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
When we read the law we saw the absolute perfection of God's holiness displayed in the many requirements necessary for people to draw close, and the constant threat that his wrath might break out when his commands are disobeyed. Here it is again made known. Because one man disobeys, God withdraws causing Israel to be defeated (7v12). Only when that man and all with him are destroyed and so removed does God restore his presence and protection. It builds appreciation of the cleansing we have in Christ so that God's presence can remain with his church despite its imperfection, but also of the need to exercise church discipline to remove any "bitter root" so that the church can thrive and its members eventually reach glory (Heb 12v14-15). There is no place for fellowships that do nothing about sin and false teaching in their midst (Rev 2v20). As you read note God's concern for obedience.Joshua 7:1-8:29
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.