Daily Reader's Bible - Flipbook - Page 6
with the same sender and recipient (for example, 1 and 2 Corinthians) are, with
the exception of John’s letters, read consecutively. Only the three longest prophetic
books—Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel—are split and separated at natural breaking
points. This is done partly to give variety to the readings, but also to gain flexibility
in matching up with related passages in the story readings, whenever possible.
Arranging the Wisdom Books
The wisdom passages are deliberately arranged with more flexibility. The books
of Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs are read together in their entirety as their
form suggests. But both Proverbs and Psalms are broken up, and their portions are
placed where they fit best thematically, historically, and practically. Sections from
Proverbs, where there is thematic arrangement from chapter to chapter, are kept
together as much as possible. Psalms written by David and Solomon or referencing
historical events are, when possible, placed with the story readings dealing with
those events or persons. Song of Songs is read together with the books of Hosea
and 1 John, as these books also deal with marriage and love. Lamentations is read
together with the later parts of Jeremiah, since both are associated with the same
author.
For a complete view of this Bible’s reading outline and for other help navigating
its arrangement, go to the indexes at the back:
The Daily Reading Plan Index lists the 365 daily readings with
the references of their three associated Scripture portions.
The Index of Bible Passages lists all the Bible readings in their
normal canonical order, from Genesis to Revelation, allowing you
to quickly locate any Bible passage or book you have in mind.
The Topical Index helps you locate readings that speak to your
personal concerns, like anger, comfort, confession, or courage.
Spending significant time reading Scripture on a regular basis will change your
life. Through the Bible’s inspired words, God will reach into your life, wherever you
happen to be, and help you discover his special calling for your life. God wants us to
be connected to him and to live lives filled with joy and meaning. Taking the time
to listen to him by reading his Word is a great first step if you are just beginning
this exciting and lifelong journey with God, and it’s also a vital part of following
him faithfully even if you already have been for some time.
As you approach the daily readings, do so expecting that God has something to
say. Humbly ask him to reveal his Word and will to you. And as he speaks to you,
write down what he shows you about himself, about you, and about what he would
like you to do or say. Then follow through on the insights he gives you. The Bible
is a rich resource for life that most people spend far too little time drawing upon.
Don’t let that be true for you. Open these pages on a daily basis, allowing God to
speak to you with the guidance of his Holy Spirit.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what
is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects
us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses
it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17
