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 29:19
Proverbs 29:19
Understanding to grow in
If we hadn't got the point by this point, it is now made clear: Our response to God's written word is our response to God. So, when the good king Josiah is presented with "the book of the law" (perhaps Deuteronomy) found in the temple, he realises the danger the people are in for disobeying it. He is, however, a model of obedience. Not only has he torn down the people's idols and ensured repairs are done to the temple, but on hearing the contents of the book, he repents on behalf of the people, renews God's covenant with them, and celebrates the passover "as it is written in the Book of Moses." It causes us to consider our response (and that of the church) to God's word in scripture. Is it more like that of Josiah - faithful obedience and repentance over sin, or Judah - letting our Bible's gather dust and giving ourselves to sin? As you read note the right attitudes to God's word.
If we hadn't got the point by this point, it is now made clear: Our response to God's written word is our response to God. So, when the good king Josiah is presented with "the book of the law" (perhaps Deuteronomy) found in the temple, he realises the danger the people are in for disobeying it. He is, however, a model of obedience. Not only has he torn down the people's idols and ensured repairs are done to the temple, but on hearing the contents of the book, he repents on behalf of the people, renews God's covenant with them, and celebrates the passover "as it is written in the Book of Moses." It causes us to consider our response (and that of the church) to God's word in scripture. Is it more like that of Josiah - faithful obedience and repentance over sin, or Judah - letting our Bible's gather dust and giving ourselves to sin? As you read note the right attitudes to God's word.
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.