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
The section of repeated instructions for worship concludes with limits on vows that reflect the particular responsibility and authority given to men within Israelite households. The principle is that oaths are binding and so should not be made rashly. Jesus makes just this point: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your ‘No’, ‘No’; anything beyond that comes from the evil one.” (Matt 5v37). The fact that the vows of widowed or divorced women stand, show these laws don’t suggest women are not spiritually mature or responsible enough to make oaths. Rather, they seek to maintain order within households. They remind us of the need to consider not just ourselves, but those close to us in the commitments we make. And they look to the NT call for Christian wives to submit to their husbands, and husbands to lovingly embrace their responsibility for their families (Eph 5v22-33). As you read consider the implications commitments have on others.
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.