By Tony Perkins, President • Family Research Council
Executive Editor’s Note: There are many good and faithful ways to read the Bible, and this article is not intended to suggest a single “right” approach. We share it simply as one example of a structured plan that has helped many believers develop consistency in God’s Word. Our hope is not to prescribe a method, but to encourage regular, intentional Scripture reading in whatever form best helps you grow in your walk with Christ.
Out with the old, in with the new. This week, we said goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026. According to a YouGov survey, roughly three in 10 Americans make a New Year’s resolution or set specific goals for the year ahead.
Goals and resolutions have power because they turn hope into strategy and aspiration into action. When anchored to clear values and purpose, goal setting becomes one of the most effective tools for personal change, better decision-making, and long-term impact.
So let me offer a suggestion — but only if you’re interested in greater peace, emotional stability, clearer thinking, and a stronger sense of purpose. If living with less anxiety and more direction doesn’t appeal to you, then feel free to disregard the rest of this article.
According to the Barna Group, 84% of practicing Christians say they want to read the Bible more. Yet desire alone isn’t enough. The same research shows that only about 25% of self-identified Christians read the Bible more than once a week.
And it’s those 25% who consistently report greater peace, clearer direction, and a deeper sense of meaning in life. The difference isn’t intention — it’s consistent action.
So, here’s my suggestion: resolve to regularly read the Bible this year. And along with that suggestion, I have an invitation. Join me on a daily journey through Scripture with the Stand on the Word Bible reading plan (frc.org/bible). It takes just 10 to 15 minutes a day, Monday through Saturday. In two years, you won’t simply have read the entire Bible — you’ll have absorbed God’s Word in a structured, meaningful way.
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of leading about 24,000 people through this plan. And here’s what many of them had to say:
• “This is the first time I’ve ever completed reading the entire Bible. I started many times before, but lack of understanding made me quit. The daily videos were the key.”
• “I have never read all the books of the Bible before. I am so glad I took this challenge.”
• “This is the first time I’ve read the entire Bible. I’ve learned so much.”
• “The two-year plan made reading the Bible possible for the first time — it wasn’t rushed.”
• “This plan has made daily Bible reading doable and enjoyable.”
But there was more than knowledge gained. Many described real-life change. “Stand on the Word gives me peace and strength to start my day,” one person wrote. Another said, “It keeps me grounded in the word in a very chaotic world.” And still another shared, “This daily reading has brought clarity to my thoughts and peace to my heart.”
One comment stood out: “Stand on the Word has been my anchor when I felt alone. It strengthened my faith and reduced my anxiety.”
If you’d like to join me on this journey, simply text the word BIBLE to 67742.
A new year brings a new opportunity. Make the most of 2026. Commit just 10 to 15 minutes each day to God’s Word — and you may be amazed at what God does in your life.
— Tony Perkins is president of Family Research Council and executive editor of The Washington Stand.
