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Bible Reading Made Easy: Plans and Methods for Spiritual Growth

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Have You Ever Read the Entire Bible? Most Christians Haven’t.

At Lessons for Life, we believe that spending time daily in God’s Word is foundational to our spiritual growth. While preaching and teaching the Scriptures are essential, personal Bible reading transforms lives in a way nothing else can.

The Bible is God’s gift to us—His eternal, sufficient, authoritative, and life-giving Word. Through its pages, He reveals who He is and what He requires of us. Yet, many Christians struggle to start or sustain a habit of reading the Bible.

We want to help you change that!

A Practical Method for Bible Reading: The “4-P” Approach

Our goal is not just to encourage you to check off a box on your spiritual to-do list but to truly meet with God through His Word. That’s why we’ve developed the 4-P Approach:

Ponder, Personalize, Practice, and Pray.

This method will help you engage deeply with Scripture and apply its truths to your life.

Step 1: Ponder the Passage

Start with a prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word. As you read, consider these questions:

  • What is the context? Who is speaking? Who are they addressing?
  • What are the key points? Answer the basics: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
  • What truths stand out, and what can I learn?

Step 2: Personalize and Practice the Passage

We suggest using these three categories to personalize and apply what you’ve read:

Learn

  • What new insights did I gain?
  • Where do my beliefs or values need correction?
  • Are there sinful attitudes or behaviors I need to address?

Love

  • What does this passage teach me about God’s character?
  • How does it inspire me to love Him and others more?
  • What unloving attitudes do I need to change?

Live

  • What practical steps should I take to live out this truth?
  • Where do I need to repent or confess sin?
  • How will this passage transform my daily life?

Step 3: Pray the Passage (ACTS)

Turn what you’ve learned into prayer using the ACTS framework:

  • Adoration: Praise God for His character and His work in your life.
  • Confession: Admit areas of sin the Scripture has revealed.
  • Thanksgiving: Thank God for His Word and its promises.
  • Supplication: Ask for help to live out the truths you’ve discovered.

Bible Reading Plans to Help You Get Started

We’ve curated several reading plans to fit your goals and lifestyle. Choose one that works best for you:

  1. 52-Week Bible Reading Plan
    Read different genres of the Bible each day (e.g., history, prophecy, Psalms).
    Duration: One year | Download PDF
  2. Chronological Bible Reading Plan
    Read the Bible in the order events occurred.
    Duration: One year | Download PDF
  3. Bible in a Year Plan
    Read from both the Old and New Testaments daily.
    Duration: One year | YouVersion App
  4. Robert Murray M’Cheyne Plan
    Read the New Testament and Psalms twice and the Old Testament once.
    Duration: One or two years | More Information
  5. Two-Year Bible Reading Plan
    Read the Old Testament and New Testament once, and Psalms/Proverbs four times.
    Duration: Two years | Download PDF
  6. Bible Reading Plan Generator
    Customize your own Bible reading plan!
    Duration: You decide | Generate Plan
  7. Ligonier Ministries
    Links to the Bible reading plan from Ligonier Ministries

Let’s Do This Together!

At Lessons for Life, we want to walk this journey with you. Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just starting, there’s no better time to commit to daily Scripture reading.

If you’d like more encouragement and guidance, connect with us!

About James and Lessons for Life 

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation.

Subscribe, and enjoy the show! 

Find me on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Follow me on Twitter. Get my blog posts by email.
You can also connect with me on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider. 

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