Chronological Bible Reading Challenge

Day 23 Read: Job 15:1 – 18:21 Reflect: In today’s reading Job calls his friends “miserable comforters” and points out that if his friends were in his position, he would offer comfort rather than condemnation. When I am hurting or watching others suffer, do I offer long-winded empty and judgmental speeches like Eliphaz, or do… Read More »

Day 22 Read: Job 12:1 – 14:22 Reflect: Job points to animals and the earth to show God’s power is evident everywhere, even in prosperity and hardship. How can observing God’s work in creation or even our daily lives, challenge our simplistic answers about suffering? Job critiques his friends” belief that only the wise and… Read More »

Day 21 Sidenote: You probably noticed that the Book of Job is located several books later in the Holy Bible. Since we are reading the Bible chronologically this is an example of how interesting this journey can be and hopefully enlightening too! The dates of the events in Job are unknown and so is the… Read More »

Day 20 Read: Job 5:1 – 7:21 Reflect: Job’s friend, Eliphaz, argues that suffering proves sin. How does this contradict the reality of Job’s underserved pain, and how does it challenge our modern tendency to judge others’ suffering? How do we distinguish between the “wise counsel” of friends and harmful judgement, especially when someone claims… Read More »

Day 19 Read: Job 1:1 – 4:21 Reflect: Why did God allow Satan to test Job? Job maintained the responsibility of spiritual leadership in responding to the immature faith of his wife, who was willing to accept good but not evil at the hand of God. What does this reveal about human reactions to extreme… Read More »

Day 18 Read: Genesis 47:28 – 50:26 Reflect: Jacobs dying wish to be buried in Canaan reflects God’s promise of the land. Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh and his prophecies for his sons focus on future fruitfulness and God’s role. What “blessings” do we carry for the next generation?  Joseph’s powerful words, “you intended… Read More »

Day 17 Read: Genesis 45:16 – 47:27 Reflect: On the journey back Joseph warned his brothers not to quarrel (Gen. 45:24) Why do you think he did that? What does this reveal about human nature and potential conflicts, even in good times? Jacob stopped at Beersheba to seek God’s word before going to Egypt. Remember… Read More »

Day 16 Read: Genesis 42:1 – 45:15 Reflect: Famine led brothers to repentance and reconciliation, prompting reflection on personal guilt, divine providence, and receiving/giving forgiveness. How does God use severe famine (an external hardship) and the returning silver (internal guilt) to bring Joseph’s brothers to repentance for their past sin? The brothers feared punishment but… Read More »

Day 15 Read in this order: Genesis 40:1-23 Genesis 35:28-29 Genesis 41:1-57 Reflect: How can we trust in God’s sovereignty and timing, even when faced with long periods of suffering, abandonment, and disappointment, as exemplified by Joseph’s journey from prison to power and the quiet passing of his father, Jacob? Joseph remained faithful and discerning… Read More »

Today marks 2 weeks of reading the Bible in chronological order! Woohoo! Congratulations on making it this far and if you’re like me a review might be helpful as we continue diving into the scriptures so today’s layout is going to look a little different. Read: Genesis 37:1 – 38:30 ; 1 Chronicles 2:3-6, 8… Read More »