January 1
Welcome to our daily Bible readings!
Our reading plan takes us through all the major stories of the whole Bible, helping us connect them into One Story - God's Story.
The plan starts tomorrow, and each day has three readings.
Reading One is the main reading, and the other two give background and application.
The three readings plus time to reflect should take you between 20 and 30 minutes each day.
If you are short of time on any day, we recommend you focus on Reading One.
We recommend you keep notes as you read, which will become a daily journal of what you learn; you can use a notebook or a note app such as One Note or Evernote on your computer or mobile device.
Start by reading the readings (each link will take you to the YouVersion online Bible's appropriate place. If you don’t already have a login with YouVersion, please create one; the links do not work correctly without this. We use the New Living Translation, but you can change the translation to another in YouVersion if you prefer).
As you read from the Bible, make notes of any verses that speak to you and any response or action that you will make. Finally, read the notes we provide to see if these prompt any further response from you, such as re-reading a section or adding to your notes.
For today we will read a familiar passage about the power of God's Word: Hebrews 4:9-13
Every seven days or so, we insert a reflection day, with no new readings, which gives you time to review or catch up.
To finish up for today, let's briefly set out Mark Virkler's four keys to hearing God's voice and listen to God, asking the question, "What do you want to say to me at the start of this year?"
Quieten myself (Psalm 46:10)
Tune to spontaneous, flowing thoughts (John 7:38)
Write down what you hear (Habakkuk 2:2)
So take your journal, start by quietening yourself (find a favorite spot where you can take some time with God), and follow the steps to listen to God and write down what He says. And tomorrow, we will start at the beginning of God's story!