Faith Bible Reading 2014
Our plan is to offer each day two reading options: to read one section of Scripture, with “Think About It” questions and prayer pointers, or to, in addition, read 4 portions which will enable reading through the Bible in a year. The One Year Bible is our approach, and we recommend the ESV. You can buy a paper version to do your reading, a digital version for your electronic reader, or simply use your own Bible and these Scripture references. Jot down your thoughts, and bring them to Faith Group with you. Or talk over your reading with a friend! Grace to you!
Click here to download these readings in PDF format:
2014 Faith Bible Readings Jan 1 to 7
We recommend you have a notebook and pen for answering questions and recording your thoughts and insights. Bring this notebook with you to Faith Group for discussions and prayer times. Select a quiet place and consistent time to read and pray. We also recommend you pray for a moment before you read God’s word and ask for his illumination by the power of the Holy Spirit as you read.
Abbreviations: TAI – Think About It | PP – Prayer Points
Wednesday, January 1
Read Genesis 1-2
TAI: How many times is the name “God” used in this Genesis reading? What point does that make for the reader? What stands out to you in the details of the creation account? What does it mean to be made in God’s image? What was unique in the creation of woman? What are the implications for marriage (vv. 24-25)?
PP: Praise God for his marvelous work of creation. Thank him for creating you in his image. Express delight in the complementary creation of male and female.
Tell God of your hopes and concerns for the year to come. Pray honestly. Submit yourself to him, trusting in his sovereign grace and power in this new year.
Additional readings:
Matthew 1:1-2:12
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 1:1-6
Thursday, January 2
Read Genesis 3:1-4:26
TAI: How did the serpent tempt Eve; what was the nature of that temptation? Do you ever wish you could be “like God”? Why did Adam and Eve hide? How is Christ revealed in the curse God placed on the serpent? What does the curse God pronounced upon Adam have to do with farming in South Dakota? What did you learn from the narrative of Cain and Abel?
PP: Confess your sin to God. Admit that you are sometimes tempted to usurp his authority in your life and go your own way. Thank God that, as he provided for Adam and Eve even in their fallen condition, so he provides for you every day. Tell God that you do not want to be consumed by anger, and ask for his help by grace.
Additional readings:
Matthew 2:13-3:6
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 1:7-9
Friday, January 3
Read Genesis 5:1-7:24
TAI: Ponder this: why were lives so much longer in this period of time? What caused God to bring the flood to earth? How did Noah stand out from the crowd? Write down a few lessons learned from reading this account of Noah and the flood.
PP: Acknowledge to God that our times are no different than the days before the flood. Confess to him the rampant sins of our nation and world. Thank God for protecting the human race from extinction. Thank God for Jesus’ provision of cleansing and new life by his blood shed on the cross. Pray for the effective spread of the gospel to every rebellious people group and nation today.
Additional Readings:
Matthew 3:7-4:11
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 1:10-19
Weekend, January 4-5
Saturday: Read Genesis 8:1-10:32
Additional Readings (Saturday):
Mt 4:12-25
Psalm 4:1-8
Proverbs 1:20-23
Sunday: Read Genesis 11:1-13:4
Additional Readings (Sunday):
Matthew 5:1-26
Psalm 5:1-12
Proverbs 1:24-28
TAI: Why was God pleased with the burnt offering of Noah? What promise did he make in light of that “pleasing aroma”? Does this promise apply to us today? What is a covenant? What is the lesson(s) of the Babel account? Why is 12:3 one of the most important verses in all the Bible? What was the Lord doing in the narrative of Abram’s lie to Pharoah? Does the text criticize Abram for his lie? Why or why not?
PP: What “pleasing aroma” do you want to tell God about today? Thank God for his protective promise which benefits us to this day. Rejoice that God ultimately fulfilled his covenant promise by sending his Son to be Savior. Pray for the planting of churches and evangelization of all the “families of the earth” through world missions. Pray specifically for missionaries our church supports. Thank God for the legacy left by Pastor’s father, Pastor Wally Olson. Pray for the family. Ask God’s blessing on our services this Sunday. Wally’s grandson Derek Olson from San Diego will speak.
Monday, January 6
Read Genesis 13:5-15:21
TAI: What prompted Abram to build an altar by the oaks of Mamre? What do we know about Melchizedek? Why did Abram give him a tenth of the victory spoils? Genesis 15:6 is very important to the entire biblical framework (creation, fall, redemption, consummation). Why? What promises from God in ch. 15 did Abram struggle to believe? On what basis is a Christian saved?
PP: Rejoice in Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of all you have been reading in Genesis 13-15. How are you doing with giving to the Lord? Express to him your desire to happily give, at least a tenth (a tithe) if not more, in faith believing in his promises to meet your needs. Praise God for salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.
Additional Readings:
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
Tuesday, January 7
Read Genesis 16:1-18-19
TAI: What was the fundamental problem with Sarai giving Hagar (her servant) to her husband Abram? Why did God rename Abram? What covenant did God reaffirm to Abraham? Why circumcision? Why did God change Sarai’s name? What is the lesson of Sarah’s laugh? Have you learned that lesson?
PP: Praise God that he is able to accomplish anything that is in accord with his purpose! Pray “Nothing is too hard for the Lord!” (v. 18:14). Thank God for renaming you “Child of God!” Ask God to give you (and our entire church!) great faith to believe all of his promises, without laughing or doubting. Praise him for his consummation promises in the Bible, which give us confidence to face this new year.
Additional Readings:
Matthew 6:1-24
Psalm 7:1-17
Proverbs 2:1-5