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
God often uses the most unlikely candidates. This narrative portrays his use of women (Deborah and Jael) in war as a rebuke to the men. One cannot but think that, except for John, it was the women who stayed with Jesus at the cross when the men fled. Today too, men are often put to shame by the greater commitment and courage for the Lord shown by women. But the greater point is that whoever God raises up and uses, they can be successful because it is the LORD doing the work (4v23) - the point of Deborah's song. His "power is made perfect" in our weakness (2 Cor 12v9), as it was in winning the greatest battle through a bloodied and beaten labourer from Nazareth. As you read note how God is at work.Judges 4-5
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.