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Bible Reading Plan
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Going deeper...to go further

Daily Bible reading strengthens our relationship with God, nourishes our spirits and equips us to live a fruitful, effective life for Him.

This month we're reading scriptures about being a church that grows deeper in Christ, stronger in community and more fruitful in our witness. Each day you'll find the passages in full below alongside something to help you reflect and respond so that you can apply the Word to your life.

A simple daily rhythm

Allow 15–25 minutes each day for personal time with God.

1. Read — 5–10 minutes
Read both passages slowly. Notice what each reveals about God, His people and His purposes.

2. Reflect — 5 minutes
Consider the day's question. What is God inviting you to understand or change?

3. Respond — 5 minutes
Choose one practical step that puts the Word into action.

4. Pray — 2–5 minutes
Ask God to deepen your spiritual life, strengthen your relationships and make your witness fruitful.

Below you’ll see what we’re reading today. To go forward or back a day in our reading plan use the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons.

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Growing Relationally
A people of love

Reflect: How can our love for one another make Jesus visible to those who do not know Jesus?
Respond: Carry out a practical act of humble service without seeking recognition.

1 Samuel 18:1-4

1After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. 3And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.

John 13:1-35

Jesus washes the disciples' feet1Jesus knew the time for Him to return to the Father had arrived. It was now just before the Passover Feast. He had loved all those who belonged to Him while in this world, and now was about to demonstrate how great that love was.2Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, had already been swayed by the devil to betray Jesus. Jesus and the disciples were together for the evening meal.3He was well aware that the Father had given Him complete control of the situation. He had come from heaven and was now about to return there to be with God the Father.4During the meal Jesus rose from the table, removed His outer garment and wrapped a towel around His waist.5He poured water into a bowl and began to wash the feet of His disciples. He then dried them with the towel.6When it was Simon Peter's turn, he objected: "Lord, surely You are not going to wash my feet?"7Jesus told him: "You do not understand the significance of what I am doing now, but later you will understand."8"Never," said Peter. "You shall never wash my feet." "If I do not wash you, then you do not belong to Me," Jesus said.9"In that case," Simon Peter replied, "Please wash my hands and head as well as my feet."10Jesus told him: "If someone has already had a bath, he only has to wash his feet; the rest of his body is already clean. And you disciples are spiritually clean, apart from one of you."11For Jesus knew who was going to betray Him; so He could not say they were all clean.Jesus identifies His betrayer12After washing their feet, Jesus again put on His outer garment and returned to His place at the table. He asked the disciples: "Do you understand the significance of what I have just done for you?13You call Me 'Teacher' and 'Lord' and it is right to do so, for this is what I am.14"Now if I, your Lord and Teacher, have humbly washed your feet, you should also be ready to humble yourselves and wash each other's feet!15This is an example I have given you, so that you should do for one another what I have done for you. So humbly serve one another.16For I tell you the truth, a servant is never greater than his master, nor is the messenger more important than the one who sent him.17"You know what I have taught you. You will be blessed by doing what I say!18"Sadly I am not referring to every one of you. I know what is in the heart of each person I have chosen. And there is a scripture that has to be fulfilled: 'Someone who eats My bread has turned against Me.'19"I am warning you now before it happens, so that when it does take place, you will still believe that I am the One sent by God.20I tell you the truth, anyone who accepts someone I have sent, accepts Me. And anyone who accepts Me, accepts also He who sent Me."21Having said this, Jesus was clearly troubled and told them: "I tell you truly, one of you is about to betray Me."22This startled the disciples who looked at one another with no idea as to whom He was referring.23John, the disciple who had a special relationship of love with Jesus, was next to Him at the table.24Simon Peter whispered to John: "Ask Him who He means."25So being close to Jesus, John asked Him quietly: "Lord, who is it?"26Jesus answered: "When I have dipped this piece of bread in the dish, I will give it to him." He dipped the piece of bread and gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.27When Judas took the bread, satan immediately entered into him. Jesus said to Judas: "What you intend to do, do immediately."28The others around the table did not understand why Jesus said this to Judas.29Since he was responsible for the money purse, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and buy what was needed to celebrate the feast, or perhaps to give some money to the poor.30Judas left immediately and outside it was already dark.Jesus commands His disciples to love one another31When he had left, Jesus could now speak in a different way to the other disciples. "The time has now come for the Son of Man to be glorified and for God to be glorified in Him.32If God is glorified in His Son, then He will in turn glorify the Son and will do so immediately.33"My children, I am going to be with you for only a little while longer. You will search for Me, and as I told the Jewish leaders, so now I tell you: where I am about to go, you cannot come.34"I am giving you a new command: love each other. In the same way that I have loved each of you, so you must love each other.35When you do this everyone will see that you are truly My disciples; they will know this because of your love for each other.

Father, enable us to be rooted deeply in Christ, united by Your love and empowered by Your Spirit. Grow us in spiritual maturity, deepen our relationships with one another, and send us into our communities as faithful witnesses to Jesus. Help us to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, welcome those who feel far from You, and make disciples who make disciples. May our life together display Your kingdom and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

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