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 gospel changes everthing. Here Paul writes around 60AD to a Christian slave owner whose slave seems to have stolen from him and run away, but then become a Christian too (v15-18). Paul sends the slave back, offers to pay his debts himself, and urges the owner to receive him now as a "brother." When we become Christians, we are to live as people of integrity. We are to keep our obligations within society, even if they are detrimental to us. But we also become members of a family with all other Christians, in which we treat one-another as we would our biological siblings - whether in our attitude to Christian employees, or in aiding Christians in need. As you read consider the Christ-like characteristics Paul displays.
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.