A Bible Reading Plan: Let's Stay Close to God and His Word

"Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the Lord that had been given through Moses." II Chronicles 34:14 

The book of the law was the whole Bible they had in those days. For years, it had gathered dust. Then the people drifted away from God. So his judgments came. But young king Josiah was 16-years-old when "he began to seek the God of his father David." (34:3)

Under his direction, repairs to the temple took place. In the process, Hilkiah made the discovery of the Book of the Law.

We too are in continual danger of neglecting the Bible and letting it gather dust. Many years ago, I adapted a Bible reading schedule and gave it to congregations I served. I still believe it is one of the best schedules for people who want to stay close to God and his Word. At that time, I stopped using little devotional booklets. I chose to follow the path of my parents when I was young. In those days, they read a chapter from the Bible after every meal.

I recommend that. Below is the schedule that Marjorie and I follow to read through the Bible every year. In this pattern, the four Gospels come once every three months, not one right after the other. Also, it features readings from both the New and the Old Testaments every month. The New Testament readings are first because they are considered to have priority. It can be started any time of the year.

Bible Reading Plan 

January: Matthew and Genesis

February: Acts, Exodus and Leviticus

March: Romans, I Corinthians, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

April: Mark, II Corinthians, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and I Samuel

May: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, II Samuel, I and II Kings

June: Colossians, I and II Thessalonians, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, and Psalms 1-30

July: Luke, I and II Timothy, Psalms 31-150

August: Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah 1-30

September: I and II Peter, Isaiah 31-66, Jeremiah

October: John, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel

November: I,II,III John, Jude, I and II Chronicles

December: Hosea through Malachi, and Revelation