A new year begins, and most of us think of January 1st as a time to set new goals; eating healthy, exercising, losing weight, quitting a bad habit, saving money, getting a better job, or becoming more organized.

Homeschoolers are regrouping for their 2nd semester, maybe with a new schedule, or a change in curriculum.

For Christians, it is sometimes the beginning of a new Bible reading schedule.

There are many Bible reading plans online, at websites like Bible Study Tools and BibleGateway. You can choose from yearly plans, 90 Day Challenges, and chronological plans.

Bible reading is a great way to spend the morning- especially when you are sitting down to breakfast with the kids, establishing good habits and laying a foundation of character and virtue, helping them understand what the Scriptures mean in their context, and how to apply Biblical principles to their lives.

However, no plan or schedule will guarantee spiritual growth. Although Bible study and prayer time are essential for growth in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, as long as it is merely something to check off a list of Things To Do, the effort is just wood, hay, and stubble.

There is no substitute for a desire to know Christ, gratitude for His saving grace and continuous mercy, awe that He cares so much for His creation, and a yearning to know what He would communicate to us through His Word.

Don’t allow Bible reading and prayer become a duty, a chore. Ask God to open your eyes daily and behold wonderful things from His miraculously preserved Scripture. If this is your attitude, reading the Bible will be one resolution you have no trouble keeping.