Whether you are new to reading the Bible, or looking to grow deeper, check out these reading plans and tips! You’ll also find devotionals written by the staff and members of Legacy.
Thanks to our friends at Grace Church for the plans!
Learn to Read the Bible
- If you miss reading for a day or two, don’t quit! God still loves you. Just get started again.
- Find the right time and place that works for you every day. Remember it takes about 28 days to start any new habit.
- Use a version or translation of the Bible that you can understand. There are many that are easy to understand such as the New Living Translation (NLT) or the English Standard Version (ESV).
- Consider asking some friends to begin doing one of the Bible reading plans so you can help one another stay on track. Gracious accountability really helps.
- Don’t skip the writing part of the plan. Writing out what we are hearing God say to us makes it real. It becomes a written record of God speaking to you! Some people use paper. Others use electronic tools.
- Consider sharing what God is saying to you with others trusted friends. It is amazing how what God says to you is often what someone else needs to hear.
- Don’t worry if you are not a good writer. Write your daily entries anyway. This time is between you and God and nobody else will be reading it.
If you feel awkward because you don’t understand the Bible, you are not alone. Everyone has to learn to read the Bible. This is why we have a three daily graduating Bible reading plans.
- The Bible is 66 books written by 40 authors over 1500 years in two primary languages. It’s not an easy book to read, but it does have themes that run throughout them like creation, the fall, Israel, Jesus, the Church and the new creation. Joshua McNall’s book, Long Story Short is an excellent book to help you see “the big picture” of the Bible.
- There are two main sections to the Bible. The Old Testament is about the first 2/3rds of the Bible. It is the story of God creating and working in the world and specifically through the Jews. The Old Testament is made up of four major parts: the Torah (the first five books), the history books, the wisdom and poetic books and the prophets. The New Testament is the last 1/3rd of the Bible. It is the story of Jesus and the first followers of Jesus who established the Church and the movement of Jesus. The New Testament is made up of three major parts: the Gospels and Acts, the Epistles and the Revelation of John.
- The Bible has its own unique way of helping you navigate the 66 books. Within each of the books, you will find chapters and verses. For example, John 3:16 is found in the third chapter of the Gospel of John in verse 16. This is how we find our way around the Bible.
- The goal of daily Bible engagement is not simply getting Bible knowledge. It’s to have a transforming encounter with God. We believe “The written Word of God, the Bible, reveals the Living Word of God, Jesus so that we might become the words of God, His people, in the world” (Jorge Acevedo).
Bible Reading Plans
If you are unfamiliar with the Bible, new to following Jesus or just want to renew your faith, wade into the shallow end with the Bible reading plan called ‘One Word.’
This is a 90 day Bible reading plan. In these 90 days, you will read through the four Gospels, the biographies of Jesus: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. You may decide to do this 90 day Bible reading program several times to acquaint yourself with the life, ministry, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
- Put aside about 15 minutes each day, and read in the same place every day. That will help to get you into a Bible reading habit.
- Begin by saying a short prayer for God to show you one word in that day’s daily reading that will bring you closer to Jesus.
- Then read the daily reading. As you read circle or underline any words that connect with you.
- When you finish reading, jot down “one word” and what you think Jesus is saying to you about it. You can do this in a notebook, smartphone, tablet or computer. For example, if you read Matthew 11:28, “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,” you might write the word, “Rest.”
- End your time with prayer.
- Ask God for the opportunity to share your “one word” with someone today.
If you think you are ready to expand your daily Bible reading, this plan is a 6 month. In it, you will read the entire New Testament, as well as Proverbs and Psalms, two of the poetic books in the Old Testament. Again, you may use this Bible reading programs for as long as you need.
- Put aside about 30 minutes each day.
- Begin with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to speak specifically to you.
- As you read, circle, underline or highlight at least “one sentence” that “jumps out” to you.
- In a notebook, smartphone, tablet or cOneomputer, jot down that verse and write what you sense God is saying to you. For example, if you read Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need,” you might write: Today, I am confident that God promises to be all that I need in spite of the struggles of my life.”
- End your time with prayer.
- Look for opportunities throughout your day that share this insight from the Holy Spirit with someone.
If you’ve ready to get in the deep end of the pool, then turn to the section called ‘S.O.A.P.’ and watch Jesus come more fully alive in and through you!
As you mature in your faith and understanding of the Bible, you’ll be ready to stretch yourself with the S.O.A.P. daily Bible reading plan. In this plan, you will read the Old Testament once, and the New Testament twice. As you read, you may find many things that you do not understand. Don’t let these trip you up. Focus on the parts that you do understand. As you become more familiar with the Bible, God will give you more and more insight.
- Put aside about 45 minutes each day to make sure you do not rush.
- Like you have done with the previous Bible reading plans, as the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you read the scriptures.
- As you read, circle, underline or highlight those things that intrigue or excite you.
- In a notebook, smartphone, tablet or computer, use the acrostic S.O.A.P. as you writing guide.
When you finish reading, write or type the following:
S – SCRIPTURE: Pick one verse from your reading that captured your attention.
O- OBSERVATION: Reflect on anything you can observe about this verse within its context.
A – APPLICATION: Explain how this verse touches or applies to your life right now.
P – PRAYER: Close your time with a simple prayer asking God to help what you learned come alive in you.
