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
God sometimes brings wisdom from surprising sources. In coming to acknowledge and praise God Jethro exemplifies the response God sought from the Gentile nations to the Exodus. And through his advice the system of judges in Israel is established to share the burden of administering the law. This wisdom applies for the administering of God's word in church life too. With structures in place the stage is then set. Chapter 19 builds to the highpoint of God speaking the commandments from Mount Sinai. But we must note what comes first. The LORD reminds the people of his saving them, and promises that if they will only obey, they will be his treasured possession, kingdom of priests and holy nation. These are the terms of another covenant or agreement between God and human beings. Cleansed fully by Christ we don't need the same protections for God to come close. But the structure of our salvation is the same. We obey in response to grace - "in view of God's mercy." (Rom 12v1-2). As you read note the principles of Israel's obedience as they apply to us.
Exodus 18:1-20:21
Exodus 18:1-20:21
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.