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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.

(359) 26 December : Proverbs 19v21 / Ephesians 1-3 / Psalm 80v1-3

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
Paul's letter, written from prison around AD60 to a church in Ephesus, begins with the great goal of all history: Christ over all (1v10). Around this idea it details what it is to be "in him" - that is, united to him through faith. This faith is a gift from God to those he has chosen, enabling then to receive every spiritual blessing Christ has achieved (1v3-5, 2v8). Believers are therefore adopted by his Father, redeemed through his blood, and maked out by his Spirit. And they know the Spirit's power, not just in giving understanding of God, but filling them with his presence as a new creation, now alive to God and re-created to do good. The "mystery" is that through common faith in Christ, Jews and Gentiles both experience this, becoming one new humanity in which God is present. That's why the church is described as both Christ's body and a temple in the Lord. And it is why Paul is so concerned for unity and love between believers, for when it is displayed, the wisdom of what God is doing in the gospel is made known even to the demonic powers (3v10-19). There's so much to praise God for her, whilst sharing this concern for unity. As you read note the numerous things you have "in" Christ.
Ephesians 1-3

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.