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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

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.

(472) 18 April: Proverbs 22v14 / 1 Thessalonians 3v11-5v28 / Psalm 103v6-8

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
What should our priorities be in the light of Christ's return? The first half of the letter stressed perseverance, no matter what we might suffer. The second stresses godliness. Paul ends both halfs with a prayer to that end. And chapters 4-6 pick up the seriousness of sexual purity because of coming wrath and industriousness in order to commend Christ to others. Paul goes on to give some detail of Christ's return to the encouragement of thsoe who are waiting to see loved ones again. He then urges believers to live as children of the coming day not the present night, stressing the importance of their relationships one with another. As you read note how the return of Christ should affect you.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-5:28

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.