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 30:32-33
Proverbs 30:32-33
Understanding to grow in
It's possible to remain faithful to God whilst at the centre of a pagan nation. Nehemiah is serving the Persian king in Susa, the capital of his empire. But his heart is for the Lord and pining for Jerusalem. It's 445BC, and hearing that the city remains in ruins, Nehemiah mourns and confesses the sins of Israel that brought this on them. But he also remembers God's promise to restore them if they repent. And so he prays for God to grant him success before the king he serves. With another arrow prayer just as he is about to speak (2v4-5), God moves Artaxerxes to permit Nehemiah to return and rebuild. Like Ezra, after a three day rest he sets to work by surveying what needs to be done and envisioning the Jewish leaders. Like Ezra, he gains success because "the gracious hand of my God was on me" (2v8). So, when mocked for the work by a non-Israelite official, he boldly speaks of the Lord granting him success. There is so much here to ponder: Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and his purposes even as we serve in our own nation. To be ambitious not for the things of this world, but in wanting to build up the church as the new Jerusalem of God's people. To rely on the Lord in prayer for this, rather than just getting on with it. And to do so, despite mocking, and always being ready to give a reason for the hope that we have (1 Pet 3v15). As you read note Nehemiah's qualities.
It's possible to remain faithful to God whilst at the centre of a pagan nation. Nehemiah is serving the Persian king in Susa, the capital of his empire. But his heart is for the Lord and pining for Jerusalem. It's 445BC, and hearing that the city remains in ruins, Nehemiah mourns and confesses the sins of Israel that brought this on them. But he also remembers God's promise to restore them if they repent. And so he prays for God to grant him success before the king he serves. With another arrow prayer just as he is about to speak (2v4-5), God moves Artaxerxes to permit Nehemiah to return and rebuild. Like Ezra, after a three day rest he sets to work by surveying what needs to be done and envisioning the Jewish leaders. Like Ezra, he gains success because "the gracious hand of my God was on me" (2v8). So, when mocked for the work by a non-Israelite official, he boldly speaks of the Lord granting him success. There is so much here to ponder: Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and his purposes even as we serve in our own nation. To be ambitious not for the things of this world, but in wanting to build up the church as the new Jerusalem of God's people. To rely on the Lord in prayer for this, rather than just getting on with it. And to do so, despite mocking, and always being ready to give a reason for the hope that we have (1 Pet 3v15). As you read note Nehemiah's qualities.
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.