That Friend Who Makes You Want to Read Your Bible

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An Invitation to Read the Bible in a Year

I don’t want to complicate things. The title speaks for itself. And I’ve actually had that line in my Instagram bio for years—long before I launched anything about speaking, writing, or teaching. I’ve prided myself in being the kind of person who makes other people want to read the Bible and get to know the God of the Bible knowing only he can lead us into a flourishing life.

So, as the last post of the year, I thought it fitting to invite you to read through the Bible in a year with me!

Which reading plan should we use?

I’ve used a few different Bible reading plans. I’ve read the Gospels on repeat in a year. I’ve used Bible reading plans that breakdown the text so that each day includes some Old and New Testament readings. I’ve read it in the order we find it in our Bibles, and I’ve read it chronologically. 

What I propose is the Bible in a year chronological reading plan laid out by Tara-Leigh Cobble through The Bible Recap. Why, you might ask? Because it’s my favorite! There’s something about following the story of the Bible and God’s people and his covenant promises to them as they actually happened that just makes God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness come alive. 

A few things to know about The Bible Recap reading plan: 

• It covers the entire Bible

• Read through the Bible chronologically

• About 3 chapters of Bible reading each day

• About 8 minutes of podcast or YouTube video based on each day’s chapters

• The commentary includes: explanation of the reading in context, making things make sense that can be contradictory in the broader story

• The whole thing—reading and listening—takes about 20 minutes

Why this reading plan specifically? I really appreciate Tara-Leigh Cobbles approach to reading the Bible. The way I’ve heard her describe it is that when we come to the Bible looking for ourselves, looking for “me”, it can only work for so long. So many books, podcasts, sermons, devotionals are all about “me”. But that only works as long as I’m getting it right all the time. And then I start to feel a little too good about myself. But that never lasts. Because at some point I’ll stumble over something and start to fail. When that happens, I fall into despair about myself. And I begin to think, “well maybe if I just try a little harder”.

In the end, it doesn’t work. The “me” stuff doesn’t last. Reading the Bible looking for myself leaves me lost, confused, or frustrated most of the time. I can’t read it through the lens of what I’m supposed to do. I must read it through the lens of what God has done, is doing, and will do. It’s all about HIM!

The Bible Recap ends every recording with what they call, the God Shot. It’s simply a snapshot of God and his character, and that is what the host describes as the difference maker. That you and I are invited to come and behold the person of God and his character every day in the text, whether it’s about instructions for building the tabernacle, or how to deal with boils and sores, we can look for the character of God. 

It’s been few years since I’ve read through this plan but ever since I was introduced to it, it has changed the I read the Bible, the way I understand who God is, and the way I know him at all—plain and simple! Our conversations are different. The way I see the world is different. The way I see those around me, also different! And I hope the same for you as well. 

Qualifications?

If you’re wondering what qualifies Tara-Leigh Cobble to put out this content, it’s nothing. She has no formal training, no theology degrees, no mastery of biblical languages. She’s like me. And that’s why I like her. And that’s what’s so amazing about the Bible. We’re not just reading a piece of literature for a book club, we are encountering the living God through his spoken Word. The Spirit of God makes it possible for regular Josephines like you and me and Tara-Leigh to read the Bible and understand what it says. 

Conveniently, The Bible Recap podcast has hit No. 1 on Apple Podcasts in all categories and has over 300 million downloads. In fact, for much of 2025, it was hovering between first and second place with Jason and Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast—you may have heard of that little venture. 

But I’m not much of a reader!

I hear you. I can’t relate. But I do hear you! Here are a few thoughts: 

There’s another self-taught Bible teacher named Jen Wilkin who once said, The heart cannot love what the mind does not know.

If I were to tell you that I love my kids and then proceed to describe their bleach blond hair, bright blue eyes, and fair complexion, you might question whether I even know my kids. Their background is half Greek, half Venezuelan, and although my daughter is the fairest of them all, no one would confuse them for a kids of a Scandinavian heritage. We must know something to love it. So, one might claim to love God, but if they do not know the God of the Bible, I would seriously question what god they claim to know and love. Thankfully for non-readers, audio versions of the Bible are available and absolutely count as Bible reading. Explore that option through the YouVersion app with my blessing.

What is true, good, and beautiful? We are living in a cultural moment that seeks to answer a primary question. Generations past have sought answers to their own primary questions, and theologians and biblical scholars believe there are three primary questions that point people to God.

Oldest generations have ask, what is true? Tell me what is true. They’ve said, “convince my mind and you can have my heart”. Make it make sense. Tell me how it’s true. 

Generations that followed—mine specifically—have asked, what is good? Faith can be true or not, but if it isn’t good, what good is it? If it isn’t doing something good, what’s the point? Faith has to do good. Good for the vulnerable and the needy, good for the marginalized and the outcast. And the faithful must be doers of the Word in the world. 

Current generation are primarily asking, what is beautiful? How does it all make me feel? I’m struggling with my mental health. I don’t have the capacity to worry about other people, I’m unraveling. Beauty makes us feel something. Can this help me feel better?

Conveniently, God is big enough for all of this. All of our questions, all of our longings, all of our doubts and fears and hopes and dreams. And Scripture is the best way to get to know the God who can hold all this with us.

Back to Truth

The advent of AI marks a new cultural moment—one of accelerated change that is prompting many to search again for what is true. Listen, when we can’t even be sure if the clip we are watching really is of bunnies on a trampoline or AI, that’s strange. If that is the case about meaningless entertainment, it’s especially disconcerting as we search for meaning and purpose. This new reality has left us feeling unstable and unsure. So we are ready for solid ground. We are seeking the sold ground of solid true.

This is why Bible sales are up. Why younger generations are flocking to church, and why we are seeing a hunger for a timeless Truth that has been faithful and unchanging for generations and generations.

So, won’t you join me? Come read the Bible in a year and I dare you to be unchanged by the end of it. The reading plan is called The Bible Recap. It’s by Tara-Leigh Cobble. You can follow her plan wherever you listen to podcasts or on Youtube. The daily reading will be listed on the YouVersion Bible app once you select that plan. Pro tip! I highly recommend doing the reading before listening to the commentary by the Bible Recap so that you can hear from God directly before you hear anything else. Remember, God shows up where he’s wanted. I can’t wait to hear about how God shows up for you next year!

What’s in the Ears is the part where I share a song or podcast I’m currently into. Today’s is technically promoting the The Bible Recap chronological reading plan, which is linked below. However, there is a song I listen to at the start of every calendar year. It’s my way of dedicating a new year to God’s glory. It’s called All Glory Be To Christ by Emilie Weiss. Let me know if you check it out.

If this stirred something in you, share this post with a friend or drop a comment below. I’d love to hear what small step you’re taking towards the flourishing life today! And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing.