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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.

(305) 1 November : Proverbs 18v1 / 2 Samuel 7-8 / Psalm 71v6-11

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
An important event. God has been travelling through the desert in a tent - the tabernacle. Now the people are established in the land, David desires to build a permanent house - the temple. That will actually be something David's son does. And here, God's response is to say that he himself doesn't need a house, but will build a house for David and give Israel rest under him. By house, he means a dynasty of kings, whom he will discipline when they do wrong, but from whom David's kingdom will endure forever. It looks to God's goal in all history, when we will enjoy everlasting rest from all struggle and insecurity under Jesus, David's greatest descendent. David's response is to praise God for what he had achieved for Israel and pray that his proimise to David would be fulfilled. Our responnse today should be the same: Praise for what he has done for us, and prayer for its final fulfilment. As you read note David's response.
2 Samuel 7-8

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.