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the Read Through the Bible

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Devotional content taken from Everyday Spiritual Refreshment for Women, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Churches and other noncommercial interests may reproduce portions of this book without the express written permission of Barbour Publishing, provided that the text does not exceed 500 words or 5 percent of the entire book, whichever is less, and that the text is not material quoted from another publisher. When reproducing text from this book, include the following credit line: “From The Read Through the Bible in a Year Planner: 2026 Edition, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.”

Scripture quotations marked nlt are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked kjv are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com

Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.

Printed in China.

Many people would like to read through the Bible in a year—but we know, from personal experience, that can be a real challenge. That’s why we created The Read Through the Bible in a Year Planner—to give you the encouragement you need as you begin this lifechanging journey. This planner oﬀers both inspiration and practical space for organizing every day of your 2026.

In addition to daily scripture readings for every day of the year—an Old Testament, New Testament, and either Psalms or Proverbs passage—this planner also features 365 challenging and encouraging devotional thoughts, each highlighting a particular Bible verse from that day’s scripture selection.

Each day’s reading should take 15 to 30 minutes to complete. If you stay with it, you’ll soon be able to say, “I read through the Bible in a year!”—and you’ll undoubtedly find your life changed by the great promises of God’s Word.

The

Publisher

Thursday, January 1

New Year’s Day

Genesis 1–2; Matthew 1; Psalm 1

On the seventh day God had ﬁnished his work of creation, so he rested from all His work. Genesis 2:2 nlt

Many women put in forty hours a week at a full-time job and then come home to care for the house and family. Don’t forget to take time out for your self. If God rested after working all week, then it’s important to take care of yourself. Press the pause button and rest your mind, body, and emotions. You’re worth it. Take a moment and relax.

Genesis 3–4; Matthew 2; Psalm 2

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2:10 niv

Can you imagine the wise men gazing upon that star for the first time? Finally! The long-awaited day had come. What joy they must have felt in their hearts. Surely they could sense the beginning of a new era. The gospel message is all about new beginnings. We rejoice every time we’re given a chance to begin again. Praise God for the many times He’s given you a fresh start.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

Genesis 5–7; Matthew 3; Psalm 3

But You, O Lord, are a covering around me, my shininggreatness, and the One Who lifts my head. PsalM 3:3

You never know where courage will pop up in your life, because you never know what you’ll face that will require it. You can be sure, though, that God will give you courage when you need it. God is both your protector and your strength. So be confident that whatever you face, you do not face it alone.

Top 3 Priorities: Schedule/To-Do List: Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading

Genesis 8–10; Matthew 4; Psalm 4

I will lie down and sleep in peace. O Lord, You alone keep me safe.

PsalM 4:8

Your body was designed to perform like a battery. It runs down and has to be recharged. That’s why sleep is so important. It’s a time of restoration for your body and your mind. The Lord has promised you the blessing of peaceful sleep. You can relax and take comfort knowing He never sleeps but watches over you at all times.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

Remember 8 glasses a day

Monday, January 5

Genesis 11–13; Matthew 5:1–20; Psalm 5

“You are the light of the world— like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”

Matthew 5:14 nlt

God means you to be a light set where the world can see it clearly—not a hidden ﬂame behind closed doors, with curtains drawn. Being a light isn’t always easy—people see everything you do, and they don’t always like it. Don’t let the critics stop you. Your works were ordained to glorify God, not make people comfortable. Knowing that, are you ready to shine today?

Top 3 Priorities:

Schedule/To-Do List:

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading

Genesis 14–16; Matthew 5:21–48; Psalm 6

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Matthew 5:44 niv

Without God’s strength, could any of us follow this command of Jesus for more than a very brief time? Consistently loving an enemy is a real challenge. If you hurt from pain inﬂicted by another, you hardly want to pray for her. But loving actions and prayer can bring great peace between two people at odds with each other.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

Remember 8 glasses a day

Wednesday, January 7

Genesis 17–18; Matthew 6:1–18; Psalm 7

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:12 kjv

Is it true that God only forgives us to the extent that we forgive others? That’s what the scripture teaches! It’s so important not to hold a grudge. It hurts you, and it hurts the one you’re refusing to forgive. If you’ve been holding someone in unforgiveness, may today be the day when you let it go. There is incredible joy—both in forgiving and being forgiven.

Top 3 Priorities:

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Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Genesis 19–20; Matthew 6:19–34; Psalm 8

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:34 niv

You can look ahead and obsess about fears for the future or take life one day at a time and enjoy it. But you only live in today, not in the weeks, months, and years that may lie ahead. You can only change life in the moment you’re in now. Since worry never improves the future and only hurts today, you’ll benefit most from trusting in God and enjoying the spot where He’s planted you for now.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

Remember 8 glasses a day

Friday, January 9

Genesis 21–23; Matthew 7:1–11; Psalm 9:1–8

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart. . . . I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. PsalM 9:1–2 nlt

Your words of praise are precious to your heavenly Father. His Holy Spirit who lives within you carries them straight to His throne. Why are your praises so dear to Him? Because they are the free expression of your heart. You chose Him when you could have chosen so many others. Lift your voice to Him. It brings Him great joy.

Top 3 Priorities:

Schedule/To-Do List:

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading

Genesis 24; Matthew 7: 12–29; Psa lm 9:9–20

The Lord also keeps safe those who suﬀer. He is a safe place in times of trouble.

PsalM 9:9

The Psalms often speak of God as a refuge. Whether you face something large, like oppression, or something much smaller, He wants you to turn to Him in troublous times. Size does not matter, but your trust in Jesus does. Nothing you face is a shock to Him—He knows your troubles and has not deserted you. So go to your refuge and take strength from Him.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

Why standest thou afar oﬀ, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?

PsalM 10:1 kjv

Have you ever felt like God was unreachable? Like He was deliberately hiding when you were in trouble? It’s interesting to realize that God is usually not the one who’s moving. You are. If you’re feeling far from God today, take a step in His direction. And if you’ve been really far away, may this be the day you choose to run into His arms.

Top 3 Priorities:

O Lord, You have heard the prayers of those who have no pride. You will give strength to their heart, and You will listen to them.

PsalM 10:17

It’s easy to feel unheard in this life. Even your closest friends may sometimes fail to listen. But God hears. He’s never too tired, too busy, too distracted. You don’t need an appointment. So cry out to Him. Share everything with Him. Let Him in on your secrets and your hopes. He will never fail you

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

Tuesday, January 13

Genesis 28:10–29:35; Matthew 9; Psalm 11

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. Matthew 9:10 niv

Christian women often shy away from those who don’t share their faith, but Jesus didn’t. In fact, He reached out to the most unlikely, unlovable people. Today, as you face people in your world who don’t yet know the Lord, begin to view them as Jesus viewed them. . .as people in need of loving. Then ask your heavenly Father what you can do to play a role in leading them to Him.

Top 3 Priorities:

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18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Genesis 30:1–31:21; Matthew 10:1–15; Psalm 12

When Rachel saw that she had not given birth to any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I am going to die!”

Genesis 30:1

Jealousy is such a problem among women, isn’t it? Even Christian women can be envious of one another. Today, take inventory. If you find yourself wishing you had the latest, greatest house, car, outfit, gadget, or gizmo just because your friends have those things, release those desires to the Lord. He owns it all, anyway. Replace your jealousy with thankfulness for the things you already have and the blessings the Lord has poured out.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

Thursday, January 15

Genesis 31:22–32:21; Matthew 10:16–36; Psalm 13

How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

PsalM 13:1 kjv

Women love to be nurtured. We love to feel secure. Sometimes when we’ve been praying for something for a long time without a clear answer from the Lord, we feel He’s abandoned us. That He doesn’t care. There’s good news today, daughter of God! He will never leave you or forsake you. He’s right there, waiting for you to crawl up in His lap. Why not take some time right now to do just that?

Top 3 Priorities:

Schedule/To-Do List: Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading

Genesis 32:22–34:31; Matthew 10:37–11:6; Psalm 14

“He who wants to keep his life will have it taken away from him. He who loses his life because of Me will have it given back to him.”

Matthew 10:39

Have you ever clung too tightly to something? The Lord wants us to have a loose grip on both material possessions and our very lives. He’s the owner. The manufacturer. And He’s the one with the how-to manual. God has your life completely under control. So don’t cling too tightly . . .to possessions, attitudes, or thought patterns. Have a loose grip on things and a tight grip on the Lord.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

Saturday, January 17

Genesis 35–36; Matthew 11:7–24; Psalm 15

God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel. Genesis 35:10 niv

As a little girl, did you practice writing your “mar ried” name every time you had a crush on a boy? When you gave your heart to the Lord, He gave you several new names—daughter, bride, and princess. . .to name a few. You are His and He is yours! Today, celebrate the fact that everything about you has changed. . .right down to your name!

Top 3 Priorities:

Genesis 37–38; Matthew 11:25–30;

You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand there is happiness forever. PsalM 16:11

When we stay on God’s path—His road—we experience fullness in every area. And if we stick close to Him, which we are called to do, we will experience joy—not just now, in this life, but forevermore. Can you imagine. . .a joy that never ends? Draw near to the Lord. In His presence you will find fullness of joy.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities:

day

Monday, January 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Genesis 39–40; Matthew 12:1–29; Psalm 17

“And his name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:21 nlt

Are you faithful to pray for other believers around the globe? Women in every country need your prayer support. Today, before you set oﬀ on your way to inﬂuence your own world (your family, neighborhood, workplace), spend a little time thinking about—and praying for—women in countries to your north, south, east, and west. May the whole world come to know Him!

Top 3 Priorities:

Schedule/To-Do List:

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Genesis 41; Matthew 12:30–50; Psalm 18:1–15

The Lord is my rock, and my safe place, and the One Who takes me out of trouble. My God is my rock, in Whom I am safe. He is my safe-covering, my saving strength, and my strong tower.

PsalM 18:2

Some women seem to be as solid as a rock! They hold together when the kids are upset, don’t lose their cool when the plumbing needs repair, and manage to hold their tongues when coworkers and friends are having a bad day. What about you? Feeling invincible? If not, don’t fret! You don’t have to be rock solid. Instead, look to God. . .your rock, your foundation.

Reflections on Today’s Bible Reading Top 3 Priorities: