As we begin a new year, many of us are looking for a fresh start – something grounding, meaningful, and life-giving. New calendars and clean slates invite us to pause and ask deeper questions: What will shape me this year? Where will I find direction, hope, and truth? One of the most powerful ways we can step into the year together is by committing to read through the Bible.
Scripture isn’t just a collection of inspirational verses or familiar stories. It tells one unfolding story of God’s love, faithfulness, and rescue of humanity. From creation to Christ, and from the early church to today, the Bible reveals a God who pursues His people, keeps His promises, and invites us into abundant life. As Paul reminds us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). When we begin to see the Bible as a whole, we gain a clearer understanding of who God is, who we are, and how our lives fit into His greater story.
If reading the Bible has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, you’re not alone. That’s why a chronological reading plan can be especially helpful. Reading the events of Scripture in the order they happened allows the story to flow more naturally, helping us see how people, promises, and purposes connect across time. We begin to notice God’s steady hand at work – even in seasons of waiting, failure, and renewal. As Isaiah writes, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8). A chronological approach helps us trust that the same faithful God who worked then is still at work now.
This practice doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The YouVersion Bible app (It’s FREE! See links for both Apple and Android devices below) allows Scripture to be read aloud, making it easy to listen while getting ready in the morning, commuting, or winding down at night. It’s about 15 minutes a day – a small, intentional shift of time that can have a lasting impact. Psalm 1 tells us that those who delight in the law of the Lord are “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season” (Psalm 1:3). Consistent time in God’s Word, even in small daily portions, roots us more deeply than we often realize.
If you have questions along the way, or if you’d simply like to talk about what you’re reading, I’d love to hear from you. I’ve been reading through the Bible each year for several years now, and I know that what works well for one person doesn’t always work for another. If you’ve tried before and felt stuck, overwhelmed, or inconsistent, let’s talk. I’d be glad to listen, share what I’ve learned, and help you find a simple, realistic way to get more of God’s Word into your daily routine. (Pastor Dan and Pastor Nick are also available!)
Choosing a little more of God’s Word and a little less noise – from TV, social media, or other worldly distractions – may be exactly the encouragement and perspective we need this year. God’s Word has a way of steadying us, renewing our minds, and opening our hearts to hope. As we step into a new year full of opportunity, let’s do so together – listening, learning, and allowing God to shape us through His story, so that we might live more fully into the story He is still writing today.
YouVersion Bible App + Audio – Apps on Google Play