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
One struggle we face when suffering seems so unjust, is having no-one to speak up for us with God. That's Job's feeling here. Bildad continues the blame-game, and Job can only respond that God is so great, wise and powerful, that Job cannot presume to argue his innocence with him and call God to withdraw the trials. Job longs for a "mediator" to enable him to speak to God without fear (9v33-35). Of course, we know that we now have such a one in Christ. He intercedes for us so that we stand under suffering, and through him we can speak to God with the respectful intimacy of a child to their Father. Our hardships may continue as they did for Jesus himself. But there is comfort in being able to speak to him, knowing he hears. As you read note Job's concerns.Job 8-10
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.