Why a Bible Reading Plan?

"This plan is a tool to simply encourage you to spend some time on a daily basis in God’s Word. I have found that establishing that daily habit blesses my life in so many different ways and I am confident it will bless yours. Each day in this plan has one chapter to read. Most chapters can be read in less than five minutes easily. Over the course of the year, we will make our way through several books of the Bible. Each day you will also find a specific verse to focus on and a principle based on the Scripture to think about for life application. You can do this! It’s not complicated and it will enrich you as you go because it is the Living Word of God. I will be praying that God speaks to you in many ways as you journey through His Word through this year."
-Pastor Kevin

November

Read 2 Corinthians 5

Key Verse: 
2 Corinthians 5:21 "He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
The greatest thing I have to be thankful for, today and everyday, is the salvation I have in Jesus through what He did for me on the cross.

Read 2 Corinthians 6

Key Verse: 
2 Corinthians 6:11 "We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
I have the opportunity to make a great impact with those around me by simply opening my heart to them and loving them as Christ loves me.

Read 2 Corinthians 7

Key Verse: 
2 Corinthians 7:1 "So then, dear friends, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
It is important for me to not only deal with outward failures of my flesh that are wrong actions, but also to deal with inward sins of my spirit that are sometimes hidden from others but known by God.

December

Read 2 Corinthians 8

Key Verses: 
2 Corinthians 8:3-5 "I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
In the kind of giving God calls me to, the central issue isn’t money, but giving myself totally to the Lord; then giving materially will naturally follow.

Read 2 Corinthians 9

Key Verse: 
2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Especially during the giving season in this time of year, I need to remember that my attitude in giving is more important than the amount I give.

Read 2 Corinthians 10

Key Verses: 
2 Corinthians 10:18 "For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
I need to avoid commending myself, knowing it is sinful and dangerous and that it’s only what God says about me that matters.

Read 2 Corinthians 11

Key Verse: 
2 Corinthians 11:3 "But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Since this is the time of year where it would be easy for me to become distracted and lose the devotion to Christ I should have, I need to be on guard against the tactics of the enemy.

Read 2 Corinthians 12

Key Verse: 
2 Corinthians 12:7 "Especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
God’s greatest longing for me in this life is to be like Jesus, so, even though it pains Him to see me in pain, He will allow what pains Him and me to achieve what He longs for because it is worth the sacrifice of my comfort.

Read 2 Corinthians 13 

Key Verse: 
2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
My Christian life is not just about my personal salvation, but it is also about me doing life with a community of believers, supporting and encouraging each other.

Read Philemon 

Key Verse: 
Philemon 1:10 "Appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Through the story of Philemon I am reminded that through Christ, I am changed and am no longer useless, but useful, and no longer a runaway, but a child of God.

Read Luke 1

Key Verse: 
Luke 1:38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Just as Mary surrendered her life to do what God wanted though it would be difficult on so many levels, I need to surrender the whatever God has for me, though it may be hard and complicate my life.

Read Luke 2

Key Verses: 
Luke 2:10-12 "But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
As I go through this Christmas season, I need to guard against letting the busyness of it all cause me to miss the opportunity to celebrate the greatest event in history and worship the One it is all about.

Read Luke 3

Key Verse: 
Luke 3:16 "John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Just as John the Baptist did in his ministry, I need to refuse to make my life and service to Jesus about me and serve Him with humility.

Read Luke 4

Key Verses: 
Luke 4:3,4 "The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
I can overcome temptation in the same way Jesus did by being filled with the Holy Spirit and answering Satan’s seductive lies with the truth of God’s Word.

Read  Luke 5

Key Verse: 
Luke 5:5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
It is important for me to obey Jesus in every way, even when it doesn’t make sense to me because the circumstances don’t seem right.

Read Luke 6

Key Verse: 
Luke 6:21 "Blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
This is a good time of year for me to remember that true satisfaction in life does not come through the things this world offers, but only through a real, right relationship with God.

Read Luke 7

Key Verse: 
Luke 7:38 "And stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Especially during this time of year my worship of Jesus should be extravagant, spontaneous, and without reservation as I remember all that He has done for me.

Read Luke 8

Key Verse: 
Luke 8:18 "Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him;  and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
In this season of gift giving, I need to realize how great of a gift I have been given in the Word of God and be a good, receptive listener to all that it says, knowing that more understanding will be given to me as I do so.

Read Luke 9

Key Verses: 
Luke 9:23-25 "Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?"

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Being reminded of all Jesus has done for me through this Christmas season provides me with the motivation I need to be willing to take up my cross and follow Jesus faithfully no matter the cost.

Read Luke 10

Key Verses: 
Luke 10:39,40 "She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
This Christmas season is a time for me to be careful not to be distracted like Martha was with her many tasks, and to be faithful to worship at the feet of Jesus like Mary did.

Read Luke 11

Key Verse: 
Luke 11:4 "And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us.  And do not bring us into temptation.”
 
Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
This Christmas season is a good time for me to give a great gift to myself and anyone in my life whom I have been unforgiving toward, by forgiving them the way Christ has forgiven me.

Read Luke 12

Key Verse: 
Luke 12:34 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Especially during a season when so many get consumed with material things, I need to make wise decisions with my resources that reflect good Kingdom values.

Read Luke 13

Key Verse: 
Luke 13:22 "He went through one town and village after another, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Though the events of Bethlehem are vital to my faith, it was merely the point of entry for the the earthly ministry of Jesus that would conclude in Jerusalem.

Read Luke 14

Key Verse: 
Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
When Jesus left the glory of heaven to take on my human flesh and come into this world as a baby, it was the greatest demonstration of humility there has ever been and it sets an example for me to follow.

Read Luke 15

Key Verse: 
Luke 15:20 "So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Not only does God love me so much that He came to me when I had no ability to get to Him, but also so much that He welcomes me home into a relationship with Himself in spite of the fact that I had rebelled against Him.

Read Luke 16

Key Verses: 
Luke 16:22,23 "One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Because of the power of the Gospel that began being worked out at Bethlehem when God sent His only Son in to the world, no one has to spend eternity in hell, and I can never share the Gospel with a wrong person.

Read Luke 17

Key Verses: 
Luke 17:15-18 "But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at his feet, thanking him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Along with the peace and joy that fills my heart as I celebrate the birth of my Savior, I need to be intentional this Christmas about being grateful and sharing my gratitude because of all that Jesus has done for me and all that I have in Him.

Read Luke 18

Key Verse: 
Luke 18:27 "He replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Today I celebrate the miracle of the virgin birth, and even though I cannot explain it, I believe it, because my God is the God of the impossible.

Read Luke 19

Key Verse: 
Luke 19:17 “‘Well done, good  servant! ’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, have authority over ten towns."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
The thing I should want to live for and hear more than anything else in my life is hearing Jesus tell me ‘Well done’ when I stand before Him one day.

Read Luke 20 

Key Verse: 
Luke 20:47 "They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher judgment.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Any effort I give toward displaying outward piety while neglecting my heart is futile because God knows and goes by my heart.

Read Luke 21

Key Verse: 
Luke 21:33 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
I can take the words of Jesus to heart because they are the words of God and they are certain to be fulfilled.

Read Luke 22

Key Verse: 
Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me — nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
Just as Jesus did in the Garden, I need to surrender my all totally, continually, and neutrally to the Father’s will each and every day.

Read Luke 23

Key Verse: 
Luke 23:34 "Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided his clothes and cast lots."

Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
If Jesus can pray for His executioners while pouring out His life for them on the cross, I can, through His work in me, pray for those who have wronged me in my life and forgive them.

Read Luke 24

Key Verses: 
Luke 24:5-7 "So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?”
 
Truth Takeaway to Personalize Today
In anything I face in the coming year or for the rest of my life, I can face it knowing that Jesus is alive in me and I have His resurrected power in me to enable me to overcome.