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
God never fails on his promises. Like grass, people and rulers whither. But his word endures forever. That's what Isaiah tells us. So, just as God promised his people would return from the exile in Babylon and be restored, so, Isaiah speaks of the way being made for God to come and fulfil his word in rescuing his people. When her time in Babylon is completed and the punishment due her for her sin paid, he will gather them like a shepherd gathers his flock. And it is this that proves him the one true and living God as opposed to the false idols of the nations. It finds ultimate fulfilment in God coming to his people in Christ, to rescue them from their exile from everlasting life by paying their penalty on their behalf. As you read note the qualities of God displayed here.
Isaiah 40
Isaiah 40
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.