May Bible Reading Plan
Hi everyone,
If you’re new here, this is my monthly update on the Bible reading plan many of us have been doing together. Sorry this one’s a couple of days late (I’m on vacation). A growing number of us have committed to five simple practices in an effort to embody our faith daily together, of which daily Scripture-reading is one. Obviously no pressure to join if you already have your own plan. But here’s a quick synopsis of the five practices with some helpful links to get you started:
SCRIPTURE: We share a common reading schedule, usually one passage from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and a Psalm each day. Learn more: How To Read The Bible
PRAYER: We pray on our knees the first minute we get out of bed and the last minute before our head hits the pillow. Learn more: How To Pray
FASTING: Fasting makes space for God. We do it in different ways in different seasons (e.g. internet fast on Sundays; no meat or dairy on Fridays; special alms-giving in summer). Learn more: Why We Fast
CHURCH: Make a commitment to physically go and worship with other Christians at a local church every Sunday. Learn more: Losing Our Religion
AUTHORITY: Begin to ask God for a trustworthy pastor, priest, or spiritual leader. Then approach that person and give them authority in your life. Learn more: What Is A Priest?
May Scripture Readings
The readings for this month are as follows. If you’re the analog type, you can access the reading plan here and print it out or bookmark it on your phone or computer. We also have a personalized plan on the Dwell app (FREE for you!), which automatically loads each new day’s Scriptures. You can read or listen right on the app. It’s pretty awesome. You have to create an account to get started, but once you’re in, it’s free thanks to VB Fellows footing the bill (we welcome your donations to help keep it going).
Last month, in our OT readings, we finished the Torah (first five books) and moved on to Joshua. This month we will spend some time reading the prophets (which can require a little patience). See below for a great introduction to Ezra and Nehemiah from the Bible Project. In the New Testament, we finish our reading of Revelation (whew) and move on to the Gospel of Mark. For a helpful intro to Mark’s Gospel, check out my latest post The Master Soil-Tiller, which offers a framework for understanding Jesus’s whole communicative “strategy” in the Gospels. It may help you to see certain patterns you might have missed otherwise. At least, that’s my hope. Happy reading!