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
What is God's will for us? In short, it is to display "fullness in Christ," which is to imitate him (4v13, 4v32-5v2). Paul begins with the church: It is to be united in the Spirit. And through those with word gifts, and the speaking truth in love by every member, the church is to grow in that unity towards a maturity of faith and life in Christ, just as the human body grows to adulthood. That involves every member putting off the ways of their old sinful self in Adam, and putting on the ways of Christ, in all holiness, righteousness and purity. What follows are instructions on what this life "in" Christ looks like in marriage, parenting, and work, before a final exhortation to put on the armour of God, which is essentially to put on the truth and righteousness of Christ, with a commitment to prayer. As you read note the various instructions and weigh your life against them.
Ephesians 4-6
Ephesians 4-6
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.