31 days to know God

a Bible reading plan

On a recent podcast episode, Nick and I talked about how we can really learn to know God’s nature and his character. A few years ago, I wrote out a reading plan to help people see God’s nature and character from the beginning to the end of the Bible.

The Bible can be intimidating for a lot of people to start reading. I get a lot of questions on where people should start.

I recommend that you start with this plan, it’s simple and each reading is not going to take a bunch of your day. There is also a practical application of each day. After you read this plan, read the New Testament and start in the book of John. John is a simple gospel that transitions easily into the rest of the NT. It reveals the relational nature of Jesus. And it’s my personal favorite Gospel - it’s the most philosophical.

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introduction to the plan

Becoming who God designed you to be starts with a foundational truth: You cannot fully develop yourself until you have discovered God. True self-discovery and the realization of your potential are deeply rooted in understanding the nature and character of God. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings; it is the living Word of God, designed to reveal who He is and how He interacts with humanity. As you engage with Scripture, you will encounter the One who created you, loves you, and has a purpose for your life.

Romans 12:2 tells us: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” In Isaiah 55:9, God tells us “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

These two verses illustrate some profound truths:

1. God thinks infinitely better than us.

2. His thinking transforms us into who He created us to be.

3. When you make human thinking, culture and behavior your primary source, you will not become who God created you to be.

When you read the Bible, you learn how God thinks. When you learn how to think like God thinks, you can become who He has created you to be and fulfill His purpose for your life. The primary way God wants to teach us how to think is directly through our engagement with the Bible.

This 31-day Bible reading plan is designed to guide you through key passages of Scripture from the Old Testament to the New Testament. This 30,000 foot view will reveal the character of God and His plan for you. Each day, you will explore a theme that highlights an aspect of God’s nature and how it impacts your life. By the end of these 31 days, you will have a clearer understanding of who God is, how He thinks, and how you can align your life with His will to fulfill your God-given potential. This plan will give you a foundation to know God, so you can learn to know yourself and know how to live a meaningful life.

Each day also includes the Proverb of the day. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs, and one of the best ways to establish a rhythm of daily Bible reading is by reading one Proverb per day.

This plan is an invitation to discover God and let Him transform your thinking, so you can become who He destined you to be. As you walk through these passages, don’t just read them. Apply them to your life, and allow God to shape your thinking, attitudes and actions. Once God changes you, you’ll begin to change the world.

the plan

Day 1: Creation

Passages: Genesis 1-3, Proverbs 1

Theme: God as Creator and the introduction of sin.

Application: The goodness of God’s creation and how sin - our desire to do things our way - distorts it. How does understanding original sin affect your perspective on the world, yourself and God?

Day 2: God’s People

Passages: Genesis 12, 15, 28:10–15, 32:22–32, Proverbs 2

Theme: God’s covenant with His chosen people.

Application: God calls people into a relationship with Him and keeps His promises. How has God been faithful to you, and how can you trust him more in the future?

Day 3: The Ten Commandments

Passages: Exodus 14, 19-20, Proverbs 3

Theme: God’s law as a reflection of His holiness and justice.

Application: Consider how God’s commandments reveal His desire for righteousness and justice. How can you better align your life with God’s desire for right living?

Day 4: Love-Based Obedience

Passages: Deuteronomy 6-8, 11:13–21, Proverbs 4

Theme: The connection between love for God and obedience.

Application: Meditate on how love for God is what motivates true obedience. What is your motivation for obeying God?

Day 5: Cycles of Disobedience

Passages: Judges 1-2, 3:7-11, Proverbs 5

Theme: The cycle of disobedience and repentance among God’s people.

Application: The human pattern is often cycles of disobedience and repentance. Where do you see this pattern in your own life? What concrete step can you take this week to break that cycle and trust God consistently?

Day 6: God’s People Demand a King

Passages: 1 Samuel 8-9, 10:17-27 Proverbs 6

Theme: Israel’s desire for a king and God’s sovereignty.

Application: The Israelites demanded a human solution and rejected God’s solution. Do you more often trust God’s leadership or seek your own solutions? Is God really the King over every area of your life?

Day 7: Fall of Saul and Rise of David

Passages: 1 Samuel 15-17, Proverbs 7

Theme: The consequences of disobedience and the rise of a leader after God’s own heart.

Application: Consider how God values obedience over outward appearances. Are you a person after God’s own heart?

Day 8: How God’s People Respond to Hardship

Passages: Job 1-2, 38, 42, Proverbs 8

Theme: Trusting God in the midst of suffering.

Application: Reflect on how Job’s story challenges you to trust God even when life is hard. What is your attitude towards God when life gets hard?

Day 9: Grow Your Soul

Passages: Psalm 1, 23, 27, 139, Proverbs 9

Theme: Nurturing your relationship with God.

Application: Meditate on what it means to you that God knows everything about you. Do you treat God as if he really knows you deeply?

Day 10: Suffering and Sin

Passages: Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, Proverbs 10

Theme: The reality of sin, its consequences and repentance.

Application: Reflect on David’s repentance and God’s mercy. What should your response to your own sin be?

Day 11: Wisdom for Life

Passages: Proverbs 3, 5, 11, 16, 31

Theme: Living wisely according to God’s principles.

Application: How can you apply wisdom to your life daily?

Day 12: Israel’s Sin Against God

Passages: Ezekiel 18, 20:5–26, 26:22-32, Proverbs 12

Theme: The consequences of sin and God’s call to repentance.

Application: Sin separates us from God, but He continually invites us to return. What area of your life do you need to repent of today? Talk to God about it and take one step towards obedience - doing what you know to do.

Day 13: Jesus, The Promised King

Passages: Jeremiah 23:1–6, Isaiah 9:6–7, Isaiah 53, Zechariah 9, Proverbs 13

Theme: The promise of a Savior and the fulfillment in Jesus.

Application: Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises. How can you live with greater confidence in that promise this week?

Day 14: The Word Became Flesh

Passages: Matthew 1, Luke 2, John 1:1–18,, Proverbs 14

Theme: Jesus as the embodiment of God’s plan.

Application: When John says the “Word” became flesh, he uses a word “logos” which for people in that time meant “plan of God.” God’s plan didn’t stay abstract — it became a person, Jesus, who lived among us. What does it mean for you to live out God’s plan - follow Jesus - in a real and tangible way today?

Day 15: Signs and Miracles of Authority

Passages: Matthew 8-9, Luke 13:10–17, Proverbs 15

Theme: Jesus’ authority demonstrated through miracles.

Application: Jesus’ miracles reveal His divine authority. Where do you need to trust His authority in your life right now?

Day 16: Jesus Fulfills the Law

Passages: Matthew 5-7, Proverbs 16

Theme: Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law.

Application: Following Jesus means aligning your life with His teachings. What specific teaching of Jesus do you need to put into practice this week? Make it your focus.

Day 17: Born Again

Passages: John 3-4, Proverbs 17

Theme: The new life offered through faith in Jesus.

Application: Being born again gives you a new identity and purpose. How will you live differently today because of this new identity? Identify one area where you need to act like a new creation.

Day 18: Jesus Gave His Life

Passages: John 18-19, Proverbs 18

Theme: The willing sacrifice of Jesus.

Application: Jesus’ sacrifice shows the value He places on you. How can you honor that sacrifice in your daily choices? Commit to one action today that reflects gratitude for His love.

Day 19: Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

Passages: Matthew 27-28, Luke 24, Proverbs 19

Theme: The victory of Jesus over sin and death.

Application: The resurrection means death and sin don’t have the final word. What part of your life feels hopeless or lifeless? How can you invite God’s resurrection power into that part of your life?.

Day 20: The Church Begins

Passages: Acts 1-2, Proverbs 20

Theme: The birth of the church empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Application: The Spirit empowered the early church to live on mission together. How can you partner with God’s mission through His church this week — by serving, giving or building relationships?

Day 21: Jesus is the Final Sacrifice

Passages: Hebrews 4, 7, 9-10, Proverbs 21

Theme: Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Application: Because of Jesus, no more sacrifices are needed — the price has been paid. How should this change the way you handle guilt or striving for approval? Choose one way today to rest in His finished work.

Day 22: Our Sin Exposed

Passages: Romans 1:18-32, 2:17-29, 3:9-20, Proverbs 22

Theme: The reality of sin in humanity.

Application: In both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible makes it clear sin is infectious and destructive in our lives. Humans are not inherently good. How does this perspective shape your thinking on your need for a savior?

Day 23: Grace Comes Through Jesus

Passages: Romans 3:21-31, 4-5, Proverbs 23

Theme: Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus.

Application: In spite of our sin, God gives us a gift called grace. Salvation is not something we earn, its something we receive. How does this affect your approach to your own sin?

Day 24: The War of Sin

Passages: Romans 6-8, Proverbs 24

Theme: The ongoing struggle with sin and the power of the Spirit.

Application: Although grace is a gift, it doesn’t end sin in our lives. How does following Jesus help you in the war against sin?

Day 25: Living Sacrifices

Passages: Romans 12-13, Proverbs 25

Theme: Offering your life as a living sacrifice to God.

Application: Reflect on what it means to live as a sacrifice to God. What does it mean to worship Him daily?

Day 26: New Life in Christ

Passages: Ephesians 1-3, Proverbs 26

Theme: The new identity and purpose found in Christ.

Application: Reflect on the new life Christ gives you. How should your identity in Him shapes your daily interactions and decisions.

Day 27: Life of Faith

Passages: James 1-3, Proverbs 27

Theme: Living out your faith through actions.

Application: Reflect on how faith and works are interconnected. How can you put your faith in God into action?

Day 28: Trusting in Jesus

Passages: 1 Peter 1-3, Proverbs 28

Theme: Trusting Jesus in the face of trials and persecution.

Application: The life of a Christian is not a playground, it’s a battleground. How does following Jesus equip you for life’s battles?

Day 29: The Light of Truth

Passages: 1 John 1-2, Proverbs 29

Theme: Walking in the light of God’s truth.

Application: Walking in God’s light means living with honesty, purity, and integrity. What is one specific step you can take this week to bring more of your life into the light?

Day 30: Love One Another

Passages: 1 John 3-5, Proverbs 30

Theme: The command to love one another as Jesus loves.

Application: How can you love people like Jesus has loved you?

Day 31: Promise of Eternity

Passages: Revelation 19-22, Proverbs 31

Theme: The hope of eternal life with God.

Application: How should the assurance of God’s eternal plan and hope influence your perspective on the world and your own life?