A new year can prompt questions like this: “What is God’s will for my life in this season?” The question is a tempting one. As a somewhat anxious person, I prefer having a heads-up over a surprise. Knowing the specifics of what God intends for me this year would be great!
But of course, I don't, and can’t, know every detail laid in store for me. Yet one thing I do know: God’s will for me in 2018 is my sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
In every season, the Lord desires my active and ongoing conformity with Christ. In 2018, the Spirit will labor to bring out the fruit of God’s justification in my character and life with others (Galatians 5:22-23). Remembering John 17:17, below are a few ways I hope to cooperate with the Spirit’s work in me this year.
Bible Reading: Daily Readings From All Four Gospels by J.C. Ryle
Eric and I have committed to reading through large portions of the four Gospels, using J.C. Ryle’s morning and evening guide. We read a passage from one or two of the four Gospels, along with Ryle’s expository comments, every morning and evening. Here's a sample.
Bible Teachings: Ligonier Ministries
Some of you reading may know that Dr. R.C. Sproul died late last year, December 14, 2017. I was introduced to Dr. Sproul in 2007 and his passionate preaching and teaching has shaped my understanding of the gospel, and biblical and systematic theology -- Dr. Sproul's Ligonier Ministries was created to bridge the gap between Sunday school and the seminiary classroom. This year, I'm going “back to basics” with daily teachings from Ligonier Ministries. This lecture on The Trauma of Holiness was particularly helpful this week.
Learning to Study the Bible: The Charles Simeon Trust First Principle Course for Women
Charles Simeon Trust biblical exposition workshops and courses are meant to encourage and equip Bible teachers to faithfully teach the Word of God. This year, I hope to enroll in Simeon’s First Principle course for women. This is a $19 8-week online course that offers foundational skills for Bible studying and teaching. The course aims to improve the quality of the student’s study and preparation for teaching Scripture by helping her to listen more carefully to the text of Scripture itself. Here’s a syllabus and sample lesson.