2023 READING PLAN & RESOURCES
KIDS’ READING PACKET + JOURNAL PAGES
This year we put together a Reading Plan Packet for kids that includes journal pages. It’s a great resource! The packet has the entire year’s reading plan and has journal pages for January through April. Download it HERE!
There is nothing more powerful in a believer’s life than prayerfully reading and intentionally applying the Word of God (the Bible) to daily life. To help with this we will be providing a reading plan (downloadable at the link below in blue) that will allow us to go on this journey together. Most Sundays Pastor Matt will preach on a portion of the previous week’s readings.
DOWNLOAD THE “ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PACKET” HERE!
But reading the Bible isn’t the end goal. The bigger goal is to glorify God by abiding in Him so that what we read can take root in our hearts and transform our lives. To that end, you are encouraged to add to your reading both prayer and journaling.
In the above mentioned packet you’ll find instructions “On Prayer Cards & Journaling.” In it you will read about prayer cards. You can pick up Prayer Cards on Sundays, from the church office or download and print them from the packet.
Also, in the “On Prayer Cards & Journaling” instructions you read about the list of Scriptures you can use to fill out your prayer cards. This list is provided by Paul Miller’s seeJesus ministry’s “A Praying Life.” Click the link below to download the list of Scriptures…
DOWNLOAD THE “SCRIPTURE FOR PRAYER CARDS” HANDOUT HERE!
Here’s a few other tips that will help you along the way…
- Pick a time of day and for how long you will spend reading and journaling (you’ll probably need a minimum of 15 minutes).
- Pick a place you will do you your reading, journaling, and praying. A consistent and quite place will help set the tone, allowing you to focus in on the task at hand.
- Make sure your Bible, journal, writing utensil, and reading plan are easily accessible. A good idea would be to leave them in the same place you’ve chosen to do your reading so you don’t waste time looking for them.
- Use a good study Bible such as the Zondervan NIV Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, or CSB Study Bible. Each of these cost about $25-35. If you cannot afford one we will give you one for free! Just contact the church office.
- Have a reading partner who can help you be accountable for reaching the goal, discuss what you are reading and learning, and someone you can encourage through this process.
- Decide now to never beat yourself up for missing a day or two. If you do get way behind don’t panic and don’t quit! Simply pick up on the reading for the day you’re on and then, when you have time, catch up on what you missed. You can also download the YouVersion Bible App and listen to the Scriptures as you drive or exercise! This is a great way to catch up.
Resources for Reading & Understanding the Bible…
- This video series from the Bible Project is great for adults, youth, and children! There are several videos that cover the big story of the Bible and how to understand the different kinds of literature found in the Bible. You can also find videos that give an overview of individual books of the Bible in a very engaging format.
- Helps and studies on the importance of Reading the Bible for spiritual growth:
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- https://lifewayresearch.com/2021/04/30/the-key-to-life-changing-biblical-engagement/
- https://lifewayresearch.com/2017/10/17/young-bible-readers-more-likely-to-be-faithful-adults-study-finds/
- https://www.christianitytoday.com/pastors/2007/october-online-only/willow-creek-repents.html
- https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/read-the-bible/articles/how-the-bible-brings-spiritual-growth
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