an enjoyable, sustainable habit for 2026.

Context

• Final weekend of the year; Life.Church prepares to celebrate 30 years and launch a “Church That Pleases God” series.
• Pastor James, who leads student-ministry content (and is Pastor Craig’s son-in-law), is invited to preach.
• Congregation is encouraged to reflect on God’s generosity in 2025 and enter the new year with intentional faith practices.

Main Points

1. Why most New-Year goals collapse

• Discipline and desire run out quickly; “Quitter’s Day” (second Friday of January) proves knowing better ≠ doing better.

• Story: James’s tongue-in-cheek goal to “beat up my little brother” motivates his own fitness—illustrating that a compelling “why” sustains hard habits.

• Lasting change requires making the process itself enjoyable.

2. The unrivaled impact of regular Scripture engagement

“Read the Bible more days than you don’t.”

• Center for Bible Engagement (“rule of four”): reading 4+ days a week sparks measurable change—e.g., 228 % more likely to share faith, 59 % less likely to view porn, 30 % less likely to feel lonely.
• 2 Timothy 3: all Scripture is God-breathed and equips us for every good work.

3. Make Bible reading enjoyable so it becomes sustainable

1. Know the goal
   • Purpose is not to answer every scientific question but to meet Jesus and become like Him.
2. Find a guide
   • Weekend teaching, Bible-app plans, trusted teachers, and community keep us moving forward.
3. Refuse to give up
   • If you miss one day, don’t miss two.
   • Quote (from his dad): > “Bring your body and your mind will follow.”

4. A fresh look at Genesis 1 shows Scripture’s depth and beauty

• Patterns: “God said… it was so” (10 ×), “God saw… it was good” (7 ×), six evenings & mornings.
• Problem/Purpose: the seventh-day rest (Genesis 2) breaks the pattern to highlight God’s invitation to find value in Him, not in ceaseless work—a radical message to Israelite ex-slaves.
• Light before sun? Context and the larger biblical narrative (John’s prologue, Jesus as “light of the world”) resolve apparent contradictions and point to Christ.

5. Practical on-ramps for 2026

• Use Bible-app “Fully Devoted” and other plans (QR link provided).
• Read with friends, life-group, or family; community multiplies joy and divides struggle.
• Trust the Spirit to develop delight over duty.

Key Truths

• Consistent Bible intake is the single strongest catalyst for spiritual growth.
• The Bible’s primary aim is to reveal Jesus and shape us into His likeness.
• Enjoyment fuels endurance; habits that delight are the ones that last.
• God’s seventh-day rest declares our worth is rooted in Him, not our productivity.
• Missing a day is a setback, not a defeat—grace invites us to start again.

Response

• Schedule daily Scripture time and treat it as non-negotiable.
• Choose and start a Bible-app plan before the week ends.
• Invite one friend or family member to read alongside you.
• When motivation lags, remind yourself: “Bring your body and your mind will follow.”
• Rest weekly, trusting your identity is secure in God, not in output.

Closing

Pastor James prayed that the church would accept Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11). He urged everyone to commit before God to seek Him in His Word more days than they don’t, believing the new year will be marked by deeper intimacy with Christ and transformed living.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we come to You weary and burdened. Grant us rest for our souls. Give us the discipline and wisdom to open Your Word daily, to see You more clearly, and to be shaped into Your likeness. May 2026 be a year of new people, new habits, and new freedom as we walk with You. Amen.