Spiritual disciplines for the New Year

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The start of a new year brings so many possibilities, which makes it the perfect time to focus on developing spiritual disciplines.

If you’re hoping to make 2023 a year for intentional connection with God, check out these 4 tips to build Bible habits that stick:

  1. Make it accessible

Stay connected to Scripture by making sure YouVersion is installed on all of your devices. That way, wherever you go, God’s Word goes with you.

Tip: Have kids? Make sure you install Bible App for Kids, the free app designed to help children fall in love with God’s Word.

  1. Make it stick

The easiest way to create a new habit is by linking it to something you already do consistently. If the first thing you do in the morning is reach for your phone, try reflecting on YouVersion’s Verse of the Day.

Tip: Make YouVersion the first app you see, and get instant access to the Verse of the Day, by enabling the Verse of the Day widget on your phone. Learn how to enable widgets here.

  1. Make it automatic

The best way to build a habit is just to start. And as you get started, don’t focus on the amount of time you’re reading or listening to Scripture, just focus on doing it regularly.

Once you complete two days in a row, go for three. Once you complete three days, try for five, and keep going until you’ve built a Bible streak.

Tip: Keep up your momentum by viewing your Bible streak on your YouVersion Home Feed. You can also set up Plan, Prayer, and Verse of the Day Reminders here.

  1. Make it a place for community

You’re more likely to keep studying your Bible if you do it alongside someone who cares about your spiritual growth.

Plans with Friends offers a simple, easy way to make sure you continue building your Bible study habit.

There are thousands of Plans in YouVersion, so simply pick a Plan that interests you, and start it with Friends. At the end of each Plan day, you’ll be given a space to chat with your Friends about what you learned.

Tip: You can do a Plan with anybody! Simply share a Plan link on social media, or share a Plan with someone within the app. Get started by choosing a Plan, and follow the prompts to invite Friends to join you.


Making the Bible a part of your everyday life doesn’t have to be daunting—and thankfully, we don’t have to do it alone.

God loves to come alongside us to encourage and empower us by renewing and transforming our minds. He reveals Himself to anyone searching for Him.

The more you build your habits, the easier it becomes to recognize God’s voice and understand what His will truly is.

As you commit to studying Scripture regularly, remember that the God who created you can also enable you to break through the resistance that holds you back, so that you can consistently engage with His living and active Word.

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How Generosity Can Help Change a Life: Diya’s Story

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed, scared, or powerless?

For Diya, she turned to God’s Word in YouVersion during a dark time, and Scripture became her lifeline.

When you give to YouVersion, you make stories like Diya’s possible:

When Diya moved from New Zealand to India, she found herself with no connections, no community, and no church.

“The very first thought I had when I opened my eyes was that I didn’t deserve to exist. I felt very alone, and that I had nothing to offer.”

Diya knew she needed to turn to Jesus, but she didn’t know where to begin.

“It wasn’t until I connected with Scripture in YouVersion that I was able to change the way I think.”

Through YouVersion, God met Diya in her despair and provided hope and healing when she needed it most.

You can be a part of what God is doing through YouVersion.

When you live a life of generosity, you’re helping people all over the world experience the life-changing power of God’s Word.

Will you join the movement by giving a gift today?

Give Today

The best way to contribute to YouVersion is by setting up a recurring gift.


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Introducing Daily Refresh

God wants to refresh our souls daily.

And, when we make it a habit to connect with Him, He can fill us with more peace, love, and joy.

Explore the all-new Daily Refresh inside YouVersion

Daily Refresh

Available with the latest app update, Daily Refresh curates timely and relevant Bible content in the Today tab of your Home Screen.

As you complete Daily Refresh, you can track your progress for the day and add to your Daily Refresh Streak—the number of consecutive days you’ve completed your Daily Refresh.

Daily Refresh Streak

The Daily Refresh Streak doesn’t replace your existing Streak—it’s just a new way to visualize your consistency in seeking God through YouVersion.

Streak

Get Your Daily Refresh Badge

Complete Daily Refresh and earn an exclusive Badge—and continue to level up your Badge as your momentum grows.

Daily Refresh Badge

Try Daily Refresh

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The 2022 Christmas Challenge is here!

Christmas Challenge badge

With so much going on around us, we can often lose sight of why we celebrate Christmas.

This year, take time to reflect on Jesus’ birth by joining people around the world as they draw closer to God through the Christmas Challenge.

Complete any Christmas or Advent Plan in December, and you’ll earn the 2022 Christmas Challenge Badge!

View More Plans

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2022 Verse of the Year

The Bible verse shared, bookmarked, and highlighted most often by the global YouVersion Community during 2022 is…

Do not fear for I am with you. - Isaiah 41:10 - Verse Image

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

As you look back on this year, think of a time when you needed to be reminded of God’s Presence, His love, and His strength.

Maybe you need those things right now.

Know that you’re not alone.

You’re a part of a global Community experiencing the same hope in different languages and countries around the world.

And it doesn’t end here.

Think of someone in your life who needs to hear that God is with them today, and encourage them with this special Verse Image.

Share Verse Image

What will next year’s Verse of the Year be?
Keep reading to find out… 👀