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.
Understanding to grow in
We should not be surprised when people respond to our message negatively. They "took offence" at Jesus (6v3), and lacked faith because he was someone they had known. Strikingly, finding someone's words offensive in our own day, means they can be classed as hate speech. How likely then, that we will find people respond to us as they did Jesus. For, although we are not apostles, we too are called to share the message of repentance. And it was a message that led to John the Baptist's death, when the sympathetic but weak ruler was petitioned by someone he wanted to please. Again, it sounds so contemporary, as employers and even own police force act against Christians who share the gospel when lobbied by vocal members of the public. As you read note why people resond this way.
Mark 6:1-29
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
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.