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 unfaithfulness amongst God's people that shows itself in every generation raises the question why? We are told how God will bring wrath and justice against the evil of the nations, but Isaiah then asks why the people of Judah must bring down God's wrath in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. He recalls God's kindnesses to Israel, and her subsequent rebelliousness, but is quite clear that even that rebelliousness was the Lord's doing in some sense (63v17). And so he can only plead for him to return to his people and restore them simply because they are his - recognizing God is the potter and people his clay. It raises the age-old question of how we can be responsible for our sin if it is part of the Lord's purpose. The bible doesn't actually answer this, but simply states that God governs everything in a way that maintains our responsibility. So Jesus can say none can know the Father unless the Son reveals him to them (Mat 11v27), and the apostle Paul can reiterate that because God is the potter he can do as he pleases (Rom 9v19-21). But what the doctrine does bring home, is how subject to him we are for the state of the church and its effectiveness in reaching the world. Like Isaiah, we are therefore moved to pray that he would turn hearts to himself. As you read note how God's sovereign control of all things is affirmed.
Isaiah 63-64
Isaiah 63-64
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.