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
It was a test of faith. The pressure was on. The enemy assembled. Would Saul hold is his nerve and obey God's word through Samuel by waiting for him to come and make the sacrifice? It's the crisis we all face when disobeying God might help get us out of a tricky situation. Saul's failure cost him and his family the monarchy. And that was particularly tragic because his son Jonathan, who would have followed him as king, was of kingly material - so confident of God that he was prepared to attack an outpost with just an armour bearer and turn the tide of the war (14v6). Again Christ is foreshadowed in so trusting his Father that he took on sin, death and the devil on his own. Saul's unsuitability is further confirmed by his foolish oath that stops God from acting for the people. As you read note the contrasting qualities of Saul and Jonathan.1 Samuel 13:1-14:52
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.