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
Proverbs 29:12
Proverbs 29:12
Understanding to grow in
Despite doing evil like Ahab and the other kings of Israel, Jehoram enjoyed an established rule over Judah because of God’s promise to David. Nevertheless, because he forsook God Libnah rose up against Judah. Jehoram’s sin must have been great as he received a personal letter from Elijah who was a prophet to the northern kingdom not the southern one. Jehoram had not only committed idolatry but led Judah to also, as well as murdering his brothers. And so God punished him by having the Philistines carry off everything from his palace together with his sons and wives (except Ahaziah, so David’s line could continue). He also afflicted him with a disease that eventually killed him. It’s a tragic warning against provoking God by turning to sin, and against a legacy in which no one-regrets our death or can speak well of anything we’ve done (21v19-20). It's a reminder too, that we cannot presume we are right with God just because our parents were. We must be faithful ourselves. Ahaziah also did evil as Ahab’s house had in Israel, because those of Ahab's house became his advisors. Indeed, their advice led him into a series of events that resulted in him and his relatives being murdered (22v5-9), threatening the kingdom itself (22v9). One thinks of how Psalm 1 promises blessing on those who “do not walk in the counsel of the wicked” and judgement on those who do. We need discernment on who to listen to. As you read note how and why things went wrong.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.