Core 52 - Family
A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year.
The Reading Plan
Follow along and keep track of your progress.
Wed, Aug 12
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Aug 13
Read the essay. Create something (a song, a story, a treat, an art project—however you like to create), and share it with your family.
Fri, Aug 14
Memorize Genesis 1:1
Genesis 1:1
Sat, Aug 15
Read Genesis 1. Imagine that you’re watching God create the world. What does it look like? Sound like? Smell like? What are some ways humans praise God? How do you think animals and plants praise him? Why do you think God is compared to an architect, Jesus to a builder, and the Holy Spirit to an engineer?
Genesis 1:1
Sun, Aug 16
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Aug 17
Read Genesis 2:1–22. What did God provide that Adam and Eve needed? What has God provided for you? How did Adam and Eve add to creation? How can you add to creation? How do your parents provide for you like God provided for Adam and Eve?
Genesis 2:1–22
Tue, Aug 18
“How does what you create bring praise to God?”, “How have you enjoyed someone else’s creation recently?”, “Are there things in creation that your friends might enjoy more than you do, such as sports, art, or music?”
Wed, Aug 19
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Aug 20
Reading the essay. Create something this week that would improve someone’s day (cookies, a dance, a picture, a story…).
Fri, Aug 21
Memorize Genesis 1:26
Genesis 1:26
Sat, Aug 22
Read Ephesians 1:1-14. What’s one of your strengths—something you like about yourself? Do you think God shares this trait? How? What’s a strength that someone else has that you don’t have? What’s one of God’s characteristics that you need to strengthen in yourself?
Ephesians 1:1-14
Sun, Aug 23
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Aug 24
Read Ephesians 1:15–23. Why do you think God loves the strength you identified yesterday? How can you use it to bring him glory? Why is it important for different people to have different strengths? What would happen if we all had the same personality traits? Since God blessed us all differently, why is it important to continue to strengthen our weaknesses?
Ephesians 1:15–23
Tue, Aug 25
Today
“Do you know anyone else with the same gift? Do you use your gifts the same way?” “How do you think God will use your gifts when you’re an adult?” “How do you feel about the gifts God has given you?”
Wed, Aug 26
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Aug 27
Read the essay. If you have been upset with someone who is only trying to protect you, ask for that person’s forgiveness.
Fri, Aug 28
Memorize Genesis 3:6.
Genesis 3:6
Sat, Aug 29
Read Genesis 3:1–10. Can you remember a time when your mom and dad were trying to keep you safe but you thought your way was better? After Adam and Eve ate the fruit, how did they become more like God? Who or what in your life is most likely to tempt you to go against God’s way?
Genesis 3:1–10
Sun, Aug 30
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Aug 31
Read Genesis 4:1-16. If Adam and Eve hadn’t sinned, do you think we would still be living in the Garden of Eden? How did Adam and Eve’s choice to eat the fruit in the garden affect more lives than their own? How do your choices affect other people’s lives?
Genesis 4:1-16
Tue, Sep 1
“How do boundaries and rules bring freedom?” “How do boundaries and rules bring freedom?” "How do your actions reveal what’s inside your heart?”
Wed, Sep 2
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Sep 3
Read the essay. Write down your favorite promise from God. Put it somewhere you can see it, and read it every day
Fri, Sep 4
Memorize Genesis 15:6.
Genesis 15:6
Sat, Sep 5
Read Genesis 21:1–7. With help, look up these passages. What does God promise you in each of them? Matthew 11:28–29 James 1:5 Isaiah 41:13 Philippians 4:6–9 John 3:16. What’s a promise God has made to you and kept? What does it mean to you to be blessed? How is it similar to or different from God’s promise to bless Abraham?
Genesis 21:1–7 Matthew 11:28–29 James 1:5 Isaiah 41:13 Philippians 4:6–9 John 3:16
Sun, Sep 6
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Sep 7
Read Genesis 12:1–18. Sometimes a covenant requires us to make sacrifices. What’s something in your life that would be hard to give up if God asked you to? How have you experienced God’s blessing? Is there a situation in your life where you don’t feel like you can see God keeping his promises?
Genesis 12:1–18
Tue, Sep 8
“What are some consequences of breaking a promise?” “What promise of God brings you the most comfort?” “Do your friends see you as a promise keeper?”
Wed, Sep 9
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Sep 10
Read the essay. Look at yourself in the mirror every morning, and say to yourself, “I am holy because God says I am holy.”
Fri, Sep 11
Memorize Leviticus 11:45.
Leviticus 11:45
Sat, Sep 12
Read 1 Peter 2:9–10. What makes you part of your family? When you disobey your parents, you don’t suddenly stop being part of the family. But what does happen? Have you ever tried to earn holiness? How?
Read 1 Peter 2:9–10
Sun, Sep 13
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Sep 14
Read Psalm 51:1–12. David is desperate for forgiveness and holiness in this psalm. What does it feel like to be desperate for forgiveness? What verse in this psalm do you relate to most? David’s plea for forgiveness doesn’t pass blame or make excuses. Why is that important?
Psalm 51:1–12
Tue, Sep 15
“What are some similarities between being part of our family and being part of the family of God?” “If you viewed your friends like God does, would it change the way you treat them? What about your enemies?” “What’s the difference between being holy and being good?”
Wed, Sep 16
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Sep 17
Read the essay. Assign your child a task you know they will need your help with. Do this to model how God always gives us the help we need to do what he asks us to do.
Fri, Sep 18
Memorize Deuteronomy 18:18.
Deuteronomy 18:18
Sat, Sep 19
Read Exodus 2:11-15 and 3:1-12. Does God want to use you even after you’ve made a mistake? How? Does God want to use you even after you’ve made a mistake? How? Are you ever really qualified to do God’s work? What makes it possible?
Exodus 2:11-15, Exodus 3:1-12
Sun, Sep 20
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Sep 21
Read Exodus 4:10-17. What excuse did Moses give God for why he didn’t think he’d be able to complete the task? What was God’s response? Have you ever felt disqualified from doing God’s work because of past mistakes? What are the reasons you think you can’t do what God asks of you?
Exodus 4:10-17
Tue, Sep 22
“Does God still believe in us even when we disappoint him?” “Has God helped you do something even when you didn’t think you could?” “Have you ever not done what God wanted you to do? What happened?”
Wed, Sep 23
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Sep 24
Read the essay, Identify one thing you usually do with the wrong attitude. This week, complete the task with a happy heart.
Fri, Sep 25
Memorize 1 Samuel 16:7.
1 Samuel 16:7
Sat, Sep 26
Read 1 Samuel 15:20-23. Why did God reject Saul as king? What’s the difference between the character traits that are important to the world and what’s important to God? It’s possible to do the right action with the wrong attitude. What’s something you do that you need to change your attitude about?
1 Samuel 15:20-23
Sun, Sep 27
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Sep 28
Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7. Why does God care more about the heart than the outward appearance? What words would you want someone to use to describe your heart? What can you do to practice having the kind of heart that you want?
1 Samuel 16:6-7
Tue, Sep 29
“How are your character traits pointing people to Jesus?” “Have you ever had to work on any character traits? How did you do it?” “Saul had blind spots in obeying the Lord. What are my blind spots that could keep me from being a leader?”
Wed, Sep 30
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Oct 1
Read the essay. In your current season of life, where do you see God directing your life for good?
Fri, Oct 2
Memorize 2 Samuel 7:12.
2 Samuel 7:12
Sat, Oct 3
In Matthew 21–22, how did Jesus act like a king without making the claim?
Matthew 21–22
Sun, Oct 4
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Oct 5
How do Matthew 1:1, Philippians 2:9–11, and Revelation 5:5 show us that Jesus is greater than David?
Matthew 1:1, Philippians 2:9–11, and Revelation 5:5
Tue, Oct 6
Make a list of the ten biggest events of your life. Where do you see God driving, directing, and protecting you?
Wed, Oct 7
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Oct 8
Which of the three steps to build happiness do you need to work on first?
Fri, Oct 9
Memorize Psalm 1:1–3.
Psalm 1:1–3
Sat, Oct 10
Pain is not the opposite of happiness; meaninglessness is. Read Job 1–2 with this truth in mind. How is pain often a prerequisite for meaning?
Job 1–2
Sun, Oct 11
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Oct 12
How would you use Psalm 37:4, Philippians 3:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to answer the question “Does God want me to be happy?”
Psalm 37:4, Philippians 3:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Tue, Oct 13
On your phone or on paper, list the alphabet. Now write one quality or gift God has given you to match each letter.
Wed, Oct 14
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Oct 15
What evidence from this essay gives you the most compelling reason to believe that Jesus is God’s son?
Fri, Oct 16
Memorize Psalm 2:7.
Psalm 2:7
Sat, Oct 17
Since we’re talking about prophecy, let’s read part of the biography of the most famous prophet, Elijah (1 Kings 18–19). Was he the kind of person you could count on to tell the truth?
1 Kings 18–19
Sun, Oct 18
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Oct 19
What evidence do we find in Psalm 22:1, Psalm 118:22–29, and Revelation 19:15 that Jesus is God’s son?
Psalm 22:1, Psalm 118:22–29, and Revelation 19:15
Tue, Oct 20
Have a conversation with your parents or guardians. Ask, “What gives you confidence that Jesus is really who he says he is?” If they aren’t believers, consider asking why. Listen respectfully, and be ready to tell them why you have confidence in Jesus.
Wed, Oct 21
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Oct 22
Read the essay. What characteristics of a shepherd do you find in the best leaders in your life?
Fri, Oct 23
Memorize Psalm 23:1–3. (Go for all six verses if you can!)
Psalm 23:1–3
Sat, Oct 24
Now that you know the role of God as shepherd, read John 10 and think through how Jesus’s audience would have taken this claim.
John 10
Sun, Oct 25
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Oct 26
On the first page of this essay, jot down a short list of important characteristics of leaders using Ezekiel 34:3–4, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, and 1 Peter 2:25.
Ezekiel 34:3–4, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, and 1 Peter 2:25
Tue, Oct 27
Think of someone who looks up to you (e.g., younger sibling, classmate, team member). For that person, put into practice this week one thing from the list you made yesterday.
Wed, Oct 28
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Oct 29
On the first page of the essay, make a brief list of the evidence that convinces you that Jesus really is our Savior.
Fri, Oct 30
Memorize Psalm 110:1.
Psalm 110:1
Sat, Oct 31
As you talk to people about Jesus, not everyone will be convinced. Read John 5–6, looking for similarities between the objections Jesus encountered here and the ones he faced in Matthew 21–22.
Matthew 21–22
Sun, Nov 1
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Nov 2
Look for the ways people reacted to Jesus’s claims in Matthew 16:16–18, Matthew 22:41–46, and Acts 2:34-37.
Matthew 16:16–18, Matthew 22:41–46, and Acts 2:34-37
Tue, Nov 3
Write out a prayer. Praise Jesus for his power, or call out to him for help. As Messiah, he is both your powerful king and your compassionate priest.
Wed, Nov 4
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Nov 5
As you read the essay, can you think of anything else that was unpopular but turned out to be right?
Fri, Nov 6
Memorize Psalm 118:22.
Psalm 118:22
Sat, Nov 7
Read the entire story of Peter quoting Psalm 118:22 in front of the Sanhedrin (Acts 3–4).
Acts 3–4
Sun, Nov 8
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Nov 9
Think about these countercultural passages that turned out to be true: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 21:33–46, and Acts 4:11.
Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 21:33–46, and Acts 4:11
Tue, Nov 10
Identify one popular thing you need to stop doing because it isn’t right.
Wed, Nov 11
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Nov 12
List three things from this essay that could put you on the path to becoming wise.
Fri, Nov 13
Memorize Proverbs 1:7.
Proverbs 1:7
Sat, Nov 14
In 1 Kings, read chapters 3, 10, and 11. List three things from Solomon’s life that could put you on the path to becoming wise.
1 Kings 3, 10, 11
Sun, Nov 15
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Nov 16
Identify one principle from each of these passages that could put you on the path to becoming wise: Deuteronomy 10:12, Ecclesiastes 12:13, and James 1:5.
Deuteronomy 10:12, Ecclesiastes 12:13, and James 1:5
Tue, Nov 17
Ask two people at least twenty years older than you one simple question: “What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?”
Wed, Nov 18
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Nov 19
As you read the essay, ask yourself, “How good am I at becoming good?”
Fri, Nov 20
Memorize Isaiah 53:5.
Isaiah 53:5
Sat, Nov 21
The ten plagues really tell the story of our own stubborn hearts. As you read Exodus 7:14–11:10, ask yourself how you might be suffering because you refuse to do what God has asked.
Exodus 7:14–11:10
Sun, Nov 22
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Nov 23
What can you learn about sin and suffering from Leviticus 17:11, Romans 6:23, and 1 Peter 1:18–19?
Leviticus 17:11, Romans 6:23, and 1 Peter 1:18–19
Tue, Nov 24
Search for “Bible Project Atonement” on YouTube.2 Watch the six-minute video; then share it with a friend or on social media.
Wed, Nov 25
Attend Wednesday Night Youth Group
Thu, Nov 26
As you read the essay, underline any statements that reflect your own experience of coming to God.
Fri, Nov 27
Memorize Jeremiah 31:33–34.
Jeremiah 31:33–34
Sat, Nov 28
Read Matthew 3 and Luke 4. They describe Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River and tempted in the wilderness. How do these events mirror Israel passing through the Red Sea and then being tempted in the desert?
Matthew 3 and Luke 4
Sun, Nov 29
Reflection
Attend Church
Mon, Nov 30
What do Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, and Hebrews 9:14–15 teach about having a relationship with God?
Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, and Hebrews 9:14–15
Tue, Dec 1
We come to know God through the Holy Spirit he put in us. What is the Spirit telling you about God right now? Pay attention. He might speak to you through a song, a scripture, a relationship, or even nature.