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
Since the garden of Eden, the problem behind all sin has been a rejection of God's word. And this is the cause of Judah's sin in the days of Jeremiah too (8v9). And their religious leaders were partly to blame in deceiving the people by telling them "peace, peace" (8v10-11) rather than warning them that God had promised in his law that if the nation turned from him they would lose all the blessings of their land. Jeremiah pours out tears at the coming destruction that he sees, but he also laments that that none have been instructed by God or is able to explain his word (9v12). Similarly today, many ministers refuse to teach the hard truths of the Bible, declaring "peace, peace" - a God who will forgive all without exception and never punish, and neglecting to confront issues of sexual ethics or other religions - just as those in Jeremiah's day neglected to confront adultery and idolatry. But to reject God's word in these areas as in all areas, is to reject God (1 Thess 4v3-8). So we should pray for our ministers and encourage them to teach the whole counsel of God, and ensure that we too are well instructed and willing to explain what we know to others. As you read note the emphasis on God's word and truth.
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.