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
A non-Christian asked me once: "If God forgives all your sin, why seek to be godly?" Paul's answers: "Because of who we now are." He begins contrasting Adam and Christ. Adam represented all humanity so that his sin was counted as theirs. That's why we all die. We share in Adam's punishment not just in physical death, but the moral death of being unable to live for God. We're responsible for the degree to which we sin, but Adam is the reason for sin itself. However, the good news is this: Christ represents all who trust him. He takes their punishment, satisfying God's justice so that his righteousness can be counted as theirs. That means they are freed from the dual penalty of physical death in future resurrection and moral death in present renewal. It is true to say, then, that because we are linked to Christ by faith, "in him" we died and were buried in payment for our sins. So we no longer need fear God. More than that, "in him" we were raised in his resurrection, which is why we are filled with his Spirit the moment we believe. We are no longer slaves to our sinful nature but to God. We obey because of who we are - God's people, now alive to him as Christ was. That's how we should understand our identity. And it's pretty amazing. As you read note how this should encourage godliness.
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.