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
There is no advantage to being one of God's people unless repentance is sincere. Around 750BC Amos declares God's judgment against nations around Israel for their sins against his people and against Edom. It reminds us that he holds all nations to account, especially when persecuting the church - sometimes punishing them in the present by his providence. But the surprise would have been that oracles against Judah (the southern kingdom) and Israel (the northern) are included too. The point is that God's people are being treated like the nations because of their own sins. In fact, their sins are all the more severe because of the knowledge they had. It is worth noting what so provokes the Lord. Amos mentions violence and slavery for the nations. But for God's people, it is also idolatry, oppression of the poor, and sexual immorality. If these are our sins, we should not assume we will escape. As you read note the details.
Amos 1-2
Amos 1-2
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.