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 29:21
Proverbs 29:21
Understanding to grow in
Peter probably write this letter in the mid-60s AD, to encourage persecuted Christians who felt like "exiles" from home as they lived in this world. It resonates much with how Christians feel today. Peter starts with the reminder that this is to be expected, because we've been chosen to be apart from the world and obedient to Jesus. That's the idea of being "sanctified" - literally, to be made holy or set-apart in the service of God. He then moves to a reminder of our true home - the imperishable "inheritance" that is "kept in heaven" for us and that we will definitely receive because God keeps us. This means we can rejoice even when life is hard, not least because the fact that we persevere proves our faith and so the fact that this will indeed be our future. More than that, we can rejoice because our trials burn of the dross from our faith so it brings all the more glory to Jesus whom we love. With all this in mind, we live distinct and holy lives because Christ gave himself so generously for us, and because his Spirit has given us new life. As you read note the various encouragements.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.