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
The point seems to be that disciples are children of the kingdom because they are children of the Father. Therefore, they are in some sense exempt from taxes as all rulers rule on behalf of God's kingdom (17v25-27). But they should pay anyway, as Jesus affirms. And being a child should mark both the disciple's attitude to the kingdom and their treatment of other disciples. So they are to receive the kingdom with humility, recognizing how needy they are, and they are to ensure they do not lead other children of the kingdom astray. The parable of the ninety-nine sheep stresses just how precious believer's are to their father, and the instructions on what to do when sinned against by a brother or sister, show what God's family life must look like. Other disciples have authority from Christ to decide who is in it, yet it's relationships are to be marked by forgiveness. As you read consider what this picture of being a child is meant to portray.
Matthew 17:24-18:35
Matthew 17:24-18:35
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.