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
Salvation comes through judgment. Finally, a declaration that Babylon will be destroyed (as she was in 539BC by Persia). It will mean complete destruction in vengeance for her treatment of God's people and temple. And with her destruction, God will enable the exiled Jews to return to their land, where he promises they will enjoy his forgiveness of their sins - and a flourishing life. This became a paradigm of God's promise to destroy all ungodly society in its opposition to his people, describing it as "Babylon" in the book of Revelation. Through that judgment too, we are told he will save his people - the "new Jerusalem," by establishing them on the earth then cleansed of evildoers. And so it should thrill us that just as he did what he said the first time, he will the second time too. For we are members of the new Jerusalem through our faith in Christ (Rev 19-21), As you read note the hope for the Jews.
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.