Reading the Bible: A Powerful Decision for a New Year

The beginning of a new year is a great time to set a new habit in your life, especially one that brings you closer to God. We are encouraging all of the people in our church family to dig deeper into the Bible this year. Your life will be changed as you learn the Word of God and get to know Him better. What could be better than that? Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31).


Even if you feel like reading through the Bible is a task too difficult, we want to encourage you that YOU can do it! But it is easier with a plan! We have made it simple for you with some easy options!

Traditional Bible Reading Plans
Each day we will provide you with the chapters you need to read. All you need is a Bible. And if you don’t have one, we will give one to you. Choose the plan for you:

• Read the Entire Bible in a year (printable PDF). We suggest this reading plan for everyone!
• Bible Overview in 45 days (printable PDF). This plan can be used if you feel intimidated to read the entire Bible.

Digital Bible Reading Plan
There are fantastic options available if you use a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, or another type of mobile device through the free YouVersion app. The app allows you to read the Bible for free in over 200 different translations in 100 different languages. You can now take your Bible reading with you wherever you go.

YouVersion offers digital reading plans to help you know what to read each day. As you read, you can highlight text, make notes, and share your favorite verses easily with friends. You can also make searches for key words. YouVersion will even remind you daily of your reading plan if you’d like. All of these features are attached to your YouVersion account, so you can stay synced whether you are using your phone, tablet, mobile device, or computer.

Pastor John Gabriel Arends will be following a digital Bible reading plan with YouVersion this year. If you would like to join him on the same Bible reading plan, here are the steps:

Mobile devices:

1. Download the free YouVersion Bible app by visiting youversion.com/download.
2. Create an account (remember your login information!)
3. Start the “Old Testament and New Testament” Bible reading plan.
4. Send an email to john@therivermontana.com to let John know.

Computer:

1. Go to https://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/7-old-testament-and-new-testament
2. Click “Start this plan”
3. Create an account (remember your login information!)
4. Send an email to john@therivermontana.com to let John know.