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
Jesus finally arrives in Jerusalem and enters the last week of his life. He intentionally enters on a colt - identifying himself as Israel's Messiah come to the capital from which his reign of righteousness and peace is to extend (Gen 49v10-11, Zech 9v9). But whereas some of the people recognize him as such, the Jewish leaders plot against him. They are the tenants tasked by God to grow fruit from the vineyard of Israel, but instead abuse his prophets and ultimately kill his son. The temple was the heart of the nation and the place of God's special presence amongst the people. How significant that the confrontion between Jesus and these leaders comes to a head there. The very God they claim to worship is there in person, yet they reject him. One's true attitude to God is seen in one's attitude to his Son. As you read note the different ways Jesus challenges the leaders. How ready are you to fully accept his authority as Messiah?
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.