Bible Journal Guide: 99 Prompts with Examples, Required Reading, & Ideas

How To Use This Guide

Below you will find 99 daily journal prompts that can be used as part of a Bible study group. You can choose to participate in a JournalOwl community group with a secure video or use this in a live setting with your own church or small group. Each week you will complete a set number of journal prompts, then you will meet with your group weekly to discuss the assigned prompts.

About This Guide

How do you read the Bible? Let’s be honest, the Bible, especially the Old Testament, can be hard to read. One thing that helps is to read the Old Testament in light of the Good News of the Gospel. By pairing Old Testament and New Testament readings, you will likely discover that you find the reading not only more interesting, but more understandable as well. That’s because it changes your framework by allowing you to see Christ throughout all of Scripture. You can read the Law knowing Jesus fulfilled it, read the penalty knowing Jesus took it, and read about God’s righteousness knowing Jesus gives us His righteousness. 

PART ONE: FORESHADOWING

This part of the guide focuses on foreshadowing to help you build connections between the laws, prophecies, people, and events of the Old Testament and how Christ fulfilled them in the New Testament. Each day you will be given scripture from the Old Testament and New Testament, along with questions to reflect on in your journal.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

If you do not have a Bible, you can use biblegateway.com for free and choose from several versions of the Bible to read from. If you are a new Christian or new Christian journaler, check out this article 31 Questions Answered – A Guide for Every Christian Journaler. You may also find this article helpful Benefits to Keeping a Bible Journal. 

CREATION

1. Read John 1:1-3, Genesis 1

Even the very beginning points to Christ. It is hard to wrap our minds around the fact that Jesus was in existence before He physically came to earth, but John 1:1-3 tells us Jesus has always existed with the Father and the Spirit and that He is the creator of all things. How does focusing on this fact change the way you read the creation story in Genesis 1? What does is show you about the power of Christ?

EXAMPLE JOURNAL ENTRY: Understanding that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were in existence and working to create the world shows their great power. It is reassuring to know that the same triune God who had the power to create the universe is the God who cares for me. There is nothing He cannot do!

2. Read Genesis 1:26, Genesis 2:18, Hebrews 11:16, 1 Peter 4:8-10

God says, “let us make man in our image”. The words “us” and “our” show us an important characteristic of God – He is always in community with Himself as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because we have been created in the image of God, that means we have been created for community. What does this say about your need to be in relationship with God? What does this say about your need to be in community with others? What reservations or fears do you have about being in genuine community with others?

3. Read Genesis 1:26-27, Luke 5:30-32, John 4:4-9

Genesis is clear that humans were made in the image of God. Every single human being bears the image of God. This means regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, political view, or even religion, every person is made in the image of God. Jesus perfectly modeled an understanding of this! He was a friend to sinners and interacted with people who were vastly different than Him. How would it change the way you viewed people if you first saw them as an image-bearer of their Creator rather than seeing them based on their physical appearance or past sins? What stereotypes, biases, or misconceptions do you struggle with?

4. Read Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:21-33

God created a helper for Adam so that he would not be alone. God created marriage as a form of companionship for humans, but also as a reflection of Christ and the church. Based on these readings, how is a man supposed to love his wife? What does that practically look like? How is a woman supposed to love her husband? What does submit mean? How does marriage reflect the relationship between Christ and the church?

THE FALL

5. Read Genesis 3, 1 Peter 2:24, Romans 5:18-19

Genesis 1-2 (two pages!) describe God’s perfect creation. In Genesis 3 we see sin and brokenness enter the world, leading to a separation between God and His people. Aside from a few chapters in Revelation, the rest of the story of the Bible is about restoration, or God’s plan to fix the sin problem. The first hint of the Savior comes in Genesis 3:15. How does Satan “bruise the heel” of Jesus? How does Christ “bruise the head” of Satan?

THE FLOOD

6. Read Genesis 6:5-8, 1 Peter 3:18-22

When wickedness overtook the world, God gave it a fresh beginning by cleansing the earth with water. God spared one man and his family so that the earth would be renewed and repopulated. How does the cleansing of the earth through the flood correspond to the cleansing of your soul through baptism? What is different about these two “cleansings”? Consider God’s judgement vs. God’s mercy. 

7. Read Genesis 7:13-16, John 10:7-10

Once Noah built the ark, there was only one way in, and God Himself shut the door behind him. God gave Noah instructions and through his faith and obedience, Noah was saved from the flood. Jesus says He is the door, the only way to be saved from sin. How is Noah’s faith and obedience an example of what is required for salvation?

DIVISION

8. Read Genesis 11, Acts 2, Revelation 7:9-12

Out of sinful pride, the people wanted to build a tower to the heavens to make a name for themselves. Because of their sin, God scatters the people and confuses their languages. In Acts 2, we see the Holy Spirit working in the opposite direction- allowing the apostles to speak in tongues to proclaim the gospel in every language. Sin divides, but Jesus unites. How has sin caused divisions in your life? (Broken relationships with friends, family, church members, coworkers, etc.) How have you seen Jesus bring people together where there used to be a divide?

THE PATRIARCHS

9. Read Genesis 15:5, Genesis 21:1-5, Genesis 22, Luke 1:26-33, Matthew 27:45-50

Abraham waited years for God to fulfill His promise to make him a great nation. When God finally gives him Isaac, He tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son. The Israelites waited 400 years from when God spoke through the prophet Malachi to when the angel announced the coming Messiah. This only Son of God would also be asked to be a sacrifice. What perspective do these passages give you when you are in a season of waiting? Think about something you had to wait for or something you care deeply about. If God asked you to give it up, would you? Would you be ok? Does this reveal any idols in your life?

10. Read Genesis 28:10-22, John 1:51, John 14:6

Jacob’s dream shows angels ascending and descending on a ladder, representing access to the Father. In John 1:51, Jesus quotes the words from the story of Jacob’s dream, then in John 14:6, Jesus says He is “the way”. What separates us from God? How does Jesus give us access to the Father?

11. Read Genesis 37:12-28, Genesis 39:19-20, Genesis 41:37-40, Genesis 45:4-5, Matthew 2:13-15, Matthew 26:3, Ephesians 1:19-23

Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him, but he was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt instead. There, he is falsely accused and put in jail. From jail he earned trust and respect and rose as a leader in Egypt and eventually used his role to save his family from a famine. How do these events in the life of Joseph foreshadow what Christ would endure as our Savior?

THE EXODUS

12. Read Exodus 3:13-14, John 8:48-59

God tells Moses His name is “I AM”. This may seem strange, but by saying “I am who I am”, God is telling Moses, “There aren’t enough words or a name encompassing enough to describe who I am.” In John 8:58, Jesus refers to Himself as this same name and the Jews are so offended by this, they want to stone Him. Make a list of characteristics of God. Try to find one word that represents all of the characteristics you wrote down. Do you think “I AM” is an accurate name? What is significant about Jesus using this same name in John 8:58? What is He revealing about Himself? Why did the Jews want to stone Him?

13. Read Exodus 12:1-20, Luke 22:14-20

The Festival of Unleavened Bread was to commemorate the Lord’s Passover when He brought judgment on Egypt and rescued Israel from the bondage of slavery. Years later, during this festival, Jesus takes the bread and the cup and gives it new meaning. We know this as communion, or the Lord’s Supper. What does the bread represent? What does the cup represent? Look at verses 16 and 18 in Luke 22 again. What is the “true meaning” of the Passover meal?

14. Read Exodus 16, Matthew 6:9-13

God provided the Israelites with manna (bread that rained down from Heaven). Each person was able to gather what they could eat. Even after this miraculous provision, the Israelites began to complain about the manna and wanted other food to eat. Instead of being grateful for God’s provision, they were discontent. One of the lines in the Lord’s Prayer is “give us this day our daily bread”. While we need food for survival, what does this verse tell us about finding contentment? 

THE LAW AND THE TABERNACLE

15. Read Exodus 24:3-8, Matthew 5

We often think of the “Law” as the Ten Commandments, but there were 613 laws given to the Israelites! In Matthew 5, Jesus gives a “new commandment” which seems to make the Law even more difficult to keep. Now, “do not murder” becomes “don’t hate someone or you have murdered them in your heart” and “do not commit adultery” becomes “do not even look at someone lustfully”. Why is Matthew 5:17-20 so important for us, as sinners who cannot keep all of God’s laws?

16. Read Exodus 29:38-41, Leviticus 4:32-36, John 1:29, Revelation 5

The Israelites were required to make sin offerings to God to be forgiven of their sins. Day in and day out they had to kill innocent lambs to continue their relationship with God. God knew a better sacrifice was needed. Imagine you had to kill an animal every day to be forgiven of your sin. Every day, you watched as its blood fell in place of yours. At what point would you long for something better? Would you give up? Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God? How is He the better sacrifice?

17. Read Leviticus 11 (I know, bear with me), Acts 10:9-16, 27-28

There were a lot of rules for what the Israelites could or could not eat. In Acts 10, Peter has a vision in which the Lord tells him to hunt and eat unclean animals. God tells him not to call anything unclean that He has made clean. Peter later realizes that this vision was to show him that the gospel was not just for Jews, but for Gentiles as well. What does this tell us about God’s saving power? Who is the Gospel for?

18. Read Exodus 28:41, 1 Samuel 16:13, Mark 14:3-9

The word anoint in this context means to put oil on someone to appoint them as a person of honor or high status. The Israelite priests and kings were anointed before they took their office to signify their importance and role. What is the significance of the woman anointing Jesus’s feet?

19. Read Leviticus 16:6-10, Hebrews 13:10-16

Once a year, a “scapegoat” was released to take the sins of the people outside their camp. Another goat would be sacrificed to make atonement for their sins. How is Jesus like both the scapegoat and the sacrificed goat?

20. Read Exodus 29:43-46, John 1:1-5, 14

The tabernacle created a way for the Lord to dwell with His people. Even though it made God’s presence and forgiveness accessible, there were still major limitations, and many sacrifices were required. Jesus came to earth as fully God and fully man to dwell with His creation. How does Jesus take away all limitations to our access to God and His mercy?

21. Read Exodus 27:1-8, Hebrews 9:22, Revelation 5:6

The tabernacle had an alter that was used for sacrifices to atone for sin, because without blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Why did Jesus have to actually, physically die to atone for our sins?

22. Read Exodus 30:18-21, Hebrews 10:19-23

The priests were required to wash their hands and feet whenever they went into the tent of meeting. They would be entering a holy place and needed to cleanse themselves the best they could before entering. How are we cleansed and given access to the holy places?

23. Read Exodus 26:31-33, Hebrews 10:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:21

Only the priests could enter the Holy Place, and only after they had washed themselves and offered sacrifices. Even though God came to dwell with His people, very few of them actually had any kind of access to Him. How is complete access to God available to everyone?

EXAMPLE JOURNAL ENTRY: Complete access to God is available to everyone through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. All my sin was put on Jesus when He died on the cross and He defeated all sin by rising from the grave. Not only did Jesus take my sin, but He gave me His righteousness. When God looks at me, He does not see my sin, He sees the righteousness of His Son. Because Jesus took my filth and made me clean, I have full access to God. 

24. Read Exodus 25:23-30, John 6:1-14, 25-40, Luke 22:14-20

The table for the bread held the bread of the Presence, a representation of God’s presence with His people. Why does Jesus call Himself the Bread of Life? Why does Jesus say the bread represents His body?

25. Read Exodus 25:31-40, John 1:3-9, Revelation 1:12-13

The lights in the lampstand were to never go out, but always provide light to the area around them. Jesus is the Light in the darkness and His light will never go out. Why is Jesus the Light of the world? 

26. Read Exodus 30:1-10, Hebrews 7:26-28

Twice a day, the priest had to burn incense as an offering to God. The sweet smell would seep through the veil and into the Most Holy Place. We see, yet again, the access to God by the people was limited and required daily sacrifice. Why is Jesus the perfect intercessor for us?

27. Read Exodus 26:30-33, Matthew 27:50-51, Hebrews 10:19-20

The veil separated the “Holy Place” from “the Most Holy”. When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn, symbolizing the divide between God and man was no longer there. Read Hebrews 10:19-20. Why can we have confidence when we approach God? How can we know that He hears our prayers?

28. Read Exodus 25:8-22, Romans 3:23-26, Hebrews 9

Above it was the mercy seat, where the high priest would give an offering each year for the sins of the people. Jesus’s blood is not required year after year – it was a one-time deal! He perfectly kept the Law and fulfilled it, making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins. You are forgiven and redeemed. What things from your past are you holding on to? Jesus has already died for it! Write out a prayer asking God to help you forgive others or yourself for anything you’re holding on to. 

WANDERING

29. Read Numbers 14:22-23, 30-34, Matthew 4:1-11

Despite the many miracles the Israelites witnessed God perform, they still doubted Him, complained about His provision, and turned away from Him. The consequence for their sin was to wander in the wilderness for 40 years as a whole generation died before they could enter the promised land. Before Jesus began His ministry, He was led to the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted. Where the Israelites failed, Jesus succeeded. Why is it important that Jesus was sinless and able to overcome any type of sin? 

30. Read Joshua 24:14-15, Matthew 22:37, James 4:8

Joshua tells the people they must choose – either you serve God, or you don’t. There is no in between or room to be wishy-washy. We must love the Lord with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind. Do you find yourself in a half-hearted relationship with God? Where are you struggling to love God first and be fully committed to Him?

THE TIME OF THE JUDGES AND THE KINGS 

31. Read Judges 2:1-3, 3:5-7, Romans 7:15-25, Hebrews 10:26
There is a repeating cycle which runs throughout the book of Judges: Faithful ? Idolatry ? Persecution and oppression ? Repentance ? Rescue. Are there any patterns of sin in your life that you need to hand over to God?

32. Read Ruth 1:15-18, Matthew 26:39, Acts 21:7-14
Ruth commits herself to her mother-in-law and to God, and faithfully follows and obeys them both. On the night of Jesus’s betrayal, He asked God to let suffering pass from Him, but committed to God’s will even though He knew it meant death. We see the same commitment from Paul in Acts 21. It is easy to say we are committed to God when our day to day is easy or comfortable. But when things get tough, how committed are you to God?

33. Read Ruth 4:13-17, Titus 2:14, Matthew 11:28-30
The women celebrated with Naomi because she had been given a redeemer, someone who could protect her and provide for her in her old age. She no longer had to bear the burden of widowhood. Jesus came as our redeemer so that we no longer had to bear the burden of sin. What burdens do you have right now? What practical steps can you take to cast your burdens on Jesus and trusting Him to give you peace and rest?

34. Read 1 Samuel 8:4-9, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11
The Israelites rejected the judges and asked for a king so they could be like everyone else. They are warned about how the kings would rule, but they demanded an earthly king, nonetheless. Centuries later, God sends them Jesus, a perfect, heavenly king, but they reject Him as well. They doubted His power and authenticity. What was your life like before you accepted Christ as your King? How is it different? In what ways do you struggle to believe in Jesus’s power and that He is, in fact, who He says He is?

35. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-15, Matthew 7:1-5
David was ready to put the man in Nathan’s story to death, but he was unable to see that he was the one who had done wrong. Do you struggle with noticing your own flaws and sin but easily pick apart the shortcomings of others? What areas of your life do you struggle with this the most (ex. Family, friends, strangers)? How can you practice “removing your log” first?

36. Read 1 Kings 3:5-9, James 1:5
God makes it clear that we simply need to ask Him for wisdom, and He will give it to us. Where do you need to gain wisdom? Write out a prayer asking God for wisdom, understanding, and discernment.

37. Read 2 Kings 2:6-15, John 2:1-11, Matthew 14:13-21
Sometimes it is when we are at our weakest moments and the neediest that we see God’s provision as the miracle it is. Whether it is an encouraging word from a friend, a meal provided for your family, or the extra twenty dollars found in the laundry, God’s provision is exactly what we need. Reflect on a time that God came through and provided for you when you didn’t think there was any way out.

38. Read 1 Chronicles 17:11-14, Luke 1:30-33
God promised David that he would have a son who would build a house for the Lord and whose kingdom would be established forever. We see this promise partially fulfilled when David’s son, Solomon, takes the throne and builds a temple for the Lord. However, Solomon’s kingdom does not last forever. This doesn’t mean God did not keep His promise, instead, it points us to another king from the line of David. How is Jesus the fulfillment of God’s promise to David?

39. Read 2 Chronicles 2:4-5, 1 Peter 2:4-5, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Solomon built the temple so the people would have a place to worship God and offer Him sacrifices. The New Testament tells us that our own bodies are temples and the dwelling place of God. What does it mean to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice”? Animal sacrifices are no longer necessary. What kind of sacrifices does God require of us today?

40. Read Ezra 7:10, Matthew 23:2-3, James 2:14-26, Colossians 3:16
Ezra was committed to not just know God’s Law, but to practice it and teach it to others. Jesus calls out he scribes and pharisees for not practicing what they preach. We are saved by faith through grace; however, James says faith without works is dead. In response to God’s saving grace, we should live out our faith. Do your actions match your words? Where are you struggling to live out your faith? (ex. Serving others, attending worship services, giving, etc.)

41. Read Nehemiah 5:9-13, Matthew 27:24, Acts 18:5-6
Nehemiah calls out the oppression that is happening among the Israelites and they promise to fix their wrongs. When Nehemiah shakes out his robe, it is a symbol of what will happen if the people do not keep their promise – they will be shaken from the hand of God. It also shows that Nehemiah spoke up for what was right, and whatever happened next was between the people and God; he would not be held responsible for their sin. We see the same symbol in Matthew 27:24 when Pilate turns Jesus over to the crowd, and in Acts 18:5-6 when the people of Macedonia oppose Paul’s teachings. We can share truth with others, but we cannot make them believe it. All we can do is the right thing and trust that God will work out the rest. Is there anyone in your life that you are struggling to reach right now? Take time to pray for that person then hand it over to God in faith. 

42. Read Esther 3:1-8, John 15:19, 1 John 2:15, 1 Corinthians 5:9-10
Haman was furious that Mordecai refused to bow down to him (as a Jew, Mordecai would only bow to God) and he plotted to destroy all of the Jews because their laws were different than everyone around them. Jesus tells us that we will be in the world, but not to be of the world. Christians should look different to the rest of the world, and there will be times they are made fun of, harassed, and even persecuted for this. Have you ever been teased or harassed for your Christian beliefs that do not match up with the way the rest of the world believes? How do you handle these situations?

WISDOM AND POETRY
 

43. Read Job 4:17, 9:2, Romans 5:9
Job acknowledges God’s holiness and although Job is described as a “righteous man”, he questions if man can even be made right before God. Today, believers have the benefit of the New Testament to confidently know where their justification comes from. How are you justified, or made right, before God? Why can you have confidence in this?

44. Read Psalm 2, Revelation 19:15
When you read about David’s life, it would seem as though many of God’s promises are fulfilled in David. However, despite the success, faithfulness, and prosperity that David brings Israel, he is just a sinful man. But David’s great rule points us to an even better Ruler. Our world is broken and full of sin. What good can you find today that points to the goodness of God?

45. Read Psalm 23, John 10:1-18, Matthew 28:20, John 14:17, Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:38
Psalm 23 is a popular psalm because it helps people experience the nearness of God. What promises do we have that we are never left alone?

46. Read Psalm 148, Revelation 5:13
The day will come when all of creation sings of God’s glory. Spend some time in nature then journal how you experienced God’s glory. (ex. The vastness of the sky, beauty of a sunset, etc.)

47. Read Proverbs 8, John 1:1-2, John 17:5
Proverbs uses the literary device of personification to make wisdom a person. This technique points us to Christ, the wisdom He possessed, and His eternal existence. Read Proverbs 8:32-36 again. How are these words true of both wisdom and Jesus?

48. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Romans 2:16
There are no secrets from God. He knows all and sees all, even those “tiny” sins you think no one else knows about. Scripture tells us on the day of judgement, all the things we thought we kept private will be brought to light before the Judge. What private sins do you need to confess and repent of? *Although this may be a difficult question to answer in a group setting, I encourage you to confess your sins to at least one other trusted person who can pray with you, encourage you, and keep you accountable for your actions.

49. Read any scripture from Song of Solomon, Ephesians 5:31
Some scholars want to call Song of Solomon nothing more than an allegory, comparing a marriage to the relationship of Christ and the Church. In my opinion, this misses the beautiful picture of marriage that God offers us in His word. We may blush at lines like “Your stature is like a palm tree, and your breasts are like its clusters. I say I will climb the palm tree and lay hold of its fruit” (7:7-8), but this is real, genuine love and desire for his bride. God created sex as a good gift to be enjoyed within marriage; and marriage is the only holy outlet for our sexual desires. As you read through Song of Solomon, was there anything that caught you off guard? How does that challenge your understanding of God’s design and intention for sex?

THE PROPHETS

50. Read Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:30-32, Hebrews 4:15-16, Matthew 28:18, Philippians 4:7
Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah and listed many attributes He would possess. How does the New Testament scripture for today show Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy?

51. Read Isaiah 53, 1 Peter 2:20-25, Romans 4:25, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 2:14, Matthew 27:57-60
Isaiah also prophesied about Jesus’s death and how He would take away the sins of many people. How does the New Testament scripture for today show Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy?

52. Read Jeremiah 1:6-7, Hebrews 13:21, 1 Timothy 3:16-17, 4:12
God equipped Jeremiah to share His message as a prophet of the Lord. As Christians, we are called to share the message of the Gospel, but sometimes that can be intimidating if we feel underqualified to do the job. We can have confidence in proclaiming God’s Word because He says He equips us for good works. Even those young in their age or young in their faith have been given everything they need to tell others about Christ. What fears do you have about sharing the Gospel with others? (ex. Not knowledgeable enough, fear of what others think, won’t have the right words, etc.) How can you cast out those fears by trusting that God will equip you?

53. Read Lamentations 3:22-23, James 4:6
Lamentations is all about mourning, or lamenting, over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The prophet acknowledges that horrible things have happened to God’s people because they sinned against Him. Grieving over our sin is appropriate and helps us see God’s grace even more as we seek forgiveness and repentance. Ask God to reveal your sin to you then take some time to journal how you feel. (ex. Grief over your sin, grateful for unending mercy, guilt, shame, fear, thankful for grace, etc.)

54. Read Ezekiel 36:25-27, 37:1-10, Ephesians 2:5
God tells Israel He will cleanse them, remove their heart of stone, and replace it with a heart of flesh, and put His Spirit in them. Later, God tells Ezekiel to prophesy to a valley full of bones and they come to life. God makes dead things alive! In what ways has God changed your heart of stone into a heart of flesh, full of His Spirit?

EXAMPLE JOURNAL ENTRY: The penalty for sin is death, so before I trusted in Jesus for my salvation, that was the only option for me – I was spiritually dead, waiting on a physical death, and doomed to eternal death, or separation from God. But He took my heart of stone and replaced it with a heart of flesh. He made me Spiritually alive so that now I seek out the things of God (studying His Word, serving others, generously giving, showing compassion and mercy). I no longer live just waiting to die, I live for the glory of God. I am no longer doomed to eternal separation from God, but long for the day that I am face to face with my Creator and we dwell together for all eternity.

55. Read Daniel 3, John 20:30-31, 2 Corinthians 5:7
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show great faith and devotion to God. They fully trusted that God could deliver them but were so devoted to Him that they still refused to worship anything else, even if it meant death. When things look bleak, how do you walk in faith? What gives you confidence in God’s plan for your life?

56. Read Hosea 1:10, James 4:4, 2 Peter 2:9-102
You were once separated from God by your sin, and even His enemy because you turned away from Him. But now, through Christ you are chosen, holy, and the recipient of God’s great mercy. What does Peter urge believers to do in response to the mercy they have received? How does he say this will impact the people around you?

57. Read Joel 2:13, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 8:37-39
God is a loving, gracious, merciful God. He patiently waits for all of His children to come to Him. You are never too far gone to turn back to God, and when you do, He will greet you with love and forgiveness. Do you struggle with guilt or thinking there are some things in your life that just can’t be forgiven? Do you truly believe that there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God through Christ Jesus?

58. Read Amos 5:14, 7:7-9, 1 Peter 4:17, Romans 12:9, Acts 17:31
God says He will use a plumb line to show how crooked the people are. God is holy and perfect; therefore His judgement is holy and perfect. God’s standard is His Word, and we will be judged according to our obedience to it. How do you measure up to God’s standard? If you have been gifted grace, mercy, and forgiveness, why is obedience to God’s Word important?

59. Read Obadiah 1, Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:27
Obadiah prophesied to Edom because of their pride. He warns them that because they did evil to others, those things will now happen to them. It is the biblical version of the adage “what goes around, comes around” and foreshadows the golden rule that Christ gives in Matthew 7:12. This verse is not permission for us to treat others badly if that is how they treat us! God tells us to love others, even our enemies. How do you treat people? If someone treats you badly, how do you respond? How can you model the way you want to be treated?

60. Read Jonah 3, Acts 3:19-26
Most of God’s prophets spoke to the Israelites, God’s chosen people, but God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, a wicked Assyrian city. When the people of Nineveh heard God’s words, they repented and turned from their evil ways. God’s mercy, grace, and love extends to all people no matter how far they’ve turned from God. There are no lost causes. Do you know anyone who seems like a “lost cause”? How can you share the gospel with them this week?

61. Read Micah 6:6-8, 7:7, Galatians 5:19-23
The Israelites ask what they should offer to God as a sacrifice for their sins. They suggest calves, sheep, oil, and even their own children! But what God wants most from us, even in our darkest, hardest moments, is to trust in Him and do what is right. What does God say He wants the people to do in Micah 6:8? How do these things complement the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23?

62. Read Nahum 2:6-13, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
The repentance and conversion of Nineveh that came during Jonah’s time did not last long. When Nahum prophesies to Nineveh, the people are brutally wicked. Nahum says there will be peace and protection for God’s people but judgment and destruction for Nineveh. Does God’s justice frighten you or bring you comfort? Why?

63. Read Habakkuk 3:17-19, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 1:4-7
Habakkuk recognizes that trusting in God does not always mean an easy, happy life. Sometimes even our basic needs are not met. But we can find joy and satisfaction in our salvation, knowing that no matter what happens in this earthly life, we have eternal life with Christ waiting for us. Do you struggle to find joy in unfavorable circumstances? How would shifting your perspective to focus on eternal life rather than life right now help bring you more joy?

64. Read Zephaniah 3, Luke 15:7, 10
Zephaniah says judgement is taken away from us and the Lord will rejoice over us. God is not apathetic about your decision to follow Him. He rejoices over you with the angels singing! Do you ever feel like God doesn’t care whether you follow Him or not? How does it make you feel knowing you are rejoiced over?

EXAMPLE JOURNAL ENTRY: Sometimes it is hard to believe that out of all the people in the world, God really hears my prayers or sees what I do. When I remember that He rejoiced over me when I accepted His Son as my Savior, I remember that He pays attention. Like a good father, who shows their child love, encouragement, discipline, and comfort, so God cares for me. I am valued, I am loved, I am noticed. 

65. Read Haggai 2:1-9, 2 Corinthians 3:16-17, 5:1-5, Revelation 21:1-4
God told the Israelites to rebuild the temple and said that the new temple would be even greater! Now, our bodies are the temple for the Spirit who dwells within us, but we long for something better. What do we have to look forward to that will be even better than the “temple” (our bodies, indwelled with the Holy Spirit) we have now?

66. Read Zechariah 3:1-10, 1 John 1:9, Colossians 2:13-15
In Zechariah’s vision, God takes away Joshua’s sin and dirty clothes and provides forgiveness and clean clothes. Joshua had no power over His condition, only God could cleanse Him. We cannot cleanse ourselves of sin on our own, only the blood of Jesus could wash us clean. Do you find yourself trying to fight sin on your own? Do you try to hide it from God, thinking you can work it out on your own? Confess your sin to God and ask Him to forgive you and cleanse you of all your iniquities.

67. Read Malachi 3:6-7, Hebrews 13:8, Revelation 1:8
God never changes. His character is perfect, righteous, and holy, and He will always be that way. What comfort does it bring knowing Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever?

INTERTESTAMENTAL PERIOD

68. Four hundred years passed from the time the last prophet spoke to when an angel spoke to Zechariah proclaiming the coming Messiah and His messenger, John. We do not have any scripture for this period, but we do have other historical accounts that help us piece together this era. For example, the Hellenization period led to a common language (Greek) among many different ethnicities. God also used the Romans and their ability to create intricate road systems which impacted trade routes and communication. We also know there was a return of Israelites to Jerusalem who had been exiled. Even though the Greeks and Romans brought oppression to God’s people, as we go through the New Testament, we see how the Greek language and the use of Roman roadways were important tools in Jesus’s ministry and spreading the gospel after His death and resurrection. While it seemed like God had abandoned His people for centuries, He was quietly working in the background to set the stage for the coming Messiah. When it feels like God is silent and has left our side, how does understanding the intertestamental period help us know that He is still working? God does not create evil, but He can still use it for His glory. How have you seen God use the hard moments in your life for His glory?

PART TWO: TYPOLOGIES OF CHRIST
 

This section of the guide focuses on typologies of Christ. A typology of Christ is a “type of Christ”, or a person, who through their actions and life events foreshadows, or represents the life, teachings, or character of Christ. While this is a helpful way to read the Old Testament, it should be noted that the Old Testament is about real, historical people who lived through real, historical events; they are not simply allegories or parables that teach about Jesus. Studying typologies helps us see how God was working all along to rescue His people. Each day you will be given scripture about the typology and scripture about Christ.

Use your journal to write out any similarities or parallel themes you notice.

Adam
69. Read Gen 2:7, 18-23, Rom 5:12-21, Luke 1:34-35, John 19:31-37

Able
70. Read Genesis 4:1-16, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 12:24, Matthew 27:18

Seth
71. Read Genesis 3:15, 4:25-26, Luke 3:23-38

Enoch
72. Read Genesis 5:21-24, Acts 1:6-11, Hebrews 11:5, Jude 1:14-15

EXAMPLE JOURNAL ENTRY: Enoch and Jesus both prophesied about God’s judgment on sinners. Enoch “walked with God” and because of his faithfulness, he did not experience physical death, he was simply “taken” by God. Jesus was perfect and sinless and did not deserve death but chose death and defeated it! After His resurrection, Jesus was taken back to Heaven

Noah
73. Read Genesis 5:29, 6:11-18, 2 Corinthians 1:5, Hebrews 11:7, 1 Peter 3:18-22

Abraham
74. Read Genesis 12:1-4, 18:22-33, 22:1-18, Romans 8:34, John 3:16, 6:33

Melchizedek
75. Read Genesis 14:17-24, Hebrews 7

Isaac
76. Read Genesis 22, Hebrews 11:17-19

Jacob
77. Read Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 9:10-13

Joseph
78. Read Genesis 37:3, 18-28, 39:11-20, Matthew 3:17, 26

Moses
79. Read Exodus 4:1-17, 14:21-31, 24:12, Numbers 12:7, Hebrews 3:1-2, 8:10

Aaron
80. Read Exodus 28, Hebrews 5

Joshua
81. Read Joshua 5:13-15, 10:12-13, 11:23, Luke 23:44, Acts 20:32

Gideon
82. Read Judges 6:12-32, 8:22-28, Isaiah 53:1-3, Matthew 4:8-11, 21:12-17

Samson
83. Read Judges 13:2-3, 16:23-31, Luke 1:26-33, Matthew 27:27-31, Hebrews 9:28

Boaz
84. Read Ruth 2-4, Luke 2:1-7, Ephesians 5:1-2, 22-33, Revelation 21

Samuel
85. Read 1 Samuel 1, 2:26 Luke 1:46-55, 2:41-52

David
86. Read 1 Samuel 17, 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Luke 1:33, John 10:1-21, Hebrews 2:14-15

Abigail
87. Read 1 Samuel 25, Mark 11:1-20, John 13:1-17, 1 Peter 3:18, Isaiah 9:6

Solomon
88. Read 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 1:7-13, Matthew 2:1-12, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:11-22, 1 Peter 2:4-8

Elijah
89. Read 2 Kings 2, Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:8

Elisha
90. Read 2 kgs 2:9-14, 4:1-7, Matthew 3:13-17, John 2:1-11

Jonah
91. Read Jonah 1, Matthew 12:38-42, Mark 4:35-41

Jeremiah
92. Read Jeremiah 8:18-9:2, Luke 19:41-44

Ezra
93. Read Ezra 3, 7:10, Matthew 5:17-20, 21:12-17

Joshua
94. Read Zechariah 3, John 19

Nehemiah
95. Read Nehemiah 1-2, John 6:38, 2 Corinthians 8:9

Esther
96. Read Esther 4:15-16, Luke 22:44

Job
97. Read Job 1, Philippians 2:1-11

Eliakim
98. Read Isaiah 22:15-25, Matthew 20:17-21:11, Revelation 1:18

Daniel
99. Read Daniel 6, Luke 23:1-24:12