A Simple Bible Reading and Scripture Memorization Plan for the Last Quarter of 2020

In a couple of days, we’ll be in the final quarter of this crazy year. I hope you’ve been faithful in your Bible reading this year. If not (or, if you’ve already completed your plan for this year), here’s a potential reading plan for the rest of the year. It’s an unusual plan, but maybe you’ll find it helpful:

1. For each of the next three months, read a short book of the Bible over and over again. Here’s one proposal that allows you to read three New Testament writers:

• • October: Read the book of 1 TIMOTHY, one chapter each day for the 31 days of the month. The book has six chapters, so you’ll read the book five times over the month.
  • November: Read the book of JAMES, one chapter each day for the 30 days of the month. The book has five chapters, so you’ll read the book six times over the month.
  • December: Read the book of 1 PETER, one chapter each day for the 31 days of the month. Again, you’ll read the five chapters of the book six times during the month.

2. As you read the books, follow these guidelines:

• • Ask God to teach you something from His Word. God will simply teach you over and over again what the book is about while also challenging and convicting you.
  • Read slowly enough to grasp what you’ve read; absorb the reading.
  • Don’t skim or speed-read, especially as you read the book for the 5^th or 6^th time. The goal is to read thoroughly each time.
  • If you want to use a study Bible to understand the text better, feel free to do that—but focus on the Scriptures more than the notes.
  • Thank God for any insight you gain. Let your Bible reading be dialogue as you listen to God and respond to Him in gratitude, repentance, and trust.

3. Here are some benefits of this plan:

• • You’ll know every day what you’ll be reading next. The plan is already laid out for you.
  • You’ll strengthen your habit of reading the Word daily.
  • You’ll learn well the content of these books simply by reading them multiple times.
  • You might memorize some verses almost by accident – simply by reading those texts over and over again. At a minimum, it will be easier to memorize some of those now-familiar verses.
  • The Lord will work through His Word and His Spirit to grow you.

Let us know if you think you might adopt this plan for October through December. I’d love to pray for you.