Bible Reading Plans for 2013

As we come to the end of the year, to say goodbye to 2012, it is good to remind ourselves what is temporal and what is permanent. Life on this earth is temporal. Things of the past year are past and gone. People come and go. It is a good reminder that we have one thing in our hands that will be of eternal value.

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isa 40:8)

With that, I like to offer the following Bible reading plans for your consideration and use. I have searched the Net, enjoyed reading, analyzing, and pondering the plans. Here are some of the best plans I can recommend to you. I am aware that many of us have busy schedules. In fact, reading the Bible for many of us tends to be inconsistent and erratic. The challenge I have for you for the next year is this. Do not let your schedules dictate your Bible reading. Let your Bible reading dictate your schedule.

FIVE TIPS (HEART) FOR A YEAR-LONG BIBLE READING SCHEDULE

1. HANDY: Keep the schedule list and a Bible handy, so that it is always available to you.
2. ENDURANCE: Pray often. Bible reading through the year requires both endurance and constant encouragement. Do not give up. Keep going.
3. ACCOUNTABILITY: Get an accountability partner to read together.
4. READABLE: Choose a readable translation. I strongly recommend a paraphrase like the New Living Translation or the MESSAGE.
5. TIME: Allocate a specific time each day to read.

Here is the list.

1) Read Through the New Testament (+ Isaiah) in 1 year (download)

I will be leading my Church through this version. The main advantage of the version is that it gives average person in the Church an easier introduction to any form of intensive Bible reading schedule. Beginning with the New Testament also offers a gentler introduction. There are also pockets of "catchup" time so that readers can take a breather to catchup or to reflect on what they have read. Hopefully, by the end of the year, readers will be more ready to tackle the heavier segments of the Bible, namely the Old Testament. I have made this version a 1-page format for readers to download, print, and the keep it with them. Reading begins January 6th, 2013. Of course, readers are free to read ahead as of January 1st, 2012. I will be using this version.

2) Chronological 1 Year Bible Reading Plan (download)

This plan is a little more challenging. The main advantage is the chronological flow according to the estimated time the book's events have occurred. The key complication lies in the move in and out of different books. Those of us who are more used to the traditional order of books in the Bible will take some time to get used to it. Those of us who are keen to follow the historical flow will appreciate this plan. Credit to ESV.org

3) Two Year Reading Plan (download)

This plan is aggressive. Thanks to Dr Stephen Witmer of The Gospel Coalition, this plan covers the entire Bible in 2 years. I like this plan. It covers the entire Bible, and helps readers to read both Psalms and Proverbs at least 4 times over 2 years.

4) Bible Reading in 3 years (download)

This plan may take a bit longer but is at a more convenient pace. Recommended for those of us who want to alternate between the Old and New Testaments. Credit to Zondervan.


5) Discipleship Journal's 2 Year Reading Plan (download)

This is a nicely done reading plan that allows anyone to begin the reading at any time. Credit to Discipleship Journal.

Enjoy.

conrade