By Pastor Joe Valenti
My most recent sermon was about the importance of not only listening to the words of Jesus, but taking action on what he calls us to be and do. One of the ways that we encourage people to do that at our church is to develop a Spiritual Growth Plan. A key part of every SGP is Bible reading and meditation. I find that it is best to develop a plan of attack for the year instead of just winging it. So, here are a few ideas for how to plan for Bible reading and meditation in the new year.
#1 – Determine How Much
Of course, we know that we’re reading the Bible. But, what parts of the Bible? I’ll go ahead and admit it, I’m not a huge “Bible-in-a-Year” fan. I am a terribly slow reader and I have a hard time reading the necessary amount in order to get through the entire Bible in a year while also being able to meditate on and apply the truths to my life. I much prefer slower, deep, meditative reading. But, if you’re a faster reader and more efficient processor than me, and prefer to get through the whole Bible in a year, please don’t let my deficiencies hold you back!
If you’re interested in a Bible-In-A-Year plan, here are three plans that I recommend:
- The Bible Project “Read the Bible in a Year” Plan (available digitally via Youversion or via PDF download.
- The Ligonier Bible-In-A-Year Plan (Simple PDF download with check-boxes)
- The Chronological Plan – Youversion | Print
#2 – Determine What To Read
If you’re going to read through the entire Bible, you can skip this portion and go to point #3. However, if you’re looking for a different approach, continuing reading. There are a few questions that can be helpful?
- Where are the weak or neglected areas in my Bible understanding? (books, genres, or themes I tend to avoid or haven’t read deeply)
- What season of life am I in, and what part of Scripture would speak meaningfully into it right now?
- Where do I most need to grow in obedience — not just knowledge — and what reading focus would support that?
Once I answer those questions, I’m able to develop a plan. I think it can be helpful to create a multi-track plan.
Track 1 – Read broadly the areas where there might be lack.
Track 2 – Read deeply the areas where you need growth, challenge, or comfort.
Example of my plan for the year
Track 1 – Deep Reading – Wisdom Literature
Track 2 – Broad Reading – Entire New Testament
*After I made these determinations, I leveraged AI to help me map out my plan in 6-week increments.
#3 – Determine What Tools To Use
There are a lot of ways to read the Bible, study, memorize Scripture, and save your notes. Some people really prefer to use a real Bible that they can mark up and a journal to write notes. Others (like me) prefer a more digital approach. Some people like to use a devotional-type reading along with their Bible reading, or find a plan that has devotions included inline. There shouldn’t be any pressure to do it one way or the other. Here are just a few very helpful tools.
Analogue
Digital
I hope this is helpful. Don’t overthink it – just prayerfully make a plan and go for it.
