You and your Bible in 2025 …

As the new year begins, many Christians feel inspired to take up the challenge of reading the entire Bible in a year. It’s a noble goal, but let’s be honest: many who start with enthusiasm struggle to finish. For some, the pressure to “stay on schedule” turns Bible reading into a hurried checklist rather than a life-giving encounter with God’s Word.

The truth is, nowhere in scripture does it command us to read the entire Bible annually. However, we are exhorted to “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives …” Colossians 3:16a. This means staying constant in the Word, not racing through it.

If you’ve tried and stumbled with year-long reading plans, don’t despair! Instead, 2025 can be the year you deepen your relationship with the Bible in new and meaningful ways. Here are some alternatives:

1. Slow Down for Comprehension.
Take smaller sections of scripture and read them repeatedly over several days. Meditate on them, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal insights. Reflect deeply on verses like Psalm 1:2, which says, “But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.”

2. Do a Deep Dive Study.
Choose a book of the Bible and study it in-depth. Look at the historical context, themes, and key passages. For example, study Philippians for its message of joy, even in hardship, or Exodus for its rich picture of God’s deliverance and covenant faithfulness.

3. Topical Studies.
Explore topics like the attributes of God, the life of Jesus, or the Holy Spirit’s work. Use a concordance or a Bible study app to trace themes throughout Scripture. Studying doctrines like grace, redemption, and sanctification can deepen your understanding of the faith.

4. Focus on Gospel Proclamation.
Equip yourself to share the Good News more effectively. Resources like yousharejesus.org provide free training in highly effective relational evangelism.

5. Pray Through Scripture.
Turn your reading into prayer. For instance, when reading the Psalms, let them guide your prayers for yourself and others. This practice transforms Bible reading from an intellectual exercise to an intimate conversation with God.

The key is not just to read but to engage with the Bible in a way that teaches you, nourishes your soul, equips you for good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and draws you closer to God. Whether you read it in a year or focus deeply on smaller portions, what matters is allowing the Word to transform your life.

Let 2025 be the year you not only read your Bible but live it.

Scotty