Wisdom for the Wilderness

As 2025 wraps up and 2026 approaches, Pastors Zack and Josh encourage listeners to evaluate and renew their commitment to Bible reading in this final episode of the year. They discuss the value of New Year's resolutions for spiritual habits, the dangers of neglecting God's Word (drawing from Nehemiah's "bring back the book"), and why spending time in Scripture is the most profitable use of your time.The pastors share practical strategies: the importance of a intentional Bible reading plan with a well-balanced diet (Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs); tips for building the "reading muscle" in a distracted world; grace for when you fall behind; and recommendations like using study Bibles, audio versions, different translations, journaling, or chronological plans.They highlight "pillar books" to know deeply (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Gospels, Romans, etc.), offer advice for funks or busy seasons, and warn against waiting for crisis to drive you to the Word. Plus, encouragement to pair reading with prayer and step up to Scripture memorization.Perfect for anyone planning a fresh start in the Word—links to recommended reading plans and resources in the show notes. Happy New Year from Wisdom for the Wilderness!-----------ResourcesThe Bible Guidebook Reading Plan: https://bit.ly/4q5PZRXThe Bible Guidebook: https://a.co/d/bq87CLONIV Timeline Bible: https://a.co/d/6jH7sRvESV Study Bible: https://a.co/d/efC5rurThe King in His Beauty: https://a.co/d/3S5NYP4God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment: https://a.co/d/6lpcvcnList of Reading Plans: https://www.ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans

Show Notes

As 2025 wraps up and 2026 approaches, Pastors Zack and Josh encourage listeners to evaluate and renew their commitment to Bible reading in this final episode of the year. They discuss the value of New Year's resolutions for spiritual habits, the dangers of neglecting God's Word (drawing from Nehemiah's "bring back the book"), and why spending time in Scripture is the most profitable use of your time.

The pastors share practical strategies: the importance of a intentional Bible reading plan with a well-balanced diet (Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs); tips for building the "reading muscle" in a distracted world; grace for when you fall behind; and recommendations like using study Bibles, audio versions, different translations, journaling, or chronological plans.

They highlight "pillar books" to know deeply (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Gospels, Romans, etc.), offer advice for funks or busy seasons, and warn against waiting for crisis to drive you to the Word. Plus, encouragement to pair reading with prayer and step up to Scripture memorization.

Perfect for anyone planning a fresh start in the Word—links to recommended reading plans and resources in the show notes.

Happy New Year from Wisdom for the Wilderness!

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Resources

The Bible Guidebook Reading Plan: https://bit.ly/4q5PZRX

The Bible Guidebook: https://a.co/d/bq87CLO

NIV Timeline Bible: https://a.co/d/6jH7sRv

ESV Study Bible: https://a.co/d/efC5rur

The King in His Beauty: https://a.co/d/3S5NYP4

God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment: https://a.co/d/6lpcvcn

List of Reading Plans: https://www.ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans

Creators and Guests

JH
Host
Josh Hutchens

What is Wisdom for the Wilderness?

Join Dr. Josh Hutchens, director of Gateway Seminary's Rocky Mountain Campus and pastor at Overland Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, as he explores spiritual faithfulness amid life's challenges and suffering. Through discussions on theological questions and inspiring stories, Wisdom for the Wilderness offers guidance and hope for navigating the complexities of faith in a broken world.