In about five to ten minutes per day, you can read through the entire New Testament in one year. Stay consistent and make focused Bible reading a daily habit.
- Read the selected chapter each day. If you haven’t started—today is a great day to begin!
- Spend some time in prayer reflecting on how God spoke to you through the reading.
- Read the study guide for the day you are on to dig a little deeper into a few selected verses.
- Respond to the questions and prayer guides as you apply the biblical teachings to your life.
- Read Sunday’s Bible passage and review the study guide before worship.
By the end of this week, we will have read through 1, 2, & 3 John.
Monday, February 7th – 1 John 1
Do you ever wonder if God really forgives you when you sin? 1 John 1 tells us that God offers forgiveness when we own up to what we’ve done wrong. But sometimes, we find ourselves asking God to forgive us for the same sins over and over. Often, we find ourselves asking for God’s forgiveness but then forgetting to walk in the light (God’s ways). Verse 9 says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness.” God wants to forgive us. Verse 7 reminds us that he sent his son so that he could forgive us. Today, as you ask God to forgive your sins, pray that God will also help to you move into the light and live as if you are forgiven!
Tuesday, February 8th – 1 John 2
Verses 5 and 6 say: “But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” This statement seems to be an impossible task. Who can really be exactly like Jesus? No one is perfect, but maybe that’s the point. Instead of trying to be perfect, pray to make yourself more aware of the choices you make each day and reflect on whether your thoughts, words and deeds demonstrate your love for God to others.
Wednesday, February 9th – 1 John 3
All of us have areas of our lives where we feel especially tempted. God wants to help you avoid the temptations and keep you from justifying or rationalizing the sin. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to avoid giving in to temptation. Is there an area of your life where you feel tempted lately? Do you find yourself wanting to change, or rationalizing your sins? Pray that God will help you to see where you need to change and to remember the words found in verse 1, “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children and that is what we are!”
Thursday, February 10th – 1 John 4
John is often referred to as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Having experienced God’s love, John makes it a point to tell us how important it is to love others. Read verses 7-12 again and reflect on them. They show us that God is the source of love, the perfect model for love, and that God commands us to love. Pray that you will experience, witness, and demonstrate God’s love as you go about your day.
Friday. February 11th – 1 John 5
Do you ever wonder if you will go to heaven? Some people hope they will spend forever with God. John says we can know for sure. Our certainty is based on God’s promise that he has given us eternal life through his son. This is true, even when we don’t necessarily “feel” close to him. Verse 12 tells us, “Whoever has the Son has life.” If you’re not feeling particularly close to God today, pray that he will work to remind you that he is there to guide and love you, even in the tough times.
Saturday, February 12th – 2 John
Living and following God’s truth, in love, is essential to our lives as Christians. A careful, consistent study of the Bible can help us to know and understand God’s truth more each day. And surrounding ourselves with other Christians can help us to love others through our actions. Pray today that for the discipline to keep learning God’s truth and the strength to love the way God loves.
Sunday, February 13th – 3 John
In the church’s early days, traveling prophets, evangelists, and teachers depended on the hospitality of people like Gaius, who housed and fed them. Hospitality is an active and much appreciated way to show your love. While not everyone has the gift of hospitality, we can all demonstrate it in our lives. Is there someone you know who is in need of your hospitality? How will you demonstrate it to them? For a little extra Bible reading to prepare you for today’s sermon, revisit 1 John 2:15-17.
Thanks to Chad Schuchmann, our Director of Student Ministries, for preparing this Bible reading plan.
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