Jacqui: 0:14

Greetings listeners. Do you want to make 2025 the year you connect with God's Word like never before, whether it's tackling the entire Bible or reading just one chapter a day? I've got you covered. In this episode, I'll share seven practical tips to help you build a Bible reading habit that lasts not just for a few weeks, but for the entire year. Well, welcome everyone.

Jacqui: 0:46

I'm your host, Jacqui Adewole, and this is the Bible Basics Podcast, where weekly, we break down the basics of the Bible into understandable, bite-sized chunks. I'm thrilled to share that I've almost completed reading the Bible in 365 days. Though this isn't my first time. It is something I once thought was impossible. It's been a transformative experience, and I'm here to help you make your own plan to do that for 2025. So in today's episode, we'll cover why committing to Bible reading is so impactful, how to choose the right plan for you, seven practical tips to build a lasting habit that fits your life, and we'll wrap up with tools and resources to make your journey smoother.

Jacqui: 1:43

Now that we've mapped out what we'll cover today, let's start with the heart of it all why committing to Bible reading is so important. Understanding the why gives purpose to your commitment and fuels your motivation to stick with it throughout the year. We should read and study the Bible because it's God's Word to us. The Bible is literally God-breathed. That's 2 Timothy 3:16. In other words, it's God's very words to us. If we want to live life to the fullest, as God intended, we must listen to and heed God's written Word. I've experienced many challenges during this past year and the number one thing that's gotten me through is listening to and heeding God's word. And making the decision to engage with God's word is more than just setting a goal. It's a commitment to prioritize your spiritual growth and invite God to shape your life. Think about it this way when you commit to reading the Bible, you're choosing to spend intentional time with the creator of the universe every day. That's powerful and, just like any important commitment, whether it's a relationship, a job or a skill you're developing, it takes focus and determination, and the benefits of reading consistently are plenty. It enhances your mental health, your relationships, habits and spiritual life. And there's one huge outcome of Bible reading that really shook me Christians who don't spend time in the Bible regularly, meaning at least four days a week, live lives that look statistically the same as people who aren't Christians at all. Can you believe that? If you want to dig deeper into the benefits of reading the Bible, check out the episode before this one. The link is in the show notes.

Jacqui: 4:01

Now, before we dive into the seven practical tips, let's talk about the most important first step, and that's prayer. Making a commitment to read the Bible starts with inviting God into the process. Making a commitment to read the Bible starts with inviting God into the process. Ask God for guidance as you decide what your 2025 Bible reading journey will look like. Pray for clarity, lord. What do you want me to focus on this year? Pray for wisdom. Help me choose a plan that's right for my current season of life. Pray for commitment. Give me the strength and discipline to stay faithful even on busy days. And once you've made your decision, carry prayer into your daily readings. Before you open your Bible each day, pause and ask God to open your heart and mind to his word. Lord, speak to me today through your word. Help me to understand and apply what I read.

Jacqui: 5:12

After praying for God's guidance, the next step is to choose a reading plan. A reading plan is basically a list of what you'll read each day. A reading plan helps you stay organized and ensures you're moving through scripture in a way that works for your life. There are so many plans to choose from, and the key is finding one that fits your goals and this season of your life. There are whole Bible plans Great. If you want the big picture view, these can be 365-day plans or even accelerated 90-day plans. I read the Bible with a group from my church using the 90-day plan at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, and then there's a one testament at a time plan. That's perfect. If you want to go deeper into the Old or New Testament, I read the New Testament in 2023. Then there are chronological plans. These follow the events of the Bible in historical order, offering a unique perspective. That's what I'm doing now. Then there are topical plans. These give you the opportunity to dive into themes like prayer, wisdom or the life of Jesus. Whatever plan you choose, make sure it's manageable for your schedule and don't hesitate to adjust it if your first choice just doesn't feel right.

Jacqui: 6:38

With a clear plan in place, the next step is building habits that make reading the Bible a consistent part of your life. That's where these seven practical tips come in. Tip number one start small. Don't overwhelm yourself. Begin with 10 minutes a day or one chapter. Consistency is more important than volume. Tip two attach it to a routine. Pair your Bible reading with habits you already have like reading while you drink your morning coffee, listening to an audio Bible during your commute, reflecting on a passage before bedtime. And you might be wondering well, what if I fall behind? Let me reassure you. This isn't about perfection. If you miss a day, don't give up. Just pick up where you left off. Consistency over time is what matters.

Jacqui: 7:48

Tip number three is prepare your environment. Keep your Bible or your app easily accessible. Set reminders on your phone, eliminate distractions. Tip number four track your progress. Use a journal or an app, or even a simple calendar. Tracking your reading feels rewarding and motivates you to keep going. And speaking of keeping going, tip number five is to celebrate wins. Every milestone is worth celebrating. Did you complete a whole week? Did you finish a book? Celebrate Recognizing progress keeps you motivated.

Jacqui: 8:36

Tip number six accountability and encouragement. Making a commitment to read is easier when you have support. Share your plan. Tell a friend or family member about your goal and ask them to check in with you. Join a group. A Bible study group or online community can provide encouragement and accountability. Use encouraging resources. Podcasts, devotionals and forums can inspire and keep you on track.

Jacqui: 9:14

And tip seven, the power of prayer and God's word. As you embark on this journey, remember that you're not doing this alone. God is with you every step of the way. Each time you open the Bible, you're inviting him to speak into your life. Psalm, chapter 119, verse 105, reminds us your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. No matter where you are in life, god's word has something to offer Encouragement, wisdom, guidance and hope.

Jacqui: 9:58

Now here are a few resources to support your journey, and I have links for all of them in the show notes. First, there's the YouVersion app. It has, in addition to the Bible, free reading plans and audio Bible options. Here's a podcast. I recommend the Bible Recap Podcast. It's a great companion if you're reading the Bible chronologically.

Jacqui: 10:27

There are principal plans. Check out websites offering plans you can download and track. And finally, a journal or notebook. Reflect on what you read. It deepens your understanding. As someone who almost finished reading the Bible in a year, I can tell you this the rewards far outweigh the effort. There were days when it felt challenging, but each time I opened the Word, god met me there. So here's the plan Pray and ask God to guide your reading journey.

Jacqui: 11:07

Choose a reading plan that works for you. Build a habit using small, consistent steps. Stay accountable and celebrate progress. You've got this. So what will your 2025 Bible reading commitment look like? Whatever you decide whether it's the whole Bible, a testament or just a chapter a day know that every moment spent in God's Word matters. Take the first step today. Pray, plan and commit. I promise it's a journey worth taking and, as always, keep reading, keep seeking and keep growing in your faith. Thank you so much for tuning in. I'd love to hear about your 2025 Bible reading commitment. What's your plan? Share it with us by clicking on the link in the show notes and don't forget. So that we spread God's word further and you never miss an episode, please share, like, follow and subscribe.