A New Year, A New Rhythm

Dear church,
 
There’s something powerful about the turning of a calendar. A new year invites fresh starts, renewed intentions, and holy rhythms that shape our lives over time. As we step into 2026, one of the most life-giving goals you can set is simple and transformative: reading Scripture daily.

Whether you’ve never been consistent with Bible reading, you’re ready to go deeper, or you’re looking for a fresh way to engage God’s Word, there’s a plan designed with you in mind. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s formation. God uses steady, faithful exposure to His Word to shape our hearts, renew our minds, and anchor our lives in truth. Here are three Bible reading plans, why this matters so much, and how to make it stick.

For the New or Restarting Reader | The 5x5x5 New Testament Plan

If daily Bible reading feels intimidating, this plan is a gift. The 5x5x5 New Testament Reading Plan is intentionally simple and achievable:

• 5 minutes a day
• 5 days a week
• 5 ways to dig deeper
• 1 chapter per day

Over the course of a year, you’ll read through the entire New Testament—one chapter at a time. Two days off each week provide margin for rest, catch-up, or reflection, which is especially helpful if life gets busy (and it will).

This plan is ideal for:
• New believers
• Anyone restarting a spiritual habit
• Those who want consistency without pressure

The added “5 ways to dig deeper” encourages prayer, reflection, and personal application, helping Scripture move from the page into everyday life. This isn’t about checking a box—it’s about learning to hear God’s voice through His Word.

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/232-discipleship-journals-5x5x5-reading-plan

For the Big-Picture Thinker | The Chronological Bible Plan

Some readers want to understand how it all fits together. If that’s you, a chronological Bible reading plan is a fantastic option. This plan follows the historical flow of Scripture, helping you see the order of events and the context in which they unfolded. Using The One Year® Chronological Bible, the full text of Scripture is divided into 365 daily readings, guiding you through the entire Bible in one year.

This plan is ideal for:
• Readers who want a deeper understanding of biblical history
• Those curious about how prophets, kings, and events overlap
• Anyone who’s read the Bible before but wants a fresh perspective

Reading chronologically helps the story of redemption come alive—from creation, to covenant, to Christ, and all the way to new creation.

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/10819-the-one-year-chronological-bible

For the Visual and Curious Learner | The Bible Project Plan

If you love visuals, explanations, and seeing themes unfold, the Bible Project’s one-year reading plan may be your best fit. This plan takes you on a guided journey through the entire Bible, pairing Scripture readings with beautifully crafted videos for each book. These videos explain literary structure, historical context, and key themes, making the Bible more accessible and engaging.

This plan is ideal for:
• Visual learners
• Those who enjoy understanding the “why” behind the text
• Readers who want both depth and clarity

The Bible Project helps connect the dots, showing how every book points toward God’s redemptive work and ultimately to Jesus.

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/4820-bibleproject-the-bible

Three Reasons Reading Scripture Daily Is a Great Goal for 2026

It Grounds You in Truth | We are constantly shaped by what we consume—news, social media, opinions, and noise. Daily Scripture reading anchors us in God’s unchanging truth, helping us discern wisely and live faithfully in a confusing world.

It Forms You Over Time | Spiritual growth rarely happens in dramatic moments; it happens through small, consistent practices. Reading the Bible daily allows God to slowly shape your character, deepen your faith, and transform how you see Him, yourself, and others.

It Creates Space to Hear God | Scripture is one of the primary ways God speaks to His people. Regular time in the Word creates space for conviction, encouragement, guidance, and hope—often exactly when you need it most.

Three Ways to Ensure You’re Successful

Choose a Plan That Fits Your Life | The “best” plan is the one you’ll actually follow. Be realistic about your season, schedule, and attention span. Consistency beats intensity every time.

Tie Reading to an Existing Habit | Attach your Bible reading to something you already do—morning coffee, lunch break, or bedtime. When Scripture becomes part of an established routine, it’s far more likely to stick.

Extend Yourself Grace | You will miss days. That’s okay. Don’t quit because of imperfection. Simply start again the next day. Faithfulness grows through perseverance, not guilt.

As 2026 begins, you don’t need a dramatic resolution—just a faithful step. Choose a plan. Open your Bible. Show up consistently. God will meet you there. His Word is living, active, and still forming people today. Let this be the year you give it a daily place in your life.

What plan are you going to choose? Text me or reply to this email - I’d love to be praying for you as you commit to this new rhythm.
Looking forward to spending 2026 in His Word with you!


~ Pastor Daniel