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
Great temptation can be tied to where we live. Here it is not just the practices of the surrounding people. By marrying them Israel were drawn to their false gods. Once more God’s holy anger is provoked in plague. Such idolatry carries the death penalty in Israel. So the leaders are called to kill the guilty and expose them before God as a way of showing this is his justice, and turning his anger away. It is for this reason that Phinehas’ act is one of commendable zeal for God’s honour. Paul rightly uses this event to warn us off sexual immorality (1 Cor 10v8). Israel at this point are just over the Jordon river from Jericho with the land in sight. So after forty years the people then prepare to enter their land. Yet as God had decreed, those entering include “not one” of those originally counted, except for Caleb and Joshua. The land is to be allotted proportionally and fairly. In appealing to the God who cares for the fatherless (Jam 1:27), the appeal of the daughters of Zelophelad is heard. Their father died and left no son so the daughters would be left with no property, effectively excluding them from God’s covenant people! Our inheritance too can never be taken away, nor “perish, spoil or fade;” but is kept in heaven for us (1 Pet 1v3-6). And it too will be allotted as God decides; although perhaps in proportion to ability and faithfulness in service (Lk 19v16-19, 1 Cor 3v12-15). As you read note the right and wrong attitudes God's people display.
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.