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
Understanding to
grow in
We need
not excuse Abram and Sarai for their treatment of Hagar. We have seen they are
works in progress. What is striking however, is God’s personal care of Hagar –
an encouragement to all who suffer unjustly. It was the same care that attracted rejected women to Jesus (Lk 7v36-50, John 4v1-26). Chapter 17 brings us back to the idea of "covenant." God's promises to Abraham are formalised, but require circumcision by his descendents if they are to share in them. As you read, note how God’s
promises are developed here.
Finish
this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s
the main thing it teaches me ps 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.