Welcome to our Bible study using the chronological Bible reading plan! Below you’ll find a reading plan for the first thirty days. We’ll start slowly and simply, then progress with a bit more detail as we go along.

I first posted these readings and thoughts in our Women’s Bible Study Facebook Group. You’re welcome to join us there and jump right into our current readings. The encouragement and accountability in our group is wonderful!

If you like to take notes as you read each day, I have some helpful printables in my shop. You might enjoy having the Genesis Companion Journal on hand when you get started.

Since this follows the chronological Bible reading plan, we begin in Genesis, segway to Job, then head back to Genesis, and finish our 30 days in the middle of Exodus. You’ll be able to continue reading with us from there, if you like.

Let’s begin!

Chronological Bible Reading Plan

I’ll add my own thoughts and insights as we journey through the Bible together these first 30 days. You can use them as journaling prompts, writing prompts, or simply as a companion to your own daily Bible reading.

You can easily jump to each day’s Bible reading by using this index:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Day 21
Day 22
Day 23
Day 24
Day 25
Day 26
Day 27
Day 28
Day 29
Day 30

Day 1, Genesis 1-3

Are you ready for a month of growing in the Word? We begin today with reading Genesis chapters 1-3. Come back and let us know when your reading for today is completed! We’d love to know who’s taking this journey with us.

If you’d also like to fast during the beginning of your bible reading commitment, there’s a fasting plan outlined for you, here.

Also, I created a quick video about fasting, with a brief commentary on today’s reading in our bible study FB group, here.

Day 2, Genesis 4-7

Today we read Genesis 4-7, which covers the latter part of Adam & Eve and a portion of Noah’s ark.

Make it a point to spend time in prayer today, even if it’s just a few minutes.

If you need some ideas for growing your prayer life during this month, here’s a short article for you: https://likeabubblingbrook.com/…/4-simple-ways-improve-pra…/

Day 3, Genesis 8-10

Be especially mindful of 9:20-27 and how Noah’s sons reacted to finding him in his tent. There’s a stark contrast between how the youngest son reacted vs how the two older brothers responded. It reminds me of the phrase that says you can either put gas on the fire or water on the fire… Lord, help me to do the latter.

A mentor of ours in business would often say, “we deal with the negative and accentuate the positive.” There will always be something negative or sad or depressing I *could* choose to focus on, but I choose to accentuate the positive things in life! How about you?

Chronological Bible Reading Plan: Segway to Job

Day 4, Job 1-5

Today we head over to Job and read chapters 1-5. There’s a lot to consider as you read this portion, so it may take a few minutes longer than the prior readings, but you’ve got this You’ve been doing great!

One of the central themes in the book of Job is God is good, despite apparent evidence to the contrary in our toughest trials. Even when we find ourselves in a season of hurt, even when there’s one bad report after another bad report, even when we don’t understand what God is up to… God is still good.

As a prayer focus today, let’s ask God to help us trust Him and His plan, even when things are hard and we don’t understand.

Day 5, Job 6-9

His three friends are visiting with him and he’s sharing his heart — just being real! — with them. He feels hopeless. He even says he wishes God would take his life! He’s in a very dark place.

Have been in a dark place? Felt hopeless? Job was an upright man who God was pleased with, but even he wasn’t immune from that dark place. We aren’t immune to them either. Sometimes life is just plain hard. But hold on… there is always hope!!! Job’s story doesn’t end here, and yours doesn’t either!!! God turns everything around.

Do you have a testimony of God bringing you through a seemingly hopeless situation?

Day 6, Job 10-14

Job and his friends fearlessly speak their minds for much of this book, and you will see the full gamut of emotion and words spoken over the next few days. Sometimes you will not like Job’s friends very much and wonder if they are “friends” at all Have you had a friend or two like that?

Take note, in the midst of all this, Job states one of his famous lines in chapter 13, verse 15: “Though he [God] slay me, yet will I trust in him…”

May it be so with me, Lord Amen.

Day 7, Job 15-19

We hear from Eliphaz and Bildad again, and they aren’t very encouraging friends to Job. It’s almost like they’re kicking him when he’s down! Hmmmpphhhh. I’m ready for God to step in! God has lots to say by the end of this book!

Job is very matter-of-fact in 19:25 when he says, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth.”

Yes, our God is alive and well and still on the throne!!!

Day 8, Job 20-22

Today we read Job 20-22. If you’ve fallen behind, don’t give up! Keep at it! You can do this.

In this reading, you find Job’s friends try to tell him this terrible trial he’s facing must be because he is wicked “Wicked people suffer” – that’s what they say.

Just because we go through trials DOES NOT mean it’s because we’ve sinned or are wicked. Bad things happen to good people, too. None of us are immune. What keeps us going is that we have God to help see us through! I can’t imagine going through life’s trials without Him!

Job’s response is interesting. From his experience, he’s found that wicked people do quite well. He’s found that wicked people don’t suffer, rather, they prosper. He asks, “Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?”

It seems like he’s wondering “why do wicked people do well and have success, and here I am… suffering greatly?!”

Remember, this book isn’t done yet. There are 42 chapters in the Book of Job. We’re halfway through!

Day 9, Job 23-28

Job begins chapter 23 with a question I’m sure we’ve all asked at some point… it’s along the lines of “Where is God? Why can’t I seem to find him? Does he hear me?”

He’s certain that if he could just find God, God would let him plead his case and deliver him from this trial (verse 7).

He goes on to say he knows this is a test… not a punishment or chastisement. After he’s done being “tried” he will turn out as pure gold (verse 10).

We end with chapter 28 today, where there’s a wonderful discussion about finding wisdom and understanding. He says there are mines for silver and gold, and iron is taken from the earth… we know where to find precious things… but where can we find wisdom? God understands the way to it (verse 23).

“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” Job 28:28

Day 10, Job 29-31

We only hear from Job himself in these three chapters. He’s passionately asserting his innocence, and in chapter 29 he tells us how admired he was… he even goes as far as to say he lived like a king. Then, in chapter 30, we see him contrast his former life with his current state. He’s miserable. Those people who respected him now laugh at him. He’s exchanged the respect of the most respectable for the contempt of the most contemptible!

In chapter 31 we read his final appeal. He has some persistent indignation. “I haven’t lusted, or been dishonest, or committed adultery, or been oppressive…” and he goes on.

Tomorrow we hear from Elihu, and then… God!

Day 11, Job 32-35

Today we hear from Elihu, a young man who is with Job and the three friends. He’s waited while everyone else has had their turns to speak, and now he’s ready to say his piece

The beginning of chapter 32 makes it clear that Elihu is “burning with anger.” It’s mentioned several times, so we begin with a clear picture that his tone is passionate but angry, rather than civil and respectful. I really want to champion Elihu since he’s young and does make some really good points, but personally, I find his presentation frustrating. He’s long-winded, repetitive, and comes off a bit pompous.

My Tyndale Commentary puts it this way: “Elihu, who thinks he is ‘perfect in knowledge’ (36:4), has a manageable, predictable God. Job, all too conscious of the sovereign freedom of the Lord, lives in the suspense of faith, praying without guarantees.” Wow. That’s paints a powerful contrast of the ways each man has experienced God thus far.

But, like I mentioned earlier, Elihu does raise some good points. We need to listen. He tells Job it’s wrong to justify himself at God’s expense. God isn’t Job’s enemy. We shouldn’t denounce God’s longsuffering, nor expect to avoid it ourselves.

All of this reminds me of 2 Corinthians 1:8-9… “We were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Why, we felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead.”

What about you? What are some of the nuggets — good things — that Elihu brings to the table? How do you like Elihu overall? What are you learning?

Day 12, Job 36-39

We continue to hear from Elihu in 36-37. Now he has wonderful things to say, proclaiming God’s greatness and majesty. He sets the stage for God to come in and speak next, and wow – God begins chapter 38 powerfully!

God basically says “I’m going to ask you a few questions now, and you’re going to answer.”

Then he asks…

“Where were YOU when I laid the foundation of the earth?!”

and

“Who determined it’s measurements? Surely YOU know!”

and

“Have YOU commanded the morning since YOUR days began?!”

Oh my. Job wanted to hear from the Lord, and now he does! God has much to say! He is God and we are not. My husband often says, “God isn’t running for God. He’s already God. He’s already in charge and has it all figured out. He doesn’t need our vote.” I think of that when I’m reading these chapters.

I really enjoyed today’s reading, how about you?

Day 13, Job 40-42

Today we finish reading Job.

By the end, God has healed Job and mercifully blessed him with more than he ever had before.

God also expresses anger with three of Job’s friends, because “you have not spoken of me what is right” (42:7). He instructs them to offer a burnt offering for themselves, and tells them Job will pray for them.

After Job prays, God restores his fortunes, giving him twice what he had before (42:10). From there, the blessings just keep coming, and he lives many more years.

One takeaway from the Book of Job: We never know ahead of time the plans God has for us. We don’t know what each day holds. But we have hope in Him, and faith that He sees the way that we take. He will order our steps.

Charles Swindoll says it this way, “The cultivation of obedient endurance is the crowning mark of maturity.”

Obedient endurance. No one wants to cultivate that, but it’s a mark of maturity in Christ. When trials come, we have two options. We can get frustrated and outraged, or we can see it as an opportunity to respond in obedience to God’s will. We can endure, knowing He walks through the trial with us.

“Then Job answered the Lord and said, ‘I know that You can do all things.'” Job 42:2

He has full command of the entire universe, even the circumstances of our darkest trial.

Chronological Bible Reading Plan: Back to Genesis

Day 14, Genesis 11-16

We cover the Tower of Babel, call of Abram (soon to be called Abraham), rescue of Lot, and also God’s promise to give Abraham and Sarai (Sarah) a child.

God takes Abram out and shows him the stars in the sky, telling him his descendants will be just as numerous (15:5). Although they didn’t have any children yet, Abram chose to believe the Lord.

Have you ever chosen to believe the Lord for a promise that seemed nearly impossible?

Day 15, Genesis 17-19

Matthew Henry’s commentary makes an interesting comment regarding Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt. Henry references the mention of Lot’s wife in Luke 17:31-32, and plants the seed that maybe, just maybe, her looking back towards Sodom had to do with trouble leaving her things behind. Was it hard for her to part with her wealth and possessions? They were wealthy, after all. It’s an interesting assertion, and something we can consider in our own lives. Does all our stuff get in the way of our obedience to God’s call?

Per the commentary: “Probably she hankered after her house and goods in Sodom, and was loth to leave them. Christ intimates this to be her sin (Lu. 17:31, 17:32); she too much regarded her stuff.”

By disobeying a God-given instruction, she forfeited her God-offered salvation.

Lord, help me to receive your instruction and obey without delay. Help me to not be too attached to the places and things of this world. Lead me to the place you have for me, safe in your will. In Jesus name, amen.

(Related: Here’s an article on my site about “stuff” and how a modest life can bring great joy, https://likeabubblingbrook.com/2017/10/how-much-is-enough/ )

Day 16, Genesis 20-23

We hear more from Abraham and Sarah, and they finally give birth to their promised son, Isaac!

It’s been a long time since God first told them they would have offspring of their own. Back in Genesis 12, when they came to the land of Canaan, God told him “to your offspring I will give this land” (12:7). Abraham was 75 at that time (v. 4).

Now, fast forward to chapter 21 and the birth of Isaac. Abraham is 100 ( v. 5).

25 years.

That’s 25 years of waiting for your promise.

25 years of trusting God.

25 years of holding on.

What has God promised you? What are you waiting to see God do? Have you ever had a long, hard season of waiting for *your* blessing?

Day 17, Genesis 24-25

It begins with the story of Abraham’s son Isaac, and how his wife Rebekah is found for him.

I think it’s a remarkable story.

Notice what Abraham’s servant requests of the Lord. The right woman should not only offer him a drink of water, but also offer to water his camels. That was a big job! It seems he was searching, with divine guidance, for a woman with a servant’s heart.

The Lord gave more than what he asked for; it seems she was also very beautiful (24:16) and from the right household. She was willing to leave her home, family, and all that she knew to go and marry Isaac. There was no hesitation.

?? As you read today, prayerfully consider this: Has the Lord ever given you more than you’ve asked for? Has he ever amazed you with his blessings in a particular area of your life? Remember this, and thank him for it. He’s been so good! ??

Day 18, Genesis 26-28

More of the story of Jacob and Esau.

Some things to note…

1. The difference between the birthright and the blessing. They aren’t two interchangeable terms. The birthright refers more to inheriting possessions, while the blessing refers to inheriting spiritual leadership of the family.

2. God’s silence. He had already came to Rebekah during her pregnancy (25:22-23) and told her the older shall serve the younger. Did he need to say more? He knows the end from the beginning.

3. Esau despised his birthright (25:34). Sometimes, people disregard — or don’t see the value in — the birthright we inherit through our relationship with God. We are his heirs! It’s important that we cherish what he has given to us, and what’s been passed to us from previous generations. We have a rich heritage! “Buy the truth and sell it not” Proverbs 23:23.

Related reading on the blog: Parenting the Challenging Child

Day 19, Genesis 29-31

About twenty years pass in these three chapters. Jacob leaves for his journey, meets Rachel, works seven years for her but ends up with her sister Leah by a bit of trickery. Then he works another seven years for Rachel. He also works additional years for some of Laban’s flocks. They have multiple children during this time.

God was with him through it all.

I find the start of chapter 29 interesting. Notice the large stone that was in front of the well. It would take more than one shepherd to roll the stone and water the flocks. However, God seems to give Jacob divine strength to move the stone when Rachel arrives.

Day 20, Genesis 32-35

Jacob finally meets Esau again after all these years, and we also read the account of Jacob’s daughter Dinah.

Dinah had been defiled by the prince of the land, who seems to be quite smitten with her, and his family tries to make amends by arranging a marriage between them.

It sounds like an amiable gesture, and Dinah’s brothers agree, but on the grounds that all the men in the city are to be circumcised.

However, while the men are healing, the brothers went in and killed all the males, retrieved their sister, and plundered the city.

More deceit, more drama, more heartbreak.

Jacob is mortified. Now his sons are robbers and murderers. He tells them (34:30) that “You have brought trouble on me by making me stink to the inhabitants of the land.”

In chapter 35 we find some redemption. God tells Jacob to go and make an altar up in Bethel. Jacob brings his household and tells them to put away their foreign gods (perhaps from the plunder) and purify themselves. They are divinely spared from potential pursuers.

Day 21, Genesis 36-38

We’re getting into the story of Joseph now, and although there’s been much family drama and deceit, the account of Joseph is pretty amazing. As we’ll see in the next bit of reading, he may lose his famous “coat of many colors,” but he never loses his character.

As a youth, he could probably use a bit more tact. He’s the father’s favorite son, and God speaks to him through his dreams. While it’s exciting to him, it’s not so exciting to his brothers. They are terribly jealous.

God has a plan for Joseph, even through all the heartache and pain.

It’s good for us to remember this, too — even during our times of hurt and despair, God will be with us. When we can’t see the big picture…when we feel like we’re stuck in a pit… he can use our situation for our future good.

Day 22, Genesis 39-41

Joseph has been brought into Potiphar’s house to work. Potiphar was Pharoah’s captain of the guard, kind of like over his secret service. It was a good job.

But Potiphar’s wife…

Joseph endures drama yet again, but in spite of that, we read that God keeps blessing him and giving him favor in all of the hard places he finds himself in.

We may complain to God that He has put us in a hard or terrible situation. Yet God’s will is that we trust Him to bless us and make us successful (as He measures success) wherever we are, whatever situation we find ourselves in.

It’s through this challenging course of events that Joseph ultimately is brought before Pharoah to interpret his dreams, and rises to power as Pharoah’s right-hand man.

Something to notice
While Joseph was in prison, while the cupbearer and baker were also there, we find in 40:7 that Joseph sees their sadness one morning and asks them “Why are your faces downcast today?” This is a powerful picture of him being OTHERS-centered rather than SELF-centered. He noticed their sadness, and reached out to them about it. May we do the same, even when we’re in a hard place.

Related on the blog: What To Do If You’re Offended, https://likeabubblingbrook.com/2016/09/offenses-will-come/

Day 23, Genesis 42-44

Joseph’s brothers have had a big transformation since selling him as a slave twenty years ago!

By the end of chapter 44, we see they’re sticking together and supporting one another. There’s no sign of jealousy when young Benjamin is favored during the meal with Joseph. They’re willing to lay down their life for one another.

And Judah! He wasn’t very likeable in his younger years, but here we see him deliver a powerful, passionate plea to Joseph. He even offers his life in exchange for Benjamin. What a stark contrast to how he had once treated Joseph! Remember, it had been Judah’s idea to sell Joseph as a slave.

They also show great concern for their father Jacob. This was something we didn’t see twenty years ago, either — back then, they had no problem letting him think Joseph had been killed. They didn’t care that it would devastate their father. Now they can’t bear the thought of it!

It’s interesting to see how people can change, how circumstances can be used to change us, and how God can gently lead us into spiritual maturity, regardless of our past sins.

We move forward, we learn, we grow.

Don’t beat yourself up over your past. God’s forgiveness is greater than anything you’ve ever done! We all make a daily choice to live for Him. It’s never too late to turn to Him and let Him begin the process of changing your heart. He is in the reconciliation business! He wants to reconcile YOU to HIM

Day 24, Genesis 45-47

God uses Joseph to provide for his brothers and the rest of his family, and brings his family to Egypt. There are 70 people accounted for in 46:27.

He’s reunited with his father, Jacob. What a heartwarming reception! Joseph, with permission from Pharoah, gives his family the best farming land in all of Egypt (47:11).

Jacob lives for 17 more years. What a treasure those years must have been to him! He’s reunited with his favored son, living on the best farming land Egypt has to offer, his family is fruitful and multiplying greatly (47:27), and he’s able to have some peace in his heart.

Praise God for seasons of abundance and rest!

Reflect over your life to this point. Can you see a season of refreshing? Are you in one now? Let’s pause this morning and thank Him for the times of rest He has given to us!

Day 25, Genesis 48-50

Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Then he calls his sons together to bless them and give them direction for the days to come.

Next, we read the account of his death and burial, which is likely the most elaborate, detailed burial recorded in the Bible. In 50:3 it states the Egyptians wept for him 70 days. That’s remarkable, especially since it was customary to mourn for Egyptian *royalty* for 72 days. This was nearly as long as that, although Jacob was a foreigner, not to mention from a family of shepherds, which was usually detestable to the Egyptians.

After his passing, Joseph’s brothers are concerned again that they will have to repay for the evil they’ve done. Joseph delivers his famous reply to them — “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

It reminds me of what we also find now in the New Testament:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Finally, one more thing to note at the end of chapter 50… Joseph passes away, but he is not buried. He was embalmed and placed in a coffin, with faith in God’s promise to bring them back to the promised land. His body was to be carried with them on the journey back to the promised land, when that time came.

This world is not my home, I’m just passing through

Chronological Bible Reading Plan: Exodus

Day 26, Exodus 1-3

Wow, what a book! Here God fulfills his promise to Abraham by multiplying his descendants into a great nation.

What really strikes me is 1:8, where we find the new king over Egypt “knew not Joseph.”

He didn’t know about all the ways God had blessed Egypt through Joseph.

Maybe no one told him? Maybe it wasn’t talked about when he was growing up? Maybe through the course of time it just didn’t seem as important anymore?

Oh my

What speaks to me here is how important it is that we teach our families about God’s faithfulness, about the times God has worked in our lives, about where He’s brought us from.

Lord, don’t let it be said my children or grandchildren grew up and didn’t know who You are! Help me to pass down a legacy of faith to future generations. Help me to not get complacent in my walk with you.

Day 27, Exodus 4-6

Take notice of this verse in chapter six: “So Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel; but they did not heed Moses, because of anguish of spirit and cruel bondage.”

They didn’t listen to Moses! After Moses spoke what God told him to say, the children of Israel were still stuck in miserable unbelief.

Their centuries of slavery made them think like slaves instead of people of the covenant. Pharaoh was bigger in their eyes than God was.

The fervent faith of their forefathers had become a distant memory, perhaps just an interesting story, and now it was easier to accept a life of bondage than learn how to once again walk in freedom and favor.

I wonder if anyone here has had a similar struggle?

Do you have a problem that seems bigger than God?

You, sweet one, are a daughter of the King! ?

It’s time for a perspective shift, a renewing of our mind… we are children of the promise, not slaves to this world.

God is able! There is nothing too hard for Him!

Day 28, Exodus 7-9

At the beginning of chapter 7, we find God telling Moses “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.”

My first thought when I read that portion is, if I were Moses, I’d probably be thinking “God, do you reaaaaaalllly need to harden his heart? I mean, can’t we make this easy? Like, just let him say YES right away so we can move on?”

But that’s just me ?

Then we get to the verse where Aaron casts down his staff and it becomes a serpent. The magicians did the same, but imagine the look on their faces when Aaron’s staff SWALLOWED UP their staffs!

From there, we read about the terrible plagues that God sends to the Egyptians.

?? Dear Lord, help my heart to be sensitive to You. Help me to not become hardened or flippant about what You desire to do among Your people. I desire to be a vessel that You can use to further the gospel, and a light to my family, friends, and community. Thank you for giving us new mercies every morning and helping us to walk with You daily! In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Day 29, Exodus 10-12

More plagues, the Passover, and then the Israelites finally get to leave on their journey!

This portion of chapter 12 struck me:

“Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds; a great deal of livestock.”

There were about 600,000 men (besides women and children!) who left Egypt. That makes for a total population of perhaps at least two million that left Egypt for the Promised Land… Wow! Can you imagine the size of that crowd?! Can you imagine LEADING that crowd?!

Also notice “a mixed multitude went up with them.” Not all of the 600,000 were Israelites. It’s probable that some Egyptians (and maybe other foreigners) went with them, because the God of the Israelites demonstrated that He was more powerful that the gods of the Egyptians.

We serve a powerful, mighty God!

Day 30, Exodus 13-15

God leads them through the wilderness and to the Red Sea, but not before their faith begins to waver.

How afraid they were when they saw Pharoah’s army approaching! How quickly they forgot what the Lord had already done and what He is able to do!

They would rather go back and be slaves again: “For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”

Don’t you just love Moses’s reply?! “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Fear not.

Stand still.

Watch for His salvation.

He will fight for you.

Hold your peace.

What powerful reminders for us today! Don’t you feel like that crowd standing at the Red Sea sometimes? Have you found yourself in a terrible trial, and found yourself saying to the Lord, “Okay Lord, now what do I do? I’m scared. Things look hopeless. I don’t see a way through this.”

If that’s you today, may I gently remind you…