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
The future with God is joy. That's the theme of our passage. After judgment, God promises restoration because of his love for the nation. It will be restoration of her fortunes and city, and will lead to gladness and celebration. The people will be ruled by a leader who is close to God, and God will be their God and they his people. And with him the land will flourish like a sort of new Eden. It all foreshadows life in the new creation through Christ as our king, reminding us of the utter joy that we will know then. And just as this was to sustain God's people when they suffered hardship, so it does us. As you read note what is to be rejoiced in.
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.