Sometimes, what sounds like a good idea is actually divine inspiration.
I honestly didn’t want to join our church’s “Read Through the Bible in 1 Year” plan. I prefer reading shorter amounts and spending more time focusing on them, but I wanted to support what the church was doing and I believe in the value of reading through Scripture. The daily comments from fellow church members on what we have read in the App and hearing our pastors teach on those same passages each Sunday has been nothing short of a Godsend. I had no idea that the decision I made in January (when the world looked “normal”) would not only draw me closer to God, but it would become one of the few things that helped me feel connected to my church family in an incredibly disconnected time.
Lesson learned: What I read and how I read it can have life-altering implications.
Council Road hasn’t chosen a particular Bible reading plan for 2021, but there are a mind blowing number of ways we can read our Bibles. Maybe you’d like a slower, more concentrated pace to your daily reading this year. Or maybe you want to read through it all again, but want to change up how you do so. Below are a few suggestions. Unless otherwise noted, they can all be found on the YouVersion app or by going to my.bible.com.
SHORTER TERM PLANS
Bible Project | Paul’s Letters - Read just 1-2 chapters a day in this 60 day reading plan through the Apostle Paul’s letters. Includes links to a compelling short Bible Project video for each letter, giving invaluable background and insight.
Growing in God's Word #NT260 - Read the New Testament, one chapter a day for 260 days. No assigned reading on weekends, so they can be used to catch up on missed readings or for deeper reflection.
f260 - I loved using this 260 day reading plan that doesn’t have you read every verse of the Bible, but highlights particularly foundational passages as you read from Genesis to Revelation. 1-2 chapters a day, 5 days each week. Go to replicate.org/f260-bible-reading-plan/ for a downloadable copy, as well as for information on teen and kid versions.
1 YEAR PARTIAL BIBLE PLANS
READ THROUGH IN 1 YEAR PLANS
Chronological - If I was going to do another read through the Bible in a 1 year plan, I would do it chronologically (i.e. in the order the books were written). Some options:
YouVersion’s Blue Letter Bible Chronological Plan
Blue Letter Bible Chronological (downloadable copy) at blueletterbible.org
One Year Chronological Bible - Softcover versions are divided for you into daily reading portions and you can find them in a multitude of translations. (Also found as reading plans on YouVersion or at www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/10819.)
Old Testament and New Testament - Read from both testaments simultaneously, in the order books are printed canonically in our Bibles. Options available on You
Version or at bible.com.
When it comes to Bible reading, I believe strongly in the adage “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” Find a plan that works for you and ask someone to join you for extra accountability and inspiration!
Meet the Author!
Bible teacher, author, inspirational speaker and disciple-maker, Vickey Banks is passionate about helping women connect the dots between God’s Word and their everyday lives. She loves serving as Women’s Ministry Director at Council Road, celebrating her people, playing with her puppy and getting lost in a good story.