Bible Reading Plan

Author: Hannah Thacher

  • Philippians 1

    Philippians 1

    Read Philippians 1

    1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

    To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

    2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Thanksgiving and Prayer

    3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

    7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

    9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

    Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

    12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

    15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

    Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

    Life Worthy of the Gospel

    27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

    Go Deeper

    Philippians is known as the happiest book in the Bible because Paul writes with a tremendous amount of joy. In this book he’s just so overtly excited and optimistic about life. In this first chapter we read that he says, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” (v. 4). Clearly, Paul has such a depth of friendship with the Philippians that it gives him genuine joy. And we also read him say, “I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (v. 25). So not only does he enjoy his relationship with his friends, but he wants them to enjoy their relationship with God, just as Paul does.  

    We can learn a lot here from Paul’s joy. He’s found joy in his relationship with God, and he’s found joy in his relationship with other believers. What’s evident is that he doesn’t find his joy from his circumstances. As Paul is writing this he is chained up in prison in Rome. He has every reason to complain and be discouraged. Surely God has forsaken him and his friends have forgotten him! But rather than letting his situation determine his belief, his belief trumped his situation. He knew that God was God over the perceived “good times” and the perceived “bad times.” Paul knew that God would work through it all. So whether he was in chains or not, whether he was alive or not, he was convinced that God would work it together for his good.

    As we read Philippians, we need to ask ourselves where we find our joy. Would we be able to have joy if we were in prison – apart from comfort, coffee, and our cell phone? Would we be able to rejoice in our Savior even when our situation feels bleak? Our joy shows us that which we rely upon. As Christians we can have joy in every season because we know the One we trust in is good. He’s with us, for us, and working all things for our good. And if that’s true, we can rejoice in the Lord whether we’re dead or alive, in chains or free. 

    Questions

    1. How do circumstances tend to affect your joy?
    2. Why do you think Paul is relatively unaffected by his situation?
    3. When have you seen God work in your life through a difficult situation?

    Did You Know?

    Notice Paul’s description of the gospel advancing in verse 12. The gospel doesn’t merely spread like other information. It advances and moves forward, building upon itself and then spreading throughout the world (all the way to Rome, the capital of the Empire).

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  • Philippians Preview

    Philippians Preview

    Getting Started

    Welcome to the Bible Reading Plan! We are so glad you are joining us for this quick journey as we read and study Paul’s letter to the Philippians this week. Each day, you will read one chapter of the Bible followed by a short devotional, answer a few questions, and if you want, record any observations or insights using the interactive comments section. We believe God will use this resource to grow our knowledge and affection for Him. We know God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Sign up with a friend, your Life Group, or your family, and let’s dig in!

    Make sure to download our Harris Creek App and turn on push notifications, or visit us at biblereadingplan.org and sign up to receive the BRP in your inbox. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@harriscreek) for some fun, creative ways to interact with the readings. 

    Let’s Go, Church!

    Overview

    Around 49 AD the apostle Paul was in Philippi, a Gentile-heavy Roman colony, on a missionary journey and he was looking to start a new church. Alongside Lydia (a merchant who dealt in only the finest of cloth), a jailer, and a formerly demon-possessed slave girl, the church at Philippi began inside Lydia’s house. It was an odd group to start a church with, but these were Paul’s people. He loved these people. Twelve years later, from a Roman prison, Paul wrote them this letter to encourage them, cheer them on, and thank them for their support over the years. 

    There are a couple of different ideas repeated throughout this letter to the Philippians. One prominent theme is the importance of suffering well, for the sake of Christ. Paul, imprisoned, was a prime example of how to do that. Paul knew that the outside world was going to be antagonistic towards Christians because he was experiencing that firsthand. He viewed it as an opportunity to suffer in the same way Jesus did. 

    The other idea that’s repeated throughout the letter is the importance of unity for the believers. He stresses the importance of being of one spirit and one mind. As we’ll read in chapter four, there was a conflict amongst two women within the church and word had gotten back to Paul. Paul was fully aware that relationships can be messy and it’s easy to drift into relational dysfunction within the church. He also understood the importance of cutting that out quickly in order to advance the gospel. 

    There is so much in Philippians that we can learn from today. All four of these chapters are loaded with theological truths and practical applications for us. This week, we’ll read the book from start to finish. Pay attention to every word on the page–you don’t want to miss anything. 

    Thanks for journeying along with us!

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  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence. Each Rest Day, we will also introduce a memory verse for the week. Meditate on this week’s verse and begin to memorize it.

    Memory Verse

    I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Memorization Tip

    Take the verse with you throughout your day. Write it on a post-it note and put it on your fridge, or your mirror, or your steering wheel–anywhere that you’ll see it and be reminded of what you’re memorizing throughout the day. Set it as the lock screen on your phone. And when you see it during the day, say it out loud, meditate on it, and work on memorizing it.

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  • Bible Study Methods: Day 3

    Bible Study Methods: Day 3

    Introduction

    We have a few days “off” before we start the book of Philippians next week. To help us all grow in reading the Word on a daily basis and to help us better study and apply the Bible, we’re taking the next three days to share a few tools for reading, understanding, and applying the Bible more effectively. For each of the next three days, we’ve picked three different Bible study methods and three key passages from Hebrews to help be more effective in studying and living out God’s Word.

    Day Three

    Remember, the best method to study the Bible is the method that you will use. Keep engaging and studying scripture. His Word is a light, it is eternal, it stands firm (Psalm 119). Today’s method is the APPLE method. Using A-P-P-L-E, we’ll dig into Hebrews 12:1-2. Grab a journal, Bible, and pen to get started. 

     

    A- List any ATTRIBUTES about God you learn or observe from the passage. (Describe His character. What is He like?)

    P- List any PROMISES from God you learn or observe from the passage . (What has He done? What will He do?)

    P- List any life PRINCIPLES hidden in the text. (Are there commands? What is God asking of His people?)

    L- List any LESSONS learned. (Any sins to avoid? Are there examples of ungodliness? What is God trying to teach His people? What is God trying to teach me?)

    E- List any EXAMPLES to follow. (In what practical way can I implement this truth? What action needs to be taken?)

    Practice

    “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

    ‭‭Hebrews 12:1-2

    In Summary:

    A – Attributes of God

    P – Promises of God

    P – Principles to live by

    L – Lessons to learn

    E – Examples to follow

    What did you learn from Hebrews 12:1-2 today using the APPLE method? 

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  • Bible Study Methods: Day 2

    Bible Study Methods: Day 2

    Introduction

    We have a few days “off” before we start the book of Philippians next week. To help us all grow in reading the Word on a daily basis and to help us better study and apply the Bible, we’re taking the next three days to share a few tools for reading, understanding, and applying the Bible more effectively. For each of the next three days, we’ve picked three different Bible study methods and three key passages from Hebrews to help be more effective in studying and living out God’s Word.

    Day Two

    It’s important to remember that there’s no one “right” way to study scripture. The most important thing is that you are studying it. God’s Word doesn’t return void (Isaiah 55:11), so just by engaging with Scripture, you are going to grow and benefit from it. Today’s method, similar to yesterday’s, involves another set of questions for us to ask ourselves after reading the passage. With a journal nearby, these five questions can help us explore each passage on a deeper level: 

    1. What do you like about this passage? What emotions does this passage stir up in you? What jumps off the page at you?
    2. What surprises you about this passage? Did you read anything you’d never thought about before? What makes you go, “huh” as you read it?
    3. What do you learn about God? What does this passage teach you about the character of God? Any attributes of God that this passage highlights?
    4. What do you learn about humanity? What does this passage teach you about human nature? Any patterns you see that are still repeated today?
    5. How do you apply these truths to your life? What can you take from this passage and apply to your life right now? How are these truths the same today as they were thousands of years ago?

    These questions give us a little bit of everything. They can help you categorize your thoughts, feelings, and convictions after reading a passage. It also gives you an opportunity to apply what you read and live out what it means. Take some time today and practice this method with the passage below.

    Practice

    “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

    Hebrews 10:24-25

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  • Bible Study Methods: Day 1

    Bible Study Methods: Day 1

    Introduction

    We have a few days “off” before we start the book of Philippians next week. To help us all grow in reading the Word on a daily basis and to help us better study and apply the Bible, we’re taking the next three days to share a few tools for reading, understanding, and applying the Bible more effectively. For each of the next three days, we’ve picked three different Bible study methods and three key passages from Hebrews to help be more effective in studying and living out God’s Word.

    Day One

    Today’s method we’re sharing involves a three-step process. As we study a passage using this method, we’re like investigators doing a deep dive asking three sets of questions. We’ll share the three steps and some key questions and encourage you to study one verse.

    “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

    Hebrews 3:13

    1. Observation: “What does it say?” or ”What do I see?”

    As you look at the verse, what words stick out? Are any words repeated? Look at the context of the verse and passage, specifically looking at the verse prior and following. Is the passage/verse a question, statement, or command? Is the writer describing something or recounting a story or narrative? What did the author see when they wrote the passage? Try to put yourself in their shoes and make some observations. Practically, you can mark anything you observe in your bible or in a journal.

    1. Interpretation: “What does it mean?”

    What do you think the author intends in this passage? This is where you can ask a bunch of questions of the text and where you seek to find answers to those questions. For example, if you studied John 11:35 (“Jesus wept”) you could ask: Why is Jesus crying? What led Him to start crying? Are there any other times Jesus wept? As you study the passage and its context, you put your questions and answers together as you attempt to interpret the verse/passage.

    1. Application: “How does it work?” or “What do I do?”

    Now that we’ve made some observations and made efforts to understand what the Scripture means, we need to figure out what we do with it. How does this passage apply to me? What do I do about it? How will this passage impact my life or the lives of those around me? James 1:22-25 describes a man who looks in the mirror and sees what he looks like and then turns around and forgets what he saw in the mirror. We don’t want to be people who look into God’s Word and forget what it says. Rather, we want to be people who allow God’s Word to change and transform us, so that we might become more and more like Jesus Christ.

    Practice

    Quick summary: The first method we’re sharing with you this week is to take three steps with every passage you study.

    1. Observation: “What does it say?” or ”What do I see?”
    2. Interpretation: “What does it mean?”
    3. Application: “How does it work?” or “What do I do?”

    What do you observe, interpret, and apply from Hebrews 3:13?

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  • Exodus 40

    Exodus 40

    Read Exodus 40

    Setting Up the Tabernacle

    1 Then the Lord said to Moses: 2 “Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month. 3 Place the ark of the covenant law in it and shield the ark with the curtain. 4 Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it. Then bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5 Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the covenant law and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

    6 “Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting; 7 place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it. 8 Set up the courtyard around it and put the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard.

    9 “Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. 10 Then anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it will be most holy. 11 Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them.

    12 “Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 13 Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest. 14 Bring his sons and dress them in tunics. 15 Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue throughout their generations.” 16 Moses did everything just as the Lord commanded him.

    17 So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year. 18 When Moses set up the tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts.19 Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the Lord commanded him.

    20 He took the tablets of the covenant law and placed them in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it. 21 Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the ark of the covenant law, as the Lord commanded him.

    22 Moses placed the table in the tent of meeting on the north side of the tabernacle outside the curtain 23 and set out the bread on it before the Lord, as the Lord commanded him.

    24 He placed the lampstand in the tent of meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle 25 and set up the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord commanded him.

    26 Moses placed the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the curtain27 and burned fragrant incense on it, as the Lord commanded him.

    28 Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 29 He set the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, and offered on it burnt offerings and grain offerings, as the Lord commanded him.

    30 He placed the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing, 31 and Moses and Aaron and his sons used it to wash their hands and feet. 32 They washed whenever they entered the tent of meeting or approached the altar, as the Lord commanded Moses.

    33 Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work.

    The Glory of the Lord

    34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

    36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.

    Editor’s note

    You did it–you made it all the way to Exodus 40! Come back tomorrow for a recap of the book and for a few reflective questions for you to think about as you look back at all you’ve read over the last seven weeks. On Monday we’re going back to the New Testament and reading through Hebrews, a book that builds on a lot of what we’ve read in Genesis and Exodus. Invite your Life Group or a friend to read alongside you. We’re so excited to continue this journey through scripture with you. 

    – The BRP Team

    Go Deeper

    What an ending to Exodus! Almost exactly a year from their freedom from Egypt, the tabernacle is ready. But, before we jump to the end, let’s sit with anticipation for a few moments. 

    Remember where we started? A group of slaves without a way out. A people with no leader. Darkness, misery, and oppression. Enter, a reluctant leader who asks for another to be sent in his place. Then, a story ensues of supernatural deliverance, disobedience, forgiveness, provision, instructions, obedience, faithfulness, and ultimately the preparation of the tabernacle for God’s presence. 

    God commanded every detail about the tabernacle’s construction and purpose. Moses had delivered every word to the Israelites. All instructions had been given and carried out and now… the anticipation of glory. Not any glory, no. Shekinah glory. The glory of the One and only God, His divine presence.

    Imagine the emotions of the Hebrews. Awe and wonder. Accomplishment and purpose. They worked diligently to finish the work God commanded them to do. The Israelites had moments of failure and disobedience over the course of their year of freedom, but God is faithful to His Word, not ours. And since He deemed the tabernacle as acceptable and holy, He did what He promised. He filled the dwelling place with His glory. 

    Exodus doesn’t end with a description of how beautiful the tabernacle is or the materials in it. We couldn’t comprehend it if it did. Exodus ends with a description of how its purpose was fulfilled. The tabernacle was built so that God could dwell among the Israelites. God in their midst. The only God of His kind. The only religion where God comes down to the people. 

    Because God can’t stay away from His people. He is with us. He loves us with an everlasting love—a never stopping, unbreaking, never giving up, always and forever love. Let’s be people who are beautiful dwelling places of the Holy Spirit. People who fulfill the purpose for which we were made—to love God and love others. 

    Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 

    John 14:23

    Questions
    1. What do you think the first year of freedom was like for the Israelites? For Moses? 
    2. What do you learn from the Israelites? From Moses?
    3. How do others know you are set apart for God?
    Did You Know?

    Exodus 40:35 tells us that Moses couldn’t enter the tabernacle because the glory cloud had settled on it. More provisions needed to be made, which is where the book of Leviticus (the next book in the Pentateuch) comes into play. 

    Listen to this.
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  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence. Each Rest Day, we will also introduce a memory verse for the week. Meditate on this week’s verse and begin to memorize it.

    Memory Verse

    “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

    ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33:14-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬



    Memorization Tip

    One thing that helps in Scripture memorization is hearing the scripture repeated over and over again. That’s why songs are so easy for us to memorize; we hear them repeatedly and then they just start to stick in our brain. Apply that same principle to Scripture memory. Use an audio Bible, or even record yourself saying the verse, and then listen to it repeatedly throughout the day–while you’re driving, making dinner, on your lunch break. You’ll have it memorized in no time!

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