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.
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
Two lessons: The first is not to be complacent. Like Solomon, we might be thought one of the strongest Christians and even have had spiritual expreriences (11v9). But the devil always prowls like a lion ready to pounce; temptation is always present. "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" (1 Cor 10v12). Unless we persevere we will not inherit what is to come. The second lesson is that God always does what he says. We rejoice in this when he promises blessing, but forget it when it comes to warning. Solomon turned away, and God did just what he said he would. He raised up various adversaries, and took the kingdom away from him, splitting it in two. It's an important moment in understanding what follows. From this point there is the northern kingdom comprising ten tribes, often called "Ephraim" after its largest tribe, and ruled by various individuals unrelated to Solomon. There is also the southern kingdom of Judah, which unites with the tribe of Benjamin (12v20-21), and is ruled over by Solomon's descendents because of God's promise to David (2 Sam 7v14-16). We are learning that it is this kingdom of Judah that is the promised everlasting kingdom. But the point for now is that if we fall irretrievably, God will do as he has said he will. We will not escape his punishment. As you read note where God's hand was at work.
1 Kings 11
1 Kings 11
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.