Early this year, I wrote a blog post asking, Does anyone read the Bible anymore, anyway? It convicted me. Like, a LOT. And it spurred me to plan a month of intentional Bible reading beyond the smaller every-day devos. And, of course, I couldn’t help but invite the world to join me. 😛 May I present #OTOctober. (You know it’s official because I hashtagged it. :P)
It’s nothing official–just an invitation for you to join me in reading in the Old Testament through the month of October. And there’s a hashtag that you can use if you’re on social media and want to share that sort of thing.
What does #OTOctober Entail?
Um…reading the Old Testament. In October.
Can you read the New Testament too? YES! There are no rules!
Do you have to read the whole Old Testament? NO! There are no rules!
Do you have to start at the beginning of the Old Testament? NO! There are no rules!
I hope you’re getting the picture. 😉
Nadine’s Personal Plan
I’m going to start in Genesis…and see how far I get. Obviously, I’d love to get through the whole Old Testament in a month but I’d also really like to be able to write a book in a month. And neither of those things have ever happened for me. I know that I can get mentally drained or burned out and that it’s important to push myself while also understanding my limitations.
So I’m just going to read and spend time with God and journal hopefully a solid chunk of time each day. Since I’ll be off writing deadline at the time, I think it will be very freeing.
#OTOctober is not about numbers.
It’s not about how many books you read, how many chapters you read, how many verses you read. It’s about reading. It’s about getting into God’s word on a deep and consistent basis.
One of the greatest obstacles for people today in reading on a consistent basis is knowing what to read. This post and this “challenge” is simply to help you know where to start. To get you going each morning when you think, “I want to read, but I’m not sure what to read.”
I know that October is still 5 days away, but if you’re feeling it you can totally start now if you want! 🙂
So, who’s in? And what do you think you’ll read?
What is your favorite Old Testament book?
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Awesome challenge! And what a coincidence – I’ve been reading through the Bible slowly for a while, going at about a chapter a day, and alternating between the Old Testament and the New. However, I’m almost through the New, so this month I’ll be spending a lot more time in the Old.
I’m in!!
Oh yay! I’m so looking forward to it! 🙂 A chapter a day is a great habit. 🙂
I’m currently reading Ezekiel, so I guess I started #OTOctober early.
You over-achiever. 😉
It’s super cool that you just posted this, because I’m currently reading through the Old Testament right now – so YES, I’ll be joining you! xD
Yay! Yay! Yay! So glad you’re in!
I’ve just recently started back in on some devotional reading each morning, and have been wanting to get back into reading the Bible. I don’t know that I’ve ever made it through the Old Testament, so I think I shall try and join in!
I’m glad you’re joining. There is so much to glean from every part of the Bible. It took me a loooooong time to read through it all my first time (like, years), but slow and steady and you’ll make it through! I’m looking forward to what God will show you and teach you this time around! 🙂
I’m not participating (frowny face). However, I think it’s an amazing idea.
I read a good portion of the OT about a year ago (Kings and Chronicles).
There’s a method where you can read 10 different places in the Bible. One chapter each place. I’ve done parts of it and really like it.
Hey, October comes around every year so…. 😉
That’s a really interesting method. I’ve never heard of it, but that’s great you found a system that works for you. 🙂
I love this! I doubt I’ll get the whole OT read, and like you said, that’s okay, but I’m going to try and read as much as I can. 🙂
Hey, maybe you should do #NTNovember next? 😉
Shhh! You’ll give away my secret! 😉
Great idea! I actually love the Old Testament (I might be a borderline history nerd?) My favorite book is probably Proverbs. They’re like Biblical fortune cookies that make you think…
“Biblical fortune cookies that make you think” –> probably my best summary of Proverbs ever. ^_^
I’ll join! Your post earlier actually really convicted me (especially with the Harry Potter analogy), so I’ve been slowly but steadily working my way through the Bible since spring. I just finished up 4 Kingdoms, and I’ll probably be in the Chronicles and Ezras for most of October (actually at the rate I’m going I probably won’t even get to 1 Ezra).
My favorite OT book is hands down Psalms. Someone I really admire once said that if you read nothing else, read a Psalm a day, and I’ve been trying to do that. They’re beautiful.
This is fantastic! I love that you’ve been plugging along with the Old Testament. Hurray! I’m so proud of you. And yes, the Psalms are beautiful and have so much meat to them!
Woot, I’m in! I read a Psalm every day and I’ve just been thinking about going through some of the minor prophets again, so I’ll do that! 😀
Yay! A Psalm a day is such a good practice! I’m excited to barrel through some of the history in larger chunks. I don’t get to do that as often as I like.
I’ve been trying to read the New Testament this year so I think I’ll join the challenge even though I don’t have a social media account to share it. I’ve already read Matthew, Mark, Acts, and Ruth this year. (Yes, I know Ruth is from the Old Testament, but I wanted to read it for a different 2017 reading challenge.) I’m really excited that I stumbled upon this because I think maybe this is the motivation I needed to get back into it. Thanks Nadine! <3
I’m so glad you’re joining! And you don’t need social media–the hashtag is just for those who want to share on their social medias. 🙂 I love Ruth–it’s such a good book! And the point of all of this is to get into Scripture even more–no matter what you choose to read!
I’ve been reading the Old Testament this whole year, so I’m now almost done with Hosea. I think I’ll finish the OT before October ends? I agree, reading the whole Bible is important, even those boring parts…
CutePolarBear
Wow! That’s awesome that you’re about to finish it! Congratulations! That just inspires me even more to read, read, read. 🙂
Yes, I’m so happy that I get to join and try to dig a little deeper into my Bible reading this year. Good luck with the Old Testament reading. <3
Yay! So glad you’re joining. And thank you!
Daily Bible reading is ALWAYS a good idea. As of now, I’m in 2 Chronicles. Started in Genesis monthas ago. I hope to be reading daily when next October rolls around.?
Wow, your’e flying through! I hope you keep me updated on your reading this month! Praying for you! 🙂
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