Bible Reading Plan: Deuteronomy
If you had to guess which books mention love the most in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy probably wouldn’t make the list. But aside from Psalms, it’s the clear winner. Deuteronomy is a love letter from God to His people, given through the prophet Moses. It reminds the people who God is and how they should live in light of who He is. And even though the laws given in Deuteronomy are ancient, they still hold wisdom for us today—thousands of years later. So starting Sept. 9, join us as we dive into Deuteronomy!
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG
GET YOUR JOURNAL
Purchase a copy of the Deuteronomy NIV journal online through Amazon or find it at another bookstore.
SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY EMAILS
Sign up for the weekly emails featuring in-depth notes on the daily readings. The weekly email is sent out each Sunday afternoon.
DOWNLOAD THE APP
iPhone and Android users can follow the plan using your device of choice. Find out how to download the HPUMC app.
GET THE BOOKMARK
Download a copy of the Deuteronomy bookmark here.
WEEK ONE
Key Thought/Summary
Deuteronomy is a story from the border of the Promised Land, and the curtain opens on Moses as he gives his final instructions to a generation of Israelites born in the wilderness. For forty years, Israel has wandered because of the previous generation’s rebellion against God. As he tries to prepare them to enter the land, Moses begins by looking back and recounting the failures of their forebears, who shrank back in fear and doubt, and urges them not to repeat their mistakes! God has proven his faithfulness to Israel with every step, and this new generation has a choice to make: will they trust him?
WEEK TWO
Key Thought/Summary
As Moses delivers his final address to his people, he is keenly aware of the challenges and temptations of idolatry that await them in Canaan. He reminds them of their sacred calling from God at Mt. Sinai—to be a ‘kingdom of priests and a holy nation’—and urges them to reflect God’s character to the world through their obedience to his commands. Determined to stir up covenant faithfulness and send them off with God’s words on their hearts and minds, Moses teaches Israel—and us—that following God’s Law isn’t about earning His favor, but about embracing His invitation to true, abundant life.
WEEK THREE
Key Thought/Summary
Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. You might recognize this as the first and greatest commandment given to us by Jesus, but before him, Moses first declared these famous words, known as the “Shema.” It became an important daily prayer in Judaism, passed down through generations. At its core, the Shema is a call to listen, obey, and remember who God truly is. Moses is about to show Israel what it looks like to love God with their whole lives—from their businesses to their justice system and their family lives. As you read, consider what it looks like for you to love God with your whole heart, soul, and strength.
WEEK FOUR
Key Thought/Summary
God’s faithfulness to His people is not based on their merit but on His committed love and grace. This is true for us now, and it was true for Israel then. Israel did not earn the Promised Land through their righteousness; it was a gift rooted in God’s loyalty and His mission for them. Moses underscores the truth that the Promised Land is an opportunity to establish a kingdom unlike any other where God’s truth, justice, and mercy reign. But to fully embrace this calling, Israel must confront their heart problem, shedding their stubbornness to become the covenant partners God earnestly desires.