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
With the ark settled, burnt offerings (expressing devotion) and fellowship offerings (expressing peace with God) were made. And, acting as priest, David blessed the people. The bread and cakes given the people highlighted the fellowship they enjoyed with God. We then read of Levites appointed to pray, give thanks and praise God “before the ark;” and of a song David committed to them. It shows he saw his kingdom as universal in scope. Calling people to sing God’s praise, it also called them to tell of his acts to the nations. They are to always seek God and remember his judgements that “are in all the earth” in the sense that his redemption and protection of Israel had been witnessed by the nations. So his covenant is to be remembered, as is his protection of Israel as she wandered amongst nations (eg. Num 22-24). In the light of this, the whole earth is therefore called to sing to the LORD, declare his glory, and worship him with offerings, as the gods of the nations are idols, whereas God made the heavens. Indeed, heaven, earth, and even the trees are to rejoice that God comes to judge the earth, whilst his people are to pray for deliverance from the nations. This is an astonishingly ambitious perspective for David at the start of his reign, but once more displays his heart. His desire is that God is honoured throughout the earth, God’s ultimate goal in history. Today the song calls the world in having also witnessed God’s great acts in Christ, to turn from idols and worship him. And it calls his people to tell the world of his deeds. He is worthy of praise to him and of him to others. Why? Because "his love endures forever" towards his people. As you read note what should move us to thanksgiving.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.