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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

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.

(689) 21 November : Proverbs 30v18-19 / Ezra 3-4 / Psalm 140v1-3

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 30:18-19

Understanding to grow in
No-one said it would be easy. For his own reasons, the Lord draws out our faith and determiniation to serve him through the obstacles that sometimes lie in the way. So it was for the returnees. There is understandible rejoicing as they first rebuild the altar so sacrifices can be made, and then the foundation for the new temple around it. Singing that the LORD "is good" and "his love for Israel endures forever" was fitting, for he had not rejected them in exile, but brought them home. But just when all looked good, opposition arose. The Jews wisely reject the offer of help from enemies whose claim to "seek your God" would have probably been that of those who seek to honour him as the god of the land, alongside other gods. It cautions us today against uniting in building the church with those who are religiously compromised. And the true colours of these peoples is then seen in them complaining to Artaxerxes, resulting in the work being forcefully stopped. No doubt, those who have evangelism banned or their churches closed by authorities today appreciate how this must have felt. But the Lord's remains good and loving towards Israel, just as he does to us. So any opposition can only be temporary. As you read note how the people would have felt in their changing circumstances.

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.