week 1: 30 july – 5 august

OT – Psalm 28-40

As you read through the Psalms this week, you’ll encounter again the rich diversity of Israel’s songbook. Watch for recurring themes. Notice how the righteous often feel threatened by the wicked, yet cry out to God for protection. At times, they even plead with God to fight for them. Today, we apply these cries not to human foes, but to spiritual ones—‘the principalities and powers of this dark world’ (see Ephesians 6:12). You’ll also hear the psalmists’ deep longing to dwell in God’s house—to simply be in his presence, which they desire above all else. Throughout the Psalms, joy, thanksgiving, and praise ring out as recurring refrains. There are bold declarations of God’s greatness, heartfelt confessions of sin, and prayers for mercy. Again and again, you’ll find beautiful expressions of trust in God and passionate celebrations of his unfailing love.

July 30: Psalm 28-29; July 31: Psalm 30-31; Aug. 1: Psalm 32-33; Aug. 2: Psalm 34-35; Aug. 3: Psalm 36-37; Aug. 4: Psalm 38; Aug. 5: Psalm 39-40.

NT – Acts 23:12-28:31

As we reach the end of Acts this week, we see the fierce opposition Paul faces—especially from religious leaders who plot to kill him. He stands trial before the Roman governor, Felix, responding with wisdom, honesty, and respect, yet boldly declaring his faith in the resurrection of Jesus. His approach wins him both favour and interest. Later, when brought before the new governor, Paul appeals to Caesar. He remains respectful but is unafraid to claim his rights as a Roman citizen—showing that there are times when Christians can rightly appeal to their civil rights. Before King Agrippa, Paul again shares his story, recounting his vision of Jesus on the Damascus Road. He speaks with clarity, boldness, and unwavering commitment. Though officials find no fault in him, his appeal to Caesar sends him to Rome. Ignoring Paul’s warning, the ship sets sail and is caught in a storm. Yet even in crisis, Paul bears witness, speaking of God’s power and breaking bread with the crew. They are shipwrecked on Malta, but through Paul’s prayers, all survive. There, Paul begins heals many. Through plots, trials, storms, shipwreck, and even a snake bite, Paul stays full of faith, turning every hardship into an opportunity to proclaim the gospel. Acts ends with Paul in Rome, under house arrest, still preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God.

July 30: Acts 23:12-35; July 31: Acts 24; Aug. 1: Acts 25; Aug. 2: Acts 26; Aug. 3: Acts 27:1-26; Aug. 4: Acts 27:27-28:10; Aug. 5: Acts 28:11-31

week 2: 6 – 12 August

OT – Psalm 41-56

As we continue reading the Psalms, we hear again the psalmist’s deep longing for God’s presence, like a deer panting for streams of water. There are prayers of desperation and distress, born from the fear that God might abandon his people. We know, of course, that this is not ultimately possible, but the Psalms give honest voice to raw emotion, not necessarily to correct belief. We read royal Psalms that point to the coming King — fulfilled in Jesus — and Psalms about Zion, the city where God’s Spirit dwells. The psalmists proclaim God’s greatness and power as he rises in strength; the earth itself trembles as he scatters his enemies. There are ongoing cries for help, pleas for deliverance, and calls to praise him and be still before him. We hear deep confession and repentance, and reflections on life’s realities. Again and again, the Psalms show us that the meaning of life lies in relationship with the eternal, unchanging God.

Aug. 6: Psalm 41-43; Aug. 7: Psalm 44-45; Aug. 8: Psalm 46-47; Aug. 9: Psalm 48-49; Aug. 10: Psalm 50-51; Aug. 11: Psalm 52-54; Aug. 12: Psalm 55-56.

NT – Romans 1:1-5:21

This week we begin the next major section of the New Testament—the letters of the apostles to churches and individuals. In these writings, God’s truth shines with great clarity. In his letter to the Romans, Paul offers the clearest explanation in all of Scripture of God’s way of salvation. After his introduction, he explains that God is rightly angry at sin and that all people—Jew and Gentile alike—are guilty before him and under judgement. No one can be made right with God by keeping the Law; the Law only reveals how far we fall short. We are made right not by what we do, but by faith in what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Jesus took the punishment for our sin, and faith in this is the only way anyone can be saved. Paul shows that this truth was anticipated in the Old Testament—Abraham was made right with God not by his deeds but through faith in God’s promise. Paul then celebrates the blessings of this new relationship with God through Christ: peace with God, the gift of grace, the hope of transformation, and the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Above all, where Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death, Christ’s obedience brings forgiveness and life in restored relationship with God.

Aug.6: Romans 1:1-17; Aug.7: Rom 1:18-32; Aug.8: Rom 2:1-16; Aug.9: Rom 2:17-3:8; Aug. 10: Rom 3:9-31; Aug.11: Rom 4; Aug.12: Rom 5

You can read a background to Paul’s letter to the Romans here.

week 3: 13-19 august

OT – Psalm 57:1-71:24

As we read the Psalms this week, we hear desperate cries for help and deliverance—yet these are often mixed with expressions of confidence in God and his promised rescue. There are prayers for those seasons when God seems far away and we yearn for his presence. We also encounter the so-called imprecatory psalms, where the writers call on God to act in fierce judgement against their enemies. It’s important to remember that these do not reveal what God is truly like, but rather express the raw and honest emotion of the psalmist. Today, we apply such language to our spiritual enemies—not to people—because in God’s different kingdom, we are called to love our human enemies. Still, the longing for rescue is real and repeated. Even under pressure, close to despair, the psalmists often return to praise and thanksgiving. There is a determined joy—a decision to keep singing. Sometimes they cry out in desperation; sometimes they wait quietly, confident in God’s salvation. Again, we hear bold declarations of God’s greatness and power, calls to worship, and prayers of blessing over God’s people. He is our refuge, our stronghold, and the one who reigns over the nations in majesty and might.

Aug. 13: Psalm 57-58; Aug. 14: Psalm 59-61; Aug. 15: Psalm 62-64; Aug. 16: Psalm 65-67; Aug. 17: Psalm 68; Aug. 18: Psalm 69; Aug. 19: Psalm 70-71

NT – Romans 6:1-11:6

Paul continues his explanation of salvation in Romans. God’s grace is not a license to keep sinning—we have died to sin, and our old selves were buried with Christ in baptism so that we might live a new life. We are to consider ourselves dead to sin and no longer under its power. We’ve also been set free from the Law, which only exposed our sin, and now serve in the new way of the Spirit. The Spirit is the firstfruits of our full salvation, which will come in its fullness when Jesus returns to make all things new. We wait for that day, and all creation waits with us, longing for renewal. In the meantime, God is working all things for our good, as we are chosen and called to become like Jesus. Salvation is entirely by God’s undeserved grace—available to both Jew and Gentile—and not by anything we do. We are made right with God not through the Law but through simple faith, though many Jews were still trying to earn salvation through the Law. Yet this does not mean God has rejected his people. A faithful remnant was already turning to Christ, and before Jesus comes again, many more Jewish people will do the same.

Aug. 13: Rom 6; Aug. 14: Rom 7:1-13; Aug. 15: Rom 7:14-8:17; Aug. 16: Rom 8:18-39; Aug. 17: Rom 9:1-29; Aug. 18: Rom 9:30-10:4; Aug. 19: Rom 10:5-11:6

week 4: 20-26 august

OT – Psalm 72-84

This week’s Psalms continue to offer familiar themes, freshly expressed. We read more royal Psalms, celebrating the justice and compassion of God’s reign. One psalmist nearly loses faith—until he enters God’s presence and regains an eternal perspective. Other Psalms confront the arrogance of the wicked, once again set in contrast to the righteous. There are passionate calls for God to arise, to judge his enemies, and to reveal his majesty and power. We hear bold declarations of God’s rule over the nations. Some Psalms recount God’s mighty acts in Israel’s history—and the repeated rebellion of his people. Others lament God’s seeming absence and the delay of deliverance. There are prayers for rescue from enemies, and for forgiveness where sin has opened the door to suffering. We hear pleas for God to defend the poor and the needy. And there are tender expressions of longing to dwell in God’s house, to be in his presence. For these singing pilgrims, that is their deepest desire.

Aug. 20: Psalm 72; Aug. 21: Psalm 73-74; Aug. 22 : Psalm 75-76; Aug. 23: Psalm 77:1-78:39; Aug. 24: Psalm 78:40-79:13; Aug. 25: Psalm 80-81; Aug. 26: Psalm 82-84.

NT – Romans 11:11-1 Corinthians 1:17

As we finish Romans this week, Paul explains that although few Jews have yet responded to Christ, the faith of many Gentiles will stir more Jews to believe. Their salvation, like everyone’s, will come through faith—not good works. In light of God’s mercy, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. This will be expressed in using our gifts, doing good, loving our neighbours—even our enemies—and living as good citizens under governing authorities. We are to love one another and avoid quarrelling over disputable matters. Those who observe certain days or dietary rules should not be judged harshly. Paul also shares his calling as apostle to the Gentiles and his longing to visit the believers in Rome. He ends with personal greetings, showing the relational heart of ministry and leadership in the church.

We then begin 1 Corinthians. Though Paul must address serious issues in this church—divisions and other problems—he begins with encouragement. He reminds them of their calling as God’s holy people and thanks God for the spiritual gifts among them. Then he turns to the issue of division, pointing them from the outset to the one answer that undergirds all: the cross of Christ.

Aug. 20: Rom 11:7-32; Aug. 21: Rom 11:33-12:8; Aug. 22: Rom 12:9-13:14; Aug. 23: Rom 14; Aug. 24: Rom 15; Aug. 25: Rom 16; Aug. 26: 1 Cor 1:1-17.

There is an introduction to 1 Corinthians here.

week 5: 27 August-2 september

OT – Psalm 85-101

As you continue reading the Psalms this week (Psalms 85 to 102), several recurring themes emerge. Once again, we see a celebration of the glory and joy of Zion, the city of God. There are prayers for wisdom and reflections on God’s faithfulness in keeping his covenant through the generations. The eternal God teaches us how to live wisely, even as life passes quickly. We hear how God’s righteousness—or justice—comes together with his mercy. There are strong affirmations that God will not let the wicked go unpunished, and joyful declarations of his universal reign—a truth so powerful that even creation rejoices. Yet alongside this, we also hear cries from the depths of despair—pleas for deliverance, for security, and for the joy of dwelling in God’s house. And always, there are calls for all people to sing of God’s goodness and greatness.

Aug. 27: Psalm 85-87; Aug. 28: Psalm 88:1-89:37; Aug. 29: Psalm 89:38-90:17; Aug. 30: Psalm 91-93; Aug. 31: Psalm 94-95; Sept. 1: Psalm 96-98; Sept. 2: Psalm 99-101.

NT – 1 Corinthians 1:18-8:13

This week you will read from 1 Corinthians 1 through 8, where Paul addresses the divisions in the church at Corinth. Some believers think they are spiritually superior because of their gifts, even challenging Paul’s apostleship, while neglecting basic Christian character and community. Paul proclaims the foolishness of the cross compared to worldly wisdom. The Spirit’s truths cannot be grasped by those who are not born again, yet the Corinthians are acting like natural people rather than Spirit-filled ones. Paul reminds them to build wisely on the foundation of Christ and calls himself a steward of the gospel, their spiritual father. He warns against arrogance and tackles a serious issue of sexual immorality they have failed to address, emphasising the call to be holy and set apart, since the Holy Spirit dwells in believers. He offers practical guidance for married and unmarried believers, then addresses disputes over food sacrificed to idols. Throughout, Paul stresses the priority of love: we must not use our freedom to cause others to stumble.

Aug. 27: 1 Cor 1:18-2:16; Aug. 28: 1 Cor 3; Aug. 29: 1 Cor 4; Aug. 30: 1 Cor 5; Aug. 31: 1 Cor 6; Sept. 1:1 Cor 7:1-24; Sept. 2: 1 Cor 7:25-8:13