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
Tradition subscribes the authorship of Lamentations to Jeremiah. It's certainly possible as it laments the destruction of Jerusalem. What we are immediately reminded of is that this was because of Judah's sins. And the tragedy is that the greatness and prosperity that once marked the people and Jersualem, has all been lost. So "the daughter Zion" (Jersualem and its surrounds) is pictured as a woman who has lost everything, and who is in deep suffering and torment without a comforter. We cannot be complacent about sin despite the luxury and comfort we enjoy. Without repentance, it will all oneday be lost. Consider the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16v19-31). As you read note how the people feel.
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.