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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.

(284) 11 October : Proverbs 17v14 / 1 Samuel 30-31 / Psalm 68v4-6

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
Because salvation is by God's grace, his free favour, every Christian receives an inheritance whether they have given much in service or not. This was the shock of Jesus' parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matt 16v1-20). And it's the shock when David gives an equal share of the plunder to the men too exhausted to fight. The point is that anything he received in battle was the Lord's gift (30v23). Our service is therefore given not for gain but from gratitude, not to earn salvation but as a dsiplay of allegiance to our Saviour. The contrast again is Saul. God is not with him and so not with Israel. Saul himself is therefore killed and plundered by their enemies. As you read note the nature of David's faith.
1 Samuel 30-31

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.