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
How pointless, how serious, to go to church and worship God with our lips but not with our lives. This was the issue facing God's people in wanting to walk into the temple only to hear Jeremiah denounce them from its steps. And it was an issue Jesus himself condemned in in his own day (Matt 15v8). One cannot but consider those entering churches at Christmas or for civic occasions, whilst denying God with their own false religion and sexual sin. But it also refers to those attending regularly, and seeming Christians, whilst hiding a lack of real repentance. Judah should learn from the destruction of the northern kingdom, that unless they repent they too will perish. And we should learn from this too. As you read note what God says will result from the people's sin.
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.