Maybe “burdenless” and “plan” seem like an impossible pairing like an “easy marathon” or a “delicious sugar substitute.” Maybe you know plans are good for you, but sticking to one has been a chore. For some of you, adding the word “Bible” into the mix only directs your thoughts to future guilt - another spiritual commitment broken.
On the other end of the spectrum, you may be one who delights in plans and order. For you, there’s nothing like that dopamine hit when you check another box! Maybe it bothers you to even think about Bible plans that don’t start on January 1! Perhaps the pursuit of perfection in completing tasks may be a whole different burden you weren’t intended to carry.
Regardless of how you might initially think of the title of this post, please know that we have good news for you. When it comes to Bible reading and plans, God is not basing his love and acceptance on your performance! Plans are not intended to become burdens and cause you to feel guilty. Nor are they intended to be tasks you conquer in order to “clear your plate” for the day. No, God’s love for you is based on Christ’s work - not your work - even in Bible reading. Jesus came to be your burden-lifter!
Mat 11:28 ESV - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
This is good news! We can look at plans without fear of condemnation and we can start looking at start times beyond the first day of the year because the goal is not perfection in a task!
So, if not to get or keep God’s approval, then why think about a Bible plan? To put it simply, we want to know God more than we did before.
Jhn 17:3 ESV - And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
And this isn’t just knowing more about him, but knowing him relationally as a friend you are growing to love and trust.
Savoring any moments you get with the God who loves you is a far different story than trying to maintain perfect attendance at Bible trivia school. So, the plan is intended to create structure and space for you to connect with the Lord. Sometimes, things will go according to plan. Other times, not. And that’s ok. The burden of performing for God’s acceptance rests on Jesus. You get to enjoy the burdenless moments of knowing more and more the God who loves you unconditionally.
HELPFUL TOOLS & PLANS
There are many out there, but here are a handful of tools and plans I have found helpful:
The ESV Study Bible was designed to help you understand the Bible in a deeper way. Created by a diverse team of 95 leading Bible scholars and teachers—from 9 countries, nearly 20 denominations, and 50 seminaries, colleges, and universities—the ESV Study Bible features a wide array of study tools, making it a valuable resource. You can use a hardcopy, or create an online account at www.ESV.org to read digitally and make notes.
EVERYDAY IN THE WORD - within the ESV website, you can access bible reading plans. Everyday in the Word features a reading from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs each day. This plan divides the text into 365 sections, so you can read through the entire Bible in one unforgettable year—in as little as 15 minutes a day. In one year, you read the full Old Testament and the New Testament once, and Psalms and Proverbs twice. If using the web version, you can subscribe to an email version of the plan and you will receive the daily readings directly to your inbox everyday.
This website/app curates an endless array of bible reading plans. If you download the app, you can access the plan of your choice from your phone/tablet/device. You can set a prompt to remind you each day. There are features that allow you to read through a plan with friends and comment on readings as you progress together if you enjoy the community aspect. Or, you can read at your own pace. One feature I really like is the “catch me up” button that shifts all the dates for your reading if you miss any days! Also, for those of you who appreciate audio bibles, there are numerous translations you can stream for free while you drive or work around the house.
BIBLE IN A YEAR - This plan takes you through the entire Bible with two readings each day: one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.
BIBLE PROJECT BIBLE - This plan takes you on a journey through the entire Bible over the course of one year. Each book includes videos specifically designed to enhance your understanding and engagement with God's Word.
CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLE - The Blue Letter Bible “Chronological” plan is compiled according to historical research, taking into account the order in which the recorded events actually occurred. This is a fantastic plan to follow if you wish to add historical context to your reading of the Bible.
M’CHEYNE ONE YEAR PLAN - This plan is based on the M’Cheyne reading system, featuring four different readings for use in both family and personal devotions. Each day has two passages from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and one from either the Psalms or the Gospels. In one year, you read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice.
This website allows you total control over the design of your reading plan. You can select the timeframe, books, days of the week and more to customize the plan that best suits your needs. You can download the customized plan to your calendar or as a spreadsheet that you can print. This is really great if you want to go through certain books or create a specific combination unavailable in pre-made plans. This is a great tool!
CONCLUSION
Hopefully these will give you some burdenless bible plans to help you know more deeply the God who loves you.
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. ... How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! ... Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Psalm 119:18, 103, 105