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Want to systematically read the Word this year?

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Have you ever read the entire Bible? Most Christians have not.

At Lessons for Life, we believe that preaching and teaching the Word of God is essential. We also believe it is essential that each one of us spends time reading the Bible every day.

God’s word is sufficient, eternal, authoritative, life-giving, and life-changing.

The Scriptures are God’s gift to us! In them, He shares who He is and what He requires of us.

But, most Christians do not know how to get started reading it.

We want to help!

So, we are sharing with you a method that we use in our own personal time with God. And, we want to suggest some reading plans that will help you read systematically through God’s Word this year.

THE METHOD: “4-P” Approach

GET THE MOST OUT OF READING THE BIBLE

We don’t want you to just read the Bible to check off some Christian to-do list. Our hope is that you’ll actually meet with God through the pages of His Word.

We’ve created the method, 4-P (Ponder, Personalize, Practice, Pray), to help you maximize your time in the Bible. 

Ponder the Passage: 

You may consider answering some of these questions as you review the passage that you have read and are studying:

  • Begin by asking for the Holy Spirit to speak to you through His Word
  • Read the passage.
  • Make sure to notice the context of the passage you’re reading. Who is talking? Who are they talking to and what about?
  • Don’t forget the basics: who, what, where, when, why and how. Then finally, what did I learn?

Personalize and Practice  the Passage:

Learn

  • What did I learn?
  • Where has my thinking, beliefs, and values been challenged in this passage?
  • Do I find any ungodly ways of thinking or behaving in my life?
  • List and describe those areas in which I struggle. 

Love

  • What does this passage teach me about God?
  • Has my thinking about God changed?
  • How have I learned to love God more and others selflessly as a result of this passage?
  • Have I learned ways that I have acted unlovingly towards others that I must change? 

Live

  • What are the practical steps that I can take to apply to what I have learned in this passage?
  • Where must I change?
  • What do I need to repent and confess?
  • How will pondering and personalizing this passage change how I live my life today and moving forward?   

Pray  the Passage (ACTS)

  • What specific things can I pray to show my increasing love for God (adoring God) based on what I learned in this passage?
  • What specific things do I need to confess based on what I learned from this passage?
  • What specific things do I need to thank God for based on what I learned from this passage?
  • What specific things do I need to request in prayer (supplication) based on what I learned from this passage? 

THE PLAN: Choose the best one for you

52 Week Bible Reading Plan

Read through the Bible in a year with each day of the week dedicated to a different genre: epistles, the law, history, Psalms, poetry, prophecy, and Gospels.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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Chronological Bible Reading Plan

Read through the Bible in the order the events occurred chronologically.

Duration: One year | Download: PDF

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Bible In A Year

This plan takes you through the entire Bible with two readings each day: one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.

Duration: One year | App: Accessible on YouVersion. Download the app.

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Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan

Read the New Testament and Psalms twice and the Old Testament once.

Duration: One or two years | Download: Website

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Two-Year Bible Reading Plan

Read the Old and New Testaments once and Psalms and Proverbs four times.

Duration: Two years | Download: PDF

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Bible Reading Plan Generator

Still can’t find a plan that works for you? Generate your own.

Duration: You decide | Online: Bible Reading Plan Generator

Links to the Bible reading plan from Ligonier Ministries


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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 25 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 Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Follow me on Twitter. Get my blog posts by email.
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