The new year is a perfect time to begin or maintain a Bible reading habit. This year, I’m following a chronological read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan, but taking as much time as I need to really soak in all the goodness. Here are my plans and routine for devotional time in 2021!
The Bibles
To start with, one of my Christmas wishes came through! I received the NLT Chronological One Year Bible for Christmas. I has daily readings, wide margins, and illustrations at the beginning of each month and throughout the pages. Here’s a look inside:
Alongside this Bible, I’m also using my Message Canvas Bible and the ESV Illuminated Scripture Journals.
Additional Resources
Whenever I have time, I’ll use the Blue Letter Bible app to find word studies in the original languages. I’ll also use a commentary by David Guzik, which was recommended to me by a Youtuber I watch and respect a few years ago. I enjoy this commentary because it’s well written, clearly organized, and uses many sources for further research.
My routine and plans
In the spirit of optimism, I’m hoping to start each day of this year something like this:
- Wake up slowly to the tune of uplifting alarm music
- Take a few minutes to get dressed and ready
- Spend at least half an hour reading this new Bible, and using commentary and other translations for in-depth study
- Take ten minutes of prayer either before or after
- Spend a few minutes planning my day before I leave for whatever I have going on for the day
This is obviously an ideal world situation, completely dependent on how early I get up and how late I stayed up the night before. To ensure that I will consistently spend time in the Word, I’m giving myself permission to spend more than one day on each reading.
To end each day, or possibly every other day, I will use the ESV scripture journals to journal and internalize what I’ve learned in the day’s readings. I’ll also be building a daily sketching, drawing, and journaling habit at the end of each day. And since drawing random thoughts has been productive for me so far, I can only imagine how amazing a daily Bible journaling habit will be!
Looking for more Bible journaling inspiration? Check out 7 Places to Journal Your Faith Creatively!
A look at the process so far
I’m taking this opportunity to use up some of my stash of stickers and craft supplies this year. Here’s a quick look at the first couple of days! There’s no color scheme involved, just whatever colors come to mind in the moment.
For more updates throughout the year, feel free to follow me on Instagram 😊
Thank you for taking the time to read about my Bible reading plans for 2021. If you enjoyed or were inspired, please do me a solid and share with all your peeps using the graphic below. And let me know your plans for Bible reading in 2021!
Happy Wednesday!
