Share the BRP
Beginning January 1, we’ll be studying the book of James. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2024.
To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page!
2023 Year in Review
We continued to cover a lot of ground through the Bible Reading Plan in 2023! If you have followed along with us since January, we have read through 18 complete books this year (plus different Gospel accounts throughout Holy Week as well as the Psalms of Ascent). Here is all that we covered (in order that we read them) this year from January 1-December 31:
- Proverbs
- Deuteronomy
- Galatians
- Hebrews
- Holy Week (primarily readings from Mark)
- Romans
- 1 Chronicles
- Nahum
- Zephaniah
- Habakkuk
- Daniel
- 2 Chronicles
- Joel
- Haggai
- Malachi
- John
- Ezekiel
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- The Psalms of Ascent
Once again, we were heavily in the Old Testament this year. This year we continued to bounce back and forth between the Old and New Testaments, giving us a clearer picture of how each book (and type of literature) points us to the common thread throughout scripture: God had a plan to redeem a broken world through Jesus.
We started off the year with the wisdom of King Solomon in Proverbs. We dove deep into theology through some of Paul’s letters, like Romans and 1 & 2 Corinthians. Throughout the summer we dove into the historical books of 1 & 2 Chronicles, while also reading from the prophets who lived during those days. Our New Testament readings gave us eyewitness accounts of Jesus’s time on earth and helped develop our theology of who Jesus was and why the Gospel is good news for us. We even spent eight weeks (!) reading through Ezekiel, a complex, prophetic book that ultimately reminds us of our need for a savior.
Before we look ahead to next year, it’s helpful to pause and reflect on what God taught us this year. Think through (and please answer in the comments!) the following questions:
- Which character or story in scripture that we read this year sticks out the most? Why?
- What did you learn about God’s Word in 2023 that you didn’t previously know?
- If you were to summarize what God taught you this year into a word or phrase, what would it be?
- What is your prayer for 2024? What do you hope God teaches you in the upcoming year?
As we move into 2024, this is the year that we will complete the Bible! We only have a handful of books left at this point, so we will continue to read a chapter a day. On January 1 we begin reading the book of James, one of the most practical and applicable books in all of the Bible. Written by the half-brother of Jesus, this book will give us tangible ways to live out our faith as we kick-start a new year.
Some of you have been reading a chapter a day alongside us since we started in March 2020, while some of you have hopped in along the way. However long you’ve been following along, we hope the BRP has helped you know, understand, and love God’s Word more. If you have found it to be helpful in your own life, share the BRP with a friend and invite them to read alongside you this year!
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15 thoughts on “2023 Year In Review”
What a great year!! Thanks for all those behind the scenes at BRP. Your ministry makes an impact as we read the scripture, dig deeper into the meaning, and answer the questions that help make the words applicable.
It is a blessing to start each day in the Word and actions have more easily enabled that blessing!
Amen!
King Solomon,just his story in general….how he could ask for anything and he ask for wisdom. In the world today of material things it was refreashing. Then to see that he also had a human error side like us all. His accomplishments and his trust in God.
I learned that God trully is a more awesome God than I believed. I am amazed how his love for me grows in good and bad times.
HOPE, God simply asks us to truly believe and have Hope and we will find our final destination with him,,
My prayer for 2024 is healing…for this world, country and myself. We are not moving in the right direction and need to continue and pray for nerdy and revival. Me personally I need physical healing as well as spiritual. Being very limited inn getting around…watching every Sunday is nice…but attending and serving is missed very much.
May God heal us all. AMEN
Thank ya’ll for setting the Bible Reading plan up….it is a True Blessing.
We’ve missed you, Keith, praying for healing for all of your needs.
Love you Keith…praying for healing brother…
In a previous Church experience, the daily devotional they did listed the author (Church member) that wrote the commentary. I’ve got to say two things about the format here at Harris Creek.
First, I really like it that I do not know who the author is. Not sure why? It’s probably a factor of my judgmental, self righteous heart that would attach some sentiment of a rating to the commentary based on the brother or sister who wrote it – if I knew them. (yeah, how sad is that)
Second, is WOW…well done. Don’t let it go to your heads people; but I get so much out of your commentaries. Well well done and thank you for the time and effort you put forth into edifying the body.
I can say I did it!! It is possible to read scriptures daily and let it fuel me. I pray that each of you will remain vigilant in prayer and reading as the holy spirit leads. Happy New Year!!!
Love that by reading the BRP we are seeing the red thread that ties God’s Word together. God is so much more tremendous, awesome, loving, terrifying, merciful, gracious, disciplining, kind, gentle, etc.etc than we tend to acknowledge. We put God in a box without ever realizing we are limiting Him by our believing or lack there of. My attitude has been I believe God but…(throw in any of the worldly junk that can trip me up). This year has opened my eyes to see God and believe God as a Father that wants His best for me (and you) in every situation. But God instead of God but what if. Thank you BRP
1. Ezekiel, I’ve never thoroughly studied his amazing life and how he was completely on mission with God, even when it required some of the most ridiculous acts, he obeyed anyway. His obedience to God was truly remarkable.
2. I learned to be hypersensitive to each narrative in scripture and how it all culminates in the Messiah.
3. God is teaching me humility over and over again. It’s the ultimate sweet spot.
4. Transformation- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
I stand in awe of God who continues to reveal himself to a wretch like me, one who can remake all my mistakes into things of beauty that testify of him.
The BRP has brought conviction, amazement, research, clarity, intimacy, self disciple, understanding, hope, joy, longing, listening, doing, action, kindness, repentance, growth, thankfulness, newness, rest, restoration, and so many other words. I am thankful for the guys/gals behind the scenes. I am thankful for HC. I have grown by leaps and bounds over the past 4 years. BUT GOD is not done nor am I. This is an amazing journey with Him. Wrapping my brain around His HESED love, being still so that He can do His work in and through me, knowing the AWE of God, truly has been life changing. Not to give John Bevere glory but that book was pivotal for my world. Thank you JP for recommending it.
I am praying for as these days, minutes come that I can replace the “things” of this world with God. Putting off the old man and putting on the new, minutely.
God I thank You for this new year. Thank You for HC that it as a group is and will equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, as we all work toward to attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood/womanhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. God thank You that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Eph 4:12-16). God I desire to put off my old self, which belongs to my former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires. God I desire and minutely want to be renewed in the spirit of my mind and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of You God in true righteousness and holiness. Thank You for Your HESED Love. Thank You for seeing others through Your love goggles, hearing Your voice over all the noise of this world. Loving, giving and being kind in all I say and do in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!
I look forward to reading God’s word everyday with BRP. I used to believe that I had to read at least 45 minutes to an hour a day (works). I get more out of BRP and the commentary at the end (truly learning) than I ever have with just reading through the Bible. And Ella and the others comments are so good to take in as well. Wish I had got into this in 2020 when you started it. For me, as Ella stated, Ezekiel was my highlight and for the same reasons she stated. Praying for this new year as I have a feeling it’s going to rock our faith in ways we’ve never known. We must pray and trust our Savior to work all things according to His righteous purpose and BELIEVE He will do just that. Pray for our country and our world. Thank you HCC from Kansas.
Which character or story in scripture that we read this year sticks out the most? Why?
Habakuk. He came to God with difficult questions on why does it seem like the wicked are winning? Then after God answers, Habakuk responds:
Habakkuk 3:2 NLT
[2] I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.
&
Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT
[17] Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, [18] yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! [19] The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)
I see wickedness succeed at work, school, and the hospital which probes the same question–God why are you silent? Then God tenderly answers my questions through Habakuk:
Habakkuk 1:5 CSB
[5] Look at the nations and observe- be utterly astounded! For I am doing something in your days that you will not believe when you hear about it.
The Lord is working in such a brilliant way that I could not comprehend even if He told me. So just like Habakuk I will celebrate and rejoice in the Lord who gives me my strength and my salvation.
What did you learn about God’s Word in 2023 that you didn’t previously know?
How detailed it can get talking about dimensions of temples. Also how applicable it is to my life now even though it was written over 2,000 years ago.
If you were to summarize what God taught you this year into a word or phrase, what would it be?
Isaiah 40:31 NLT
but those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
they will soar high on wings like eagles.
they will run and not grow weary.
they will walk and not faint.
Even when i am exhausted, the Lord gives me the strength to love others who are difficult and to continue doing the good work that He played for me long ago (Ephesians 2:10).
What is your prayer for 2024? What do you hope God teaches you in the upcoming year?
That everything i do will be to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Set my eyes on what truly matters and release my grip on my earthly belongings and relationships. Lord i love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30-31). Help my disbelief. Thank you Lord for all your blessings, teachings, and corrections! Oh how awful my life would be without you Father. Thank you Yeshua hamashiach, Jesus Christ, for choosing me before i even chose you (John 15:16).
I cannot thank what BRP team has done through our Father’s Spirit, enough!. My walk with Jesus has grown so much with everyone’s wonderful and kind insights given to them by the Holy Spirit. Every morning i am excited to read the word with yall no matter where i am in the world! Keep up the amazing work!
So grateful for HC and BRP. God continues to use both to increase my heart’s desire for more Bible. Thank you for doing this.
Thank you so much to the whole BRP team, what an amazing year! One special thing for me is that most of the people I work with follow this plan and we are able to share insights and encouragements with each other regularly. It has been such a blessing. Looking forward to 2024 and deeper revelations of the knowledge of the Lord and the riches of His glorious inheritance!
I started reading along with BRP beginning of October. Which meant I started near the middle of Ezekiel, and everything happening in Israel, it was so eye-opening. Reading alongside with ya’ll has been beyond a blessing as it grew me spiritually. Reading is not a chore anymore, I can compare it to drinking the most refreshing water from the alps and it replenishes me. God’s Word replenishes me. Abiding in Him every morning, everything He has been teaching me truly brings me closer to Him. I’ve learned so much. I will also note, I love reading Ella S.’ comments, the Lord has blessed me through her.
Reading in the morning and daily is now vital for me. The past (almost) 6 months has been life changing. The Lord broke me down about 6 months ago, I am no longer a lukewarm believer. I am now a servant of Christ, the one true God, trusting and fearing Him, praising Him in every moment of my life; a living sacrifice.
Answers for questions 1-4:
•1. The People of Corinth finally turning from their wicked ways and coming to Christ, the way Paul brought them out of their disobedience by showing them and telling them where they’ve rebelled and all the sin they’ve committed. I was too deep into the world to see my faults, knowing I was living in sin but taking advantage of God’s grace, but never fully committed to God. This story resonates with my testimony. A life once lived of sin and shame. Only by God’s grace, through Christ’ blood, am I forgiven and saved. All the things I thought I wanted don’t come close to knowing Jesus. “Now that I’ve tasted of Your goodness, nothing else will satisfy.” I now know why the world could never satisfy me, because only the Lord can, this void is because I belong to Him.
•2. There are a lot of things the Lord has taught me and put on my heart; a lot of Hebrew words and their meanings. One thing that surprised me that was so simple is I did not know Mount Zion or just Zion was in reference to the holy place/Jerusalem. It gave me so much understanding to know that. That was one of the first things I learned in October.
•3. “Trust in Me, I’m ALL you need.”
•4. I pray God makes me radical for Him, unashamed and sharing the gospel to everyone in my life and anyone I come across. Also, to truly be a proverbs 31 woman.
God bless you guys! Thank you all so much for being a part of this journey together. Reading with BRP, the blessings God is pouring into me daily is just so beautiful! I am so grateful the Lord did not give up on me. Here’s to 2024, everything God will teach us this year and the great things the Lord will have us do for the name of God, for His glory.