Over the last couple of years, most of us have learned to hold plans loosely. While we may still hesitate to plan a big vacation, we must not let the world’s uncertain physical circumstances hinder our intentions for spiritual growth. We need a plan for 2022.

While only the Holy Spirit can grow us up to look more like Jesus, He chooses to do His work through our obedient cooperation. In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul likened our efforts to physical training:

Rather train yourself for godliness;  for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV

Bible Reading & Study

God’s Word is the foundation of our spiritual health. The one true God has revealed Himself to us through the Bible. Scripture feeds our minds and nourishes our souls. Being in God’s Word is how we get to know God. It’s how we come to know His purposes for our lives and how we can please Him.

So, here’s the big question: Do you have a plan for 2022 for how you will read and study the Bible?

That old saying is true – those who fail to plan plan to fail. Haphazard Bible reading is hazardous. Hit and miss will be more miss than hit. And the “drop open and point” method usually causes us to miss the point.

What we need is a plan to read and study the Bible. A Bible reading plan removes the first big obstacle in being in God’s word regularly – “what will I read today?” When we know what we are going to read we are much more likely to do it! (Also see “Tips & Resources for Spiritual Growth in 2022.” and “The 4R Bible Study Method” description & video teaching.)

My Bible Reading Plan for 2022

There are no “one-size-fits-all” Bible reading plans. For instance, if you have not been reading the Bible with consistency in the past, you’ll want to start with just a few minutes a day. But if you’ve been reading your Bible almost daily for years, you may be ready to read the Bible through in a year! So this new Bible Reading Plan for 2021 may not be the best plan for you. However, I have developed this plan in a way to create as much opportunity for success as possible. This is the plan I use every day.

• Five readings per week – this gives us two days per week to catch up if we miss a day. We all have days where we simply can’t get it done. And if you have a fabulous week and don’t miss a day, you can use the extra two days to read in the Psalms or Proverbs!
• Book by book – This plan works through entire Bible books, alternating between the New Testament and the Old Testament. Reading whole books gives us a better overall understanding of these books. By the end of 2021, we will have read 5 full and 2 partial Bible books. This layout also gives us an opportunity to jump back in when a new book begins if we’ve fallen way behind.
• Increase our knowledge of God – Studying the Bible teaches us about the Author! If you want to know God more, reading and studying His Word is the way!
• Opportunity for accountability – I lead a Facebook group called “Reading the Bible Together.” Each day I post the daily reading and some questions to help you get the most out of your reading. I will also post introductions before we begin new books. I would love for you to join!

Although I’d love to have you join in the Bible reading group, you don’t have to in order to use my 2022 plan. Download the PDF now, print it, and put it in your Bible! Don’t miss the reading tips on the last page!

An Opportunity for Deeper Study

“Deep Rooted” Short-Term Group – This temporary, closed Facebook group will go through my new devotional book “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Acts.” In addition to daily discussion of the 50 devotions, I will do video teaching on Bible study tips and hold weekly live Q&A sessions. There is no cost for the group, but members will need a copy of “Deep-Rooted.” We get started on Monday, January 3rd. Follow the link to the group, request to join, and be sure to answer the three questions.

Do you have a Bible reading plan for 2021? If so, what will you be reading? Do you have a study plan?