Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for all the congratulations on reaching Vol. 300. I begin the next 300 with your support and ask that you share these studies with those who need to know The Word.
Happy New Year! I have been on vacation while writing this Bible study. Not easy, since we are visiting dear friends from college, celebrating 2026 — which sounds futuristic to those born in the mid-20th century — and trying to figure out how we all got so old.
Honestly, this study could have been a quick rehash of 2023 and 2024's New Year's resolution Bible studies, Vols. 248 and 198, and I could have faked it as new material. Then it hit me, "ask ChatGPT" and prompted: "Write a 700-word Bible Study about New Year's Resolutions."
Two seconds later, the following appeared: "Here is a Bible study on New Year's Resolutions, written in a clear, encouraging, and age-appropriate way." Surprisingly, the messages were on target. So, to begin the futuristic-sounding year of 2026, let's welcome our guest co-writer and "Bible expert," Mr. ChatGPT.
However, to keep it human, I add clearly marked commentary in quotes. Are we ready? Mr. Chat's suggested title was:
Bible Study: New Year's Resolutions — A Biblical Approach to New Beginnings
Introduction: The Desire for a Fresh Start.
Every New Year brings a sense of hope. People set resolutions to improve their habits, relationships, and goals. While making resolutions is common, the Bible invites us to think deeper: What kind of change truly lasts? Scripture teaches that real transformation begins not with human effort alone, but with a heart surrendered to God. A New Year is not just a chance to "do better," but an opportunity to walk closer with God.
Recommended
Myra says, "Great job! Now we can go kayaking." But Mr. Chat was just getting started:
1. God Is the Author of New Beginnings
The Bible is filled with stories of fresh starts. God is not limited by our past mistakes or failures. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). This verse reminds us that renewal begins in Christ, not on a calendar date. While January 1 is symbolic, God offers renewal every day. Biblical resolutions are not about perfection but about transformation through God's grace.
Myra proclaims, "This is the future! Now, the eight hours I usually spend writing my weekly Bible study can be spent cooking gourmet dinners for my husband so I can pretend to be a Proverbs 31 wife." Now back to Mr. Chat.
Reflection Question: What areas of your life need God's renewing power rather than just self-discipline?
Myra answers: "Mr. Chat, I need to trust God more. I must not get so worked up about my deadlines and projects. I must repeat, 'Jesus, I trust in you,' and believe it!"
2. Setting God-Centered Goals
Many resolutions focus on self-improvement, health, success, or productivity. These goals are not wrong, but Scripture teaches us to place God first in our plans. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans" (Proverbs 16:3).
Myra comments: "Yes, I already commit, but I need to do it with trust, not anxiety. I need to read my Bible studies, Vols. 294 and 295 about trust challenges." Mr. Chat continues:
Biblical resolutions should ask, "How can I honor God with my life this year?" When God is at the center, our goals align with His will. Instead of only resolving to achieve more, we can resolve to love more, forgive more, and trust God more. Examples of God-centered resolutions: Spending consistent time in prayer and Scripture. Showing kindness and patience to others. Living with integrity in school, work, or family life.
Reflection Question: Are your goals shaped by God's priorities or by pressure from the world?
Myra responds: "I want my goals to be shaped by God's priorities, but pressure from the world is impossible to ignore. Deadlines, commitments, and expectations from others are ever-present." Mr. Chat has more suggestions:
3. Depending on God's Strength, Not Our Own
One reason many resolutions fail is that people rely only on willpower. The Bible reminds us that lasting change comes from God's strength. "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
This verse does not mean we will never struggle, but it promises that God empowers us to persevere. When we fall short, God's grace invites us to try again. Biblical growth is a process, not a one-time decision. Instead of saying, "I will never fail," a better resolution is, "I will rely on God when I fail."
Reflection Question: Where do you need to rely more on God instead of your own strength?
Myra answers: "In everything, every waking hour. 'Here am I, Lord, send me.'"
4. Letting Go of the Past
The New Year often reminds us of regrets from the previous year. Scripture encourages believers not to stay trapped in the past. "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal" (Philippians 3:13-14). God does not want us to be defined by yesterday's mistakes. Through forgiveness and grace, He invites us to move forward. Letting go does not mean ignoring lessons learned—it means refusing to let guilt stop growth.
Reflection Question: Is there something from the past that God is asking you to release?
Myra responds: "How about nearly my entire life? Mr. Chat, this could take a while. Do you have extended office hours?"
5. Living With Purpose Each Day
Biblical resolutions are not about dramatic promises but about faithful daily living. "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).
Instead of focusing only on long-term outcomes, Scripture encourages faithfulness in everyday choices. Small acts of obedience—prayer, honesty, kindness—shape a life that honors God. A powerful resolution is simply this: "Today, I will walk with God."
Myra said: "Mr. Chat, thanks for the new mantra, 'Today, I will walk with God.'"
Conclusion: A Resolution That Lasts
New Year's resolutions often fade, but a life committed to God endures. The Bible teaches that true change begins in the heart, grows through dependence on God, and continues through daily faithfulness. As you enter a new year, remember that God is more concerned with who you are becoming than with what you achieve.
Myra answers: "Hey, Mr. Chat, 'How do you know God's concerns?'" Lastly, a supercomputer's closing prayer:
Lord, thank You for new beginnings. Help me surrender my plans to You, trust in Your strength, and walk faithfully with You each day. May this year draw me closer to You. Amen.
Myra answers: "Nice, but I need something stronger, and Paul's famous passage just popped into my head.":
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Read the rest.
My overall 2026 resolutions are to "wear the full armor of God." We all must do that before AI rules the world and mushes our brains. And always know that God is in control. Happy New Year!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible" reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2," reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can help support our new exhibit in Orlando, Florida. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com
Join the conversation as a VIP Member