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 sermon by Jesus is given "on a level place" but repeats much of the material from the "sermon on the mount" (Matt 5-7). It gives persepective to disciples who suffer whilst the wealthy who ignore Christ seem to do so well. It is the former who are blessed as they will receive the good things of the kingdom. The characteristics of that kingdom are then outlined as love even of enemies, a lack of judgmentalism in acknowleding one's own faults, and a general obedience to Christ's words that flows from a new heart that only he can give. All this is to express faith in Jesus as the Messiah his miracles prove him to be - a faith exemplified by the centurion, who shows that all who have faith in Christ (whether Jew or not) can share in all he gives. In short, Jesus bears God's authority, and so the only right response is to trust his promises and obey his will. As you read note the qualities to be expected in Jesus' disciples.
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.