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
Because Jesus is the Messiah, nothing is more important than our response to him. So we are told "everything is possible for one who believes" (9v23). Through faith or the prayer of faith, demonic powers are overcome. With the boy's father, we might well therefore ask Jesus to help our unbelief. But the right response is not just one of faith but obedience. So the disciples are taught that in following the one who serves even to death, they are to serve rather than argue over who is the greatest. They are to be ready to welcome even children in his name and accept others who seek to serve Jesus. Moreover, response to those who belong to the Messiah is paramount too. To treat them in a certain way is counted as treating Jesus and the Father that way too. To cause his disciples to stumble into sin is therefore serious indeed, as is that stumbling itself. Because it implies lack of allegiance to the Messiah, it leads to being shut out of God's kingdom in hell. A fate far worse than death. As you read note what responding rightly to Jesus entails.
Mark 9:14-50
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.