The Parables Of Jesus: Bible Reading Plan
December 10, 2024
Daily Devotional: Finding Rest in God
December 10, 2024
The Old Testament is rich with stories of God’s faithfulness, the history of His people, and prophetic messages pointing to the coming of Christ. It provides the foundation for understanding God’s character, His covenant promises, and His redemptive plan for humanity.
This Old Testament in a Year Plan guides you through the 39 books of the Old Testament in manageable daily readings. By dedicating a year to this study, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for God’s Word and its relevance to your life today.
Why Read the Old Testament?
See the Bigger Picture: Understanding the Old Testament helps us see God’s overarching plan for redemption and restoration.
Discover the Roots of Your Faith: The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the New Testament and Jesus’ mission.
Experience God’s Story: From creation to the exodus to the promise of a Savior, the Old Testament is filled with incredible accounts of God’s work in history.
Learn Life Lessons: The Old Testament offers wisdom, warnings, and examples of faithfulness and perseverance.
How the Plan Works
This plan includes daily readings spread across the year. Each day features about 3-4 chapters, allowing for a steady yet achievable pace. The books are organized roughly in the order they appear in the Bible, although some adjustments are made to group related sections for better understanding.
Old Testament in a Year Plan
Month 1: Beginnings
| Book | Chapter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis | 1–50 | Creation, Patriarchs, and God’s covenant with Abraham |
| Job | 1–42 | A deep dive into suffering and faith, traditionally set in the patriarchal era |
2-3 Months: Exodus and the Law
| Book | Chapter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus | 1–40 | The story of Israel’s deliverance and the giving of the Law |
| Leviticus | 1–27 | Guidelines for worship and holiness |
| Numbers | 1–36 | Israel’s wilderness journey |
| Deuteronomy | 1–34 | Moses’ farewell address and restating of the Law |
4-5 Months: Entering the Promised Land
| Book | Chapter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua | 1–24 | Conquest and settlement of Canaan |
| Judges | 1–21 | Cycles of rebellion and deliverance |
| Ruth | 1–4 | A story of loyalty and God’s providence |
6-7 Months: Kings and Prophets
| Book | Chapter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Samuel | 1–31 | The rise of kingship in Israel |
| 2 Samuel | 1–24 | The reign of King David |
| 1 Kings | 1–22 | The division of the kingdom |
| 2 Kings | 1–25 | The history of Israel and Judah |
Months 8–9: Wisdom Literature
| Book | Chapter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Psalms | 1–150 | A collection of prayers, hymns, and praises |
| Proverbs | 1–31 | Wisdom for daily living |
| Ecclesiastes | 1–12 | Reflections on life’s purpose |
| Song of Solomon | 1–8 | A poetic celebration of love |
Month 10: Prophets of Judgment and Hope
| Book | Chapter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah | 1–66 | Prophecies of judgment and the promise of a Savior |
| Jeremiah | 1–52 | Warnings to Judah before exile |
| Lamentations | 1–5 | Reflections on the fall of Jerusalem |
| Ezekiel | 1–48 | Visions of restoration |
Months 11–12: Minor Prophets and Restoration
| Book | Chapter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel | 1–12 | God’s sovereignty and deliverance |
| Hosea | 1–14 | God’s love for unfaithful Israel |
| Joel, Amos, | God’s messages through the Minor Prophets | |
| Obadiah, Jonah, | ||
| Micah, Nahum, | ||
| Habakkuk, | ||
| Zephaniah, Haggai, | ||
| Zechariah, Malachi |
Tips for Staying on Track
- Set a Time: Set aside a specific time each day for your Bible reading, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. Consistency is key to finishing the Bible in a year.
- Take Notes: Keep a journal or notebook for your thoughts, questions, and any insights you receive during your reading.
- Join Our Community: Consider joining our community or a Bible reading group or accountability partner to encourage each other as you read through the Bible together.
- Don’t Get Discouraged: If you miss a day or get behind, don’t be discouraged! Simply pick up where you left off and keep going.
Benefits of This Old Testament Study Plan
Encourages Growth: As you progress through the plan, you’ll see how God’s Word speaks to every area of life, fostering spiritual growth and personal transformation.
Deepens Spiritual Understanding: By focusing on specific themes, you gain a deeper, more holistic understanding of what the Bible teaches about key aspects of life.
Practical Wisdom: This plan will provide you with practical wisdom that you can apply to your relationships, work, finances, and overall approach to life.
Strengthens Your Faith: Themes such as grace, love, and forgiveness can deepen your trust in God and help you live out your faith more intentionally.
Conclusion
Reading the Old Testament in a year is a rewarding way to explore God’s Word and deepen your faith. This plan offers a structured path through the stories, laws, prophecies, and poetry that reveal God’s character and His desire for a relationship with His people.
Start this journey today and see how the Old Testament transforms your understanding of God and His incredible plan for salvation!
