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 29:27
Proverbs 29:27
Understanding to grow in
Many things can shake our faith. One is the sceptic scoffing at the idea of Christ's return in judgment. But Peter strengthens us. First, he reaffirms our faith is to respond not to false teachers and scoffers, but the words of the prophets in the Old Testament and the command to repent and believe given by Christ and his apostles. Second, he recalls how the world was previously destroyed in the flood - a pattern of what is to come. Third, he notes that God's sense of time is different to ours, and he is being patient in waiting until all who are to repent have done so. Fourth, he is nevertheless adamant that "the day of the Lord" will come unexpectedly, will mean the destruction of the world as we know it and then its renewal (see also Rom 8v19-22). And in the light of this, we should live righteously and ensure we are not carried away by false teachings. It is important that along the way Peter affirms Paul's writings as scripture - the category given to the OT as the inspired word of God. Paul was unique as an apostle in not having witnessed Christ's ministry, so Peter's words show it is right to accept Paul's apostleship, and to receive all their writings as God's word (see 3v2). As you read note what difference the return of Christ should make to you.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.