YouVersion’s 2017 Half-Year Challenge: A fresh start to your Bible habit.

Half-Year Challenge Starts Soon
If you joined us for the 21-Day Challenge earlier this year, then you know how great it can feel to start a daily Bible reading habit. We’re convinced that one of the best ways to start engaging with the Bible every day is to complete one short Plan after another.

That’s what the Half-Year Challenge is all about: helping you renew your daily habit of connecting with God’s Word.

For two weeks beginning June 25, let us inspire you!


Prize Pack

Here’s how it works.

Between June 25 and July 8, complete at least seven days in a row of Bible Plan daily readings, and you’ll earn our special 2017 Half-Year Challenge badge, and be eligible for exciting prizes.

You don’t have to do just one Plan that’s seven days. You can be in the middle of a Plan that’s longer than seven days. Or you can complete a Plan that you’re already doing, then start a new one immediately after it. Just make sure you complete at least one day of at least one Plan every day, for seven days in a row!


Official Rules

📲  Get the Bible App

Make sure you have the Bible App installed on a device (or devices), or on the web at Bible.com, that you will be able to use every day from June 25th to July 8th.

✔  Sign Up for a Free Account

If you haven’t already, create your own free YouVersion account (or sign in with Facebook or Google).

📑  Start a Bible Plan

Sign up for a Bible Plan — or for several. We recommend that you browse through Plans that interest you and use Save for Later to collect the ones you want to use for the Half-Year Challenge.

Note: You don’t have to begin a new Plan on June 25th. If you already started a Plan before June 25th — or more than one — that’s great! Just keep going, and don’t miss any days. (Keep reading for more.)

🗓  Read Each Day

At least 7 days in a row from June 25th to July 8th, go to your Plans > My Plans and complete the daily selection for at least one of the Plans you’re subscribed to.

IMPORTANT! Each day when you complete your selections, make sure they get checked off. (More on this in a moment.)

👏🏽  Share Your Progress, Be Entered to Win Prizes

After you complete a day’s reading, inside the Bible App, go to that Plan’s Info page (  More icon  > Plan Info), tap the share icon (  Android Share icon  or  iOS Share icon  ) and share your Plan to Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and include the hashtag #HalfYearResolution. Sharing is not necessary to earn your Badge, but it is required to be entered to win one of many prizes we’ll be giving away.

IMPORTANT! When you post on social media, we cannot see posts that are “Friends,” “Private,” or “Only Me.” Make sure that you mark your social media post as “Public” — AND that you include #HalfYearResolution — or we won’t be able to see your entry.

1 Prizes include YouVersion-branded items such as a T-shirt, stickers, drinkware, tablets, and more. Prizes are subject to change or substitution based on availability. Winners will be contacted with details about how to receive their prizes. Because of some limitations with international shipping, not all items will be available to ship to all countries.

🏅  Earn a Badge!

All users who complete the Half-Year Challenge — reading the day’s selections from at least one Bible Plan each day for 7 days in a row (June 25th to July 8th) — will receive their special commemorative badge in the Bible App. (No Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram posts required.)

IMPORTANT! Badges will be automatically awarded based upon having 7 days in a row checked off during the Challenge. This is why it is so important that you ensure that each day’s reading is ACTUALLY CHECKED OFF.


Start by finding some Plans.

The Half-Year Challenge begins in just a few days, so we recommend that you start looking now for the Plans you’ll want to do during the Challenge. The Plans we’ve listed below aren’t required for the Challenge; they’re just some ideas to help you get started. When you find a Plan you think you’d enjoy, open it and tap “Save for Later.” Then, remember to start your Plan on June 25!

Discover Plans

Plans: Mark Batterson, Mandisa, Eugene Peterson, Elevation Worship, more

As Kingfishers Catch Fire

As Kingfishers Catch Fire
Eugene Peterson and WaterBrook & Multnomah, 3 days

Join pastor-poet Eugene Peterson (translator/author of The Message Bible) in Scripture readings and devotional excerpts from his book As Kingfishers Catch Fire, which focuses on living truthfully, the true meaning of friendship, and what genuine love looks like.

Start Plan

Madisa: Out of the Dark Devotional

Mandisa: Out of the Dark Devotional

Mandisa and Capitol CMG, 7 days

Chronicling her personal journey — through depression, despair, and hopelessness into a deeper relationship with Christ — Grammy award winner Mandisa shares the Bible passages and insights that led to the songs on her album Out of the Dark.

Start Plan

Play the Man

Play the Man

Mark Batterson and Baker Publishing, 7 days

Featuring devotional excerpts from his book Play the Man, pastor and bestselling author Mark Batterson leads men toward fulfilling their spiritual calling, sharing the seven virtues of manhood inspired by the true story of the martyr Polycarp, as well as by other historical heroes of the Christian faith.

Start Plan

Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation

Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation

Robert Morgan and HarperCollins, 7 days

Through Scripture, devotional excerpts, and practical daily tips from the book Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation, learn how you can reduce stress and anxiety by engaging with God’s Word, reflecting on it, and then applying it to your everyday life.

Start Plan

There Is a Cloud

There Is a Cloud

Elevation Church, 7 days

Leaders and musicians from Elevation Worship (hailing from Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC) share the biblical promises from God that inspired the lyrics for songs on their album, There Is a Cloud.

Start Plan

Proper Ambition: Christ-Centered Motivation @ Work

Proper Ambition: Christ-Centered Motivation @ Work

Called to Create, 3 days

Find caution in these biblical examples of ambitious endeavors, even as you learn how you can genuinely explore your own motives, so that you can ensure your life and work will endure by glorifying God and serving others.

Start Plan

7 More Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know

7 More Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know

Dave Adamson, 7 days

In this follow-up to 7 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know, North Point Online Pastor Dave Adamson teaches you seven more key Hebrew words that will help you better understand the Bible, then provides you with free, social-media-ready images that let you easily share them with your friends.

Start Plan

Still looking? Find hope in God’s Word.

Whatever’s going on in your life right now, face it head-on with biblical wisdom. The Bible App’s “Discovery” feature helps you choose among color-coded emotion categories such as stress, loss, and doubt, to name just a few. If what you could use right now is a boost of encouragement, tap below to explore Plans from our Hope category.

Plans for Hope

This Month: Plans from Louie Giglio, Brennan Manning, Tony Evans, and more

goliath-must-fall

Goliath Must Fall: Winning The Battle Against Your Giants
Louie Giglio and Zondervan, 7 days

Let pastor Louie Giglio inspire you in this series of short videos, as he shares thoughts from his new book on the biblical story of David and Goliath, then offers real-world strategies from the Scriptures for how you can walk in the victory Jesus has already won — overcoming adversaries like fear, rejection, comfort, anger, and addiction.

Start Plan

giving-it-all-away

Giving it All Away…and Getting it All Back Again

David Green and Zondervan, 9 days

Through select excerpts from his book Giving It All Away, David Green shares the Scripture, biblical principles, and practical application that show you how to live generously, change the lives of the people you touch, and leave an enduring legacy.

Start Plan

chasing-greatness

Chasing Greatness

Dr. Tony Evans, 7 days

Pastor and author Dr. Tony Evans leads men on a journey of discovery through Bible passages and thought leadership, challenging you to fully pursue the potential God calls you to: responsible leader, willing owner, kingdom man.

Start Plan

people-of-the-second-chance

People of the Second Chance

Mike Foster and WaterBrook Multnomah, 5 days

Mike Foster helps you let go of the shame and regret of your past mistakes, by revealing the names God has for you in the Bible, offering encouraging devotionals and reflection questions that will help you find the real “you.”

Start Plan

the-armor-of-god

Armor of God

Priscilla Shirer and LifeWay, 5 days

With daily Bible readings and excerpts from her women’s Bible study series The Armor of God, Bible teacher and bestselling author Priscilla Shirer equips you with an action plan for protecting your heart, your mind, and your relationships, and for facing your spiritual enemy head-on.

Start Plan

the-lies-we-believe-about-god

The Lies We Believe About God

Dr. Chris Thurman and David C Cook, 4 days

Through daily devotionals excerpted from his book, psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Chris Thurman presents biblical truths selected to challenge the common assumptions many people have about God, revealing His true nature to help you know Him more intimately.

Start Plan

the-ragamuffin-gospel

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

Brennan Manning and WaterBrook Multnomah, 5 days

Drawn from Brennan Manning’s classic book, these daily devotionals help you experience “the furious love of God” in Scripture, then offer questions for reflection that will help you begin to apply the truth of God’s grace into your everyday life.

Start Plan

relaxing-with-god

Relaxing with God

Andrew Farley, 8 days

From his book Relaxing with God, speaker and bestselling author Dr. Andrew Farley shares Scriptures that clearly show how Jesus’s words, “It is finished,” apply to your life today, helping you leave behind the burden of your failures and sins once and for all.

Start Plan

A YouVersion Story: Michael Chandler

“90% of success is between the ears.”

With 16 wins and only 3 losses, Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight World Champion Michael Chandler knows how to prepare himself for a battle. He’s in training now to defend his title this coming June.

Watch as Michael explains the source of his confidence, and talks about the key role that the Bible App plays in his daily training…and in his preparations on fight day.


Get the Michael Chandler Bible Plan

Smartphone showing the Bible Plan, Confidence of a Champion: 3 Days with MMA Fighter Michael Chandler

Confidence of a Champion: 3 Days with MMA Fighter Michael Chandler

Mixed Martial Arts fighter Michael Chandler finds guidance from God by meditating on His Word. Michael’s hope for this video Bible Plan is that you will find a renewed confidence in the Lord as you listen to him share the verses that have inspired him the most.

Start Plan


Spread the Word.

Do you have friends who might enjoy hearing Michael’s story? Share this video with them today, and help them engage with the Bible.

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📖 Plans from Beth Moore, John Piper, Levi Lusko, more

Hero artwork for the 5-day Bible Plan Breaking Free from Bible teacher and bestselling author Beth Moore

Breaking Free
Beth Moore and LifeWay Christian Resources, 5 days

Join renowned Bible teacher and bestselling author Beth Moore in a study of Isaiah that will help you begin to enjoy the five benefits of God’s promise to “set captives free”: to know God and believe Him, to glorify Him, to find satisfaction in Him, to experience His peace, and to enjoy His presence.

“When you’re hungry, you seek what will meet your need. If you ignore your physical needs long enough, not only will you be miserable but you will soon be ill. You can easily recognize the signals the body gives, but great wisdom lies in learning to discern your spirit’s signals.”

Start Plan

Hero artwork for the 7-day Bible Plan Live by the Spirit: Devotions with John Piper from bestselling author and pastor John Piper

Live by the Spirit: Devotions with John Piper
John Piper and Desiring God, 7 days

In this series of devotionals and Bible readings, pastor, seminary chancellor, and bestselling author John Piper introduces you to the nature of God’s Holy Spirit, the power that His presence brings to your everyday life, and the benefits you receive from remaining in close relationship with Him.

“If you really believe that God is for you and not against you… then you have an inexhaustible reservoir of strength to keep doing the good God has called you to do whether anyone appreciates it now or not.”

Start Plan

Hero artwork for the 12-day Bible Plan Swipe Right: The Life and Death Power of Sex and Romance from Pastor Levi Lusko

Swipe Right: The Life and Death Power of Sex and Romance
Levi Lusko and Fresh Life Church, 12 days

Using Scripture, real-life examples, and devotional content from his book Swipe Right, pastor and bestselling author Levi Lusko helps you train your mind and heart today for the authentic love life that you want tomorrow.

“The more times you pull up a Post-it note and attempt to re-stick it, the less powerful the adhesive becomes. Like a frequently moved Post-it note, sexuality loses its stickiness over time. Sex is meant to glue two people together for a lifetime.”

Start Plan

Hero artwork for the 4-day Bible Plan The Good Book from pastor and author Deron Spoo

The Good Book
Deron Spoo and David C Cook, 4 days

In these excerpts from his book The Good Book, pastor and author Deron Spoo unlocks some of the major themes of Scripture to help you understand not just the words of the Bible, but the mind and heart of the One who wrote them to you.

“Through our seasons of compromise and commitment, God will mature our faith even when we fail. God wants our strength, but it’s good to know that he will use even our weaknesses.”

Start Plan

Hero artwork for the 7-day Bible Plan Hope When It Hurts from bloggers Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton

Hope When It Hurts
Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton, 7 days

Drawing on their own life experiences with pain and suffering, bloggers and writers for Unlocking the Bible Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton share daily reflections on Scripture from their book Hope When It Hurts, to encourage you, to help you face life’s pain head-on, and to remind you that you’re not alone.

“Everything changes when we see weakness and suffering in the light of the gospel. For it is through human weakness that God’s strength upholds us and is displayed to the world.”

Start Plan

Hero artwork for the 7-day Bible Plan Now What? from pastor and speaker Scott Rodgers

Now What?
Scott Rodgers, 7 days

Pastor and speaker Scott Rodgers teaches you how to explore your most difficult challenges in a way that leads you directly to discovering God’s purpose for your life, through devotional excerpts from his book Now What?, daily Scriptures, and questions for reflection.

“Your path of pain can be your place of preparation.… When trials come your way, don’t look for the way out or a way around what God wants you to walk right through. He wants you to face your trials, not run from them.”

Start Plan


Find your Easter inspiration.

With Easter just two weeks away, today is a great day to start turning more of your attention toward God’s Word. We’ve collected several of our favorite Reading Plans and Devotionals for Easter into a special Lent and Easter category. If you find more Plans you like than you can complete before Easter, no problem: just use “Save for Later,” and keep your Easter spirit going!

More Easter Plans