The start of a new year is a good time to review our habits and strengthen ones that may have waned. Many Christians want to benefit from reading the Bible yet struggle to experience lasting change. This week, in Bible study, we discussed why we study Scripture and how our approach to God’s Word affects the benefit we receive from it. Here are some highlights and resources to help you start 2026 rooted in what lasts.
Investing in What Lasts
Several years ago, my computer crashed. The “genius” at the tech support bar told me he needed to wipe my computer clean and reload everything. I made him check twice to be sure my files were saved. When he went to reload it, he couldn’t retrieve my files from the backup.
For ten days, I didn’t know if my files could be rescued. I felt sick. I tried not to think about the years of photos, research, retreat materials, articles, and nearly completed manuscript that had been lost in an instant. Thankfully, a technician from another business took pity on me. He took my backup apart and manually retrieved my most important files.
That computer crash provided a taste of what the loss of a lifetime of work would be like and reminded me of God’s warning.
Worse than a Computer Crash
Scripture says our lives and works will one day be tested “as with fire.” Some treasured investments will evaporate more completely than erased computer files. The Scripture compares these to wood, hay, and stubble. But the work we do in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God—like gold, silver, and precious stones—will last.
“Anyone who builds on that foundation [Jesus Christ] may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:12-14 NLT).
Consider the difference between a haystack and a diamond. Driving down a highway, you can spot a haystack from far away. But you can’t spot a lost diamond ring in a field from the road. The haystack is obvious, but the diamond is precious.
God is more concerned with who we are becoming than with what we appear to be accomplishing.
Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The Greek word translated “transformed” is related to our word metamorphosis. Think of the difference between a hairy caterpillar and a butterfly. One repulses; the other captivates. Spending time with Jesus in His Word produces that kind of dramatic transformation in us.
When you set aside time with the Lord, don’t be surprised to feel the pull to “hurry up so you can get to your real work.” We’re tempted to measure success by what’s visible or measurable. But God uses a different standard (2 Cor. 4:18).
How to Produce Lasting Fruit
Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you… you will bear much fruit” (John 15:7–8; 14-16). Spending time with Jesus in His Word produces fruit that lasts. In other words, transformation precedes influence.
Acts 4:13 illustrates this. When the Jewish leaders observed Peter and John’s courage, they were astonished and “took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Their boldness didn’t come from education or polish—it came from spending time with their Lord.
Jesus is the Word made flesh. When we open our Bibles, we’re not completing a religious assignment; we’re meeting with a living Savior. Time spent with Him shapes our values, our thinking, and our desires. Who we are becoming inevitably shows up in our values and how we treat people.
How to Benefit from Reading the Bible
I’ve discovered that how much I benefit from reading the Bible depends largely on how I approach God’s Word. Years ago I made three simple shifts that transformed my Bible reading. I share them here.
That computer crash provided a sharp warning on how I invest my life. Time spent in God’s Word is never lost. His Word never returns empty. God uses it to shape us into people whose lives—and faith—produce fruit that lasts throughout this life and eternity.
Resources
Free Resources including “How to Get More out of God’s Word.”
Christian Living Bible studies
God’s Word doesn’t just inform us—it transforms us. Why time in Scripture matters more than we think. #improvement, #NewYou Share on XClick here to comment.
Blessings,
Sometimes I link to these great sites:
#MondayLinkUp, #InstaEncouragements, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
About 3 years ago, my IG was hacked and I lost about 3,000 photos and writing that went with those photos. Thankfully, I had been prompted the summer before to save the writing. Like you, I felt awful. I never did get that account back. You write: “God is more concerned with who we are becoming than with what we appear to be accomplishing” – oh, how I love this! It’s who I have become because of my relationship with Him that is what’s important. Your post is such good encouragement for the beginning of 2026–and just what I needed to hear today. Grace and Blessings, Debbie! ~ Maryleigh
Maryleigh, I still have never looked to see if my photos from Europe were recovered. It is a sick feeling to suffer loss of any kind. And I don’t want to lose what really matters for eternity. I’m so glad you’d saved your writing. God bless!
“God is more concerned with who we are becoming than with what we appear to be accomplishing.: That one line spoke volumes to me Debbie. Spending time in His precious Word is never wasted.
Ann, like good food, we need it every day!
Debbie, thank you for these wise words. I don’t make new year’s resolutions or set goals, but I am aiming to read through the Bible, one day at a time. The Spirit is gently nudging me each morning and I am grateful to say, ‘yes, Lord.’
A belated happy new year to you and yours, friend.
Linda, I’m like you. I like the freedom to explore whatever tangent my Bible reading takes me on. But I also lead small group discussions on biblical books that help me dig deeper in those areas. Happy New Year to you too!
I agree, Debbie, His word transforms us. Your message is encouraging and helpful as I continue my goal to read through the Bible this year. I read your other blog as well and will utilize your wisdom from both messages. Thank you and may God continue to bless your ministry.
Thank you, Katherine. God bless you!
I’m so sorry you had to go through that stress Debbie but glad everything was recovered. I love the tie in to your message too. It also made me think of how God wipes us clean. Thanks for sharing
That’s a positive eraser! Thanks, Yvonne.
Loved this Debbie as our goal should be transformation through the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit!
Amen! Thanks, Becky.
I too agree that ” God is more concerned with who we are becoming than with what we appear to be accomplishing.” A wise insight, Debbie. With you I love Bible study–the discovery process, the instruction and encouragement, the inspiration and worship prompts that lift my spirit, and more. For decades I’ve started my mornings in scripture study and prayer. Th epractice provides a foundation of strengthened faith before tackling the day’s to-do-list.
Nancy, that is such a good habit that I know serves you well.
I used to get up at o’ dark thirty to read Scripture now I read before bed so I can reflect on what I read as I fall asleep. I look forward to my Scripture reading each night and ending my day reflecting as I fall asleep.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friend’s this month dear friend.
When my children were young I often did my Bible reading at night. It was quiet and unhurried. I know what you’re talking about.