Psalm 119:105 – Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep me from stumbling.

Gratitude 702

While there are many different things that have helped me grow spiritually, there are a couple that I KNOW have made a huge difference in my spiritual life: prayer and reading scripture.

Do I understand exactly everything I read while reading scripture?

Nope.

Do I think sometimes the Bible is confusing and not clear?

You bet.

Does it answer everyone of my questions about faith?

Absolutely not.

Yet, reading scripture is an important way for us to discover WHO God is and WHY God sent Jesus to earth. It’s a love story that tells us over and over again about God’s deep love for the human race. Yes, there are lots of places where this may not be as clear, but I truly believe God’s love for you and me is a huge part of this story.  

I’m not sure who said this quote, but I think it speaks volumes:

Amen.

When we allow ourselves to dig into scripture on a regular basis, I believe we find it more meaningful and helpful. Think of reading scripture like trying to eat better. If you only try to eat veggies once in a great while, the benefit of incorporating more of them in your diet is difficult to quantify. It’s the same in reading scripture. The more we read, the more we discover.

And yet, most people are completely uncomfortable and often intimidated by picking up a Bible and knowing where and how to begin. Starting at the beginning and expecting to read straight through the Bible? It’s not for the faint of heart and not what I recommend. It’s not uncommon for people to give up somewhere in the middle of Leviticus, when all these laws and rules become cumbersome and weary.

Most of us need a different plan and approach.

And I’m here to help you out with this.

But not having a Bible reading plan is also a plan to fail at reading the Bible on a regular basis.

Because reading the entire Bible in a year can feel very daunting, I’ve put together some plans that encourage regular Bible reading … without making it feel overwhelming. Seriously, I think that reading the Bible should be done with thought and care. Drinking it like a firehose really is not very helpful. Instead of trying to read the entire Bible, I suggest picking portions of it and taking time to read and discover something that speaks to you while reading.

I’ve put together three different Bible reading plans for 2022. All of them follow these guidelines:

• Read five days a week. While reading seven sounds initially great, there will come a day when you just won’t be able to find the opportunity to read. And then, you will feel behind. These plans allow for space. They are laid out to read scripture on Monday – Friday. This gives you two days a week to catch up if you get behind! Or, if you prefer to read on the weekends, then adjust the schedule. If you can read more than five days a week, keep going! Being ahead always feels good.

• If reading scripture is relatively new to you, I suggest you start with the New Testament plan. This plan includes the four gospels and writings after Jesus was alive on earth. Often, I find the New Testament a bit more relevant and relatable for me. I never tire of reading this plan, even though I have multiple times. Each daily reading will take less than 10 minutes.

• If you are looking to expand into the Old Testament but are not as familiar with this part of the Bible, I suggest you start with the Wisdom plan. The books included in this plan are called the Wisdom Books of the Bible. They are known for giving practical advice on how to hack it in the real world. This plan includes the Proverbs (which I LOVE), the Psalms and other smaller books from the Old Testament. Most days you can read the suggested readings in less than 10 minutes.

• Now, if you are ready to dig into the Old Testament, then follow the History and Law plan. This plan does NOT cover the entire Old Testament. It incorporates the first five books of the Bible along with several books that provide additional historical background of the Jewish people. It includes over half of the Old Testament. This plan will require a bit more time on some days. The passages are longer and sometimes more challenging to read. There is great benefit of reading the Old Testament. It helps us understand nuances found in the New Testament. But there will be sections that feel a bit more challenging than others.

I’m including all the Bible Reading Plans with this post. You can download them and print them free of charge. I just encourage you to use one! And please pass these along to others who are looking for a Bible reading plan for 2022.

Every time I read the Bible, I discover or rediscover something new or forgot. Using different versions of the Bible can also help bring scripture to life in different ways. If reading scripture is feeling cumbersome these days, try a different translation. I often find this helpful.

Reading the Bible will probably not answer all of your theological and faith questions. Yet, it’s a great way to learn more about God, faith and what you believe. I pray you will join me in reading one of these Bible reading plans in 2022.

For the opportunity dig into scripture in 2022, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Dear God – May I see the benefit and opportunity as I read scripture this upcoming year. Bring forth the important themes and passages for me to discover and explore. May I learn more about You and myself as I read Your Holy Word. Amen.

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