Bible Reading Plan

July 2008

Rev John Goris

This month we want to focus on various aspects of the Day of the Lord (cf Amos 5:18-20).  Often it refers to God’s climaxing judgment on Israel and the nations. We pay particular attention to God’s dealings with Israel and the exile that is the result of their unfaithfulness.  However, we note that along with judgment comes mercy, restoration, joy, celebration.

In the NT the day of the Lord also signifies judgment, but for the faithful it paves the way for a renewed creation.

Theme: Come to terms with God, i.e. on His terms!

Facing the storm with or without shelter?

Ask yourself as you read these passages:

• Is complacency about biblical truth troubling you?
• What do you know about Josiah’s days?
• Compare Israel with the nations: lessons?
• Ponder the comfort offered to Israel. For whom?

Tuesday  1^st July:  Zephaniah  1:1-13

Wednesday..2nd July  Zeph  1:14-2:7

Thursday   3rd July   Zeph  2:8-15

Friday   4th July   Zeph 3:1-13

Saturday   5th July  Zeph 3:14-20

Facing the damage, and comfort in grieving

Ask yourself as you read these passages:

• Picture the pain of the pious Jew
• Is there “none to comfort Zion”?
• What lessons do you learn from the outpouring of God’s anger?
• What is the source and strength of hope?

Sunday  6th July  Jeremiah 39

Monday  7th July  Lamentations 1

Tuesday  8th July   Lamentations 2

Wednesday  9th July  Lamentations 3:1-39

Thursday   10th July  Lamentations  3:40-66

Friday   11th July   Lamentations  4

Saturday   12th  July  Lamentations  5

Coming to terms with the consequences

Ask yourself as you read these passages:

• What drives them/us to prayer?
• What drives them/us to praise?
• What drives them/us to hope?
• What drives them/us to humility?

Sunday   13th July   Psalm 79

Monday   14th July    Psalm 80

Tuesday    15th July     Psalm 137

Wednesday  16th July    Psalm 85

Thursday   17th July    Psalm 126

Friday   18th July     Psalm130

Saturday    19th July   Psalm 131

Further reflections (by the exiles) on the Day of the Lord

Ask yourself as you read these passages:

• What is the Glory of Israel?

• In what sense is the Glory departed?
• What is the significance of this often repeated sentence:  “then they will know that I am the Lord” ?
• Contrast the true shepherd with the false ones.

Sunday   20th July   1 Samuel 4:12-22

Monday   21st July   Ezekiel  10

Tuesday   22nd July    Ezekiel  15

Wednesday  23rd  July   Ezekiel  6

Thursday  24th July   Ezekiel 33:21-33

Friday  25th July   Ezekiel  34

Saturday   26th  July   Ezekiel  36

Renewal is coming!

Ask yourself as you read these passages:

• What is possible with God, though impossible with man?
• The Glory returns:  in what form?
• Rivers of living water:  What does that mean to you and to your church?
• Are you thirsty?

Sunday  27th July    John 7:37-52

Monday  28th July    Ezekiel 37:1-14

Tuesday  29th July    Ezekiel 47:1-12

Wednesday  30th July   Revelation 22:1-6; 21:1-8

Thursday  31st  July   Revelation  22:7-21

Conclusion:

What sort of impact has the Day of the Lord left on your mind?

On your actions?

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