Week 1: 2 – 8 July

OT – Nehemiah 13-Job 12

This week we finish the book of Nehemiah — one of the two great restoration books — with a sobering conclusion. After all the renewal and rebuilding, Nehemiah must return and confront the people for breaking their covenant with God. Some have seen this as a less-than-glorious final chapter in his leadership, but it’s a reminder of how easily spiritual drift can happen. We also gain a glimpse of the Jews who remained in exile and didn’t return to Jerusalem.

The story then shifts to Esther, where God’s name is never mentioned yet his providence is unmistakable. Esther, raised to a position of royal influence, becomes the means by which God preserves his people and protects the promised seed that will ultimately lead to Christ. Her courage reminds us that God can use individuals in surprising places for his purposes.

As we finish the historical books and move into the section often called ‘wisdom literature,’ we begin with Job. Set up like a drama, the book offers rare insight into the heavenly realm, where Satan is allowed to test Job but only within limits set by God. Job loses everything except his life. His friends, though well-meaning, only add to his pain with faulty assumptions. They insist Job must have sinned, but Job holds on to his innocence, and his hope. Though confused and crushed, he refuses to curse God.

July 2: Neh 13; Esther 1; July 3: Esther 2-5; July 4: Esther 6-10; July 5: Job 1-3; July 6: Job 4-6; July 7: Job 7-9; July 8: Job 10-12.

There is a book background to the Book of Esther here and to the Book of Job here.

NT – Acts 8:1-11:30

Our readings this week pick up as the gospel begins to spread beyond Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. Violent persecution causes the believers to scatter but, wherever they go, they share the good news. Miracles accompany their witness, though some, like Simon the sorcerer, are drawn to the supernatural for selfish gain. We witness the dramatic conversion of Saul as he encounters the risen Christ and begins preaching, though he soon faces strong opposition and must be moved for his safety. The gospel begins to reach the Gentiles as Peter receives a vision declaring all things clean and is led to the household of Cornelius, where many come to faith. Though questioned at first, Peter’s experience affirms that God’s salvation is for all peoples. Meanwhile, the gospel reaches Antioch, and many Gentiles believe. Paul and Barnabas are sent to teach and strengthen the new believers there. Prophets like Agabus also emerge, and the church displays its unity by sending aid to those affected by famine in Judea.

July 2: Acts 8:1-25; July 3: Acts 8:26-40; July 4: Acts 9:1-19; July 5: Acts 9:20-43; July 6: Acts 10:1-33; July 7: Acts 10:34-48; July 8: Acts 11

Week 2: 9 – 15 July

OT – Job 12-33

The debate between Job and his friends intensifies this week. The friends become more rigid and harsh in their belief that Job’s suffering must be the result of sin, while Job maintains his innocence and insists that the righteous can suffer and the wicked often prosper. Though deeply confused, sorrowful, and at times angry, Job never curses God. Instead, he clings to God’s sovereignty and expresses remarkable hope, pointing toward Jesus when he declares, ‘I know that my Redeemer lives.’ Throughout the dialogue, we glimpse key questions about salvation, justice, and how one can be right with God. Job longs for a mediator to stand between him and God, foreshadowing the gospel. As the week closes, a younger voice, Elihu, speaks up – more gentle yet still critical – and begins to hint at the inner work of God’s Spirit in granting true understanding.

July 9: Job 13-15; July 10: Job 16-18; July 11: Job 19-21; July 12: Job 22-24; July 13: Job 25-28; July 14: Job 29-30; July 15: Job 31-33.

NT – Acts 12:1-15:21

Opposition to the early church intensifies with the martyrdom of James and the imprisonment of Peter, but God intervenes, and Peter is miraculously set free. Herod, who opposed them, is judged by God and dies. From chapter thirteen, the spotlight shifts from Peter to Paul, and from a focus on the Jews to the mission to the Gentiles, thus fulfilling God’s plan to bring blessing to all nations. Paul and Barnabas embark on Paul’s first missionary journey, preaching the gospel first in synagogues. When most Jews reject the message, they turn to the Gentiles, and many respond with faith. Although some Jews believe, it is often the religious leaders who oppose them most fiercely. The journey is marked by both miracles and intense suffering. Paul is even nearly stoned to death. As Gentiles come to faith, questions arise about whether they must follow Jewish customs, so Paul and Barnabas head to Jerusalem to seek guidance from James and the other leaders.

July 9: Acts 12:1-19; July 10: Acts 12:20-13:12; July 11: Acts 13:13-43; July 12: Acts 13:44-14:7; July 13: Acts 14:8-20; July 14: Acts 14:21-28; July 15: Acts 15:1-21

Week 3: 16 – 22 July

OT – Job 34-Psalms 10

As we reach the final chapters of Job, a shift takes place. Whereas Job’s friends insisted he suffers because he has sinned, Elihu suggests that he is sinning because of his suffering. That is, by the way he responds to his suffering, trying to justify himself over God. Then God himself speaks, not with answers, but with questions that reveal Job’s limited perspective. Job is humbled. He repents, not because he now understands everything, but because he has encountered the living God. And that is enough. He worships. In the end, God rebukes Job’s friends for their false counsel but commends Job for his honesty and openness before God. He restores his fortunes.

This week we also begin the book of Psalms, a rich tapestry of prayer, praise, and lament. As you read, watch for recurring themes like delight in God’s Word, the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, the witness of creation, cries for deliverance, and unwavering confidence in God’s faithfulness.

July 16: Job 34-36; July 17: Job 37-38; July 18: Job 39-40; July 19: Job 41-42; Psalms 1-2; July 20: Psalms 3-5; July 21: Psalms 6-8; July 22: Psalms 9-10.

There is an introduction to the book of Psalms here.

NT – Acts 15:22-19:22

The debate over how to include Gentile believers continues, but a provisional agreement brings fresh joy and encouragement to the church. Yet tensions still remain. Even Paul and Barnabas part ways after a sharp disagreement, a reminder that even godly leaders struggle. Still, the mission presses on. As the gospel spreads to new cities, opposition grows, but so do signs of God’s power. Paul and Silas are dramatically freed from prison, and the Holy Spirit actively guides the mission through visions, dreams, and prophetic words. We see Paul’s wise and gracious evangelism, especially in places like Athens, and his growing team includes key figures like Timothy, Priscilla, and Aquila. As churches are planted, there is an increasing need to clearly teach the fullness of the gospel, as Paul does in Ephesus. The Spirit continues to confirm the message through powerful miracles, showing that the mission is God’s work from start to finish.

July 16: Acts 15:22-41; July 17: Acts 16:1-15; July 18: Acts 16:16-40; July 19: Acts 17:1-15; July 20: Acts 17:16-34; July 21: Acts 18; July 22: Acts 19:1-22.

Week 4: 23-29 July

OT – Psalms 11-27

As we continue through the Psalms, watch for recurring themes woven through these heartfelt prayers and praises. We again see the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, in terms of paths of life that reflect our choices. But bear in mind that the New Testament reminds us that we all need Christ’s righteousness to truly live right. The Psalms cry out for rescue, strength, guidance, mercy, and justice. They express deep longing to dwell in God’s presence and love for his Word and ways. Many proclaim God’s majesty revealed in creation and celebrate his holiness, faithfulness, and justice. Yet alongside the praise, there are raw and honest laments, reminders that faith doesn’t avoid suffering but brings it openly before God. The Psalms give voice to the full range of the human experience in relationship with a faithful God.

July 23: Psalms 11-14; July 24: Psalms 15-17; July 25: Psalms 18; July 26: Psalms 19-20; July 27: Psalms 21-22; July 28: Psalms 23-25; July 29: Psalms 26-27.

NT – Acts 19:23-23:11

As we continue through Acts, opposition to the gospel intensifies, especially from Jewish religious leaders and those whose livelihoods are tied to idolatry and magic. Paul’s preaching threatens both their beliefs and their business. Yet the power of the gospel is undiminished, as miracles and wonders continue, even to the raising of a young man from the dead. In Paul’s heartfelt farewell to the Ephesian elders, we glimpse the vital role of church leadership and the deep pastoral love he carries for the churches. Prophetic words prepare him for the suffering ahead in Jerusalem, where he is warmly received by the believers, who rejoice at all God has done among the Gentiles. Still, fierce opposition follows, especially when Paul speaks of being sent by Jesus to the Gentiles. This provokes outrage. But God is at work even in this, using Paul’s Roman citizenship to move him closer to Rome, where he will ultimately proclaim the gospel at the heart of the empire.

July 23: Acts 19:23-41; July 24: Acts 20:1-12; July 25: Acts 20:13-38; July 26: Acts 21:1-25; July 27: Acts 21:26-40; July 28: Acts 22:1-23; July 29: Acts 22:24-23:11