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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.

(201) 20 July : Proverbs 15v12 / Job 22-24 / Psalm 48v8-11

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
The point is that the events of life are so often beyond us. Suffering and prosperity cannot be easily explained according to some karma-like principle of justice, as Job's so-called friends suggest. Job is confident that if he could argue his case with God, he would be established as innocent of the wickedness he is being charged with. But he has no way to God and so must settle with things as they are, recognizing God does as he pleases. Yet one thing he knows: He knows God knows. He knows the LORD sees his ways, and so his sufferings must be a test from which he will come forth as gold. And he knows too, that God knows the ways of the wicked. So although they may feel secure now, one day they will be brought low. Christ is the key example of the one who in time proves faithful despite his sufferings and is exalted to the highest place. And Peter writes of how we may have to suffer various trials so that our the genuineness of our faith might come forth as gold (1 Pet 1v6-7). Whatever we suffer, Job encourages us to Christ-like perseverence. As you read note what he takes comfort in.
Job 22-24

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.