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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.

(408) 13 February : Proverbs 20v27 / Matthew 15v1-16v12 / Psalm 89v19-37

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 all about the heart. The hearts of the Pharisees were far from God. So, although they conducted their religious rituals, they were inwardly unclean and so "blind guides" because they had not been planted by the Lord (15v13). Jesus therefore rebukes then for failing to recognize who he is (16v1-4) and warns his disciples against them (16v12), warning us against those who consider themselves Christians but whose hearts aren't truly devoted to God. Jesus uses his interaction with the Canaanite women to make the point. Being a Gentile, she would be considered a mere "dog" by fellow Jews. But she has faith in Jesus, and so is also able to receive his spiritual bread (15v26). This is why Jesus repeats his miracle of feeding thousands, but in a Gentile area. The point is that the salvation he offers the Jews is to overflow to the rest of the world. The key thing is that we respond as the woman did. As you read note what a heart for Christ looks like.
Matthew 15:1-16:12

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.