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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

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.

(176) 25 June : Proverbs 14v26-27 / Deuteronomy 27-28 / Psalm 40v5-8

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
Warnings matter. They should not be forgotten. So when the people gain the land they are to enscribe "the law" on stones, and standing on two great mountains declare the blessings and curses of the covenant that will accompany obedience or disobedience. The curses of chapter 27 probably represent key concerns of the law, and by declaring "Amen" the Israelites agree that they are fitting. The gospel likewise declares blessing for those who trust and so obey Christ, and curses for those who don't. Moreover, the sacraments keep us mindful of them. So the blessings and curses detailed in chapter 28 not only look back to Eden but foreshadow the everlasting blessings and curses of the gospel. Obedience will mean fruitfulness, prosperity and security in the land - a taste of those we will know in the new creation when sin is finally no more (Rom 8v20-21). Disobedience will mean the active destruction of these things in the midst of the most appalling evil and suffering, until the people end up once more enslaved in Egypt. This makes especially sobering reading because it looks to the more terrible reality of hell (Rev 14v10-11 and chapter 18). As you read note the different things God promises.

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.