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
If you've broken your leg and want to cross the room, setting out and focusing on the far wall won't help. It will just highlight your injury. Instead your need is for a companion to lean on. This is Paul's point today. Focusing on the system of Old Testament laws won't make the Christian godly. They will just show how unable to live by God's standards we are because of sin. Rather, we need to lean on the Spirit, thinking on his desires at work within us, and then acting on them. And what reassurance for those who do. They prove they are children of God and so will one day be raised to rule over a renewed creation with all God's people, giving perspective to whatever sufferings have to be faced in the now. That means that having the Spirit proves Christ must have paid for their sin, reconciling them to God. So no-one can condemn them or separate them from God's love! As you read note how these truths should affect us.
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.