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
Some final instructions for keeping on keeping on. We are to see hardship as the training of loving discipline from our heavenly Father. We are to therefore strengthen our resolve knowing it will result in our being righteous and knowing peace with God. We are also to seek after godliness and ensure no "bitter root" of ungodly dissent grows in the church to cause trouble or lead others to sin. We are to host and care for one-another, be sexually pure, and content with what we have knowing the Lord will help us where we lack. All this so that we will not be tempted to sin and so come under judgment. We are also to emulate and submit to our leaders and not be led astray by strange teachings. We are to praise God, do good, and share with others. Key is the picture of heavenly worship in 12v18-29: We are to live all life knowing that this is the reality that surrounds us (also 12v1). And so with our whole lives we are to "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" knowing "our God is a consuming fire" (12v28-29). It's a daunting calling. But the closing doxology reminds us that by the same power that raised Christ from the dead, the Lord can equip us for it, if we will only look to him in prayer. As you read note the different encouragements to godliness.
Hebrews 12:4-13:25
Hebrews 12:4-13:25
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.