My Best New Year’s Resolution

Joseph McRae Mellichamp, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Management Science
The University of Alabama
[Dec. 28, 2010] –



If you are like most people, about this time of year you begin to think of some projects or activities that you would like to accomplish in 2011, and you will probably make a list of some of them. I know I made my best New Year’s resolution in 1997.

I decided that in 1998, I would read through the entire Bible. As 2010 winds down, Peggy and I are finishing reading God’s word for the 13th year in a row. Many of our friends and colleagues have joined with us and some are finishing along with us.

Every Word A Branch

Why? Martin Luther said: “If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.”

At first I thought this would be a huge challenge—practically impossible to accomplish in view of all the other things on my plate. So I put together a chart to guide my efforts from Genesis 1:1 — I like to start at the beginning and get straight to the goal, which, of course, is Revelation 22:21.

I have found this discipline so helpful and encouraging that each year at this time I challenge everyone who will listen to me to come along with us.This is a small investment of time and effort—15 minutes a day, but one which pays huge dividends. Here are just a few:

* The discipline of daily reading has helped the consistency in my devotional life—one doesn’t want to get behind.
* I have a much better understanding of the sweep of Bible history.
* I have been continually amazed how the Lord will use a particular reading to address some relevant issue or event in my life.
* I was always worried that in speaking before university audiences on Christian topics, someone might challenge me by saying something like, “Have you ever even read the Bible?” I would in honesty have had to say, “No”; and in the process take a hit to my credibility. Now I can simply say, “Sure, several times. Have you?”

The Greatest Person

What could be more exciting and fulfilling in 2011 than to read the biography of the greatest Person of history—the Lord Jesus Christ? If you would like to join us and many of our friends, you can

* Download my chart. Make as many copies as you need for family and friends.
* Receive free daily readings at OneYearBibleOnline.
* Purchase a One Year Bible—available in most bookstores

Enjoy the read and we hope you have a Happy New Year!

(c) 2010 Joseph McRae Mellichamp
Photo copyright flickr user cotigchez

A New Year’s Resolution for the Book

Joseph McRae Mellichamp, Professor Emeritus
Management Science, University of Alabama

At this time of the year, most of us think of things we would like to accomplish in the next year. Some of us make a list of New Year’s resolutions; others assess their lives and formulate a plan and various goals. Whether we make detailed lists to check off, or simply affirm that we are going to undertake some project in the next year, the chances are that we have already begun to think along these lines.

What about goals for the spiritual dimension of our lives? In last week’s MMM, Mark Geil talked about taking his family through the Bible in a year. He mentioned the reading guide I had assembled; I thought you might be interested in the impetus for its creation.

I Wanted To Know All Of God’s Word

Several years ago, I decided to read through the Bible as a New Year’s resolution. I wanted to know all of God’s word. Martin Luther said: “If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.”

This may sound like a huge undertaking, one that would involve a large time commitment. It’s not. I discovered by putting together a spreadsheet to guide me, and reading an average of 85 verses a day (10 to 15 minutes) that I could complete the entire Bible in a year.

My 13th Year

In a few days I will finish reading all of the Bible for the 13th consecutive year, and I am chomping at the bit to start again in 2011. My wife Peggy will finish her 12th reading in a few days and many of our friends are also finishing up—some for the first or second time, others for the fifth or sixth or seventh time.

I have been blessed so much by this discipline that I am challenging anyone who will listen to join us. In fact, in our Christmas letter every year we close by inviting all our friends and relatives to join us and include a copy of the spreadsheet.

I wanted to see my devotional life deepen; reading through the Bible delivers. It has helped me become more consistent in my prayer life; a daily time in the Word opens the door to conversation with the Author of the Word.

As we begin the New Year, what could be more exciting than reading the story of the greatest Person of history?

© 2008 Joseph McRae Mellichamp

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