Despite the celebrations, New Year’s Day is only another day on our endless trip around the Sun. But a new year is also an opportunity to write a new chapter in the story arc of our lives. One of the most important story arcs involves our spiritual growth. I hope that you set some goals to be more intentional about growing in your faith in 2022. Here are some of my recommendations that I pray will help you write some new spiritual story arcs in 2022.
Bible Reading Plan Recommendations
The Navigators Bible Reading Plan – Read the Bible through in a year with 4 passages a day.
Read the Bible Through One Book at a Time – Two readings a day, one from an Old Testament book, the other from a New Testament book.
5x5x5 Reading Plan – Read the New Testament through in a year, 5 minutes a day, 5 days a
week, with 5 ways to dig deeper
Chronological Bible Reading Plan – read through the entire Bible in one year in the chronological order the events occurred.
Bible Study and Daily Devotional Recommendations
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp – short but poignant daily readings that lead us to Scripture and point us to the grace of God in our daily lives. I personally used this one in 2021.
Foundations 260 Daily Bible Study Plan – a two 260 day reading plan that highlights the foundational passages of Scripture that every disciple should know. Read more at the web page. Even consider ordering the book.
First 5 – email and app based Bible study primarily geared toward women.
Christian Living Book Recommendations
A Praying Life by Paul Miller – this book will give you a new perspective on personal prayer. Miller’s book has helped me see prayer more as a conversation with God than a chore to be accomplished.
Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt – The Gospel is more than just Jesus forgiving our sins and promising heaven. Every day, we benefit from the ongoing work of grace through the work of the Holy Spirit. In my opinion, this book should be required reading for every believer.
The Kingdom Agenda by Tony Evans – a whole new way of looking at the world and our place in it. Another I consider to be required reading.
Online Bible Programs, Bible Apps
You Version – the best all-around Bible app there is. About a gazillion translation. And… it will read out loud to you.
Blue Letter Bible – probably the most extensive free online Bible resource available to the average lay person
Bible Gateway – the best for looking up Bible verses. Lots of other study tools as well.
Experience Israel Now – lots of teaching videos and other resources from Andy Cook
The Gospel in Life – resources, articles, and sermons by Tim Keller
The Crossway Podcasts – a collection of helpful podcasts for Christian living.
These are but a few of the resources I have found helpful. If you have questions about specific resources or things not mentioned, feel free to reach out and ask. You can leave a comment below and I will get back with you ASAP.
Have a happy and holy new year!
For more on New Years and spiritual growth, click here to read The Value of New Year’s Resolutions