May God richly bless you in 2023! I can think of no greater blessing as we enter the New Year, then for God to create in us a deep hunger for His word. Jeremiah declared, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s armies”(Jeremiah 15:16 NLT). The beginning of a new year has always been an opportunity for people to establish new goals, turn away from past failures, and develop new life style habits. Recently we have been challenged by our general superintendent, Doug Clay, to make Biblical literacy a priority. I believe the Holy Spirit has inspired this call. Biblical literacy is not just reading or hearing the sacred scriptures, but it is understanding them, obeying them, and practicing their decrees. The Psalmist said, “Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all of my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word” (Psalm 119:33-37, NLT). One version says in verse 37, “revive me in Your ways” (NASB).
ADOPTING the BEST HABIT in 2023