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
Peter grasped the foundational truth of all Christianity, that Jesus was the "Messiah, the Son of the living God." But for the Messiah to be destined for rejection and death was a complete shock to him. Nevertheless, the lesson needs to be learnt by every disciple. The way of Christ is the way of the cross. So, just as John the Baptist was ready to pay the highest price for his faithfulness, every Christians must be ready to also. The encouragement in this, is that they will be rewarded when Christ returns. And the proof they must be willing, is the transfiguration, in which God the Father himself tells us to listen to Jesus, and the Old Tesatament's top two spokesmen do just that. The glorified state on the mountain, witnessed by Peter, James and John, is surely a window on the future kingdom that those who follow the way of Christ will inherit. It's the greatest encouragement to serve and obey him whatever the cost. As you read note what that can mean.
Matthew 16:13-17:23
Matthew 16:13-17:23
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.