There was a time when I didn't begin my day with God. It was another kind of winter. A winter of the soul.
I woke up haphazardly. I reached for my phone. I let the drama that leaked from my handheld device set the tone for my heart. The news told me what to fear. Social media told me who to compare myself to. Emails told me what to carry.
Here's what I had to learn the hard way: we are being formed every morning whether we realize it or not. The question isn't if something will shape us in those first waking hours. The question is simply: by what? |
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Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news |
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January 2 — Ever wanted to worship like a monk? The "Monk Mindset" app invites participants to a 30-day challenge, starting January 5, to incorporate monastic principles into daily life. Led by Dominican, Benedictine, and Carmelite friars, the program focuses on prayer, work, relationships, and wellness. Features include guided content, habit-tracking tools, app-blocking for focus, and live Q&A sessions with monastics. (Aleteia) |
| January 2 — Archaeologists in Ephesus, a city where Paul the Apostle preached and one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, have uncovered "unusual" Roman-era artifacts. The finds included a first-century marble bathtub, likely used in a wealthy home and later converted into a fountain trough, and a male statue fragment later repurposed as a paving stone. These and other recent discoveries in biblical cities like Laodicea highlight the rich Christian and Roman history of Asia Minor. (Fox News) |
| January 3 — According to a new survey, many Americans are prioritizing family and faith in 2026. Among those making New Year's resolutions, 15% aim to spend more time with family, and another 15% plan to pray more. Yet these priorities still rank behind health and financial goals like exercising (25%), eating healthier (22%), and saving more money (21%). While 51% of respondents don't plan to make resolutions, those who do display a strong focus on health, relationships, and spiritual growth. (Christianity Daily) |
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As soon as you decide to read the Bible, you're faced with lots of questions: Which version should you read? What order should you read it in?
And as you go deeper, the questions only continue: When did all these things take place? How should you interpret difficult or seemingly contradictory passages? Do you really have to read all those genealogies?
If you've ever wanted to read the Bible, but didn't know where to start — or if you did start but dropped off somewhere around Leviticus — this post is for you. It will walk you through a step-by-step process for choosing a Bible, setting goals, and building a study habit — plus, how to handle challenging sections so they don't derail your entire journey. |
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| Right now, you can get a Bible Gateway Plus yearly plan for 20% off! Enjoy access to 60+ premium Bible study resources valued at over $3,100—all ad-free! Try it free for 7 days. |
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When we set goals, like New Year's resolutions, most of us have an end result in mind. Then we make a plan to establish new habits to reach that goal.
The problem is that, while Bible study is the most important goal we can set, it is also the least measurable. You can study the Bible like a school textbook for thousands of hours and not grow in your walk with the Lord if it never moves to transform your heart.
So, how do we set a Bible study goal that isn't just about checking a box but actually, truly, changes our lives? |
| When navigating something difficult, it's natural for your mind to start calculating. You begin running all the scenarios, weighing the chances of success or failure, and trying to figure out what combination of effort, timing, and circumstances will produce the outcome you want.
Unfortunately, our desired outcomes are never guaranteed, no matter how hard we try to perfectly line up the variables. The world does not abide by our calculations, and God does not operate by our equations.
This is why, when Joshua and Israel were facing the impossible task to leave the wilderness and claim the Promised Land, God said, "Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." |
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Prayer is an intimate way to develop a deep and personal connection with God. Through 52 weeks of brief readings, daily Bible meditation, and guided prayer prompts, The Weekly Prayer Project helps you discover how to better hear God's voice by intentionally, biblically, and joyfully communicating with Him. Receive an extra $10 off your order of $50 or more with code NY26 when you purchase now. |
| Grace for the Moment Daily Bibles |
Drench yourself in grace as you spend a few moments each day in God's Word. Each of the 365 readings features a selection from Grace for the Moment™, from bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado, and portions from the Old and New Testaments to help you read through the Bible in a year. Order today and save an extra $10 off $50+ with code NY26. |
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Devotionals and Reading Plans Sign up to get daily inspiration, biblical themes, and guided studies that allow you to engage with Scripture in a meaningful and practical way. |
| Bible Gateway App Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere. | | Bible Audio App Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God. |
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| For a limited time, Study Gateway plans start at just $6/month for life. Access thousands of Bible study videos from trusted teachers, all in one place. Start your free trial today and make spiritual growth part of your daily routine. |
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*Bible Gateway New Year Sale is valid through 1/20/26. Offer applies to annual plans only and reflects a 20% discount for the life of the subscription while the plan remains active. All prices are in USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The free trial is available to new subscribers only. *Sale price ends on 1/12/26 at 11:59 PM CST. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Shipping, gift cards, or customization of products does not qualify towards minimum purchase requirements. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Take an extra $10 off orders of $50 or more with code NY26. NY26 valid through 1/12/26 until 11:59pm CST, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. *Study Gateway New Year Annual Plan Sale is applicable for the Personal Plan, Small Group Plan or Church Plan, charged to the payment method you provided, starting at the end of your 7-day free trial. Savings applied automatically at checkout. Valid for new and returning subscribers only. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Offer ends January 29, 2026. This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about
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*Bible Gateway New Year Sale is valid through 1/20/26. Offer applies to annual plans only and reflects a 20% discount for the life of the subscription while the plan remains active. All prices are in USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The free trial is available to new subscribers only. *Sale price ends on 1/12/26 at 11:59 PM CST. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Shipping, gift cards, or customization of products does not qualify towards minimum purchase requirements. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Take an extra $10 off orders of $50 or more with code NY26. NY26 valid through 1/12/26 until 11:59pm CST, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. *Study Gateway New Year Annual Plan Sale is applicable for the Personal Plan, Small Group Plan or Church Plan, charged to the payment method you provided, starting at the end of your 7-day free trial. Savings applied automatically at checkout. Valid for new and returning subscribers only. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Offer ends January 29, 2026. This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about
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