Our reading begins with the fascinating book of Genesis, introducing the creation story, Adam and Eve’s sin and its effect on humanity, the first murder, the flood and God’s covenant with Noah. Relish in the activity, justice and unparalleled grace of God. Day 5 takes us to the book of Job, thought to be written around the same time as Genesis. Job highlights suffering, divine justice and the sovereignty of God.

Attached are some resources to help you get the most out of your daily reading, including Foundations journaling books explaining and utilizing a H.E.A.R. journaling method designed by the creators of our reading plan. 

Weekly Reading: 

Monday - Genesis 1-2

Tuesday - Genesis 3-4

Wednesday - Genesis 6-7

Thursday - Genesis 8-9

Friday - Job 1-2

Memory Verses for the Week: Genesis 1:27 and Hebrews 11:7

Further Resources:

Book of Genesis Summary | Watch an Overview Video (Part 1) 7.42 minutes

When was Genesis written? | GotQuestions.org

When was Job written? | GotQuestions.org

HEAR Bible Study 90-Day Journal by Ryan David - < Click “Read Sample” under book image for explanation and sample of the H.E.A.R. application method. >

Foundations: A 260-Day Bible Reading Plan for Busy Believers (Journal) by Robby Gallaty (2015-11-01) Adult, teen and children’s version of this journal may be found in the CRBC Book Nook and on Amazon

This week’s reading begins in Job 38 with some of the most mesmerizing use of language in all the world. Previously in that book, Job and his friends were questioning why Job suffered so badly. In chapter 38, God does not answer their question, but spectacularly makes the case for who He (God) is and why He alone can be trusted for divine wisdom. It is poetry with a punch, delivered by the Ultimate Poet. Read slowly and relish every word. (I cannot read these words without hearing a song that the radio played on repeat in the early 2000s, so I’m including a link to it in the resources below for you to listen to after your reading.) 
As you read each day, consider underlining once each word or phrase that gives a clue to the character of God. Hear Job’s humble response in Job 42:1-6. See who God reveals Himself to be to Abraham in Genesis 15-17 and how God responds to Abraham’s faith. Finish your daily reading by looking again at what Scripture revealed about God. Thank Him for those specific character traits and ponder how knowing them should lead you to practically adapt your beliefs and behaviors. Maybe it's acknowledging who is and isn’t in control, or addressing an area of your life where you humbly need to trust His wisdom. This week of reading is rich!Weekly Reading: Monday, Jan. 12 - Job 38-39 Tuesday, Jan. 13 - Job 40-42Wednesday, Jan. 14 - Genesis 11-12Thursday, Jan. 15 - Genesis 15Friday, Jan. 16  - Genesis 16-17
Memory Verses for the Week: Hebrews 11:6 and Hebrews 11:8-10
Further Resources:Reedemer by Nicole C. Mullen (Lyric Video) | Christian Worship Music15 Amazing Attributes of God: What They Mean and Why They MatterHEAR Bible Study 90-Day Journal by Ryan David - ( Click “Read Sample” under book image for explanation and sample of the H.E.A.R. application method. )Foundations: A 260-Day Bible Reading Plan for Busy Believers (Journal) by Robby Gallaty (2015-11-01) Adult, teen and children’s version of this journal may be found on Amazon.

Welcome to Week 3 of the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!

https://youtu.be/SJ2lJpBdLcY


From Isaac's miraculous birth to rescuing women in some very vulnerable situations caused by others, this week’s reading in Genesis reveals God doing what seems impossible. We also see a great example of how to approach God in prayer and of God doing what is necessary to protect His promises. And, although the Memory Verses are from the New Testament, they refer directly to our Old Testament reading. 



This week also introduces our short weekly Monday videos, done by our staff to show you how we are trying to practically apply God's Word to our everyday lives. We hope it will inspire you to look for signs of God's character as you read and to think through how to live like you are choosing to believe He is who He says. Thank you for being on this journey with us as together we become disciples who are fully devoted to knowing Christ, following Him and making other disciples! 




Weekly Reading: 
Monday, Jan. 19 - Genesis 18-19
Tuesday, Jan. 20 - Genesis 20-21
Wednesday, Jan. 21 - Genesis 22
Thursday, Jan. 22 - Genesis 24
Friday, Jan. 23  - Genesis 25:19-34; 26




Memory Verses for the Week: Romans 4:20-22 and Hebrews 11:17-19




Further Resources:
What is Justification? -  https://www.gotquestions.org/justification.html


Video: Overview of Genesis 12-50 (8 min.) - https://bibleproject.com/videos/genesis-12-50/


New Testament on the Justification of Abraham - 
https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/4.html


Ligonier Ministries Article " The Justifying Faith of Abraham" - https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/justifying-faith-of-abraham

Welcome to Week 4 of the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!



In this week’s reading, we will see God begin to trace the fulfillment of His promise to bless the nations through the lineage of Abraham. This will culminate in later New Testament reports of Jesus’ birth and resurrection, but this week we are introduced to some key patriarchs coming from Abraham’s descendants that will help bridge the gap from Abraham to Jesus - Abraham’s son Isaac, Isaac’s son Jacob, and Jacob’s son Judah. Further, we will meet all of Jacob’s sons where the often Biblically referenced 12 tribes of Israel will descend. 
You will see an ugly thread of deception this week. As you read each day, note where you see deception and what were its painful consequences. Also note how even deception cannot thwart God’s sovereignty and kindness. (For a clear and uncomplicated explanation of God’s sovereignty, see the Desiring God article linked below on What is the Sovereignty of God!) Spend some time each day thanking God for His faithfulness to His promises and to even work through imperfect people. Humbly consider your own speech and behavior. Have there been any lies, exaggeration, half-truths or misleading behaviors you need to confess to God? 

Weekly Reading: Monday, Jan. 26 - Genesis 27-28Tuesday, Jan. 27 - Genesis 29-30:24Wednesday, Jan 28 - Genesis 31-32Thursday, Jan 29 - Genesis 33, 35Friday, Jan 30  - Genesis 37
Memory Verses for the Week: 2 Corinthians 10:12 and 1 John 3:18

Further Resources:https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-sovereignty-of-god

Book of Genesis Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 2)
Why was a father’s blessing so highly valued in the Old Testament -  https://www.gotquestions.org/fathers-blessing.html
https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/isaac-blesses-his-sons

Welcome to Week 5 of the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!



Drama. Drama. Drama. That is what you will find in this week’s reading of Genesis 39-47! Joseph seems to be stuck in a soap opera riddled with betrayal and rescue. But his story is not just a story; it is part of God’s very real story. It portrays with stunning clarity how God can and does redeem even the truly awful circumstances of our lives in life-altering ways. God used the repeated difficulties in Joseph’s life and the famine his family experienced to get all of them to Goshen - a move that would preserve Abraham’s promised lineage that Jesus would eventually be born into. 

When you read Joseph’s highs and lows this week, look for how God uses both good and bad circumstances to accomplish preserving Abraham’s lineage. Consider that while it is easy to see God’s care when you get to the end of story, that it must have been hard to see it when Joseph was living in the midst of the messier moments. What about your life? Are you having trouble seeing God’s care in your circumstances? How might He be preserving, protecting, or getting you (literally or figuratively) where He wants you? May this week’s reading and memory verses help you to trust in who God says He is and what He says He will do, even when you cannot see it. 


Weekly Reading: Monday, Feb. 2 - Genesis 39-40Tuesday, Feb. 3 - Genesis 41Wednesday, Feb. 4 - Genesis 42-43Thursday, Feb. 5 - Genesis 44-55Friday, Feb. 6  - Genesis 46-47

Memory Verses for the Week: Romans 8:28-30 and Ephesians 3:20-21


Further Resources:
Goodness of God, sung by CeCe Winans - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sE5kEnitqE21 Bible Verses on Trusting God - https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/trusting-god-verses.html

“Trusting God When It Doesn’t Make Sense” by Kristen Miller (Devotional) - https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2023/11/08/trusting-god-when-it-doesnt-make-sense
“Trusting God, “ by Kirk Wellum (Essay) - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/trusting-god/Trusting God  by Jerry Bridges (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Trusting-God-Jerry-Bridges/dp/1631467921/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19439FXP5NN94&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GkgkgJ128MNKRfBBt0Hjj4q240nqWsNbta35wEb4OYKN1oUri1YJtQjCGa1OznwltF6AJ0wwa5KG-kkOFiYku9xbON5fVTMcO13T4oJWfiHTQOZWwwrP_yWQTeJorHKN8NpjfuMlRY2-BdF9QNs5T7VCO3KMf6rq5TIYIuCIoWCZ3rQU5Y2K_9WHp9XrzcyM4k1RZV-RUad6OaVUHRIbW7wMEtDDRdQXFznZPU3GriA.4tdpcyHBFeIFuXqHxBbBxWUrtOyjB6z0oFyeOoQdrms&dib_tag=se&keywords=trusting+god+by+jerry+bridges&qid=1769112551&sprefix=Trusting+God%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1

Our first memory verse this week (Genesis 50:20) contains one of the most gracious and insightful responses ever recorded regarding suffering at the hands of someone else. Instead of being consumed with bitterness and vengeance, Joseph looked for good and found God’s higher purpose and provision. Instead of blaming God and furthering the familial sin of deception, Joseph chose to trust God and not allow his heart to be hardened. 

The real life drama of Genesis continues with a chronological reading of the second book of the Bible - Exodus. This book introduces us to Moses, a descendent of Abraham (by way of Jacob’s son Lev)i. Depending on your age and upbringing, you have possibly seen several cinematic depictions of this week’s readings in Genesis 1-7. Remember that each of those take some liberties with Scripture’s account. Try to read and listen with fresh eyes this week. As incredulous as they seem, the dramatic events of Exodus 1-7 really happened. Look for what God does, how he does it and why. How should it practically shape what you believe about Him? About who and what He can work through? How should you respond when He leads you to do what seems beyond your capabilities? 


Weekly Reading: 

Monday, Feb. 9 - Genesis 48-49

Tuesday, Feb. 10 - Genesis 50-Exodus 1

Wednesday, Feb. 11 - Exodus 2-3

Thursday, Feb. 12 - Exodus 4-5

Friday, Feb. 13  - Exodus 6-7

Memory Verses for the Week: Genesis 50:20 and Hebrews 11:24-26


Further Resources:

“Genesis 50:20 isn’t a Biblical Band-Aid” Article by Scotty Smith -  https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/genesis-520-isnt-a-biblical-band-aid/



Short commentary on Genesis 50:20 - https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-50-20.html


Bible Project Exodus 1-18 Overview (excellent text synopsis too!) - https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-exodus/

Beginning with tales of the final plagues on Egypt and the Passover flight out of slavery, our reading this week is action-packed. God parts the sea (Exodus 13-14) and protects the seed/offspring He had covenanted to bless all the families and nations through (Genesis 12:1-3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4). (See Galatians 3:16 for the New Testament’s explicit naming of Jesus as the seed/offspring God was referring to in Old Testament promises!) God rains down food from Heaven, brings water from rocks and saves His people from attack. Yet…

In at least two different times in our week’s reading, God explicitly asks His people to remember who He is and what He has done (Exodus 16:32; 17:14). Why would they need this reminder? Why would we? 

Why do we need to daily remember who God is and what He has done?

Besides the fact that God is worthy of our remembrance and honor, remembering who God is impacts how we think, feel and behave every day of our lives! Knowing and remembering God fuels our faith, helping us to trust in His love, care, resources, provision and to enjoy the gift of His everyday presence. Remembering God fills us with gratitude, leaving less room for worry, discontent, envy, jealousy, and the ugliness of self-centeredness. Remembering God gives us grounded hope for the future. Remembering God is critical to us enjoying and representing Him well.

As you read each day, ask God to use these Scriptures to reveal to you who He is and how He wants that to practically impact your beliefs and behaviors this week. Take some time each day to thank God for aspects of His character. Think about  how He has and is creatively caring for you. Thank Him for being trustworthy and choose to believe He is big enough to carry you through your present circumstances. We are every bit as apt to forget God’s goodness as the ancient Israelites were. Let’s do better. This week, let’s look for who God is and what He has done, then let’s tell someone about Him!

Weekly Reading: 

Monday, Feb. 16 - Exodus 8-9

Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Exodus 10-11

Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Exodus 12

Thursday, Feb. 19 - Exodus 13:17-14

Friday, Feb. 20  - Exodus 16-17

Memory Verses for the Week: John 1:29 and Hebrews 9:22

Further Resources:

“What was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt?” (short) https://www.gotquestions.org/ten-plagues-Egypt.html

“The Attributes of God”
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/attributes.cfm

“10 Incredible Attributes of God (And Why It's So Good to Reflect on God's Character)” (Article) 

https://www.ibelieve.com/christian-living/10-incredible-attributes-of-god-and-why-it-s-so-good-to-reflect-on-god-s-character.html

“The breakthrough that helped me understand the Old Testament”  (Interesting article on how the whole Bible really is God’s Word for us. Goes on along with Pastor Rick’s video comment regarding the Bible being a metanarrative and our need to interpret the Old Testament through the lens of the New Testament)

https://www.crossway.org/articles/the-breakthrough-that-helped-me-understand-the-old-testament/?srsltid=AfmBOoqPqhyntCGMT16tWpRYKN_g7K77OMdHYbdWt_QKv4lnAm6qpq1f

Knowing God, by J. I. Packer (This book is a classic for a reason. Sooooo good!)
https://www.amazon.com/Knowing-God-J-I-Packer/dp/083081650X

Welcome to Week 8 of the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!

As Tyler aptly explained in his video, God is set apart, so He calls His people to live set apart or specially dedicated for Him. That is important to keep in mind as we are introduced this week to the 10 Commandments and some very detailed instructions for the building of a traveling tabernacle. These are not just a list of Dos and Don’ts or excessive building plans that accidentally ended up in Scripture. These were all inspired by a holy and deeply intentional God who wants us to live set apart for Him.

The 10 Commandments are part of what Exodus 24:7 refers to as “the Book of the Covenant” - the broader Exodus 21-23 teaching that includes encouragement on how to practically apply God’s commands to our relationships with Him and others. For a more expansive explanation, read the Ligon Duncan article that is linked in the Further Resources below. If you are up for being deeply convicted regarding how to apply these commands today, read Jen Wilkin’s book 10 Words to Live By: Delighting in and Doing What God Commands (also linked below). Bottom line:living out these Exodus commands that were “inscribed by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:6) continue to help us live set apart for God’s purposes, including honoring our relationships with Him and others. 

And then there are the instructions for the tabernacle. It is easy to get lost in what is detailed and sometimes repeated, but these instructions are there for a reason. Check out the “Heaven invades Earth” article linked below to understand some of the rich symbolism behind God’s instructions. It’s a good week ahead in God’s Word to continue looking for who God reveals Himself to be, what is important to Him, and how He might want us to practically apply these things to how we live. Enjoy!

Weekly Reading: 

Monday, Feb. 23 - Exodus 19-20

Tuesday, Feb. 24 - Exodus 24-25

Wednesday, Feb. 25 - Exodus 26-27

Thursday, Feb. 26 - Exodus 28-29

Friday, Feb. 27  - Exodus 30-31

Memory Verses for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3 and Galatians 5:14 

Further Resources:

Bible Project Video Overview: Exodus 19-40 (6.27 minutes)

https://bibleproject.com/videos/exodus-19-40/

“The Blood of the Covenant” (article with great explanation of what the Book of the Covenant mentioned in Exodus 24 entails)

https://ligonduncan.com/the-blood-of-the-covenant-93/

“Heaven Invades Earth: Understand the Symbolism & Purpose of the Tabernacle,” (very insightful article) 

https://www.logos.com/grow/hall-tabernacle/

Ten Words to Live By: Delighting in and Doing What God Commands, Jen Wilkin (book)

https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Words-Live-Delighting-Commands/dp/1433566346/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=186840148776&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qbG26P1IFEFHURcteQRB5_3V5mzEjGHaucNgnkDyVuiMMxEXikYcIvAtdCkBhxxZSOZTpd0p6FVDj5BO_JVcfboqYuSiCnkdDIjpPSd2T1L6S03ecG76V-m157Uu_Y4F23e0AVsxdboa3FjO_bUasv-GNTCv9WV3OPWPfRvLpMINQmkW0AYQsWRuG1jn47ODQkGvhQs5ka_NXBm-CKm43OsMpBAwd-n_JpufhsVA54M.kbe44G3K1u_aErct2aazSpdiEkZs-OVACss7GCj4OLg&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792933927739&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9026283&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=11734368412401939367--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11734368412401939367&hvtargid=kwd-1993238143359&hydadcr=2938_13892050_2445866&keywords=ten+words+jen+wilkin&mcid=44195e5361a03f9aa999acbc695d4ac9&qid=1771610303&sr=8-1

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Welcome to Week 9 of the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!



We will finish our Exodus reading and begin Leviticus - the third book of the Old Testament. Don’t miss The LORD’s clear proclamation of His name and character in Exodus 34:5-7 to the wandering Israelites. Ponder what this meant then and what it should mean to you now. How should you live differently in light of His revealed character?

You will notice this week’s reading assignment has us skip a few chapters at three different points, so this is a good time for a reminder that the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan was not designed to read every verse of the Bible, but to read key passages that will give a foundational overview of all 66 books of the Bible. Last year we read through the New Testament, while this year we’re reading foundational passages throughout the Bible. Perhaps next year we will do a full read through the Bible in a year plan. We are building in a way to develop a lifelong rhythm of intentionally reading through God’s Word. By all means, feel free to read the unassigned chapters this week if you like. God breathed every word, so they are all important!

You will find that some of the chapters excluded from the plan this week (Exodus 36:2-39:43) cover material also mentioned in the chapters we will be assigned. For example, Exodus 39 is not included in our plan and talks about the making of priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, but Leviticus 8 (that is assigned) covers dressing and ordaining these men with those very garments and sacrifices, while explaining all the elements. The unassigned Leviticus 1-7 covers sacrifices and feasts of ancient Israel - sometimes referred to as Thanks and Sorry Offerings as the purposes were to express thanks to God or to acknowledge and seek forgiveness for their sins. The unassigned Leviticus 10-15 covers purification laws regarding animals and people. There is a commentary link in the Further Reading section below addressing their symbolism and how Jesus impacted their commanded observance. 
Why would God include all these commands regarding the building of the temporary tabernacle, purification laws, and different kinds of sacrifices? Before you begin reading in Leviticus, watch the short 8 minute Bible Project video on that chapter that is linked below so you don’t miss the bigger picture. And remember, our LORD is a highly intentional God who has literally moved heaven and earth so we can be in relationship with Him. It’s time to stop wandering. God has made a way for us! 


Weekly Reading: 

Monday, March 2 - Exodus 32-33

Tuesday, March 3 - Exodus 34-36:1

Wednesday, March 4 - Exodus 40

Thursday, March 5 - Leviticus 8-9

Friday, March 6  - Leviticus 16-17

Memory Verses for the Week:

Exodus 33:16 and Matthew 22:37-39

Further Resources:
Bible Project Videos: Overview of Leviticus (8.17 minutes)

https://bibleproject.com/videos/leviticus/

Bible Project Character of God Word Studies: Compassion (God’s description of Himself in Genesis, 34 - 5.05 minutes)

https://bibleproject.com/videos/character-of-god-compassion/

“What Was the Purpose and Meaning of the Tabernacle in Exodus?" (article)

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-was-the-purpose-of-the-tabernacle.html

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise):

Leviticus (short explanation on why we don’t have to use the sacrificial system today!)

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/leviticus/17.html

We finish our time in Leviticus this week, where we continue to see our holy God make ways for unholy people in Old Testament times to be in His presence. Our music minister, Eric Wall, does a beautiful job in our staff video of pointing out the scandalous grace of God in providing a way for forgiveness. How great is our God! 

 Midweek, our reading takes us to Numbers - the fourth of the first five books of the  Bible, a set of 5 books commonly referred to as the Pentateuch (Greek) or Torah (Hebrew). These books are also known as the Book of Moses, which is explained in one of the Further Reading links below. Numbers begins where Leviticus leaves off, as the Israelites leave Mount Sinai to make their decades-long journey towards the Promised Land. Named for the census numberings taken at the beginning and end of this book, Numbers is a true tale of epic proportions! Note the fullness of God’s character throughout their travels. He is not just a God of justice, or just a God of compassion, or just a God who keeps His promises. His character is all of these and more. And the same God who made a way for those Israelites to be in His presence as they journeyed toward their Promised Land has made a way for us through Jesus as we journey toward ours. May we respond with reverence, awe, obedience, and ceaseless gratitude as we make our way to be home with Him forever.

Weekly Reading: 

Monday, March 9 - Leviticus 23

Tuesday, March 10 - Leviticus 26

Wednesday, March 11 - Numbers 11-12

Thursday, March 12 - Numbers 13-14

Friday, March 13  - Numbers 16-17

Memory Verses for the Week: Leviticus 26:13 and Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Further Resources:
“Why is the Pentateuch Referred to as the Book of Moses?
https://www.crossway.org/articles/why-is-the-pentateuch-referred-to-as-the-book-of-moses/?srsltid=AfmBOooz7lxJ8x9e-y_dNnCB9nwXCWt1y7NdcNXiV4Bxy9qDMN4RfMbS

“What Are the Lord’s Appointed Times?” (Simple explanation of the reasoning for the Holy Days mentioned in Leviticus 23)
https://www.gotquestions.org/appointed-times.html

Bible Project: Overview of Numbers
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-numbers/

“What Does the Book of Numbers Teach Us?”
https://bibleproject.com/articles/what-does-the-book-numbers-teach-us/ description

This week introduces us to the book of Deuteronomy and a pivotal time in biblical history. As the last of the 5 books attributed to the authorship of Moses, what we will read is Moses speaking his last words to the Israelites. In his video, Pike mentions that the heartbeat of Moses’ final sermons can be found within our weekly memory verses,  

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.(Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

This is frequently referred to as the Shema prayer because the first word, “hear,” comes from the Hebrew word “shema” - a word that is repeated over 90 times in the book of Deuteronomy! In the Hebrew language that has notably fewer words than English and is a more action language, “shema” means to not just physically hear, but to also respond. Hence, it is often paired in Deuteronomy with the command to love. In keeping with the responsive action implied to the original Hebrew word for “hear,” the word “love” also has a volitional (act of the will) component. 

What does God most want us to do?
Listen and love Him.

And how does God want us to listen and love Him?
With all that we are and all that we have.

Pike’s encouragement to memorize Scripture is a primary way we can do that, as memorizing God’s Word puts us in a position to be regularly reminded of it and the magnificent God who breathed it into being. When we memorize God’s Word, we fill our hearts, souls, and might with truth that expands our love for God, which helps us lovingly obey and image Him. Consider the Scripture Memory resources below this week as we listen to and love God with all that we are and all that we have. 

Weekly Reading: 
Monday, March 16 - Numbers 20; 27:12-23

Tuesday, March 17 - Numbers 34-35

Wednesday, March 18 - Deuteronomy 1-2

Thursday, March 12 - Deuteronomy 3-4

Friday, March 13  - Deuteronomy 6-7

Memory Verses for the Week: Deuteronomy 4:7 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Further Resources:
Bible Project: Deuteronomy Overview
https://bibleproject.com/videos/torah-deuteronomy/

“What is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible?” (features heavily in the OT and as the site of several significant events recorded in Gen-Deut)
https://www.gotquestions.org/Kadesh-Barnea.html

“Why Memorize Scripture?
”https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-memorize-scripture

Bible Memory App
https://biblememory.com/

How Do You Memorize Scripture?
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-you-memorize-scripture

How to Memorize Scripture?
https://www.navigators.org/resource/how-to-memorize-scripture/ description

Welcome to Week 12 of the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!

Remember waaaaaaay back in Genesis 12:1, 6-7 when we read,

“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’……

Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.

The LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.”

By the time we get to the book of Joshua, hundreds of years have passed and God has reaffirmed to the Israelites that He would give them the land of Canaan in Genesis 15, 17, 26, 28, as well as in Numbers 34. This week, we will finally read of the fulfillment of God’s promise! As we do, think of all that has transpired and that nothing could thwart the fulfillment of God’s promise - not the blatant disobedience of the Israelites, famine, exile, slavery, invading adversaries…absolutely nothing could keep what God promised from happening because God is faithful and always keeps His promises.

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”(Proverbs 30:5, ESV)

We live in a world rife with anxiety-laden realities. As such, we desperately need the shield and refuge of a very present God we can count on. Like the wandering Israelites, iIt’s easy to trust God when He is doing what He says He will do and when He is doing what we want. But, how do we hold on to God and His promises when time goes by and we can’t see them being fulfilled? Our memory verses this week answer that question by reminding us that we must meditate on God’s Word day and night.

“God has told us not just to read or hear his words, but meditate on them. To meditate is to reflect on, to ponder, to mull over, to talk about, to re-read, to re-hear, to say to others, and to hear from the lips of others.”(Peter Adam, “Meditation on the Scriptures: The Key to Personal Transformation”ead the full article linked in the Further Resources section below)

Our brains are busy thinking things that take our hearts and minds away from the truer truths of who God is and how He has promised to care for us. That is why we need the constant reminders that meditation gives us. We are going to reflect on, ponder, mull over, and talk about something, so it is imperative that we actively direct our minds to think on the truer truths of God. No matter how much time has passed since God breathed His Word into being, every word of it is still true. God is still who He said He is. God will do what He says He will do. Check out the meditation helps in the Further Resources section below and remind yourself of God’s ever-present truth this week.

Weekly Reading: Monday, March 23 - Deuteronomy 8-9

Tuesday, March 24 - Deuteronomy 30-31

Wednesday, March 25 - Deuteronomy 32:48-52; 34

Thursday, March 26 - Joshua 1-2

Friday, March 27  - Joshua 3-4

Memory Verses for the Week: Joshua 1:8-9 and Psalm 1:1-2

Further Resources:
Bible Project: Book of Joshua Overviewhttps://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-joshua/#more-resources

“Who was Joshua in the Bible? 10 Leadership Habits from the Life of Joshua”https://renew.org/who-was-joshua-in-the-bible-10-leadership-habits-from-the-life-of-joshua/

“Meditation on the Scriptures: The Key to Personal Transformation” (Instruction on what it means to meditate and practical ways to replace worldly thinking with godly meditation.)https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/meditation-on-the-scriptures-the-key-to-personal-transformation/

“Bible Verses About Meditation”https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-meditation/

“How Can I Meditate on God’s Word?”https://www.gotquestions.org/meditate-on-Gods-Word.html

“15 Biblical Truths to Reflect On”https://www.ibelieve.com/christian-living/15-biblical-truths-to-reflect-on.html#google_vignette

Welcome to Week 13 of our Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!

In our time in the books of Joshua and Judges this week, we will again see God as all-powerful, faithful, and holy. We will witness amazing things only God can do as we watch Him protect His people, carry out His promises, and require justice for disobedience. However, it will also reveal the Israelites continuing their cycle of being rescued by God and pledging loyalty to Him, only to fall back into sin and eventually cry out to God for rescue. 

Lest we take away nothing from our time in God’s Word but to judge the ancient Israelites, let’s ask God, 

What cycles of sin and less than fervent obedience do You see in my life?

When do I cry out to You and how?
Is it mostly to ask for what I want and to beg for your help or forgiveness?
How faithful and fervent am I to thank You, sing Your praises, and talk to You
when I’m not in crisis?

Are there times, places, circumstances, or relationships where I seem most
vulnerable to disobedience?

What choices can I make that will increase my wholehearted devotion to You
and keep me from repeating cycles of sin and inconsistent devotion?

After some soul-searching with God, let’s proclaim with Joshua this week’s memory verse,

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,
whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates,
or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.
But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15

Weekly Reading:
Monday, March 30 - Joshua 5:10-15; Joshua 6

Tuesday, March 31 - Joshua 7-8

Wednesday, April 1 - Joshua 23-24

Thursday, April 2 - Judges 2-3

Friday, April 3  - Judges 4

Memory Verses for the Week: Joshua 24:14-15 and Judges 2:12

Further Resources: (Check out last week’s Further Resources for more help!)
Bible Project: Book of Judges Overview
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-judges/

“Why can’t I stop sinning? Please help!”
https://www.gotquestions.org/stop-sinning.html

“Breaking the Cycle of Sin (Judges 2:11-15)” (Short 6 min audio or text that would be good to read after your reading of Judges 2.)
https://radical.net/podcasts/pray-the-word/breaking-the-cycle-of-sin-judges-211-15/

How to Resist Sin (Great Biblical support for 10 Biblical Incentives)
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/resist-sin/

Resist Sin (List of Bible verses to claim to help you resist sin.)
https://www.openbible.info/topics/resist_sin

We concluded our reading last week by being introduced to some strong and inspiring female characters in the Judges narrative - Deborah and Jael. This week will introduce us to new and powerful leaders whose stories are marked by a messy mix of supernatural victories and flawed personal choices. After true tales of epic battles, idolatry, family drama and murder, rash vows and betrayal, we will find ourselves in the very different book of Ruth. With its short and intimate tale of three main characters, it is easy to see the book of Ruth as nothing more than a welcome respite from the cycles of sin and drama. But, make no mistake, the history within this book brings Hope for us all!

Set in the tumultuous time of the Old Testament judges, the book of Ruth connects that to the coming monarchy where King David will be a direct descendant of Ruth. As Jesus is well-documented as from the lineage of King David, the happenings in the book of Ruth place this non-Israelite woman directly into the lineage of Jesus! Please do yourself a favor and read “The Global Message of Ruth” that is linked in the Further Resources segment below! It beautifully details what makes Ruth’s story so astounding - God’s intervention, the significance of her ethnicity, how Boaz’ redemption of Ruth symbolizes God’s redemption, gentile inclusion in the family of God, and more. This is perfect reading to ponder in the week after Easter! 

Weekly Reading:
Judges 6-7

Judges 13-14

Judges 15-16

Ruth 1-2

Ruth 3-4

Memory Verses: Psalm 19:14 and Galatians 4:4-5

Further Resources:
Bible Project: Book of Ruth Video (7 minutes. Excellent text notes included too)
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-ruth/

“The Global Message of Ruth”
https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/global-message-of-ruth/

“What is a Kinsman Redeemer?”
https://www.gotquestions.org/kinsman-redeemer.html

“Why is Boaz a kinsman-redeemer important?” (Brief but interesting notes on Boaz typology of Christ and  architectural corroboration)
https://biblehub.com/q/Why_is_Boaz_a_kinsman-redeemer_important.htm description

Welcome to Week 15 of the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!What does it look like to faithfully follow God? We see a solid example this week as we are introduced to the prophet Samuel. Born in response to his mother's desperate prayers and brought up as a child to serve in the temple, Samuel’s life became a testament to the faithful leading of God and to what it looks like to emulate His faithfulness. As has been said, “Samuel was obedient even when others weren’t” (see “Samuel: Faithful Prophet and Honest Judge” linked in the Further Resources below for a brief character study on Samuel with practical suggestions on how to follow his example).Samuel played a pivotal role in history as he was Israel’s last judge/prophet and transitioned them to a monarchy when he anointed and counseled their first two kings. These three men are the main characters in 1 Samuel. As you read of King Saul’s rise and fall, then of David’s anointing to be his successor, look for the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives (1 Samuel 10:6, 10; 11:6; 16:13-23). This was long before the Holy Spirit came to permanently indwell the lives of Christ-followers after the death and resurrection of Jesus in New Testament times, but He was still very active. Fortunately, He doesn’t just come and go in our lives, but is with us always. He is our seal and guarantee of eternal life with God (John 14:16). I highly encourage you to read “What is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?” linked in the Further Resources below. Ponder both what it means to be indwelled by the Holy Spirit today and the benefits He brings us! Where do you see His activity in your life? What would it look like for you to more closely follow His lead today?
Weekly Reading:
1 Samuel 1-21 Samuel 3, 81 Samuel 9-101 Samuel 13-141 Samuel 15-16
Memory Verses: 1 Samuel 15:22 and 1 Samuel 16:7Further Resources:Bible Project: Book of 1 Samuel Overview Video (7 minutes. Excellent text notes included too)https://bibleproject.com/guides/books-of-samuel/3 Things You Should Know About 1 & 2 Samuelhttps://learn.ligonier.org/articles/3-things-samuelSamuel: Faithful Prophet and Honest Judge (a brief character study of the prophet Samuel and some highly practical and convicting lessons to learn from him)https://www.insightforliving.ca/read/articles/samuel-faithful-prophet-and-honest-judge“What is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?”https://www.gotquestions.org/indwelling-of-the-Holy-Spirit.html

Our timeframe this week begins with young David’s killing of the giant Goliath and concludes with the death of King Saul, Israel’s first King. The prophet Samuel had already anointed David as the next king, but David’s road to kingship was not an easy one. While he started out favored by King Saul, that changed quickly when the people sang David’s praises and attributed more victories to him than they did to Saul. As one who had already shown signs of insecurity when he hid at his coronation 1 Samuel 10:20-22), Saul felt threatened by David’s popularity. Our passages this week are a case study of understanding who you are in Christ and of the ugliness of sin and its progression.

Saul’s  jealousy led to a dangerous progression of sin including fear, isolation, and irrational bouts of anger to the point of actually seeking to kill David. James captures sin’s cycle in James 1:13-1 (ESV), “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’  for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”However, carrying out sinful desires is not inevitable. We do have a way of escape, as is evidenced when Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you... But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." He goes on in Romans 6:12 to emphasize our personal choice by admonishing, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.”

As you read of Saul’s decline, ask God where you are vulnerable to sin. Do you have insecurities that make you vulnerable to sin’s temptations? Are they impacting how you see others and your relationships? To your willingness to encourage, celebrate, or even advocate for others? In what ways might they be causing you to fear, hide, or seek harm?
Let’s learn from Saul this week and deal with our vulnerabilities and tendency to sin before our sin has devastating results.

Weekly Reading:

1 Samuel 17-18

1 Samuel 19-20

1 Samuel 21-22

Psalm 22; 1 Samuel 24-25:1

1 Samuel 28; 31

Memory Verses:

1 Samuel 17:46-47 and 2 Timothy 4:17a

Further Resources:

Bible Project: Book of 1 Samuel Overview Video (7 minutes. Excellent text notes included too)https://bibleproject.com/guides/books-of-samuel/

“Know Your Identity in Christ: Bible Verses to Memorize” (Excellent listing of who Scripture says we are in Him)
https://www.navigators.org/resource/know-your-identity-in-christ-bible-verses-to-memorize/

“Become Who You Already Are: Realizing Our Identity in Christ”
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/become-who-you-already-are

“7 Scriptures to Stop the Spiral of Sin”
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/scriptures-to-stop-the-spiral-of-sin.html

Welcom to Week 17 of the Foundations F60 Bible Reading Plan!

David finally becomes king in this week’s reading, leaving us a plethora of God-honoring examples to follow and life-ending ones to avoid. David honors God’s anointed King Saul (2 Samuel 1:14-27), honors those who honored King Saul by burying him (2 Samuel 2:4-7), and honors Saul's son, Jonathan, (who was also David’s friend) by showing kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1). David faithfully seeks God’s counsel and follows it (2 Samuel 2:1-2, 19; 5:20-25). He beautifully extols God’s virtues and active leading, while thoroughly expressing his gratitude to God in Psalms 18 and 23, as well as in 2 Samuel 7:18-29. And like our worship leader, Eric Wall, captured in his original song “How David Danced,” David danced in celebration of God’s presence when bringing the ark to his city.

How could a man so ready to sing of God’s favor, goodness, presence, and protection, choose to commit sin so blatantly against God’s clearly expressed commands and holiness? Regardless of the sin of surrounding cultures, David would have known of God’s previous commands for kings not to acquire many wives for themselves (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). And yet, he chose to have multiple concubines and wives (2 Samuel 5:13), going so far as to forcibly take another man’s wife, impregnate her and have her husband killed (2 Samuel 11). It should be impossible for us to read this week and not see how vulnerable we are to likewise make allowances in our lives - to sing God’s praises with our mouths while choosing to still disobey Him.

While there is much to learn from David’s oh-so-human examples, let us not forget that the Bible is really a book about God. As we read each day this week, let’s look for evidence of God’s character and faithfulness to it, regardless of David’s circumstances. Ponder where and how you see God’s presence, activity, and character in your life and in the world around you. Thank Him for times He heard your cries and restored your soul. Seek His counsel and thank Him for how He has led, rescued, and shown you mercy. And may we continue to ask God to reveal our sinful choices, so that we may quickly turn from them and honor the great God that He was and is and ever more will be.

Weekly Reading:

2 Samuel 1; 2:1-7

2 Samuel 3:1; 2 Samuel 5; Psalm 23

2 Samuel 6-7

Psalm 18; 2 Samuel 9

2 Samuel 11-12

Memory Verses: Psalm 23:1-3; 51:10-13

Further Resources:

Bible Project Video Overview of 2 Samuel

https://bibleproject.com/videos/2-samuel/

“How David Danced”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRyO91DZ_7E&list=OLAK5uy_lhVBCjq4TwDS2i1Y_4-7Lsvhj1xVjzsdw&index=14

What does it mean to praise God?

praise-God.html

30 Prayers of Praise to Godhttps://www.navigators.org/resource/30-prayers-of-praise-to-god/

Welcome to a week filled with reading from one of the most poignant books of the Bible - Psalms! Although we will wrap up our reading in 2 Samuel, we will also read many of the psalms coinciding with this time period and its circumstances, as all but two are expressly attributed to King David. The Book of Psalms is unlike any other book of the Bible. As such, it should be read and understood differently. If you haven’t already begun your Bible reading for the week, I would most strongly urge you to first watch two short and animated Bible Project videos of Psalms (https://bibleproject.com/videos/book-of-psalms/ and https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-psalms/). Although they are both done by The Bible Project, they highlight different things about the book and are fascinating! Unless you have deeply studied the Book of Psalms and outside resources pertaining to it, you are almost assured to learn something new that will give you a much deeper appreciation for this book that manages to tell the story of the entire Bible.

The Psalms are a prayer book. As such, they do a tender job of teaching and showing us how to communicate with God. This is an intimate book, filled with raw emotion and struggles, agonizing lament and bouts of effusive praise for God’s character and activity, as well as for the unparalleled gift of His written Word. This week we will read of deep confession, genuine gratitude and praise, a challenge for personal holiness, examples of how to focus on God’s character, and a conclusion of what is essentially a love letter to the life-altering benefits of God’s Word. Oh, that we would be inspired to speak this intimately with God!

Weekly Reading:
Psalm 51
2 Samuel 24 and Psalm 24
Psalms 1 and 19
Psalm 103 and 119:1-48
Psalm 119:49-128

Memory Verses: Psalm 1:1-7 and Psalm 119:7-11

Further Resources:
Bible Project Video Overview of Book of Psalms
https://bibleproject.com/videos/book-of-psalms/

and 

https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-psalms/)

BOOKS
Psalms: A Prayer Book of the Bible, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
https://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Prayer-Bible-Dietrich-Bonhoeffer/dp/1506480195/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_1_1/131-9597311-2091039?pd_rd_w=U59xX&content-id=amzn1.sym.aa738fbd-ad05-4d11-aae2-04b598db6305&pf_rd_p=aa738fbd-ad05-4d11-aae2-04b598db6305&pf_rd_r=WF10CVC3DQ6QM4HRNQ27&pd_rd_wg=KGRPd&pd_rd_r=8700e2b3-66d4-4025-a393-13ad657b979b&pd_rd_i=1506480195&psc=1

The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, by Timothy and Kathy Keller
​​https://www.amazon.com/Songs-Jesus-Daily-Devotions-Psalms/dp/0525955143/ref=sr_1_17?crid=S441F3HAN68Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bzoTOkpwPnA0r-Ya-j0hFwtn8-8FinRKtas81PL_KmvM17VuaCFqrbryt5wncEuQmnXpc0DJeJNKAKvce5puOVu4c3bJj7dQfbUz1Zr9n7xi68Ma3DDBPiUNJBLXyB_dNsX9pUcFxtemih7fejwjJ903FTvfJgWkgcG7jNhmCUlQAFkdrR4T7r6M3GPJVIL4GuncvoQquf_EG_fQ0RpOqyWXhdLFI5O_HN4zsPvmMOo_nFXyFppT4M0RVyuGeSVFp6i0zUvb9iL6b2sM1hC_mED-mU614cnpKh9rfjoD0c0.-I1nswW6l-O5GVHTYBijywkpu-lR_z57V33nmrevk9w&dib_tag=se&keywords=psalms&qid=1777666087&sprefix=psalms%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-17

C.S. Lewis on Gratitude: A Morning Prayer to Thank Jesus and Start Your Day in Faith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvukJP5o3rc

WORSHIP SONGS
Psalm 51 (Wisdom in the Secret Heart) by Shane & Shane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1Gc3H_aq6g&list=RDV1Gc3H_aq6g&start_radio=1

God of Jacob (Psalm 24) by The Worship Initiative
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPxwG6HAPW8

I Delight in You (Psalm 1) by Shane & Shane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o6dz9wTi9Q

Thy Word - Psalm 119, by Ellie Holcomb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmFzKYa6EHU

ALBUMS
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, by Shane & Shane (Album)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095M7HQFW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=823J2RY99NJW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.884ISfQDwbHic8enfrsOQObTZYTod4OMROuO6ZYuAufC6w4ag4QM5v4g_DP-YogKaQf0T655w3TFyPG59KTCGXs_oNzqEVgR9vvIwToRDGwpDPU62H6GT8FLn7tJQn2QZ-qI4EV2b-gVc17dY0Ts5EImIMKwL1HZXnPSJSLVH9_fqnBE4xj7rjJSS5ooOZVzR8nNaOQtqVNLudCsbmF7vhtqYbmZ0LSHGTiC4hEGLCY.KhsYtZxLZvrxF0afP_VpdtCPzeEkWsqiYf-kwthhI0s&dib_tag=se&keywords=psalms+shane+and+shane&qid=1777665802&sprefix=psalms+shane+and+shane%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-4

 Psalms, Vol. 2, by Shane & Shane (Album)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016R8O2HK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=823J2RY99NJW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.884ISfQDwbHic8enfrsOQObTZYTod4OMROuO6ZYuAufC6w4ag4QM5v4g_DP-YogKaQf0T655w3TFyPG59KTCGXs_oNzqEVgR9vvIwToRDGwpDPU62H6GT8FLn7tJQn2QZ-qI4EV2b-gVc17dY0Ts5EImIMKwL1HZXnPSJSLVH9_fqnBE4xj7rjJSS5ooOZVzR8nNaOQtqVNLudCsbmF7vhtqYbmZ0LSHGTiC4hEGLCY.KhsYtZxLZvrxF0afP_VpdtCPzeEkWsqiYf-kwthhI0s&dib_tag=se&keywords=psalms+shane+and+shane&qid=1777665802&sprefix=psalms+shane+and+shane%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-2

description

We begin our week completing the reading of Psalm 119, a psalm that highlights the great gift that God’s written Word is and exemplifies the psalmist’s devotion to it. Next is Psalm 139 - a personal favorite of many, for its reminder of God’s active omnipotence (power) and omnipresence (presence). Read it slowly and focus on who it reveals God to be and on each of the action verbs describing His activity in our lives (God searches, knows, understands, scrutinizes, encloses, leads, etc). 

The remainder of our week will be spent reading the first chapters of 1 Kings. Originally written in Hebrew, 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were one book, while 1 Kings and 2 Kings together were a second book. Combined, they told a history of the rise and fall of the kings and kingdom of Israel. When Greek became the dominant language, Scripture was translated into Greek. Scroll size led to this history being separated into 4 books about the kingdom - a separation continued to this day. This week, we will see the transfer of the monarchy from King David to his son Solomon. It will initially be a messy transition and we will finish the week by seeing sad signs of Solomon’s decline, but in between we will read of the opulence and detail of the building of the spectacular Temple. Don’t run past the details for they point back to the beauty and abundance of Eden and remind us that the forever kingdom ahead of us will be spectacular!

Weekly Reading:

Psalms 119:129-176; 139

Psalms 148-150  

1 Kings 2

1 Kings 3; 6

1 Kings 8; 9:1-9

Memory Verses: Psalm 139:1-3; Psalm 139:15-16 

Further Resources:

Bible Project Video Overview of the Book of 1 Kings

https://bibleproject.com/guides/books-of-kings/

Trading Self-Focus for Self-Forgetfulness and Awe, by jen Wilkin (seeing Psalm 139 about God)

https://www.jenwilkin.net/blog/2016/07/trading-self-focus-for-self.html

Psalm 139 Commentary: God’s Pervasive Presence, Intimate Knowledge, and Faithful Comfort, by Jeremy Bouma (Zondervan Academic)

https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/psalm-139-commentary-gods-presence-knowledge-comfort

CH Spurgeon Psalm 139 (this is a quite beautiful but full verse-by-verse commentary on Psalm 139)

https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/spurgeon_charles/tod/ps139.cfm

Our Thoughts About God’s Thoughts, by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/our-thoughts-about-gods-thoughts/#flipbook/

1 Kings 6-8| Solomon Builds the Temple, by The Spoken Gospel (both in a short video and written form, a nice devotion overviewing the significance of the Temple)

https://www.spokengospel.com/devotionals/1-kings-6-8#video

King Solomon became known for many things, including his political prowess, widespread fame, and massive wealth. 1 Kings 4 says Solomon “was wiser than all other men” and that “He also spoke 3,000 proverbs” (1 Kings 4:31-32). A proverb is a short saying about a principle that is most often true. They have the lilt of poetry, while offering practical wisdom and advice. Biblical proverbs offer more than knowledge to attain - they offer wisdom, which requires putting knowledge to practical use in how we think and act. 

Before we resume reading the history of Solomon and the kingdom of Israel, we will begin this week by reading part of Solomon’s wise sayings in the biblical book of Proverbs. While Proverbs may seem like a collection of random sayings, biblical scholars see much more. Please do listen to and read the Further Resources listed below to hear their wisdom on this book that is referred to as wisdom literature. In the Session 2 video of the Bible Study The Way of Wisdom: A Study of the Book of Proverbs, Jen Wilkin likens a look at the book of Proverbs to putting together a puzzle without a picture of what it is supposed to look like. She explains by saying chapters 1-9 (the prologue or introduction) and chapter 31 (the epilogue or conclusion) are like the corner and edge pieces that frame what is in the middle. The middle pieces (chapters 10-30) contain the wisdom sayings. Just as you would sort the middle pieces of a puzzle into piles according to their colors and patterns, Jen says that understanding what to do with Chapters 10-30 involves putting together verses with similar themes from all those chapters (verses on our words, relationships, homelife, work, wealth, leadership, and heart). As such, it’s not until you see the whole picture come together that you can fully appreciate it. Jen sees the final chapter as not just a picture of a virtuous woman or good wife, but as an example of a life exemplifying the elements within the previous chapters - as an example of what it looks like to practically live out the wisdom of Proverbs and honor God greatly. 

Unfortunately, our final reading of the week in 1 Kings 11-12, will remind us that we are all susceptible to knowing what to do, but of not doing it. Of having biblical knowledge, but still choosing not to use wisdom and practically apply our knowledge to how we live. Solomon knew God’s laws for kings, but he disobeyed and the results were catastrophic to not only his family, but for all of Israel. Yes, let’s learn God’s ways and commands. But more importantly, let’s faithfully and practically apply God’s ways to how we believe and behave. Let’s be truly wise.

Weekly Reading:

Proverbs 1-2

Proverbs 3-4

Proverbs 16-18

Proverbs 31

1 Kings 11-12

Memory Verses: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 3:5-6 139:15-16 

Further Resources:

Bible Project Video Overview of the Book of Proverbs

https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-proverbs/

Summary of the Book of Proverbs

https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Proverbs.html

What Does It Mean That Pride Goes Before A Fall? (Proverbs 1618)

https://www.gotquestions.org/pride-goes-before-a-fall.html

How the Wise Man Fell

https://todayschristianliving.org/how-the-wise-man-fell/ description

This week we enter the point in Israel’s history where coups and kings behaving badly have resulted in the kingdom of David being divided. Ten of Israel's twelve tribes form the Northern Kingdom after it is taken from Solomon’s son. The other two  tribes (Judah and Benjamin) unite, with the tribe of Benjamin becoming part of Judah and making up the Southern Kingdom, which includes Jerusalem and the temple. As you read, remember that Judah carries the royal line of David that God promised the Messiah would be born into. 

Our reading will compare kings from both kingdoms with the Northern Kingdom seeming a bit more chaotic with lots of turnovers in their kings and all their kings declared as evil. After a brief summary of these renegade kingdoms, you will see a note saying the rest of that king's acts are “written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.” That refers not to the Bible’s books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, but to a more extensive ancient historic record that one of the Further Resources below explains. The Southern Kingdom kings will be compared to King David and two of them are credited with being true to following God - Asa and his son Jehoshaphat.

God will continually send prophets to warn and speak to the kings. We’ll read of two of the most prominent prophets of the Northern Kingdom this week - Elijah and his disciple Elisha. A close look at Elijah highlights that even those used greatly by God can still experience great discouragement to the point of depression and loneliness. It also shows the creative means God may use to care for those true to Him as we see Him care for Elijah through ravens, a very poor widow, and even an angel. Don’t miss the link below from gotquestions.org on Who was Elijah in the Bible? Not only does it give a nice character study of Elijah, but strongly speaks of the importance of staying attentive to God for the encouragement we need to follow and represent Him well.

What would being more attentive to God look like for you this week?

Weekly Reading:

1 Kings 16:29-17:24

1 Kings 18-19

1 Kings 21-22

2 Kings 2

2 Kings 5, 6:1-23

Memory Verses: Psalm 17:15; Psalm 65:1

Further Resources:

Bible Project Video Overview of the Books of Kings

https://bibleproject.com/guides/books-of-kings/

Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel

https://biblehub.com/topical/b/book_of_the_chronicles_of_the_kings_of_israel.htm

Who was Elijah in the Bible? (excellent overview)

https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Elijah.html description

Welcome to Week 22 of the Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan!

If you have looked ahead in our reading plan, you may wonder why we are skipping past multiple books and won’t resume our reading in 2 Kings for two weeks. There is a very good reason…

The printed Bibles we most often use today are composed of 66 books that were not written in the order they appear. Rather, the books are gathered by genres (themes) as books are in a bookstore or library. Whereas books in those places are shelved by genres like Mystery, Cookbooks, and Philosophy, the Bible has been sorted into categories such as Law, History, Wisdom, Prophets, Gospels and Acts, and Letters. We have been reading in the history section about the first kings of the Northern (Israel) and Southern (Judah) Kingdoms. As our Foundations F260 Bible Reading Plan follows a more chronological order of how things happened, we will take a brief diversion to read writings from prophets whom God used to warn and guide those kings and their people.

The four prophets we will read from this week (Jonah, Hosea, Amos and Joel) are part of a group referred to as Minor Prophets, or as The Twelve. They are considered minor because their books are much shorter than those  who are considered to be the Major Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. These prophetic books of the Bible are rich with history, prophecy, and conviction for modern day behavior. However, unless you are a real student of this period of biblical history, prophetic books can be especially confusing. Please take advantage of using the Further Resources below, as you will find links to some very valuable context.

In general, the Minor Prophets speak out against sin, promote faithfulness to God, and speak of His future restoration and rule. Regarding the writings we will read from this week, these four men prophesied just before Assyria overtook the Northern Kingdom (referred to at that time as Israel) and sent them into exile. While most of the written prophets we will read from over the next several weeks spoke to the Southern Kingdom (also referred to as Judah), such was not the case with three of those we will read from this week. This makes sense as we know the Northern Kingdom would be conquered well before the Southern Kingdom. God sent Jonah to speak to gentiles in Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria )this was an outlier that was not part of the Northern or Southern Kingdom and is now part of modern-day northern Iraq). The Assyrians were already tyrants known for their brutally aggressive empire and would eventually overtake Israel. Jonah’s book is unique in a vast myriad of ways, besides the fact that he gets swallowed by a fish…and lives! Unlike all other prophetic books in the Bible, Jonah is more about the prophet’s behavior than his prophecies, and highlights a renegade prophet running from God. The book’s focus is on God’s compassion and right to choose how He expresses it. It encourages us not to  judge God for how He reveals His compassion, but to reconsider our own compassion and trust His goodness.

Hosea speaks to the Northern Kingdom of Israel about spiritual idolatry and God uniquely uses Hosea’s marriage as the context. (Fun fact: This book so compelled author Francine Rivers that she based her widely successful Redeeming Love on it.) The prophet Amos also prophesied to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, but his focus was against oppression and injustice. Joel spoke to those in the Southern Kingdom of Judah about the need for general repentance and change, as well as against invaders. 

Each of these four minor prophets, with the exception of Jonah, also spoke of eventual restoration, something that would be important for the original audience to remember when their homeland would be destroyed by Assyria, then Babylon and Persia. God's promised restoration is important for us to remember as well. We too have better days ahead for us when we will live with God in His New Heaven.

 Enjoy your time in God’s Word this week and ponder how God might want you to respond to these carefully chosen prophets. What national sins might God warn us of today? What sin might you personally need to turn from? Where do you see God’s compassion and who can you express His compassion to  this week? What changes can you make to more faithfully follow God? 

Weekly Reading:

Jonah 1-2

Jonah 3-4

Hosea 1-3

Amos 1:1; Amos 9

Joel 1-3

Memory Verses: Psalm 16:11 and John 11:35-36

Further Resources:

Who were the minor prophets? (very brief overview on each of the 12)

https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/minor-prophets

Introduction to the Minor Prophets (More comprehensive look at each of the 12 Minor Prophets and how they overlap chronologically))

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/minor-prophets/

Bible Project Video Overview of Jonah

https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-jonah/

Bible Project Video Overview of Hosea

https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-hosea/

Bible Project Video Overview of Amos

https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-amos/

Bible Project Video Overview of Joel

https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-joel/

What is the chronological order of the 66 books of the Bible?

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-the-chronological-order-of-the-66-books-of-the-bible.html

When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? https://www.gotquestions.org/Israel-conquered-by-Assyria.html

Chart of Old Testament Prophets and Kings (this chart helps you visually see when the prophets were prophesying, as well as to whom and why)https://bible805.com/chart-of-old-testament-prophets-and-kings-where-they-fit-in-history/

We will read from two exciting prophets this week: Isaiah and Micah. Both of these men prophesied around the same time as the four prophets we read from last week, but they prophesied after them as well. What that means is they continued to speak  to kings and people of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) after Assyria’s brutal empire had conquered the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and when they then came after Judah. They had seen the kind of destruction they were prophesying about and were considered instrumental in guiding Judah’s King Hezekiah during Assyria's attack. They also prophesied of the upcoming Babylonian invasion which would eventually end the era of Israeli kings and send Judah into exile. 

Isaiah is considered one of the Bible’s most influential figures. He is considered a Major Prophet not due to his lengthier time of prophesying, but due to the length of his biblical writing. From Judah’s capital city of Jerusalem, he spoke to kings and about big political matters. His book of the Bible contains more prophecy about Jesus than any other in the Old Testament and the chapters we will read are overflowing with supernatural foretelling. 

Micah was a Minor Prophet from the more rural area of Judah and spoke against corrupt leaders and advocated justice for the poor and oppressed. He also spoke clearly about Jesus’ coming, even foretelling that Bethlehem would be the place of His birth. Both spoke of God retaining a remnant of believers, of Israel’s future restoration and the coming Messiah from the lineage of David that would be a blessing to the nations. Their messages call us to holy living that honors God and practically cares for others. They remind us that no matter how messy this world gets politically, ethically, morally and otherwise, hope is always ahead for those putting their full trust in God. We are His, He is coming again, and Heaven will be ours!

Weekly Reading:

Isaiah 6, 9

Isaiah 44-45

Isaiah 52-53

Isaiah 65-66

Micah 1, 4:6-13, 5

Memory Verses: Romans 4:20-22 and Hebrews 11:17-19

Further Resources:

What are the Major Prophets and Minor Prophets? (Very short, but a good overview of these important but less talked about books of Scripture. There is a text and an audio option.)
https://www.gotquestions.org/major-minor-prophets.html

Bible Project Video Overview of Isaiah
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-isaiah/ (Chapters 1-39)
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-isaiah/ (Chapters 40-66_

Isaiah: The Grandaddy of the Major Prophets

https://www.apologia.com/blog/isaiah-the-granddaddy-of-the-major-prophets/?srsltid=AfmBOoprITlYdX7vNUe-Dz8d7Ol0OiRsrCzVDVCSmt_Wm1Uml-FF2BmlIsai

Isaiah chapter 6: Isaiah's vision of God’s holy throne  (This is so good! ) https://biblestudytoolbox.com/bible-outlines/chapter/isaiah-chapter-6/

Bible Project Video Overview of Micah (6.39 minutes)
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-micah/

Welcome back to the book of 2 Kings and the writings of another major prophet who wrote during that time - Jeremiah. This week’s passages bring us to another turning point in biblical history. To this point, we’ve read of Creation, the Flood, and God’s promise to Abraham of a Promised Land, countless ancestors and that the whole world would be blessed through his descendants (foreshadowing Jesus). A big famine led Abraham’s ancestors (Jacob and his sons which would become the 12 tribes of Israel) to Egypt where they became so numerous that a bad Pharoah enslaved them for hundreds of years. Enter Moses, who freed the Israelites and took them to the Promised Land. Israel rejected God as their King and wanted a human king like the surrounding nations, so God gave them Saul and then David whose grandson’s great disobedience led to the kingdom dividing into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. Assyria conquered the North and at the end of this week we will read of Babylon beginning to conquer the Southern Kingdom (Judah), which will eventually result in the Jewish people being sent into exile for 70 years.  

Jeremiah was unique as a prophet for several reasons. He prophesied about the exile before it happened and continued to prophesy during it. He was known as the weeping prophet due to the tremendous grief he expressed over the people’s idolatry toward God. He was also persecuted, imprisoned, and violently rejected for his prophecies. His writings remind us that God is so sovereign that He can use bad people to do His bidding, as He used Babylon and surrounding nations to fulfill His punishment for Israel. Jeremiah also reminds us that God is full of mercy and true to His promises, no matter how grim things may temporarily seem. While it’s sometimes easier to see God’s hand when looking back on your life, can you see God’s faithfulness in the midst of your current circumstances? What encouragement can you take from this week’s reading?

Weekly Reading:

2 Kings 17-18

2 Kings 19-21

2 Kings 22-23

Jeremiah 1-3:5

Jeremiah 25, 29

Memory Verses: Proverbs 29:18 and Jeremiah 1:15

Further Resources:

Bible Project Video Overview of Jeremiah https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-jeremiah/

Who were the major prophets and what did they do

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/who-were-the-major-prophets-and-what-did-they-do.htmlo

What was the Babylonian captivity/exile?

https://www.gotquestions.org/Babylonian-captivity-exile.html

What is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? 

https://www.gotquestions.org/Babylonian-empire.html

Who were the Chaldeans in the Bible?

https://www.gotquestions.org/Chaldeans.html

After the prophet Jeremiah agonized over the sin of God’s people and predicted His judgement in the form of exile, our reading ended last week with the first wave of Babylon exiling Judah’s king and many of its elite. Interestingly, in the midst of Babylon’s multi-year siege, Jeremiah’s prophecies turn to those of hope in Jeremiah 30-33. He assured the Jewish people that God would restore Israel, write His laws upon their hearts, and continue the promised Davidic line to bring the Messiah. They would need to hold onto this promised hope as the book of Jeremiah ends with the complete destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, as well as with thousands of Judah’s Jews sent into exile for decades. 

The prophets Ezekiel and Daniel were taken captive with Judah’s elite during Babylon's first attack on Judah, which is why we will also read this week from the books of the Bible bearing their names. They begin by capturing the timeframe at the beginning of Judah’s exile. The books of Ezekiel and Daniel are wildly abundant with visions, parables and allegories. While this week’s reading in Daniel will be limited to narrative, next week’s reading will be more symbolic, filled with apocalyptic (end of the world) visions and prophecies. 

Over the full span of the Bible, God will use many different types of literary genres to reveal Himself and His ways. Interpreting the symbolic and prophetic can be more challenging. Please take a few minutes to watch and read through what is linked in the Further Resources section below to help you make sense of these important books. And, as you read, look for any insight you can find on how to best live your life on earth, a place where the Bible also considers us as strangers, foreigners and exiles (1 Chronicles 29:15; Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11). The Faithfulness in Exile link below has some great suggestions. What should your focus be? Where should your hope come from? What daily choices can you make to help you keep your focus on the God who will one day welcome you home?

Weekly Reading:

Jeremiah 31:31-40 and chapters 32-33

Jeremiah 52; 1 Kings 24-25

Ezekiel 1:1-3; 36:16-38; 37

Daniel 1-2

Daniel 3-4

Memory Verses: Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Daniel 4:35

Further Resources:

Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Daniel (Nice short piece on how these men overlapped in history)
https://brothersofthebook.com/2017/08/29/ezekiel-jeremiah-and-daniel/

Jeremiah 31 refers to Ephram… Who was Ephraim in Jeremiah 31?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Ephraim-in-the-Bible.html

Bible Project Video Overview of Ezekiel (7.24 minutes)
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-ezekiel/

Bible Project Video Overview of Daniel
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-daniel/

Faithfulness in Exile 
https://biblehub.com/topical/f/faithfulness_in_exile.htm

Foundations F260 Week 26

Wild visions and prophesies fulfilled come alive in our Week 26 reading! Although we read of King Nebuchadnezzar finally humbling himself before God in last week’s reading of Daniel 4, the following chapter introduces us to his successor’s pride which brought the next movement in the history of Judah’s exile - the shift from Babylon’s rule to that of the Medes and Persians. Daniel continued to be put in a position of great authority under the new regime, but stayed true to the Mount Sinai covenant and prayed only to God. This sent him to the lion’s den where God rescued him (Daniel 6) as dramatically as He did when Daniel was thrown into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Daniel’s faithfulness throughout exile and trust in God for His promised future is ripe with examples for us to follow as we await our final home with God.

Daniel 7-12 moves from focusing on Daniel and his friends to focusing on his visions for the future. When I say “future,” I mean their immediate future, a distant future, AND the future that still awaits us! Take heart that Daniel, the one who had previously interpreted dreams for others, was himself very confused by these visions. The symbolizing for future reigning governments is quite fascinating and verifiable as we now look backwards into history. The Further Resources links below will highlight this.

The book of Daniel is often referenced in the New Testament by Jesus, as well as by the writers of the gospels and Revelation. The book of Ezra begins with the King of Persia finally allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalemt to rebuild their temple. All of what we will read this week will continue to march us closer to not just God’s restoration of Israel, but to His kingdom coming to earth through preserving the line of David through Jesus and to His kingdom fully reigning when He comes back for us and permanently establishes His kingdom here forever. Wherever you are in life, remember that it is in the midst of God’s greater story. He is present with you, He is for His people, He is preparing a place for us, and we are to live according to His great purposes (Remember and Rehearse: An Invitation to Participate in God’s Story, J.T. English). Let’s hold onto who He is and what He has promised!

Weekly Reading:

Daniel 5-6

Daniel 9-10, 12

Ezra 1-2

Ezra 3-4

Ezra 5-6

Memory Verses: Daniel 6:25-27 and Daniel 9:19

Further Resources:

Bible Project Overview of Daniel
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-daniel/

What are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7?
https://www.gotquestions.org/Daniel-four-beasts.html

Daniel’s Vision of the Son of Man (for a deeper dive into Daniels ch 7-12 visions)
https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/coming-son-man-unfolding-biblical-eschatology

Bible Project Overview of Ezra-Nehemiah
https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-ezra-nehemiah/