Tools for Your Bible Reading/Listening Plan
Choose a Reading/Listening tool - an eBible app that can be used with mobile devices or computers
or
Paper Bibles
eBible app
I suggest using an electronic Bible like "You Version" that you can download from Apple App or Android Play Store. If you search using the words "You Version" you will see a picture of a brown Bible with developers called "Life Church".
Once downloaded go to home screen and tap “Bible” at the bottom of the app. At the left top of the app you will see the bible book name such as “Genesis” followed by a chapter number. To the immediate right you will see the version. Tap the version and select your preference. I suggest using NIV, NLT, or ESV. Each of these provide excellent translation accuracy and allow a listening experience. Note you may need to download the version you choose but I would suggest NIV as your top choice. On the top right of the app you will see a speaker. Tap this when you desire to have the scriptures read aloud.
Navigate to "plans" at the bottom of the app and search for "Bible in a Year" and select any Bible plan you like. I suggest a plan like "God's Love Letter To You" which will include reading from the Old Testament and New Testament each day.
To begin reading/listening a plan, simply touch the top listed chapter and off you go! The app will seamlessly progress until the days reading, typically 3 chapters, will complete. You can stop or pause at any point and pick up where you left off.
As you complete each day you will receive a checkmark indicating you are good for the next day. If you wish you can read ahead by simply selecting the next day and your panel of chapters will appear.
Advantages of the electronic version is automatic tracking and daily reminders of your progress that encourages you to stay on the plan timeline, as well as easy portability using your phone or other devices.
There are many reading plans to choose from and yearly plans are encouraged, but if you prefer a different plan that is fine. The goal is the read/listen to that plan routinely and if a shorter period of time is desired that is great! When that plan finishes select a different plan - just stay in a plan and remain on the journey with many others!
Paper Bibles
Obviously use the paper bible you are familiar with. If you are planning to purchase a new bible, I would suggest the New International Version Study Bible. It is easy to read and has a very good reference section at the bottom of each page as well as other added benefits. It’s large but a excellent way to gain insight as you are read.
You will need a paper or electronic reading plan checklist. There are many but below is a link that provides a reading plan of old and new testament concurrently each day. 365 New and Old Testament Reading Plan Checklist
Get Started
What If I Fall Behind or Start Later in the Year?
We live in a world with a copias list of demands thus a routine bible reading/listening plan is a goal to achieve, with objective for completing. Your reading/listening plan is the best opportunity for you to find value by gaining knowledge and insights while experiencing an appreciation for the value of God’s Word. You own your journey – don’t get bummed if you are behind, but I encourage you to stay in the game and continue your progress regardless of your pace.
Along the journey you will be introduced to “Deep Dives” which will recommend watching short videos, typically from 5 to 10 minutes, and listening to podcasts that are between an average of 60 to to 75 minutes per podcast. A as example, the Genesis Scroll podcast series will introduce this deep dive approach which you can choose anytime during your journey, but most beneficial to you before you end your reading/listening of Genesis.
The podcasts have pause breaks approximately every 15 minutes which make for a good stopping place if needed. I have personally found it most productive to listen to a podcast in its entirety. The podcasts are extremely insightful and you will enjoy the material. It will always be your choice to add the deep dives but don’t feel guilty if you don’t. As I populate this material it will remain available for your use anytime as we build more content going forward.
It is anticipated that some will read/listen ahead of yearly plan schedule, some behind, and some that will enter this journey at various time of the year. The design of this effort is that each person has a daily routine to “ingest” God’s Word. Videos and podcasts will provide additional learning opportunities throughout the year that are designed to focus on specific sections of scriptures and supporting materials where new members to our group can seamlessly jump in. This content is designed that ANYONE can enter whenever they choose. Please invite family, friends, your auto mechanic, bartender - no one will be excluded.
Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to remain informed about new content, but not plagued with noctious emails.
dale