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 29:24
Proverbs 29:24
Understanding to grow in
Peter's message is that Christians should expect to suffer. Like the Jewish "exiles" who once had to survive in Babylon, they too are living in a hostile and ungodly Babylon-like society (5v13). In order to do so they should maintain the attitude of Christ who was prepared to suffer because of his rejection of sin. In the same way, Christians can expect to be abused because they don't embrace the lifestyle of those around them. But they can be helped in knowing that everyone will be judged. And they should therefore give themselves to prayer, love for each-other, hospitality and service. Moreover, they should rejoice in being called to participate in the sufferings of Christ - and if elders, willingly devote themselves to their calling, and if not humbly submit themselves to them. In all things, they should also guard against the devil who prowls like a lion. As you read consider the example of Christ.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.