Are You Ready to Read the Bible in 2023?

It is getting to that time of year when we start thinking about our goals for the new year. 2022 is winding down and 2023 promises fresh starts and new beginnings. For those of us that are redeemed by the blood of Christ, something that often comes to mind when we consider new beginnings is growing more consistent in our Bible reading and study. But where to begin?

There are so many things that we have to do in this life. Children to care for. Jobs to go to. Houses to clean. Laundry to wash. Food to shop for and then make. Yard work. The list goes on and on. And there is also that long list of things we really want to do. Hobbies. Entertainment. Get-togethers with families and friends. Sports and fitness. Home decor. That list also goes on and on. So where does the Bible fit in that list of priorities?

If Bible Reading/Study is something that you want to work on for 2023, Growing4Life may be able to help. Back in 2015 I had the idea of presenting a Bible Reading Challenge for my readers. I took 2016 off, provided another challenge in 2017 and have been providing them for my readers ever since, making helpful changes along the way. I really believe that you will enjoy taking part of the upcoming challenge, should you choose to do so. :)

So why do I believe this is one good option (of so many good options out there) to read and study your Bible in 2023? There are a few reasons why I especially love this challenge for 2023 and I hope you will agree with me–

First, it is suitable for anyone. It is for those of you who are not a Christian (yet!) but want to know more about the Bible. It’s for those of you who are somewhat familiar with the Bible and for those who are advanced students of scripture. This challenge is unique in that it works for anyone.

Second, this study is so wonderfully flexible regarding time commitment. During busy months when you can hardly find a spare minute, you can spend time reading (or even listening) to the assigned passages. During other months that aren’t quite so full, you can reap the rich rewards of really studying the Bible passage. Perhaps life overwhelms you and you totally stop reading the Bible. Even then, this challenge makes it easy to jump right back in. There is no getting behind or catching up in this study unless you set specific goals for yourself that are not challenge-related.

Third, this challenge includes scripture study from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, which helps so very much with understanding the cohesiveness and consistency of scripture from beginning to end.

Fourth, there is a specific Facebook group to help support and keep you going (should you choose to join). This offers some accountability along with support from like-minded believers.

Fifth (and NEW this year), there is a corresponding workbook to help make the most of the challenge. It is full of open-ended questions for each chapter of study. The goal is for this to help you really think through each passage as well as to help you remember more by writing down what you are learning. I am excited to offer this to participants in this year’s challenge. (However, please note that it is not necessary to buy the notebook to participate in the challenge. It is simply an extra help for those who would like it.)

Find out more about the 2023 Growing4Life Bible Reading challenge at this link. I can’t think of any new habit to begin that is more important than making time to be in the Word. I truly hope that this challenge will help you to develop (or continue!) this habit in your life.

I’ll probably write more about this again later, but I did want to let you know that the challenge is up and ready to go, as well as to let you know about the new workbook you can purchase to help you to get more out of the challenge (if you choose to do so. Again, it is NOT necessary to participate.)

Have a great week!