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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.

(9) 9 January : Proverbs 10v8 / Genesis 5v1-8v14 / Psalm 4v6-8

BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Understanding to grow in
Peter writes that Noah’s salvation through water pictures ours through faith in Christ expressed in baptism (1 Pet 3v21). And today’s chapters stress that individual and therefore corporate death have always been “the wages of sin” (Rom 6v23) – which is transmitted to each new generation. The hugely long lifespans are therefore intended literally. The point seems to be that the everlasting life Adam and Eve began to enjoy has been lost, meaning a continual reduction of lifespan from the 930 years of Adam (see also 11v10-32) to the seventy or eighty we now enjoy (Ps 90v10). As you read note how God’s grace as well as his judgment are on display.

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.