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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.

(336) 3 December : Proverbs 19v2 / 1 Kings 22 / Psalm 77v12-14

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
Ahab is like those the apostle Paul describes, who "gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (2 Tim 4v3). It makes no sense at all to complain, as he does, that a preacher always challenges and never has a word of encouragement for you. If you are in rebellion against the Lord what else would you expect? Foolish too, to seek out those who will say what you want, and oppose those who won't. Those who speak the word of the Lord represent the Lord. And one's response to them is one's response to God. Ahab's life therefore ends in judgment, just "as the word of the Lord had declared" (22v38). God's word always stands, so whether we like it or not, we must listen and obey. As you read note Ahab's response to God's prophet.
1 Kings 22

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.