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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.

(54) 23 February : Proverbs 11v16-17 / Luke 14v25-16v18 / Psalm 18v4-6

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
What repentance will mean is now spelled out. It's cost must be counted. But it is something God rejoices to see and that his people should rejoice over too. And it should show itself in righteous living - using one's money for the Lord and continuing to uphold the pinciples of the his law. It's difficult to know why the note on remarriage is included. It seems abrupt, but may be to stress the higher expectations placed upon those in the kingdom of God as in Matthew 19v1-12. Jesus' teaching in Matthew suggests Luke is assuming his readers are aware that remarriage is permissible in certain contexts (Matt 19v9, 1 Cor 7v15). As you read consider what true repentance might have to mean for you.

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.