January Bible Reading Plan

January Bible Reading Plan

Happy New Year! As the New Year begins, many of us take time to think about our lives, how we begin and how we end. We look back at what we have done and think about what we hope to achieve in the new year.

We often think of the new year as a great time for new goals and a fresh start. For Christians, this is also a time for us to grow closer to Jesus and renew our commitment to Him.

The idea of starting fresh is not just tied to a calendar change; it is something God offers us every day through Christ.

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT), “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

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When we put our faith in Jesus, we become new people. God forgives our past sins, mistakes, and failures, and we have a chance to begin again.

No matter what happened last year, good or bad, we can start fresh because Jesus forgave us and has given us a new life.

It is vital that we take time to both reflect on what God has done and allow him to prepare us for what is to come. A new year marks a fresh opportunity to center our lives around the goodness of God.

I pray that as you begin looking toward what is to come you will make space to gain God’s perspective, ground your hopes and pursuits on his grace, and celebrate all that God has done and is doing.

This month we will be focusing on The God of New Beginnings Bible Reading Plan that also includes additional study resources such as reflection questions, worksheets and more!

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5 ESV)

In January, we often focus on setting goals for the year and working to do better than we did last year – so what better time to meditate on how we are given a new life in Christ!

In this Bible Reading Plan, you will discover…

What the Bible says about new beginnings and how God can be our hope and strength in them
How God has given humanity new beginnings throughout history.
Move past your missteps and let God’s grace lead you to walk in freedom
Refresh your spirit as you pursue God’s plan for your life
Equip you to know what the Bible says about new beginnings

So, if you are feeling discouraged because your resolutions or plans have already taken a turn, do not worry—God is right there with you. Why? Because that is who He is, the God of new beginnings.

What Does the Bible Say About New Beginnings

God’s word is filled with scriptures about new beginnings, and how to change your life. In fact, the New Testament is a treasure chest when it comes to Bible verses about new beginnings, and how God can be our hope and strength in them, with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross-saving humanity from sin — and opening the door for personal change.

New beginning is not just about starting over, it is about transformation, renewal, and stepping into the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. It is about shedding the old and embracing the new – not through our own efforts, but through the power of God’s grace.

New beginnings are something we all dream about, not only at the binning of a new year, we all long for them at different points in our lives. Whether we are facing hardship, seeking spiritual growth, or simply yearning for change, the desire for a fresh start is universal.

The Bible declares that God is the “God of New Beginnings.” Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most powerful bible verses about new beginnings and about the plans and future that God has for our lives.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Lamentations 3:22-24 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

How God Has Given Humanity New Beginnings Throughout History

Throughout history, God has given humanity new beginning. Take for example:

Abraham. The nations of the earth had forgotten God and were going their own way, worshiping different idols and false gods.

But God revealed himself to Abraham and his family. And God began a plan and made promises to use Abraham and his family to make himself known to the nations. Things seemed truly hopeless, but . . . “God made a new beginning.”

Moses. Abraham’s lineage was in slavery in Egypt, captive in their suffering and not fulfilling their role.

So, God raised up Moses to deliver them and to put into action the plan and promises he gave to Abraham. Moses led them to the promised land as a new nation, Israel. Things seemed truly hopeless, but . . . “God made a new beginning.”

David. Israel wanted a king like the nations around them, even though this was not of God. And when God gave them their first king Saul, he turned out to be a disaster.

But then God raised up his servant David. And he led the people toward faithfulness to God. And he delivered them from their enemies.

This God of new beginnings, who works throughout history to give new starts and who has brought forth a new creation through the resurrection of Jesus – this same God can give you a new beginning!

Accept Christ as the King of Your Life for a New Beginning

If you have not made Jesus the Lord of your life, start there. If you have, reflect on what that means. When Jesus is Lord of your life, you can move in your purpose because He is the God of new beginnings, just as 2 Corinthians 5:17 states:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Forgetting What Lies Behind and Move into a New Beginning

God promises that in Jesus, all things are made new, and the former things fade away. God provides you with a brand-new beginning by forgiving and forgetting about (Hebrews 8:12) your past. If the past trips you up, see your past the way God does–as no more, no longer determining your future. Isaiah 43:18-19 says:

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

How to Jump Start Your New Beginning

There are a few things you can do to make sure you make the most of your new beginning.

Let Go. First, we need to let go of the past. In Philippians 3:13-14, the Apostle Paul says to forget what is behind and focus on what is ahead. This does not mean we should ignore our past or pretend it did not happen. It means we should give our past to God, our mistakes, our regrets, and our sins.
Renew Your Mind. We must renew our minds. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to follow the ways of the world but to be transformed by renewing our minds. This happens when we spend time reading god’s Word. The more we read the bible, the more we get to know God.
Guard your heart. This means being mindful of what you allow into your mind and heart and being purposeful about filtering out anything that does not align with God’s truth.
Spend time in the Word. As you read and meditate on Scripture, renew your mind, and align yourself with God’s will for your life.
Worship. When you worship, you are declaring your reliance on God and surrendering to His plans for you. It is a powerful way to set the tone for your new beginning.
Pray. Prayer is essential as you embark on this new journey. As you pray, ask God to lead you and give you wisdom as you make decisions for the new year.

Reflection Questions

How can you actively embrace the concept of being a “new creation” in Christ in the coming year?
Are there areas of your life where doubt or past habits hinder your journey of transformation? How can you turn back to God in those moments?
Personal Growth and Habits: Think about areas in your personal life where you want to develop new habits or break old ones. Ask God for the strength and perseverance to make these changes and to become the person He created you to be.
How does the assurance of God’s plans for your welfare influence the way you approach setting New Year’s resolutions and other plans?
In what ways can you commit your work to the Lord? Consider the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges.
What steps can you take to pursue wisdom in the upcoming months? How can you align your goals with God’s desires for your life?
How can you make intentional and regular engagement with God’s word a priority for acquiring wisdom?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Each month in 2025, I will release a FREE Bible Reading Plan that will provide you with a daily scripture to study. There will also be worksheets, journals, notes, and more to help you further dig deeper each day. Look at the January Bible Reading Plan: The God of New Beginnings. Enjoy!

As you pursue your new beginnings, my prayer for you and your family in 2025 is that the new year will bring much success, health, peace, happiness and joy as you pursue your spiritual walk with God. It all starts with taking the first steps, and I am with you all the way!

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A Prayer for January:

Heavenly Father, as I step into this new year, help me leave behind what hinders me and walk confidently in the new life you have given me. Lord, let my actions flow from genuine love, reflecting your perfect love to those around me. Father, thank you for your goodness. Help me to reflect that goodness in how I live and serve others. I declare that the Spirit of God leads me. I am always in the right place at the right time, with the right people, doing the right thing. My footsteps are ordered and directed of You, God. I put away evil in every form this year. I put away distractions from my life so I can focus on You. I choose life. I love You. I dedicate myself to be a light and a witness in the earth in order that those who do not know You will find You and the salvation You have provided through Jesus Christ. Make me a light and a witness in my family, my community, and the world. I choose Your plan, Your purpose, Your will, and Your vision for my life in Jesus’ Name. Amen

My prayer is that you are able to use this Bible reading plan along with the worksheets to really dive deep into God’s word this month and hear God’s voice as he begins to speak to you in the coming new year!