We have entered the year of our Lord 2025. A new year brings with it a sense of hope and anticipation. Some people look forward to the prospect of self-improvement and increased prosperity that may come with a new year. Others hope for new and exciting experiences. As Christians, a new year should look a bit different. Everything for the Christian revolves around Christ: his glory; his kingdom; his will; and his Word. All of these things are priorities for the Christian.
In beginning a new year, I would encourage you to look back and take stock of the past year(s). Ask yourself, in the past year(s):
• How did God provide for you?
• How did he sustain you?
• How did he guide you?
• How did he correct you?
• How did he teach you?
Write down your answer to these questions. As you consider what you have written, give God thanks for his good and faithful work in your life.
In beginning a new year, I would encourage you to set some goals for your Christian growth. The following list is not intended to be exhaustive.
- Set goals for your Bible reading and prayer time. Here are some suggestions:
a. Read through the entire Bible in a year.
b. Read through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
c. Read through the New Testament in six months or a year.
d. Read through the Old Testament in six months or a year.
e. Read through the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Number, Deuteronomy).
f. Read through Proverbs each month. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. On average you will be reading one chapter per day for the entire year.
g. Read through Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
There are many more options than the ones listed here, but it is a starting point to get you thinking. Start somewhere. Having a plan helps. - Set goals for memorizing Scripture. Here are some suggestions:
a. Memorize verses that focus on an area of need right now (ex. worry, anger, bitterness, doubt, discouragement, etc.).
b. Memorize verses that will help you share the gospel (the “Romans Road” is not a bad place to start).
c. Memorize verses that will help you defend the faith (1 Peter 3:15).
d. Memorize verses that encourage you in your worship of the Lord.
There are many more options than the ones listed here, but it is a starting point to get you thinking. Start somewhere. Having a plan helps. - Set goals for sharing the gospel. Maybe your goal will be to:
a. Share the gospel with one person each day.
b. Share the gospel with one person each week.
c. Share a gospel tract with one person each day.
d. Share a gospel tract with one person each week.
e. Leave a gospel tract in a public place each day.
One thing you should be doing each day is asking God for opportunities to share the gospel. Ask him to give you the wisdom, clarity of thought, words to speak, and courage to share. - Set goals for encouraging others in the faith. As Christians, we are supposed to be making disciples. How can you exhort others to love and good deeds as believers (Heb. 10:24-25)? A word of wisdom/caution: focus on encouraging someone of the same gender as you, unless the person is a spouse or family member. Here are some suggestions:
a. Let a fellow believer know you are praying for him or her. Just make sure you actually pray. Also, ask the person what you can be praying for.
b. Share Bible verses intended to encourage the brother or sister in Christian obedience and faithfulness.
c. Share things you are learning from God’s Word and other good Christian literature.
d. Share good sermons, podcasts, and books with fellow believers.
e. Ask the fellow believer what he or she is learning lately from God’s Word and other good Christian literature. - Set goals for reading Christian books that will encourage you in Christian maturity. There are several written works that can be a great encouragement to you in your Christian walk. It gives you the opportunity to learn from fellow believers who you will not be able to have a conversation with or be mentored by. Here are some categories:
a. Christian life – prayer, spiritual growth, Bible reading, evangelism, discipleship, etc.
b. Christian Theology – Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, and Historical Theology
c. Family life and Marriage – resolving conflict, raising and discipling children, family worship time, etc.
d. Church – worship, ordinances, governance, discipleship, etc.
In the near future, I will share a list of suggested resources that would be a good place for you to start. In the meantime, get started on the action steps listed above. Seek the Lord each day. Seek to bring him glory in all that you do.