There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to daily Bible study. There are seasons for reading large portions, and there are seasons for lingering in shorter sections. Understanding the Bible is a process of moving back and forth between the big picture and the details. The more you know about the big picture, the more you understand the details, and the more you study the details, the more those inform the big picture. When it comes to understanding the big picture, there is no substitution for reading through the entire Bible.

To help us grow in our understanding of the big picture of the Bible, I am recommending this Bible reading schedule for our church in 2024. Here is why I like this particular schedule:

Ideally one would read straight through the Bible from beginning to end. There are reasons the Bible was assembled the way it was, and reading straight through helps you pick up on some of those details. But here is what often happens: people tear through the exciting story-based books of Genesis and Exodus, but lose hope somewhere in the middle of Leviticus. This doesn’t mean Leviticus is without value, but the change in style is so stark that many stop reading.

Some Bible reading is better than no Bible reading. If this seems overwhelming to you, please don’t stress. Just do your best. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of this Bible reading schedule and how to adjust it to where you are:

– Try to build the habit of reading every day, even if it is just one verse. Building this habit, especially during the first month, is way more important than completing each day’s reading.

– Some books will bog you down (say, Levitucus). Don’t worry, we all get there, and keep pushing through.

– I highly recommend you take notes (write out one thing that sticks out to you each day). Journal this time, what you believe God is speaking to you through His Word.

– Star off your Bible reading plan with a time of prayer and worship if you have time. If not, at a minimum, pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you what you need to see through His Word.

– If you miss a day, and you will, don’t worry about it. Don’t even stress about going back unless you find time. So many people miss a day or a week, then feel that it’s not worth it because they are so far behind. Just move ahead and stay on track as best as you can!

We want to give an avenue to discuss and share thoughts on what we are reading each day. Because of this I want to encourage each of you to post anything you’ve learned or been challenged by, areas God is speaking to you through His Word, questions, and any other things revealed through your time with God in our Members of First City page on Facebook. We will use this as a place to discuss, challenge, and grow on another in the Lord. I look forward to the growth we will see in the Lord this year, and I pray that your love for Christ will flourish during this time.