Bible Reading Plan 2025
Another year, another attempt at getting Christian’s to read the Bible. Why is consistent Bible reading difficult for Christians? We know how all the different aspects and distractions of life demand our time but how often do we evaluate what is worth our time? With all the different technologies that help us multitask we feel like we can do everything at once. Perhaps we feel like we can and should do everything at once because of these helpful aides. The challenge for us in these modern times is not how about much we can accomplish, that is the temptation, but how well we can focus on what deserves our time and energy. Obviously, as those redeemed by the grace of God, we should understand that nothing is more important than our knowledge of, and relationship with, our Redeemer. I believe this is what the Lord teaches us in His Word. Jesus tells us explicitly that close fellowship with Him, the Word, is what matters most (Luke 10:38-42). David writes about “one thing he asked of Yahweh,” which is to dwell in His presence all his days and to enjoy His glory forever (Psalm 27:4). The apostle Paul finds that even life’s hardships are meant to draw us closer to the Lord to depend on Him (1 Cor. 1:9). I use this example to explain why consistency in our Bible reading is important for a closer walk with Jesus.
A Bible reading plan by itself is no immediate guarantee for faithful Bible reading. However, for those who are being conformed to the image of Christ by the power of His Spirit living within them, this is the way we abide with Him. This is the way we hear and do what He commands. This is how He speaks to His people. This is how He informs us of all we need for life and godliness. This is how He instills hope and confidence in His people as they bear witness to Him in this life. Essentially, this is how we know Him. I recently celebrated 13 years of marriage to my bride. I remember being terrified at my wedding with the thought that it could not be possible to love her any more than I did in that moment. At the same time, I knew it was a false thought. The more I have gotten to know her over these 13 years, the more I love her. I am talking about the depths and fullness of what it means to love another. I would also say that the more I get to know her, the more I enjoy her. Before I experienced these past 13 years, I did not know these degrees of romantic love and affection existed. Likewise, the more we grow in our intimate knowledge of God, the more we will grow in our love, adoration, and dependance on Him.
So how do we do it? I have structured a reading plan that I am confident will provide a pathway to Biblical literacy, and more importantly, intimate knowledge of the Lord our God.
First, each day starts with a look at the Psalms. In keeping with instruction from Donald Whitney in his book “Praying the Bible,” we let the date guide our journey through the Psalter. For example, January 1st brings us to Psalm 1. From there we use the average number of days in a month to bring us to the next Psalm for the day. That number being 30, we add 30 + the date and find our next Psalm – Psalm 31. If you find that neither of those Psalms is helping to inform your prayers or answer your questions, add 30 once again to get to Psalm 61. After 30 days we move into Psalm 100 and get to Psalm 150 by day 51. In total, assuming you browse all 3 Psalm readings for the day, you will work through all 150 Psalms up to 6 times in 1 year. In no way would I expect you to read all 3 Psalms every day, so use them to inform your prayers and your affections for the Lord.
Secondly, we move to the New Testament. This second installment of the FBC Holt reading plan brings us through the rest of the Epistles and into Revelation and the Gospels. With these longer New Testament books, we will not be able to read some of the books in their entirety every day of the month. Therefore, they are divided into a few shorter readings each day. Instead of being able to read the book or letter 30 times in a month, it will be more like 4-6 times a month. This is the part of the plan that will quickly move you into confident Biblical literacy. I would hope this reading be the one you make sure not to miss.
Thirdly, you will have a few Old Testament chapters for the day. You can save this for the evening if need be. Knowing all of Scripture is to be informed in the whole counsel of God. The Old Testament strengthens our faith by revealing God’s redemptive purposes from the beginnings and His unchanging character and desire to dwell with His people. Following this section of the plan daily will bring you through the Old Testament in 240 days.
Finally, we encounter the Proverbs in a repetitive manner. I have always viewed the wisdom found within Proverbs to be extremely important for daily, God-honoring life and decision making. I often encourage young men and women to gain a working knowledge of Proverbial wisdom by the time they are 13. Reading the same proverb for 10 days will provide that working knowledge. Following this part of the plan will bring you through all 31 Proverbs in 310 days.
The plan ends with about 2 months left in the year to slow down, review and reflect on the reading done during the year. By December 2025 the plan will only show you Luke and the Psalms as the daily reading, giving you time to meditate on what you have learned and seen from our God and Father. I hope and pray that this Bible reading plan will bear much fruit and aide in your time abiding with the Lord in His Word.
A Bible reading plan by itself is no immediate guarantee for faithful Bible reading. However, for those who are being conformed to the image of Christ by the power of His Spirit living within them, this is the way we abide with Him. This is the way we hear and do what He commands. This is how He speaks to His people. This is how He informs us of all we need for life and godliness. This is how He instills hope and confidence in His people as they bear witness to Him in this life. Essentially, this is how we know Him. I recently celebrated 13 years of marriage to my bride. I remember being terrified at my wedding with the thought that it could not be possible to love her any more than I did in that moment. At the same time, I knew it was a false thought. The more I have gotten to know her over these 13 years, the more I love her. I am talking about the depths and fullness of what it means to love another. I would also say that the more I get to know her, the more I enjoy her. Before I experienced these past 13 years, I did not know these degrees of romantic love and affection existed. Likewise, the more we grow in our intimate knowledge of God, the more we will grow in our love, adoration, and dependance on Him.
So how do we do it? I have structured a reading plan that I am confident will provide a pathway to Biblical literacy, and more importantly, intimate knowledge of the Lord our God.
First, each day starts with a look at the Psalms. In keeping with instruction from Donald Whitney in his book “Praying the Bible,” we let the date guide our journey through the Psalter. For example, January 1st brings us to Psalm 1. From there we use the average number of days in a month to bring us to the next Psalm for the day. That number being 30, we add 30 + the date and find our next Psalm – Psalm 31. If you find that neither of those Psalms is helping to inform your prayers or answer your questions, add 30 once again to get to Psalm 61. After 30 days we move into Psalm 100 and get to Psalm 150 by day 51. In total, assuming you browse all 3 Psalm readings for the day, you will work through all 150 Psalms up to 6 times in 1 year. In no way would I expect you to read all 3 Psalms every day, so use them to inform your prayers and your affections for the Lord.
Secondly, we move to the New Testament. This second installment of the FBC Holt reading plan brings us through the rest of the Epistles and into Revelation and the Gospels. With these longer New Testament books, we will not be able to read some of the books in their entirety every day of the month. Therefore, they are divided into a few shorter readings each day. Instead of being able to read the book or letter 30 times in a month, it will be more like 4-6 times a month. This is the part of the plan that will quickly move you into confident Biblical literacy. I would hope this reading be the one you make sure not to miss.
Thirdly, you will have a few Old Testament chapters for the day. You can save this for the evening if need be. Knowing all of Scripture is to be informed in the whole counsel of God. The Old Testament strengthens our faith by revealing God’s redemptive purposes from the beginnings and His unchanging character and desire to dwell with His people. Following this section of the plan daily will bring you through the Old Testament in 240 days.
Finally, we encounter the Proverbs in a repetitive manner. I have always viewed the wisdom found within Proverbs to be extremely important for daily, God-honoring life and decision making. I often encourage young men and women to gain a working knowledge of Proverbial wisdom by the time they are 13. Reading the same proverb for 10 days will provide that working knowledge. Following this part of the plan will bring you through all 31 Proverbs in 310 days.
The plan ends with about 2 months left in the year to slow down, review and reflect on the reading done during the year. By December 2025 the plan will only show you Luke and the Psalms as the daily reading, giving you time to meditate on what you have learned and seen from our God and Father. I hope and pray that this Bible reading plan will bear much fruit and aide in your time abiding with the Lord in His Word.
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