We are almost to the end of 2025, which means we are again coming to a time of New Year's resolutions. Along with eating less sugar, working out, and attempting to get more sleep, this is a time when many Christians commit to a new Bible reading plan. 

Where to Start?

All of Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. All of Scripture teaches us about who God is and what He has accomplished. All of Scripture drives us to worship Him. As a result, any time we open God's Word and read, His Spirit is at work, and we are being changed.

That being said, it can still be difficult to know where to start. Should you read the Bible through in one year? Maybe it should be read through in seven (check out Nate Pickowicz's book for more on this style of Bible reading). Regardless of your plan, it's beneficial to have one. Opening your Bible each day without a plan will cause you to lose motivation, only read your favorite/well-known passages, and skip over important parts of Scripture that you may not even know to read.

If you are looking for a plan, you can check out our Bible reading plan page. We have compiled several options to help guide you in reading your Bible each day. 

If you're still struggling with what to read, I would like to suggest a different approach: read the Bible with your church.

Read With Your church

Here at Pathways, we preach through books of the Bible. As of the writing of this article, I have been preaching through the Gospel of John with the focus "Who is Jesus?" We desire to have the Word of God as the primary driving force behind our preaching. As a result, we preach through books both expositionally and systematically.  

Consequently, members of our congregation are not left guessing which passage/topic will be preached about each week. If last week's sermon was on John 5:1-17, you can expect that the next sermon will begin with 5:18. 

If you are not sure what to read in your Bible, why not read and re-read the book of the Bible that your church is preaching through?

Read through the passage that was just preached. Read through the passage that is going to be preached. Read through larger sections of the book (maybe even the whole book in one sitting). Read just a verse or two over and over again. What are some other passages the preacher has referenced in his sermon? Read those as well!

Spend time with the book. Become intimately acquainted with the book. As a result, you will find yourself appreciating and anticipating the sermons much more.

Yes, you will not get through the Bible in a year. Nowhere close. But you will grow to know and love the book that your church is studying together.

Suggested Weekly Schedule

Monday: Re-read the passage that was preached the day before. What was the main point of the sermon? What did this passage teach you about who God is? How did this passage point to Christ/the Gospel? What specific application points did the preacher make?

Tuesday: Focus on a verse or two from this last week's passage. Read this small section over and over again. Think about it, meditate on it, pray it.

Wednesday: What cross-references did the preacher make this last Sunday? During the sermon, take note of these, and go back and read them. Either read all the specific verses referenced or pick one and read the greater context. This will help you break out of the one book of the Bible and explore other areas of Scripture as well. 

Thursday: Go back and re-read a passage from a previous Sunday. Try to remember the main point, the Gospel connection, and the application that was made. Maybe re-listen to that sermon if you have time.

Friday: Read the passage that will be preached this upcoming Sunday. What do you think the main point of the sermon will be? How do you think the sermon will connect to Christ/the Gospel? What points of application do you anticipate him making?

Saturday/Sunday: These can be great days to read larger sections of the book. If you can, try to read the book in one sitting at least once per month.

Conclusion

Those who have been tasked with preaching God's Word love it when God's people are engaged with the sermon. Looking up and seeing people obviously paying attention and looking at their Bibles brings joy to every preacher's heart. Spending continual time in the passage the preacher is preaching in will only cause you to be more engaged during the sermon and allow for better discussion afterwards. If you're not sure where to read in your Bible, why not read it along with your local church?