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 destruction of the northern kingdom predicted in yesterday's reading occurred in 722BC. And we are told that it will leave only a small "remnant" who will return to the LORD in repentance. But he will then limit Assyria's reach so that it can only shake a fist at Jerusalem in the south before being destroyed (the history of this is recorded in 2 Kings 18-19). Yet on its way to Jersualem God will use the Assyrian army to "fell" the various rulers of other nations. We are then told of a new tree that will grow from the "stump" of David's father Jesse - a king who will be anointed with the Spirit to reign in perfect wisdom and righteousness, who will judge the entire earth, and bring about a world filled with knowledge of God and free from all destruction. We are told the nations will rally to him, including those scattered from the northern and southern kingdoms by Assyria. Presumably, this refers not simply to Jews putting their trust in Christ, but the faithful remnant from the eighth century BC being raised from death to enter Christ's kingdom. The point is that Christ was the one the faithful back then were to trust in too. And on experiencing his salvation, the only right response is one of praise (chapter 12). As you read note how this should lead you to praise God as well.
Isaiah 10:20-12:6
Isaiah 10:20-12:6
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.