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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.

(420) 25 February : Proverbs 21v5 / Matthew 25 / Psalm 91v5-13

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 these three parables, three things are striking: First, is the wonder of the hope we have. It is like a wedding banquet, to share in Christ's own happiness, and inherit his kingdom. Second, is the terror of missing out on it. This is to be shut out of the party, to be thrown into a place of darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth, and experience eternal punishment. Third, is what will mark out those who will enter. Despite the long wait, they are those who remain "lit up" as they look for Christ, who invest the gifts he's given them in his service, and who offer practical care to his people when they are persecuted ("my brothers" in v40 is a reference to fellow believers, see 12v48-50, 28v10. So to care for them is to care for Christ as they are members of his body, see 1 Cor 6v15). As you read note what it is to be a faithful disciple.
Matthew 25

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.