what has your ear?
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, ESV).
Reading well impacts how we perceive and understand the world around us, and nothing merits our time and study more than the inspired Word of God. If you have resolved to grow in faith in this new year, daily Bible reading must surely be part of the plan.
Any serious study of Scripture is profitable and many are put off by highly structured Bible reading plans. Noted pastor Robert Murray M’Cheyne even published a list of dangers when sharing with his own congregation the Bible reading plan he authored for their use. Likewise, there are great benefits to a prescribed plan for the daily study of Scripture.
Here are our recommendations for your consideration as you begin a new year with a commitment grow as a student of the Word of God:
PFWB Resources
The PFWB website contains a variety of resources for individual and corporate growth, including a Bible Reading Program, a daily Bible Reading Plan, and Bible Engagement resources with an updated topic each month.
Blue Letter Bible Blended Plan
Straightforward, printable PDF with daily readings, averaging 3-4 chapters per day.
Bible in One Year
A resource of 1517.org containing links directly to daily readings of the Blended Plan, along with links to short teaching videos by Chad Bird, Old Testament scholar and Scholar in Residence at 1517. Dr. Bird shares insightful links between Old and New Testament passages that will help push through the more complicated texts, encouraging you to stick with daily Bible reading.
Read the Bible Initiative
This partnership between The Gospel Coalition and Crossway provides free access to the M’Cheyne Bible Reading plan, along with options to receive a daily newsletter, daily podcast commentary, and access to online articles to support your understanding of the assigned texts.
audio bibles & apps
The science of learning suggests that reading in print is superior to electronic options for deep reading of complex material (here and here). But for some, reading portable electronic formats on the go is better than not reading at all (for sure!). For others, reading in any format just doesn’t come easy. Fortunately, there are great options for listening to the Word of God that can be used with the Bible reading plan of your choice. If you’re looking for a good audio Bible app, consider the following (listed in no particular order). Most have options that work on any computer or mobile device.
Dwell (audio only)
Christian Standard Bible (Audio and daily reading plans available within the mobile app.)
ESV Bible (Audio and daily reading plans, including the M’Cheyene plan, available within the mobile app.)
Blue Letter Bible (Mobile app is also available.)
Above all, grow as a student of Scripture in 2024. Whether on paper or in print, following a daily reading plan or working through on your own, commit to dig deeply into the revealed Word of God.
God has spoken. Does He have your ear?
