An Inspirational Message for the New Year 2026 – HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY? – by Charles Schokman
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“ But the word of the LORD endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.—1 Peter 1:25.KJB
As 2026 begins, we want to encourage you to start the year grounded in what matters most: the Word of God.
The Bible is far more than just an ancient book. It is the most read, most translated, and most life-changing book in human history. Across centuries and cultures, God has used His Word to bring light, truth, comfort, conviction and transformation to millions.
Here are my top 10 reasons for why the Bible stands above all other books — and why we all benefit from reading the Bible daily and all the way through.
- The Bible Is the Most Widely-Read and Best-Selling Book in History
More copies of the Bible have been sold and distributed than any other book — in fact, over 6 billion worldwide. This book has shaped nations, cultures, laws and individual lives across centuries.
Psalm 119:105 declares: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It’s true — Scripture guides one’s daily life with divine clarity. If you want God’s guidance, in other words, read the Bible!
- The Bible Is the Most Translated Book of All Time
The Scriptures have been translated into thousands of languages — more than any other book on earth. Full or partial translations now exist in over 4,000 languages.
As we read in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is breathed out by God…” Believers have long understood God’s desire to communicate with every people group. This extraordinary translation effort — and the demand that drives it — reflects the Bible’s universal appeal and historic impact.
- The Bible’s Historical Reliability Is Extraordinary
Archaeology and textual studies have confirmed the many people, places and events described in Scripture Its manuscripts predate most ancient texts from other traditions.
Psalm 119:89, in the Amplified Bible, reads: “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven [standing firm and unchangeable].” According to one calculation, there are 332 Messianic propheciesfrom the Hebrew Bible — the Old Testament — which Jesus fulfilled. The amazing historical accuracy of the Bible reinforces our confidence in the Word of God and the Bible as God’s unchanging truth.
- The Bible Was Written Over Many Centuries Yet Has a Unified Message
The Bible was written by over 40 authors across 1,500 years. It contains 66 separate books, yet it presents a coherent message — from creation in Genesis to final redemption in Revelation. This redemption comes through Christ, the living hope and light of the world. Such unity is unparalleled in world literature.
Psalm 119:130 says, “The entrance of your words gives light…” For Christians, this speaks to the consistency of God’s revelation. For students of literature and history, it demonstrates remarkable textual harmony across genres. Either way, reading the Bible will give you light you have never experienced. As it says in Psalm 36:9, “In your light we see light.”
- The Bible Contains Deep Moral and Ethical Wisdom
Many moral principles still held high in the modern world have their roots directly in biblical teaching — such as justice, mercy and human dignity. These concepts have influenced law, human rights and ethical thought the world over.
In Matthew 7:12, Jesus said, “whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them”. This is Jesus’ succinct summary of God’s perfect moral will. Also known as the ‘Golden Rule’, this principle is respected widely for its universal human insight into every culture on the planet. Indeed, all of our human rights can be credited to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible.
- The Bible is the Most Honest Book in the World and Provides Answers to Life’s Biggest Questions
The Bible tells the good and the bad about people. Benjamin Rush said, “The Bible contains more truth than any other book in the world.” Scripture’s brutal honesty fills the heart with hope. Questions like, Why am I here? What is suffering? and What happens after death? are addressed throughout Scripture, answering the questions of both our hearts and our minds.
As Proverbs 1:7 teaches, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Anyone can find purpose and peace in God through his Word. A. W. Tozer said, “The Holy Scriptures tell us what we could never learn any other way: they tell us what we are, who we are, how we got here, why we are here and what we are required to do while we remain here.”
- Daily Bible Reading Nourishes the Soul and Mind
Daily Bible reading has been linked in research to increased compassion, generosity and personal wellbeing.
Psalm 1:2 describes as blessed the person whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night”. Daily Scripture reading builds intimacy with God.
As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” Even so, the Bible is more than an education of the mind — it is also an education of the spirit and soul.
- Reading the Bible from Cover-to-Cover Builds Perspective and Wisdom
Reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation provides a panoramic view of humanity and God’s intervention in history. It brings coherence to Scripture — and to our lives.
This is why the Scriptures say of themselves, “Meditate on these things; give yourself wholly to them…” (1 Timothy 4:15). Reading the Bible from cover to cover helps believers see the big story of Jesus Christ and redemption through His blood.
Contrary to what some may think, the Old Testament is full of God’s grace and love. As D. L. Moody said, “A scarlet thread runs through all the Bible — the whole book points to Christ.”
- The Bible Offers Comfort and Hope in Hard Times
In the midst of sorrow, loss and uncertainty, the Bible has spoken words of comfort and hope to millions.
Indeed, Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted”. The poetic and honest expression of grief and hope found in the Bible resonates with every human being on the planet.
Peter the Apostle speaks of the “exceedingly great and precious promises” that God has given to humanity through Scripture (2 Peter 1:4). These promises truly do bring healing and comfort to the broken-hearted.
- The Bible Transforms Lives Across Cultures and Eras
Countless testimonies demonstrate that the Bible has changed lives — providing people with reconciliation, forgiveness, courage and purpose. Its impact spans centuries and continents. Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold on me.”
The testimony of Scripture itself agrees: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12).
- L. Moody said, “The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.” When you read the Bible, it reads you. If you are open to it, God will reveal himself to you and you will never be the same again.
Conclusion
The Bible remains the greatest book in existence because it blends historical depth, moral wisdom, spiritual truth, and profound divine insight in a way no other work does. Billy Graham said, “Let the study of the Bible become central in your life — not just so you will know it, but that you will obey it.”
To read the Bible daily is to encounter guidance and wisdom direct from God without filters. To read it from beginning to end with a prayerful heart is to grasp a unified story that has shaped humanity’s past and present like nothing else has ever done before.
As you read the Bible, you will come face-to-face with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was the most influential person in human history. I guarantee you will be transformed. Courtesy of Warwick Marsh– The Daily Declaration (adapted)
Pray this message & choruses will be a source of encouragement reading the Bible.
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