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
In the latter half of the eight century BC, Micah prophesies about both the northern and southern kingdoms. Through him, God warns of judgment for the way the people have prospered through oppressing the poor (2v1-2). It's a word to consider in our own prosperous day, when it's all too easy to benefit at the expense of those forced to work in the most appalling conditions. The LORD declares that the land will be lost, as it was for the north in 722BC and the south in 586BC (and almost in 701BC). But there is promise too: The LORD himself will be a shepherd-king, gathering a remnant of survivors and leading them out of the gate of their sheepfold to find good pasture (2v12-13). Presumably this refers to their journey back to their land. But Jesus referred this to himself both as the "gate" and so the way into this flock, and the "good shepherd" who includes even non-Jews amongst his sheep and leads them all out to the pastures of heaven and the new creation (Jn 10v7-18). With Micah 2v13 this is a claim to divinity, and should move us to forever follow him and do his will. As you read note Israel's sins.
Micah 1-2
Micah 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.