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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.

(271) 28 September : Proverbs 17v5 / 1 Samuel 10v17-12v25 / Psalm 65v5-8

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
We are never content. Israel had everything. God was their king, mediating his rule through the righteous Samuel. But still they wanted a human king. We immediately see the problem. Saul looks the part being taller than all others, but lacks faith in God, hiding timidly when called (10v22-24). And it is only by the Spirit of God that he manages to play the part at all (11v6). Yet in grace God does not reject the people despite the fact that their request effectively rejects him. Samuel, who was already God's man for the people prays for them and teaches them what is good and right (12v23-24). They needed no-one else. It's a reminder that in Christ we have all we need. Christ prays for us (Rom 8v34) and teaches us through his word brought to us by his ministers. We need look nowhere else, whether to other religious leaders, thinkers or self-help pundits. As you read note how God's sufficiency is evident.
1 Samuel 10:17-12:25

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.