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
People have always responded to Jesus in differing ways. The wise men show that even now Jews are to give him all they have in tribute. By contrast, the Jewish king Herod wants to put him to death because he threatens his rule. The question is whether we will be wise or wicked? Will we bow down in our lives to Jesus as king, or stand against him because he unsettles our way of life? John the Baptist teaches that the only right response when one realises that Jesus is the Lord himself, is to repent and believe, bearing the fruit of godly living. And it is in this context that God the Father himself affirms that Jesus is indeed his Son, implying both king of Israel and the second person of the Trinity. It would therefore be foolish to respond in any way other than rightly. As you read note the details of what a rights response looks like.
Matthew 2-3
Matthew 2-3
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.