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
Two things mark out God's people here. First, is holiness. This means they are to be set-apart in devotion to God. So they are not to cut themselves or shave in the way that was common in the paganism of the surrounding nations. And the food laws symbolically pointed to the need for spiritual cleanliness in the act of eating only what God deemed clean, rather than eating whatever others did. Likewise, we are to be set-apart from others in obeying God's instructions just as Christ was. The second mark of the people is joy. Their tithes were to be eaten in God's presence with joy, and bring joy to the poor and needy that would in turn bring more joy as the nation was blessed with good harvests for its faithfulness. Indeed, cancelling debts, lending generously, freeing and providing for those entering slavery to pay off debt, would all bring the joy of being blessed in return by God. And the festivals celebrating the harvest would be times of rejoicing in just how much the Lord had blessed the people. This is the joy now found in Christian giving. It brings joy to the needy, and to the giver as they experience God provide for them (2 Cor 9v1-15). Many dismiss God's laws as harsh and primitive. But these show a greater concern for the poor than much modern legislation. As you read note how God is protecting the needy.
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.