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
It is most serious to proclaim something is a word from God that isn't. And so, having acted out the coming exile of more Jews from Jerusalem, Ezekiel condemns the false prophets who proclaim a false message of peace saying his words refer to a distant future. They paint over the cracks in the people of God, thinking that means they won't be destroyed when the flood comes. Jesus' condemnation of the Jewish leaders as "whitewashed tombs" comes too mind (Mat 23v27). And one cannot but think of those in the church who scoff at the idea that God might judge or punish people at all, or of church leaders who boldly express this and teach that most are good enough for God. But there is also caution here for any who presume to say "God is saying" this or that, only to express their own ideas rather than something taught in scripture. And as for what is said in scripture? We must take God at his word. As you read note the seriousness with which God takes such deception.
Ezekiel 12-13
Ezekiel 12-13
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.