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
The Lord calls for an undivided heart. Obadiah displays this in protecting the prophets at great risk. And Elijah calls the people to do likewise. It's quite a contest on Mount Carmel as the Lord is revealed as the true God and Baal the fake. It leads to the destruction of the Baal-prophets as idolatry was to receive the death penalty according to God's law, protecting the faith of the people. With their destruction, God mercifully restores the rain. You would have thought the royal family would have learnt the lesson. But we are not that rational in our sin. Ahab's wife Jezebel seeks Elijah's death, forcing him to Horeb (Mount Sinai) with a degree of depression. He feels the only faithful Israelite. But God doesn't flatter him with the effects that marked the giving of his law. Instead he speaks quietly, commissions Elijah to ensure justice against those who have led people astray, and affirms there are seven thousand other faithful people. It all urges us to ensure we are amongst the faithful in our day, undivided in our devotion to Christ. As you read note what faithfulness involves.
1 Kings 18-19
1 Kings 18-19
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.