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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.

(358) 25 December : Proverbs 19v18-20 / Galatians 5-6 / Psalm 79v10-13

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
A non-Christian once asked me: "If God forgives you and you don't have to obey to gain his favour, why not just sin anyway?" That's what Paul now addresses. He stresses the Christian is "free" from having to obey in order to be saved. But he adds that those of faith will, nevertheless, use their freedom to live in love. They do this by following the desires of the Spirit within them (recognizing them because they are consistent with scripture). This is to no longer be "under law" in the sense of having to obey all the Old Testament customs and commands. But it is to "fulfil the law of Christ," as it is to abide by the principles of love for God and neighbour in that law, understood through all that Christ has done. It is to live as those made a "new creation" by the Holy Spirit (6v15). As you read note the detail of what this life involves. 
Galatians 5-6

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.