READING PLAN: MODERATE
A note from Pastor Jordan:
Even though you've been around the block before, if you haven't already taken it at Renaissance, please make sure you're registered for our How to Read the Bible Class. I can't emphasize enough how helpful this will be for you. There are two opportunities to take the class -- Tuesday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Now, when I get a new music album that I like, I play that joint out! Especially if it's a good one, I'll listen to it over and over again and I get lost in it. I don't set out trying to memorize it, but eventually, after the 19th pass through, I'm very familiar and can sing along (very poorly!) to it all. Assuming you're familiar with the essentials of Christianity, I want to challenge you this month to get lost in a book of scripture in the same way.
As a matter of fact, with the exception of the Psalms, the Biblical books were not meant to be read in small, one chapter chunks only -- people would read entire books of the Bible in one sitting. For shorter books like Jonah or Philippians, that could take 7-10 minutes, and for longer books like Isaiah it could take a couple of hours.
I'm challenging you to engage deeply with scripture this month.
Is there a special Bible or version I should read?
I recommend reading from a study bible, which will have really helpful introductions to the books in the Bible and provide specific notes about certain scriptures that you'll read. Below are two study bibles I recommend:
In the meantime, I recommend reading the CSB, ESV or NIV Bible versions on Bible.com or the Bible App in your App Store. They're all free to download.
Last tip: set a reminder or calendar entry in your phone that includes what you'll read that day. Sometimes we all need a good reminder.
This plan is 28 days and if you miss a day (or two, or three!) no worries. Pick up where you left off. The goal is to finish over the next 30 days. Before then, we'll have other plans posted for you to follow.
As you read each day, ask yourself these questions:
Reading Plan Goals:
With everything, remember the goal of Bible reading is intimacy, not information. Equally importantly, please know that not every day will "wow" you. No real relationship is full of mountaintop experiences. But don't forget that God is forming you even in (and especially in!) the mundane moments.
Now, when I get a new music album that I like, I play that joint out! Especially if it's a good one, I'll listen to it over and over again and I get lost in it. I don't set out trying to memorize it, but eventually, after the 19th pass through, I'm very familiar and can sing along (very poorly!) to it all. Assuming you're familiar with the essentials of Christianity, I want to challenge you this month to get lost in a book of scripture in the same way.
As a matter of fact, with the exception of the Psalms, the Biblical books were not meant to be read in small, one chapter chunks only -- people would read entire books of the Bible in one sitting. For shorter books like Jonah or Philippians, that could take 7-10 minutes, and for longer books like Isaiah it could take a couple of hours.
I'm challenging you to engage deeply with scripture this month.
Is there a special Bible or version I should read?
I recommend reading from a study bible, which will have really helpful introductions to the books in the Bible and provide specific notes about certain scriptures that you'll read. Below are two study bibles I recommend:
In the meantime, I recommend reading the CSB, ESV or NIV Bible versions on Bible.com or the Bible App in your App Store. They're all free to download.
Last tip: set a reminder or calendar entry in your phone that includes what you'll read that day. Sometimes we all need a good reminder.
This plan is 28 days and if you miss a day (or two, or three!) no worries. Pick up where you left off. The goal is to finish over the next 30 days. Before then, we'll have other plans posted for you to follow.
As you read each day, ask yourself these questions:
- Adoration – What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches me?
- Confession – What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me?
- Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what Jesus has done?
- Supplication – What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light of this?
Reading Plan Goals:
- Week 1: Read the book of James 4-5 times.
- Week 2: Read the book of Jonah 4-5 times.
- Week 3: Read the book of Mark twice.
- Week 4: Read the book of Job once.
With everything, remember the goal of Bible reading is intimacy, not information. Equally importantly, please know that not every day will "wow" you. No real relationship is full of mountaintop experiences. But don't forget that God is forming you even in (and especially in!) the mundane moments.