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
1v1 enables us to date Isaiah's prophecies as from around 700BC. God calls the cosmos to bear witness to the fact that those of the southern kingdom are unruly children who have rejected the one who raised them. Like a loving father, he asks why they must continue to bring down punishment upon themselves, surviving only by his hand. Their lack of concern for the needy means that their religious rituals mean nothing to the Lord, and he must treat them as enemies, bringing his wrath upon them. It should instil fear in all who consider themselves worshippers of the Lord but persist in unrepentant sin and the oppression of others. But there is hope here too: In ridding the nation of the wicked through judgment, God promises a day when Jerusalem will be righteous and faithful. This is the eternal kindgom we long for and that Christ brings about. As you read note the specific sins confronted.
Isaiah 1
Isaiah 1
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.