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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.

(313) 9 November : Proverbs 18v8 / 2 Samuel 18v19-19v43 / Psalm 73v1-20

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
The Christian life is inevitably one in which the new self created to be like Christ vies with the old self of sin and self-centredness. So it was with David. Self-absorption is seen in his being so caught up in his understandable grief that he neglects those who have risked their lives for him. It's a warning when we suffer, that it doesn't exempt us from our responsibilities nor from the need to consider others. However, Christ-likeness is also seen in David, as he show immense grace and forgiveness to those who had previously abandoned him. And we should too, towards those who fail us, especially when we suffer. But there is a shadow of Jesus' reign here too. He has vanquished his enemy, the devil, and those who have followed the devil are now called to give him the allegiance that is his due. As you read note the different traits David displays.
2 Samuel 18:19-19:43

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.