How to create a Bible Reading Plan that works for you
I’m supposed to read the Bible but…
“It’s so BIG!”
I agree! To make it less intimidating, break it into its 66 parts (books) and read them one at a time.
“I don’t know where to start.”
There are no rules. I’ll make some suggestions in a minute.
“It’s boring.”
That’s what I used to think. Question: How do you know if you haven’t read it?
“I don’t understand how it relates to today’s world.”
You will as you journey through God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to give you His insight (James 1:5). Again, how do you know if you haven’t read it?
“Haven’t the translations been corrupted?”
Yes, some have. However, there are very reliable translations from the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. I will share my favorites in a bit.
Bottom Line: The Word of God is the spiritual food Christians need to live healthy, purposeful, truth-filled lives. The question you need to ask is, am I hungry?
I think oftentimes sincere seekers of God’s truth through His written Word bail out because they become overwhelmed. Sure, there are those who are too busy, lazy, indifferent, or fearful that reading God’s Word might require some uncomfortable change. But others (myself included when I was a new believer) really want to study the Bible but don’t know how.
Regardless of what anybody says, there is not one perfect way learn and grow in wisdom and knowledge of God’s Word. And if you listen to me for any length of time, you’ll learn that I am big on YOU being the person you were created to be.
If God wanted a bunch of clones, He could have created us that way, Instead, He made each of us unique. He even marked us with fingerprints that display our one-of-a kindness. Yet, at the same time, He every one of us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-14; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 12:7).
What does any of this have to do with how to create a Bible reading plan? It is to encourage you to do what works best for you. There are lots of plans out there, but the best plan is the one you will follow.
TIPS, TRICKS, & ADVICE
Pick a good Bible with study notes. Other helpful resources include:
Bible commentaries
Bible dictionary
Strong’s concordance
Multiple translations - Use Bible Gateway online if you don’t want to purchase several Bibles. My favorite translations are: ESV (English Standard Version), CSB (Christian Standard Version), NIV (New International Version), NLT (New Living Translation).
GotQuestions.com has been one of my favorite resources for quick, biblically accurate answers to my never-ending questions.
Olive Tree Bible App
Blue Letter Bible App
Bibleproject.com – videos, reading plans, podcasts, etc.
Notebook/Journal, Bible pens and hi-lighters
Choose a Bible Plan
I’ve invested in many different methods of Bible study over the years and have learned something from each one. Though far from an exhaustive list, these are a few I recommend:
Read-Through-The-Bible Plans
Bible Studies (a tiny sample)
Book Studies
The Life of Jesus – Read the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
The History of the Church – Read the fifth book of the New Testament (Acts)
Go to overviewbible.com for a list of all 66 books of the Bible and a brief summary of each. There’s also a decent video with an explanation of the Bible as a whole.
For a look at the big picture of the Bible, take a look at my post A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible
Create a habit
Decide how, when, and where you’re going to study the Bible and stick with it for at least a month. If it doesn’t work, adjust and try again.
Fill up to be poured out
As vessels of the Holy Spirit, we are to be students of God’s Word. We are told in Romans 12:2 that we need transformed and renewed minds to keep from conforming to the world’s patterns and to understand God’s will for our lives. It also teaches that that God apportions to each of us spiritual gifts, ministries, and activities for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). So, absolutely fill up on God’s Word, “but be doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
Pray
Every time you open the Bible, pray asking for wisdom (James 1:5) from our generous God. I’ve heard it said that knowledge is information gained, while wisdom is understanding how to apply that knowledge. Most who read the Bible obtain knowledge, but God says He wants to give us the wisdom to apply His Truth to our lives. Just ask.
Together, Carina and Kelly dive into practical ways to weave Scripture into our daily lives, especially in the midst of busyness, challenges, and uncertainty. Whether you’re new to faith, feeling stuck, or longing for a deeper relationship with God, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable steps to help you experience the Bible as a source of strength, peace, and freedom.