TaNaK Tuesdays

Sometimes the Old Testament can appear very intimidating. In fact, I've met many Christians who don't even go to the O.T., because the N.T. is sufficient. However, we should not do this, since "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Now, at the time which this was written, the New Testament had not been canonized (recognized officially by the church as Scripture), so the author is describing the Old Testament in the immediate context. Thus, we can use the O.T. for gaining incredible insight into who God is and what He does. Below, I've listed a guideline of practical help. Please feel free to list more areas of the O.T. that have helped you tremendously. I have made broad generalizations below, but there are many, many detailed stories that have their own helps.
Genesis- Understanding God as creator and man's fallen state.
Exodus- Viewing God as a Savior who works miraculously.
Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy- Understanding the beauty of the Law.
Joshua, Judges- Seeing the failure of humankind to sustain a level or righteousness.
Ruth- A story of love, dedication, and sacrifice.
1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings- God's interaction with wicked kings, righteous kings, and dedicated prophets. So much is in here!
1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah- The importance of the Temple.
Esther- Learning to seize the divine moments to fulfill God's plan.
Job- Understanding why we serve God.
Psalms- Seeing the raw emotion of people crying out to God in love, joy, anger...
Proverbs- Wise teachings about how to live the "good life"
Ecclesiastes- Seeing the futile nature of life without God at the center.
Song of Songs- An expression of love between two lovers
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel- Prophecies about God's people.
Daniel- God moving in the midst of an exile.
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah- Prophecies concerning Israel's need to reflect godliness.
Jonah- The saving of Gentiles, by an unwilling Jewish prophet.
Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi- Prophecies concerning Israel's need to reflect godliness.

Every one of these books and its contents, has a connectedness to the New Testament. Cherish the WHOLE Bible, and enjoy ALL of its contents.
1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings