Little Roots Co.

My Bible Reading Plan for 2024 (and why you should make one too)

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As we wrap up a month of Christmas traditions and Advent studies, I think many people enter a new year already feeling tired. We did all the gift buying and holiday planning, all the food prep and family traditions, all the decorations and outings. Lots of us have probably already packed away the tree and the remnants of another Christmas. I’d like to humbly suggest that you add one more simple practice, one that can dramatically change everything about your life. 

As I approach the end of every year, I like to set aside some time to think through and plan my Bible reading for the coming season. I first reflect back on the previous year. Did I spend time in God’s Word? Which parts of Scripture got most of my attention (was I only reading in the New Testament or the Psalms, or was I studying from a variety of places)? Was it intentional or sporadic? How did God’s Word change and grow me this last year? Was Bible reading and meditation a regular habit in my life? I want to make it my aim to continue in the habits and practices of things that are already going well, and then identify a few areas I need to grow in or start doing.

Next, I look ahead to the season that will be in front of me (this can be a literal season or a period of time, maybe 8-12 weeks). Is this one of the year’s busiest seasons? A slower time of year? A time with a big change or transition (like a new baby or a new job)? By taking into account the season ahead, I’m able to more strategically plan for what’s in front of me. 

Winter is typically a slower season for me, with more time allotted to reading books and study. I’ll purposefully plan the winter for a gospel study (Luke), as this will be the longest book of the Bible I plan to tackle this year and the most time intensive. Summer is naturally more busy, with less time indoors for reading. I plan to read repetitively through Habakkuk (only a few chapters), and do a lighter study while relying more on things like an audio Bible. By fall I am generally ready for more structure and routine heading into the school year, so I’ll pick back up in Acts to finish up the writings of Luke for 2024. 

I’ve intentionally chosen one gospel, one Old Testament book and one New Testament book to work through each year. This doesn’t mean that’s the only thing I’m reading, but having a simple approach that is not overwhelming has helped me stay consistent in Bible reading for many years. Seasonal planning also takes into consideration months where you are naturally busier and may travel more, and those you want to get more structure and routine back into your schedule. 

Last, I take some time to consider how our family will continue to grow in God’s Word this year. I ask the same questions about our family discipleship that I asked myself personally: Did we spend time in God’s Word? Which parts of Scripture got most of our attention? Was it intentional or sporadic? How did God’s Word change and grow us this last year? Was Bible reading and meditation a regular habit in our home?

We’ve all heard the saying “practice makes perfect”, but I’d like to suggest “practice makes progress.” For the Christian, this is the hope of progressive sanctification. That because of daily, consistent deposits of God’s Word in our lives, we are more like Him today than we were last year. For every day we show up in the reality of what God is already doing, we have another chance for Him to change us and grow us, making us reflect Him even more in a dark world. 

Take some time before the end of the year (or whenever you’re reading this) to write down some ways you can get more of God’s Word in your life this next year. It is my hope that of all the things we plan to do this next year, we plan for this first and best. 

Some Ideas to Get You Started…

1 Gospel (Luke)

(choose 1 study, consider investing in a commentary)

1 Old Testament Book (Habakkuk)

1 New Testament Book (Acts) 

As a Family

(choose 1-2 resources)

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