Do you think of everyone else during the Christmas shopping season, but seldom buy anything for yourself? I do too. Honestly, it brings me way more joy to give to those I love. BUT, there’s one exception. I always, always invest in new spiritual resources to start the new year off focused on Jesus.
A New Bible
Sometimes I invest in a new Bible. I’ve been reading through the Bible every year for two decades now and I love it more every year. One year I used a Chronological Bible. Another year I used a journaling Bible in a different translation (ESV). Usually, I turn to my old faithful favorite, the MacArthur Daily Bible.
On January 1, I turn to the page marked January 1 and read a selection from the Old Testament, a selection from the New Testament, an a portion of the Psalms and Proverbs. (Reading portions of the New Testament every day helps me make it through some of the drier parts of the Old Testament.) The next day, I turn to January 2 and do the same. Before I know it, I’ve read through the BIble—the WHOLE Bible. What a joy!
A Great Bible Study Resource
I hope to disciple a new believer this year, and together we’re going to use Jean Wilund’s Ease into the Bible, How to Wade into the Water of God’s Word with Confidence. It’s the perfect introduction for new Christians, those struggling to understand the Bible, and mature believers who want a fuller Bible reading experience. Light-hearted and easy-to-understand explanations engage even the most reluctant readers. I’m buying two copies—one for myself and one for my new believer friend.
The Best Pens
A friend turned me on to Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens. They write smoothly, dry without smudging, and, best of all, are available in super fine point (0.5 mm) so I can write neatly in the small spaces in my Bible. It’s amazing what a difference .2mm makes. I also love Mr. Pen No-Bleed highlighting pens that enable me to highlight passages without the color bleeding through the pages.
A Brand New Devotional
It’s not too soon to order your copy of my latest devotional from Our Daily Bread Publishing, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace. If you’d like to start off your new year thinking on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, this is the devotional for you. Here’s what the publisher says:
In this 60-day devotional, Lori Hatcher provides you with powerful promises from the Bible that teach you how to shift your gaze from your problems to the incomparable power and love of God.
Each day, reset your mind by meditating on what’s true, right, pure, and praiseworthy, and lean on God in the midst of the messy and mundane. Discover how to have joy, hope, strength, and deep-rooted peace when you focus on Jesus no matter what’s happening around you.
Now it’s Your Turn
What resources are you investing in to make sure 2025 is a year of joy, spiritual growth, and drawing ever closer to our precious Savior? Leave a comment below and join the conversation!
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