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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.

(177) 26 June : Proverbs 14v28 / Deuteronomy 29-30 / Psalm 40v9-12

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
This covenant is “in addition” to that at Horeb (29v1), detailing actual life in the land to the next generation. Significantly, we learn that God has not enabled Israel to “understand” what they’ve seen as those in Jesus' day (Mk 8v18). Nevertheless, they will be held responsible, being warned against idolatry. Indeed, they are to keep one-another from turning away from the LORD, ensuring “no root” grows up to “poison” the community, and not assuming that because they are in covenant with God that they are "safe." To some extent we too are responsible for one-another's faithfulness (Heb 12v15), and should likewise remain vigilant. A prophetic description of Israel’s future follows in which the people will be exiled from the land for abandoning God's covenant. Yet they will return to the LORD and he will then “circumcise” their hearts so that they and their descendents permanently and more fully “love” him and so “live.” This looks to the new covenant work of rebirth by the Holy Spirit (Ezek 36v25-34, Jer 31v31-35, Rom 2v29). And it means obedience is not beyond reach. It is “near” because God is near: in their “mouth” as they teach one-another his commands, and their “heart” if they look to him to do the inner work he promised. Paul points out this is essentially the gospel in which the Christian confesses God’s lordship in Christ, and believes he raised Jesus so giving new life (Rom 10v5-10). As you read note what the people are to do.

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.