A new year brings excitement, opportunity, and possibility. No one knows what the next twelve months will hold. For some, that is a source of fear and anxiety—but for the Christian, we affirm King David’s words: “You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance” (Ps. 65:11). We do not assume that God will grant each of us unimaginable wealth or worldly popularity, but we do have the privilege of reveling in His goodness, love, and faithfulness for 365 more days.
The new year also provides an opportunity for many to renew their commitment to reading God’s Word. Many excellent resources are available to help Christians deepen their knowledge and love for Christ through structured reading plans, Christian books, online platforms, and other tools.
My purpose in this post is to centralize some of these resources so that you can easily find several options in one place.
I am currently working through a Bible reading plan (though I have slowed down significantly from the scheduled pace—and that’s okay!), but these are resources that have been a great blessing to me in recent years.
Happy New Year!
Each day, you’ll read a few chapters—or occasionally skim through large genealogies or census sections—as you make your way from Genesis to Revelation.
Five Day Bible Reading Program
A Chronological plan that lets you take the weekends off or use them to catch up!
The Gospel Coalition "Bible in 2 Years" Plan
The following Bible reading plan is designed to take you through the Old and New Testaments in two years, and through the Psalms and Proverbs four times during that period.
You can start whenever you like in this plan. It includes 25 Bible readings each month, which allows for three to six free days to catch up, if needed. Your daily Bible readings that include both the Old and New Testament.
Different Bibles have been produced to aid Bible reading through notes, articles, tables, and even pictures! Below are a few Study Bibles that could help you quickly read an explanation for a passage.
The ESV Study Bible features a wide array of study tools, including extensive study notes, 200 full-color maps, 40 full-color illustrations, charts, timelines, articles, and introductions, making it a valuable resource for serious readers, students, and teachers of God’s Word.
This robust and well-crafted study Bible features an immersive, full-color, illustrated design and the ECPA award-winning Holman study system, with more than 16,000 study notes, word studies, articles, and other tools from respected Bible scholars presented on the same page as the biblical text they refer to.
ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible
This study Bible explains passage-by-passage how God’s redemptive purposes culminate in the gospel and apply to the lives of believers today. Readers will be challenged to see how the message of the gospel transforms from the inside out.
Dr. John MacArthur’s verse-by-verse study notes, book introductions, and articles display an unparalleled commitment to interpretive precision—with the goal of making God known through His Word.
John Piper's short book challenges all Christians from every age to use each day God has granted to serve Him!
Don Whitney explains how Christians can use the very text of Scripture in prayer to God.
Jonathan Leeman shows how Church Membership is not just important for the Christian, it is essential!
David Mathis encourage's Christians to embrace 3 essential biblical habits.
A website filled with articles, sermons, books, videos, and theological courses. Founded by R.C. Sproul to serve all Christians.
The website containing all of John MacArthur's sermons, lessons, books, and videos.
Theologically Conservative Bible teachers answer real and common questions about God's Word. A great introductory resource!
Joshua Project seeks to deliver accurate, accessible, and actionable data that shines a light on people groups with the least access to the gospel.
A free app that applies a three-step memorization process. Free!
First Leter Method
Write out the verse, then on a 3x5 card or in phone notes, write the first letter of each word in the verse. Bring it with you and practice throughout the week!
An audio Bible app that includes different readers and background music to listen throughout the day! "
$9.99/ Month Subscription
This Hymnal includes over 900 Hymns, Scriptrure Readings, Historical Prayer, and Timeless Bible Reflections. Supplament your Bible reading with hymns (to read or even sing!)
The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary offers a wealth of insight into the historical, chronological, archaeological, geographical, social, theological, and biographical aspects of the Bible.
With wide margins and thicker paper, Journaling Bibles are a wonderful tool for notes and thoughts right on the page!