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
Does God really care about false religion? Does he care when people worship themselves as if achievements are their doing apart from God's gift? He does. Here he declares judgment on Pharoah for presuming himself the divine source of the Nile, that gave life to Egypt. It is judgment too on how Pharoah harmed Israel who sought to rely on him with alliances. For both sins, God promises that Babylon will come against Egypt and make it desolate for forty years. And this is so that his people will know that he "is the Sovereign LORD" and so rely on him rather than the nations. It's a word that speaks against the arrogance of western culture that presumes its advancement is its own doing, rather than a product of its Christian heritage and the Lord's blessing. It's a word too, against its increasing hostility to Christians. But it is a word to Christians also. We should acknowledge every good and perfect gift comes from God (Jam 1v17), and not compromise our faithfulness to him in order to gain support from the world. As you read note how arrogance is displayed.
Ezekiel 29:1-30:19
Ezekiel 29:1-30:19
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.