I'm not big on New Year Resolutions. But I do regularly reflect on how I can have good priorities, routines and habits.
As I look back over this last year, one of the most important things I've done is read my Bible each day. It's not so much about me getting through the Bible, as getting the Bible through me. As followers of Jesus, it's the primary way God speaks to us and guides us - and I really need to hear His voice!
As we head into 2024, we want to encourage everyone at Highgrove to make Bible reading a daily habit.
Starting on 7 January, we'll be spending three whole months on Sunday mornings on a journey through John's gospel as we focus on The Jesus You Need to Know. We'll be handing out some bookmarks listing the short sections of John's gospel to read each day, in parallel with our series. Or, if preferred, you can use the plan on the Bible app here.
If you're looking for a fresh resource for the whole year, here are a few great choices...
- The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. There are Classic (20-25 mins), shorter Express (10-12 mins) and Youth (10-12 mins) editions available via the dedicated app, daily podcast feeds, on the website or via daily email.
- The brand new Every Day with Jesus app launches on 1 January 2024, with short daily devotionals for those looking for a bite-size way to be encouraged and inspired by the Bible each day.
- The Lectio 365 app (including the version for families) continues to be a fab resource for daily biblical meditations and prayers.
- There are lots of excellent Bible reading plans available via the YouVersion Bible app. We used some during our D Group challenges this year, and I found the Bible Project New Testament in a Year especially helpful during 2023.
Please let us know if you would like a physical Bible and don't have one. We'd love to pass one on to you.