As we wrap up all the events of the past year and look ahead to the year that lies ahead of us, many are making New Year’s resolutions, or at least are contemplating things you would like to change or improve in your life. And why not? With the closing of past books and the opening of a clean, fresh page on the calendar, now is the best time to determine to do better.

I’m reading in James this week. I love this book. James, the brother of Jesus, became a pillar in the Early Church. He spoke as a gentle, loving father would, encouraging his flock to do better in every aspect of their life and faith. In James 1:21 he admonishes,

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

And what does it mean that the Word of God would be implanted in our soul? The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines the word implanted as to fix or set securely or deeply; or, to set permanently in the consciousness or habit patterns; or to insert in living tissue.  That is quite a powerful imagery. God desires us to have His Word securely and permanently inserted (or established) into our heart and minds so much so that it becomes an integral part of our being. And He does not make it difficult or hard to understand. Just as Moses told the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:11-16,

“For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off…But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it…to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments…that you may live…” (excerpts)

And how does this implanted word save our soul? The writer of Romans 10:8-9 explains,

“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart‘ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

This is my prayer for the coming year—that you make a resolution to have God’s Word implanted in your hearts, that you will find a moment to dig into your Bible every single day for a morsel or tidbit to nourish our soul. I pray that God’s Word will germinate and take root in you so thoroughly that you will be fully equipped to stand against anything the devil can try to throw at you this year.

I wish you a fantastic New Year, and that you will see great growth and revelation in your relationship with Jesus our Lord!

–dmrf