On January 2, my devotional reading included this thought from the author: “If churches could only do one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ their choice is clear: they would inspire, encourage and equip their people to read the Bible.” The writer points to Joshua 1:8—“The Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth.” (NKJV) As we lean into 2026, this encouragement is timely. It echoes the God-sized Dream of Discipleship for members here at HRBC: “We address people’s longing for God by providing meaningful ministries and developing fully devoted followers of Jesus.” (HRBC Vision 2022, Final Report, p. 12) 

As a pastor, one of my hopes and dreams is to inspire people to read the Bible on a daily basis. Not just reading it to check a box or finish a task. But to help people to experience the life changing power of reading scripture, which is “living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective].” (Hebrews 4:12a, AMP) It only takes about 15-20 minutes a day to read the Bible through in a year. I’ve personally experienced the blessing of reading the Bible through in 2024 and 2025 and I just started The Chronological Bible again this year. It’s become a habit and I can’t see stopping! 

Perhaps your situation in life doesn’t make an annual Bible reading plan possible. That’s okay! The key is to read the Bible daily, even if it’s just a verse or a paragraph a day. You could start with the Gospels and gradually read them, learning more about the life, ministry and purposes of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.  

Whether you start a reading plan or read a verse a day, here are some free resources that will help you make Bible reading a priority in 2026… 

• The YouVersion Bible App — https://www.bible.com/app  

• The One Year Bible — https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/60-the-one-year-bible     

• Blue Letter Bible — https://www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading/  

• Bible Gateway — https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/  

• Navigators Plans — https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/  

• Bible Project (includes animated videos) — https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22273-bibleproject-one-story-that-leads-to-jesus/day/1  

• Billy Graham Evangelical Assoc. – (printable PDF) https://static.billygraham.org/sites/lp.billygraham.org/uploads/prod/2021/02/2021DailyBibleReadingPlan.pdf  

One of my joys of reading the Bible through is when I learn something new or read a passage as if it were for the very first time. For example, on January 1, I was reading from Genesis chapter 2. In verse 8, the writer described part of God’s creative activity: “The Lord planted a garden.” I started to imagine what this would have been like as we think of God as a gardener. The scripture tells us that God placed people there and provided all they needed. This reminded me of what Jesus said about God: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (John 15:1) Jesus went on to encourage his disciples to abide in him, for when they do so, “they will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5b) 

Will you take one small step to read the Bible this year? God’s Word is life-giving—“a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105). It revives the soul, shapes our character, guides our steps, and reveals who we are becoming in Christ. 

Please let me know how I can support and encourage you in your Bible reading. Post in the comments section of our church’s website, email me or call me at the church office. I would love to hear from you!  

Happy New Year!