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
It's a joyful thing to belong to Christ, for to know him, enter his kingdom and be saved from his judgment, is of greater value than anything else, and so worthy of giving our all in faith to have (13v44-52). And it can mean giving one's all, as it did John the Baptist. But the two great miracles Jesus performs prove it really is worth it. In feeding the 5000 Jesus doesn't just display compassion, but proves he is the same one who fed Israel in the desert, and able to provide such an abundance to those of his kingdom, that there is much left over. His walking on water clarifies the point, for the LORD alone "treads on the waves of the sea" (Job 9v8). So Jesus is able to save and bring to share in what he gives all who step out in faith as Peter did. As you read note how faith is encouraged throughout.
Matthew 13:44-14:36
Matthew 13:44-14:36
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.