Start 2025 with Purpose: A Journey through the Bible
By Senior Pastor Ellis White
As we approach the end of the year, I love to reflect on the highlights of the past 12 months. I think about the experiences I’ve had, the relationships I’ve deepened, and the goals I’ve achieved. Then, I begin to look ahead to the new year, asking myself, What can I do to move closer to becoming the person God has called me to be?
As you reflect and look forward, I wonder what you might want to commit to in 2025. In particular, what would it look like to commit to something eternal? How might your life change if you immersed yourself in God’s Word every single day?
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Bible is a source of wisdom, guiding our lives and illuminating our way as we journey toward eternity with God.
Paul reminds Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” God’s Word transforms us, equipping us to fulfill His purposes and grow into the people He intends us to be.
This coming year, I want to invite you to join me in a journey of transformation through God’s Word. Reading the Bible in One Year has been a significant practice in my life. I still have the Bible in One Year that my father gave me for Christmas when I was 13. For many years, this daily habit has been a way to center myself and hear God’s voice in the busyness of life.
In recent years, I’ve engaged with a version of this plan created by Nicky Gumbel, the developer of Alpha. Each day, you’ll read passages from the Psalms or Proverbs, the New Testament, and the Old Testament, accompanied by insightful commentary from Nicky and his wife, Pippa. This plan beautifully ties the whole Bible together, showing how Scripture is deeply relevant to your life.
Three versions of this plan are available: the Classic plan, the Youth plan, and the Express plan. Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or new to this discipline, there’s an option for you.
Here’s how to get started:
- Download the Bible in One Year app or sign up for daily emails.
- Choose the plan that fits your schedule.
- Decide whether you’ll read or listen along each day.
Consider inviting your family, small group, or a friend to join you. Let’s walk through God’s Word together as a church community.
And remember, it’s okay to miss a day or two along the way. If that happens, simply pick up where we are. The goal is to grow as followers of Jesus, not just to check off every chapter.
God’s Word has the power to illuminate our paths, transform our lives, and draw us closer to him. Let’s begin 2025 rooted in Scripture and see where he leads us!
Pastor Ellis
P.S. – As we near the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to thank you for your faithful support of Chapel Hill Church this year. December is always a critical month for our ministry, and while giving has been solid, we are behind our budgeted giving levels with just a few days left in the year. Would you prayerfully consider making a special year-end gift? Your generosity makes an eternal impact, enabling us to continue sharing the love of Jesus Christ in our community and beyond. To ensure your gift is included on your 2024 giving statement, please make sure it’s postmarked by December 31 or placed in the locked drop box outside Door D by then. Thank you for partnering with us to advance God’s kingdom work!