The Bible tells us in the last days before Jesus comes back many people will turn away from God and live for themselves.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 the Apostle Paul lists 19 things people will do. This list gives us a clear picture of what people will be like.

[1] You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. [2] For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. [3] They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. [4] They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. [5] They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

I do not know about you, but to me that sort of behaviour does seem more common than it used to be? People rejecting God and living totally for themselves.

Paul tells Timothy some key things to help him stand firm and stay on track further on in the chapter.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 – But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. [15] You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. [17] God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Paul urges Timothy to remain faithful to God by remembering what he was taught from a child – the Scriptures. He says they have given him wisdom and salvation through Jesus.

Paul reminds Timothy that in a changing world the Scriptures are vital to staying on track with God. They are his true north that keeps him heading in the right direction.

In 2026 I would encourage you to focus on reading the Bible every day. It will help you to keep on track with God and grow in your faith. It will also allow God to speak to you through His Word.

If you would like to read the New Testament of the Bible we have a free plan here. It will allow you to tick off one chapter a day.

Here is a recent devotion from The Word for Today…

Bible reading; the key to spiritual growth (1)

Friday 2nd January 2026

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth.” Joshua 1:8 NKJV

God gave Joshua a big job: conquer the Promised Land and divide it up among the twelve tribes of Israel. He also gave him the key to success: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” God didn’t command Joshua to seek a spiritual experience or a personal revelation. He told him to meditate on the Scriptures.

Greg Hawkins and Cally Parkinson wrote a book called Move. They wanted to find the key factors for spiritual growth, so they surveyed the congregations of one thousand churches. Here’s what they found: “Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches could only do one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, their choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible.” You don’t grow in Christ simply because you’re busy in church; it happens automatically when you read and trust God’s Word. So engage with your Bible. Meditate on it day and night. Think and rethink on it. Let it be your guide. Make it your go-to book for questions. Let it be the ultimate authority in your life. Peter puts it this way: “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2 NKJV).

For many years I have been fascinated with the Apostle Paul and his life. I love the way he was converted on the road to Damascus and then went from a persecutor of the church to a church leader.

While doing some research on Paul I came across this timeline of his life on GotQuestions.org. I found it really helpful in understanding Paul and his works.

Here is a chronological list of major events in Paul’s life (the dates are approximate):

• Conversion on the road to Damascus, AD 34
• Three years in Arabia, AD 34—37
• First missionary trip, AD 46—48
• Jerusalem Council, AD 49 or 50
• Second missionary trip, AD 49—52
• The epistle to the Galatians, AD 50
• The epistles of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, AD 51 and 52
• Third missionary trip, AD 53—57
• The epistles of 1 and 2 Corinthians, AD 55 and 56
• The epistle to the Romans, AD 57
• Arrest in Jerusalem, AD 57
• Imprisoned in Caesarea, AD 57—60
• Appeal to Caesar and trip to Rome, AD 60—61
• The epistle to the Ephesians, AD 61 or 62
• The epistle to the Colossians, AD 61 or 62
• The epistle to Philemon, AD 61 or 62
• The epistle to the Philippians, AD 62 or 63
• Release from the first Roman imprisonment, AD 63
• Trip to Spain (?), AD 63 or 64 (see Romans 15:24, 28)
• The epistle of 1 Timothy, AD 64
• The epistle to Titus, AD 64
• The epistle to the Hebrews (?), AD 65 or 66
• Second Roman imprisonment, AD 66—67
• The epistle of 2 Timothy, AD 67
• Martyrdom, AD 67

I find his missionary trips and writings very interesting. I also find that from his conversion to his death was 33 years. The same amount of time Jesus lived on earth.

If you are interested there is an article that explains the timeline in a deeper way on GotQuestions.org.