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
Things must only ever be done God's way. False prophets declared peace. Opponents sought to silence Jeremiah. But God's word through him remained. And it is a word that has some relevance to us, as we have to live life in some sense exiles from the coming kingdom, living in a land where the majority don't know the LORD (1 Pet 1v1). Jeremiah's message is that because this is part of God's purpose nothing is gained by fighting it or creating unecessary antagonism with those his people live amongst. Despite Babylonian society being unbelieving, immoral and, to some extent at least, hostile, the people were to settle down, enjoy the benefits of the culture (within the boundaries of God's word), marry (this presumed marrying other Jews), and seek and pray for the "peace and prosperity" of where they lived, because this would benefit them too. They were also to be patient as they waited for the day the LORD would restore them to their land and bring judgment on the nations. It is such a helpful message. God has not promised us an imminent revival nor that Christ will be back in our lifetime. And so, we must settled down for what might be a long time living as exiles, enjoying the benefits of where we live, helping our children marry fellow believers and raise their children to know the Lord, and seeking the good of our nation, whilst we patiently await Christ's return whenever that might be. As you read note the instructions.
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.