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
This lists of descendents show that God has brought about something of the great nation promised to Abraham. And he has ensured their protection under the power of Pharoah and in the best of the land of Egypt. Moreover he has blessed Pharoah and Egypt with wealth and supremacy because they blessed his people (Gen 12v3) - an encouragement to all peoples and nations to treat his people well. Yet still Jacob looks to the fulfilment of God's promise in the gift of Canaan. 47v27 is important (see also Ex 1v7). It's the language of Genesis 1v28. What Adam failed to achieve because of his sin, God is starting to achieve through his people. They are like a new humanity, promised a new Eden and here ruled over by Joseph like another Adam. It all looks us to Christ as the true second Adam, who calls out and rules over a people promised an everlasting Eden to come. As you read consider what equivalent hopes and blessings we have through Christ.
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.