God speaks to us through His word - the bible. It is an entire book, written just for His children; teaching us about Himself, giving us instruction and wisdom for life. In order to grow as Christians, believers must continue to learn about their Lord and Savior. You may have read the entire bible or you may be in continuous bible study, studying different books of the bible or topics of interest. In the New Year, to gain a new perspective, try reading the Bible in chronological order.

Some people are surprised to learn that reading the bible from Genesis through to Revelation is not reading it chronological order. To get an understanding of the historical order of events of God's story, find a chronological reading plan.

--- Online plans ---

YouVersion.com

Go to "Browse All Plans" and search for chronological. I was pleased with the choices offered. There is a one year chronological bible reading plan, a condensed plan that only takes about ten minutes a day using important passages to gain insight, a short plan that follows Jesus during Passion Week, and a plan for the 40 Days of Lent.

There are hundreds of bible versions and languages available. Simply choose the translation you want to read your plan in.

You can read your plan online from your computer, have it sent to your mobile phone or emailed to your inbox.

BibleGateway.com

Bible Gateway also offers many versions and languages of the bible. It includes a selection of interesting reading plans. There should be something for everyone according to preference.

There is a sixty-one day plan of the major people and events of the bible in chronological order.

There is a plan that covers the entire bible in 365 days. You can join the plan at any time during the year and either follow from that point or spend a little extra time to catch up.

Go to "Reading Plans" at the left side of the page. Click on the drop down menu in 'Chronological". You will be brought to the current day's reading. To catch up, go to the calendar at the right side of the page and click on the date you have missed.

Choose the translation you want to read it in.

You may read your plan online or choose to have it sent to your inbox or your mobile phone.

--- Hard Copy ---

Bibles

If you prefer reading hard copy rather than digital, The One Year Chronological Bible New International Version by Tyndale is a good choice. Simply go to today's date and read the specified passages. Where Scripture can be dated, the dates of the writings are included. This book is also available for Kindle.

Search online or in your local Christian book store for other bibles.

Chronological Scripture Lists

Your church may have chronological reading plans available as a hand-out. If not, search online for "chronological Bible reading plan" for a PDF to print. There will be a list of Scripture references for each day. Use it with your personal bible and simply check off each day's reading as you complete it.

In any of the "Read the Bible in a Year" plans, don't stress out if you miss a day. You can continue with the next reference. It really doesn't matter if it takes a few days or even months longer than the specified time to complete the plan. If, after you begin, you find that you don't have time to complete the Scripture reading every day, read a verse of two. The point is to remain God centered with some bible reading in every day.