When you buy appliances or equipment they usually come with instructions on how to get the best use from your new purchase. The Bible is in some ways the same, like an instruction manual for our lives.
If you are new to Bible reading it may seem overwhelming as to where and how to start. So let me give you a Bible reading plan for beginners.
Scripture teaches that we all need the Word of God. It is compared to food and water for our souls. It is what keeps us spiritually alive and healthy.
Each month you will find Scripture reading suggestions grouped by topics. Best of all, they are free to download and enjoy.
January Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
People often evaluate their lives at the beginning of the year, making plans and setting goals. That is why a Bible reading plan about our purpose and priorities is appropriate.
Do you ever wonder what your purpose is here on earth? How should you prioritize your time? As you read these Scriptures, ask yourself, “What does this tell me about God? What does it tell me about myself and what I need to do?”
You might also like to read:
February Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
February is traditionally the month for Valentines, candy, and special dates.
But what if you are not in a relationship? What if you are divorced or widowed? February can feel very lonely as everyone else celebrates.
Even those in relationships or who are married often feel lonely. That is why “Never Alone” is a good topic for February.
Do you ever feel alone? Our emotions can be extremely convincing and even the opposite of the truth.
Spend some time this month soaking in the truth of God’s word.
Write some of these verses on file cards or sticky notes. Then place them in prominent places to remind yourself that you are not alone if you have a relationship with Jesus.
You might also like to read, “Things to remember when you feel lonely.”
March Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
March is a time when many farmers begin planting some of their crops. And as that seed goes into the ground they hope that it will sprout and grow.
This month’s Bible reading plan will focus on another kind of growth.
Spiritual growth is extremely important in the life of a Christian.
Parents know that if their baby does not grow, there is something very wrong. Likewise, when we are born into God’s family, we need to grow or we won’t be healthy spiritually.
As you read these Scriptures, ask yourself, “How am I doing in these areas? What do I need to let God change?”
You might also like to read: “The best journal prompts for spiritual growth.”
April Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
Across the globe in late March or early April, Christians remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This month’s Bible reading plan looks at how the story of salvation is woven throughout the Bible leading up to “Good Friday”.
The journey to the cross was planned by God from the beginning of time. But the story does not end there.
In fact, the cross was the beginning of the most amazing demonstration of love.
Best of all, Jesus did not stay dead. At the grave, an angel told a woman, “He is not here. He is alive!”
You might also like to read:
May Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
Many readers have experienced broken promises from parents, significant others, or friends. It is also very common in politics.
Sometimes people break promises because they are over-committed. But all too often, people tell you what you want to hear to manipulate you, then turn around and do just the opposite.
In contrast, we can expect that God will always keep His promises. ALWAYS!
The Bible says, ” … He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
God has made some very encouraging promises to those who love Him. Often they include a needed response from us.
As you read these Scriptures, ask yourself, “What is the promise and what does God expect from me in making this promise?”
If you have been disappointed or hurt because of broken promises, you might also like to read:
June Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
If you are like me, waiting can lead to anxiety. It seems like the only time I find out a payment was not credited to my account is late Friday afternoon and I have a late fee. I have to think about it all weekend because I can’t get it fixed until Monday.
Waiting can be hard for many reasons and most of us tend to be impatient.
The temptation is to take matters into our own hands. That my friend never works out well.
So as you read these daily Scriptures ask yourself,
- “What does this verse teach about waiting?
- What does it teach about God?
- What actions do I need to take as I wait?”
You might also like to read:
July Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
If you have never gone through difficult circumstances, thank the Lord. But at some point you will and Scripture is the right place to look for comfort.
There are times in life when we feel broken and need help. This is when God and a community of Jesus-loving friends are so important.
As you read these Scriptures, ask yourself how you can use them to comfort a friend. Choose a couple of them to memorize.
You might also like to read:
August Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
There are a lot of misconceptions about what forgiveness means. Often people believe it is condoning the bad behavior of someone. This is only one of many lies we tend to believe.
Forgiveness is two-fold. We need to receive it and also give it. Yet forgiveness seems so hard to give when others hurt us.
As you read this month’s Scriptures, thank God for your own forgiveness, and ask Him to help you forgive others. Both will set you free to live the life God has for you.
You might also like to read: “Reasons to forgive someone even when you are hurting.”
September Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
Late summer and early fall is when many farmers harvest their crops: wheat, fruit, and a host of other food products. What a perfect time to look at “fruit” in our own lives.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 ESV
Having the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is one way to know that we are growing in our relationship with God.
As you read these Scriptures ask yourself,
- “Am I becoming more like Jesus?”
- “Do I need to ask God to develop some of these characteristics in me?”
You might also like to read: “How to develop the fruit of the Spirit.”
October Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
What are you worried about today? What causes you anxiety? Did you know that these feelings do not come from God?
Jesus said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27 ESV
Many things in life can trigger worry and anxiety. These feelings are cousins and stem from a lack of trust in God. It is as if we don’t think God is going to get things right. They rob today of our peace.
As you read these Scriptures, choose several to memorize for when you start to feel worried or anxious.
You might also like to read: “Feeling on edge about current events? How to cope.”
November Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
Have you ever wondered what God’s will was for your life? This month’s Bible reading plan for beginners addresses this subject Many Christians make it more complicated than it needs to be.
God’s will is not about whether you should buy a new car or what school you should go to.
The Bible is clear that God’s will is that everyone should be reconciled to Him and then we should live for Him.
As you read these Scriptures, if you are missing the mark, ask God to help you.
You might also like to read: “Confidence in knowing God’s will – A beginner’s guide.”
December Bible Reading Plan For Beginners
December brings the calendar to a close, but the story of Christmas is the beginning of one of the greatest love stories ever told.
In many homes and churches, the entire story is read all together.
In contrast, this month’s Bible reading plan breaks down the story of Christmas into segments for you to contemplate some of the details each day.
Let this season help prepare your heart for Jesus and make Him not just a baby in a manger but the King of your life.
You might also like to read: “His name shall be called ... ” which is about the many names of Jesus and what they mean to us.
More Bible Reading Plans for Beginners
If you have enjoyed these Bible reading plans, there are more available. Using the same format, you will find 24 different topical Bible reading plans.
Furthermore, for those who are creative, twelve of the topics are in a coloring format. They are all free. They cover:
- Our relationship with God (4 different topics)
- What God is like (5 different topics)
- Life situations (5 different topics)
- Scripture (2 different topics)
- Spiritual growth (8 different topics)
Be sure to check them out.
References:
- Many thanks to Bible Gateway and Open Bible for easy navigation of Scriptures and lists of verses by topic.