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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.

(263) 20 September : Proverbs 16v32 / Ruth 1-2 / Psalm 62v9-12

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
In times of ungodliness and spiritual disinterest it can be easy to assume that God is not at work. The book of Ruth proves otherwise. First, it shows that God has always been gathering those from outside Israel. Ruth is a Moabitess, one of the enemy nations (see Judges 3). Yet she displays Christ-like self-sacrifice in commiting to her mother-in-law and to God, shaming the Israelites of her day who were turning to the false gods of Moab (Jud 10v6). Second, the book shows God remembers his people. A few Israelites, like Boaz, remained faithful to God. And with some divine matchmaking, the Lord brings him to Ruth in order to provide for her and her destitute mother-in-law. Our day is not disimilar to that of Ruth's. Yet the Lord continues to bring people to faith, often shaming those within the church with their godliness. And he continues to use the faithful and hear their prayers. So be encouraged. As you read note how God is at work.
Ruth 1-2

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.