Bible Gateway Plus is a premium subscription that gives you access to a digital library of dozens of Bible study tools and resources, directly tied to each verse of the Bible, anywhere you go — all for less than the cost of a pack of highlighters.
Though popular for Bible research and sermon prep, Bible Gateway Plus isn’t just for pastors and scholars — it’s a great way to revitalize your prayer life, with lots of devotional material to help you reflect and praise God for what he is doing in your life.
In fact, one of the best ways to use Bible Gateway Plus is together with Bible Gateway’s Verse of the Day, a handpicked daily Bible verse (or two) designed to guide you into the Word. You can read it in your favorite translation on the Bible Gateway home page, in our monthly verse calendars, or delivered straight to your inbox every morning.
With that in mind, here are some of the top Bible Gateway Plus resources for devotional Bible reading.
But first, two quick points to remember:
- Once you find your favorite resources, you can pin them for easier access.
- You can use any resource with any Bible translation. So if you want to use the NIV Application Bible notes with the NKJV, you are free to do so!
Now, let’s start reading!
Devotional Study Bibles to Deepen Your Daily Reading
Though many study Bibles are designed to help readers understand historical, theological, or exegetical context, there are plenty of others that are intended to bring you deeper into the spiritual power of the Word. Here is a selection of study Bibles in Bible Gateway Plus that offer devotional prompts in addition to informational notes to bring the meaning of Scripture into your daily life.
NIV Application Bible
One of the newest additions to Bible Gateway Plus, the NIV Application Bible features study notes drawn from the extensive, bestselling NIV Application Commentary series published over the past three decades. It bridges the world of the Bible and contemporary times by helping you connect what you’ve learned directly with the modern world. It’s the perfect balance of scholarship, practical advice, and reflective encouragement for every reader.
NIV Jesus Bible
Designed to help readers see Jesus throughout the entire Bible, the Jesus Bible includes contributions from Louie Giglio, Max Lucado, John Piper, and many others focusing on Christocentric interpretation and exegesis. If you ever have trouble finding Jesus in certain parts of the Bible (such as in the Old Testament), this is a great guide to help you encounter him every step of the way.
NIV/NKJV Woman’s Study Bible
Tailored to Christian women, especially in conservative evangelical churches, this Bible includes study notes, essays, devotionals, and character profiles from a female perspective. It exhaustively covers topics specifically relevant to women’s spiritual growth and daily life.
NKJV Abide Bible
The Abide Bible focuses on spiritual formation and contemplative reading. Its notes are centered on practical Scripture engagement prompts based on five ways of engaging deeply with the Bible, giving you a fully rounded spiritual regimen of journaling, prayer, meditation, and other devotional reading practices. It’s exactly what you need to build deeper intimacy with Jesus through Scriptural engagement.
NKJV Lucado Encouraging Word Bible
If you’re in need of some guidance to help you better engage with Scripture, who better to ask than a trusted pastor and bestselling author with dozens of books under his name? The Encouraging Word Bible features devotions, study notes, and reflections in Max Lucado’s signature warm, pastoral style — focused (true to its name) on hope, encouragement, and God’s promises. It’s especially suited to longtime Lucado readers or anyone experiencing a season of discouragement or difficulty.
Devotional Bible Commentaries That Make Scripture Clear and Practical
A devotional commentary? It’s true! Although you might associate commentaries — even more than study Bibles — with long, dense, academic content, some are designed instead to help the Spirit shine forth from the Bible’s more complex and confusing passages.
Believer’s Bible Commentary
Written by William MacDonald, this single-volume (in other words, not 1000 pages) commentary offers clear, concise explanations of Scripture from a conservative evangelical perspective. Its emphasis on personal application and doctrinal clarity make it a good choice for new believers or laypeople wanting accessible commentary that balances devotional reading with solid exegesis.
Thru the Bible
Thru the Bible is Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s famous 60-volume exposition of every chapter of every book of the Bible. Don’t let that incredible length throw you off, though! There’s a reason the series is so beloved. Told in McGee’s simple, straightforward language and trademark folksy manner, Thru the Bible will give you a clear, heartfelt understanding of Scripture — without feeling like you’re sitting through a seminary class.
Daily Devotionals to Revitalize Your Relationship With Jesus
Of course, we can’t leave out the dedicated devotionals. While many of Bible Gateway’s devotionals are free, there are a few premium resources only available with Bible Gateway Plus. Intended to spark daily inspiration, you’ll find these in the Devotionals section of Bible Gateway rather than tied to specific Bible passages.
- Grace for the Moment: A year-long exclusive devotional from Max Lucado, this draws on biblical notes to collect wisdom-filled reflections for daily quiet time.
- NIV Discover God’s Heart Devotional Bible: This 21-day devotional explores Bible verses that give insight into God’s Spirit and how his love can transform your life.
- Olive Tree One Year Daily Devotional: Encourage and challenge your faith with a year of daily devotions from classic Christian authors.
- Words of Cheer for Daily Life: Daily inspiration and encouragement from the great Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon.
- Words of Wisdom for Daily Life: Embrace the challenges and opportunities of each day with these daily readings drawn from the wisdom of the famous preacher Charles Spurgeon.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking deeper daily devotion, richer prayer, or a closer walk with Christ, Bible Gateway Plus offers a treasure trove of resources to guide you every step of the way. From devotional study Bibles and insightful commentaries to inspiring daily readings, each tool is designed to draw you into God’s Word and help you live it out. Combined with the Verse of the Day, these resources can transform even a few minutes of reading into a powerful encounter with Scripture.
Start exploring Bible Gateway Plus today with a free trial, and discover how God’s Word can speak fresh life into your everyday journey.
Bible Gateway is the internet's premier Bible reading and research tool. With more than 200 versions of the Bible in over 70 languages freely available to read, research, and reference anywhere — plus a library of audio Bibles, mobile apps, devotionals, email newsletters, and more — Bible Gateway equips you not only to read the Bible, but to understand it.
