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 30:17
Proverbs 30:17
Understanding to grow in
God always keeps his promises. The book of Ezra may have once been linked to Nehemiah. Both books were probably written in the latter part of the fifth century BC, and pick up where 2 Chronicles ends. They record the three returns of those exiled in Babylon, under the leadership of three key individuals: The first is with Zerubbabel (538BC), who oversaw the rebuilding of the temple. The second is with Ezra (458BC), who oversaw the re-establishing of worship. The third is with Nehemiah (445BC), who oversaw the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. But this book starts showing how all this fulfilled God's promise through Jeremiah. And note how. The Lord caused the king of the Persian Empire not only to do his will, but decree that the people were to give the Jews what was needed to fit out their temple. This was what Isaiah 60v8-14 predicted. It foreshadows how those from the nations use their goods now for the building up of the church, and will one day serve the new Jerusalem if they embrace Christ (Rev 21v24). So it should move us to our own generosity. Exodus is alluded to as well, when the Egyptians gave their goods to the Israelites. God was working another such wonder. It's importance of is marked by recording those who went. As you read note what God did.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.