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
History records these events taking place in 701BC. Assyria had already destroyed the northern kingdom in 722BC, so what hope for the south? The king's confidence in God is mocked, and he is tempted by the commander offering him what the Lord had already promised (36v16). Just as the false gods of other nations had been shown to be powerless, so the Assyrian says Israel's God will be. They are words that could come straight from the mouth of Satan himself, tempting us away from Christ and undermining our confidence that he can save us. But Hezekiah is a godly king. And just as Christ would when facing his temptation in Gethsemane, he does what we can only do - he prays in faith. The Lord responds that the great Assyrian king was doing only what God had ordained - his puppet! And that Jerusalem would be saved. An angel then put the arm to death. This is the confidence we can have in Christ. All that he has promised us will come to pass. If God is for us, none can be against us. As you read note how Hezekiah's confidence is threatened and then expressed.
Isaiah 36-37
Isaiah 36-37
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.