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
Here the obedience of Christ to his Father, and his great love for his people shines out. He was "overwhealmed" to the point of death in Gethsemane - evidence that he knew that he was to face was not just the physical and psychological torture of his trial and execution, but the spiritual torture of experiencing the God-forsakeness due for sin when to that point he'd eternally known only the sweetest of fellowship with his Father. Yet despite all that, he still declares "not what I will, but what you will." Of course in this time of trial he longs for fellowship, but he had to suffer the failings of his disciples too. They would not follow him in praying that they wouldn't fall into temptation. And so they are not ready. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, a young man runs away, and Peter (Jn 18v10) attacks one of the crowd and then betrays him with curses, three times. As for the leaders: They should have bowed down in worship. But instead they seek to find ways to condemn Jesus and, ironically, do so when he actually tells them that he is the Son of Man. But throughout it all, Jesus stands as one in utter control of himself, and willing submission to his fate, knowing the scriptures "must be fulfilled" if God's purposes is to come to pass, his people saved and the creation renewed. As you read note Jesus' readiness to go to his death.
Mark 14:32-72
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.