Bible Reading Plan

Author: Hannah Thacher

  • Rest Day 21

    Rest Day 21

    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

    1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
        where does my help come from?
    2 My help comes from the Lord,
        the Maker of heaven and earth.

    Psalm 121:1-2

    Memorization Tip

    Who says Scripture memorization has to be boring? Make it a game! Write the verse out on notecards, a different word for each card. Then, shuffle them around and place them back in the correct order from memory.

    Worship with Us

    Join us at 9a, 11a, or 7p in person or online at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment Below
    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.
  • Rest Day 20

    Rest Day 20

    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

    Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
        preserve my life according to your word.

    Psalm 119:37

    Memorization Tip

    Use community as a tool to help you in your Scripture memorization journey! Pick a few friends, or your Life Group, with whom to memorize Scripture. Practice together, hold each other accountable, and encourage one another as you work together. Remember that the best way to stick with a challenge is to not go at it alone!

    Worship with Us

    Join us at 9a, 11a, or 7p in person or online at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment Below
    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.
  • Rest Day 19

    Rest Day 19

    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

    Not to us, Lord, not to us
        but to your name be the glory,
        because of your love and faithfulness.

    Psalm 115:1

    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. Put 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.

    Worship with Us

    Join us at 9a, 11a, or 7p in person or online at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment Below
    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.
  • Rest Day 18

    Rest Day 18

    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

    1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
        his love endures forever.

    2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
        those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.

    Psalm 107:1-2

    Memorization Tip

    Use technology to your advantage. There are many Scripture Memory Apps available on the app store, such as The Bible Memory App, Bible Memory, Fighter Verses, Remember Me, Verses, Scripture Typer, and more! Some use games, memorization tools and methods, employ different translations, and help you track your progress. Simply download the app, load the verses you want to memorize, and get to work!

    Worship with Us

    Join us at 9a, 11a, or 7p in person or online at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment Below
    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.
  • 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

    6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

    2 Timothy 1:6-7

    Memorization Tip

    Who says Scripture memorization has to be boring? Make it a game! Write the verse out on notecards, a different word for each card. Then, shuffle them around and place them back in the correct order from memory.

    Worship with Us

    We won’t be having or streaming any services this morning. Tonight we have Family Reunion – for those of you in Waco who call Harris Creek your church home, we hope to see you tonight! 

    If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment Below
    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.
  • 2 Timothy 1

    2 Timothy 1

    Getting Started

    Welcome to the Bible Reading Plan! We are so glad you are joining us for this journey through 2 Timothy, a New Testament letter written by the Apostle Paul. 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 notes 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, sign up for the Bible Reading Plan push notifications, and follow us on Instagram (@harriscreek) for some fun, creative ways to interact with the readings. 

    Let’s Go, Church!

    2 Timothy Preview

    A few years after he wrote 1 Timothy, Paul penned his second letter to Timothy, his dear friend and partner in ministry. This letter, written around 67 AD, is actually the last letter Paul wrote while he awaited execution by the Roman authorities. Think about that: Paul knew what was around the corner. If you knew you were about to die, what would you tell your closest friends? This letter is precisely that. It’s deeply personal and a glimpse into everything Paul wanted Timothy to cling to and remember.

    This letter, which is more personal and less of a theological work than 1 Timothy or Titus, serves to remind Timothy to stand strong in his faith and remain dependent on the Word of God. As the world around them was starting to spiral towards ungodliness, persecution was to be expected. No one knew this better than Paul as he awaited execution. In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul sums up his hope for Timothy: that he will fulfill the ministry God has given him. 

    As we read these four chapters, be looking for all of the ways this letter is applicable to us today. How can we cling to the Word of God when there’s ungodliness all around us? Are we ready to stand firm in the face of persecution if it comes our way? How do we fulfill the ministry God has entrusted to each of us? These are the questions we should ask ourselves as we read these four chapters.

    Read 2 Timothy 1

    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

    2 To Timothy, my dear son:

    Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Thanksgiving

    3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

    Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

    6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

    13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

    Examples of Disloyalty and Loyalty

    15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

    16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

    Go Deeper

    How often do we celebrate the faithful people who have gone before us in life? Maybe it was our parents, a mentor, a teacher, a pastor, or a friend who have taught us the way of Jesus. This letter begins with a celebration of Timothy’s sincere faith and an encouragement to continue to grow. The lives of Timothy’s mother and grandmother gave him a heritage of faith. Paul celebrates and reminds Timothy not only to remember their influence, but to fan into flame this heritage to grow his own faith. What a gift of God! 

    One way to grow in faith is to understand how suffering can support the gospel. Paul invites Timothy to join with him in suffering for the gospel by the power of God (v. 8). What an interesting invitation! Why is this so important to him?

    Paul is a man well-acquainted with the value of suffering. He writes this letter from a prison cell awaiting his execution. This guy knows what he’s talking about when it comes to suffering (see 2 Corinthians 11:16-30 for a highlight reel of Paul’s suffering). He has seen firsthand the benefit of remaining “on mission” even in the midst of difficulty. Because of this, he continually boasts in his weakness, knowing that is where Christ’s power is displayed most clearly. Over and over again, the gospel–the story of Jesus bringing sinners from death to life–gives him perspective and hope to endure. The power of the Holy Spirit working in him makes it all possible. Paul puts his life on display for Timothy and us to learn what faithfulness in the midst of suffering looks like. He reminds us all of this is made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. 

    The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline (v. 7). This same spirit dwells in us and helps us to endure suffering, grow in the faith, and guard the gospel that has been entrusted to us. 

    Questions

    1. Who in your life has gone before you in the faith and impacted the way you follow Jesus? Thank God for their influence in your life. 
    2. What does it mean to fan into flame the gift of God? 
    3. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you steward the gospel well – remembering and proclaiming it every chance you have. What a gracious gift we’ve been given. 

    Watch This

    Here’s a video overview of 2 Timothy from The Bible Project.

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • 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

    12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

    1 Timothy 4:12-13

    Memorization Tip

    Use community as a tool to help you in your Scripture memorization journey! Pick a few friends, or your Life Group, with whom to memorize Scripture. Practice together, hold each other accountable, and encourage one another as you work together. Remember that the best way to stick with a challenge is to not go at it alone!

    Worship with Us

    Join us in person or online at 9a or 11a at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment Below
    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.
  • 1 Timothy 1

    1 Timothy 1

    Getting Started

    Welcome to the Bible Reading Plan! We are so glad you are joining us for this journey through 1 Timothy, a New Testament letter written by the Apostle Paul. 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 notes 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, sign up for the Bible Reading Plan push notifications, and follow us on Instagram (@harriscreek) for some fun, creative ways to interact with the readings. 

    Let’s Go, Church!

    1 Timothy Preview

    On his missionary journeys, the Apostle Paul would go from city to city, preaching the Gospel message and establishing churches in each new place. Over the years, he made many close friends but one in particular stuck out: Timothy. Timothy became Paul’s apprentice along the way. He learned from Paul, co-labored alongside him, and then eventually took over the church at Ephesus. 

    This is one of Paul’s three pastoral epistles (or letters), with 2 Timothy and Titus being the other two. It’s more personal than a letter like Romans or Philippians, which were written for entire congregations to read. This letter from Paul to Timothy gives us a glimpse not only into their relationship, but also into what was happening in the church at Ephesus at this time. This first letter from Paul to Timothy primarily focuses on the local church. In it, Paul explains the functions of the church, leadership within the church, and some threats to the church. He concludes the letter with a sober warning for Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him and to stay focused on what truly matters.

    There is so for us to learn from Paul’s letter to Timothy. Each of these chapters are loaded with theological truths and practical applications for us. Pay attention to every word on the page–you don’t want to miss anything. Thanks for journeying along with us!

    Read 1 Timothy 1

    1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

    2 To Timothy my true son in the faith:

    Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

    3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

    8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

    The Lord’s Grace to Paul

    12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

    15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    The Charge to Timothy Renewed

    18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

    Go Deeper

    This letter, like many others from Paul, opens with a fairly-typical Pauline greeting to his friend Timothy, who is leading the church Paul started in Ephesus. The overarching theme of this first chapter is that false teachers are plaguing the Ephesian church. False doctrines had creeped in. Some of the Ephesians were absorbed in myths (i.e. stories that weren’t found in the Scriptures and contradict what Scripture taught) and meaningless talk that was distracting them from the gospel. Others were consumed by the Mosaic Law and were teaching a distorted version of it. Paul correctly understood that the Law had a proper place and could be of great benefit when taught properly.

    This warning from Paul is just as applicable to us today. What we consume (books we read, songs we sing along with, and sermons we listen to) shapes us and can impact our understanding and perception of God. As long as those things are based on Scripture and what God’s Word teaches, we should use them as tools to help us love Jesus more. We need to be careful when we fill our minds with extra-biblical ideas or content that doesn’t fully line up with Scripture. 

    In the same way the Ephesian Christians needed to be careful, we too need to be discerning when it comes to what we take in. Just because something is sold in a Christian bookstore or played on a Christian radio station doesn’t mean it’s full of biblical truth. The Enemy loves to distract us with ideas that sound or look like truth, but may not actually be truth. How can we know? By holding up everything we consume next to the Word of God. Does it line up with what Scripture says? Does it line up with what we know to be true about the character of God? Let us use the Ephesian church as a helpful warning to learn from. 

    Questions

    1. What sticks out to you about this opening chapter of Paul’s letter to Timothy? 
    2. How can you develop a filter so you are not led astray by false teaching? What tools do you use to dig deeper?
    3. How have you been impacted by what you consume (positive or negative)? 

    Watch This

    For a helpful overview of 1 Timothy, check out this video from The Bible Project.

    Leave a Comment Below

    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.

    Join the Team

    Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email [email protected].

  • Rest Day 17

    Rest Day 17

    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

    2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
        and forget not all his benefits—
    3 who forgives all your sins
        and heals all your diseases,
    4 who redeems your life from the pit
        and crowns you with love and compassion,
    5 who satisfies your desires with good things
        so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

    Psalm 103:2-5

    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. Put 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.

    Worship with Us

    Join us in person or online at 9a or 11a at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment Below
    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.
  • Rest Day 16

    Rest Day 16

    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

    When anxiety was great within me,
        your consolation brought me joy.

    Psalm 94:19

    Memorization Tip

    Use technology to your advantage. There are many Scripture Memory Apps available on the app store, such as The Bible Memory App, Bible Memory, Fighter Verses, Remember Me, Verses, Scripture Typer, and more! Some use games, memorization tools and methods, employ different translations, and help you track your progress. Simply download the app, load the verses you want to memorize, and get to work!

    Worship with Us

    Join us in person or online at 9a or 11a at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

    Leave a Comment Below
    Did you learn something today? Share it with our Bible Reading Plan community by commenting below.