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
Proverbs 30:4
Proverbs 30:4
Understanding to grow in
Both letters were written towards the end of the first century. 2 John reiterates 1 John. Believers are to continue in the truth, acknowledging Jesus as truly God and truly man - and they are to continue in love too. But, contrary, to modern ideas of love, that doesn't mean welcoming all without exception. False teachers are not to be welcomed. In fact, to do so is to share in their "wicked work," probably because the welcome would be read as affirming them and their teaching to others. It's a challenge to those in historic denominations who are expected to share fellowship with ministers who may be publicly denying the gospel or its implications. What 3 John adds is the inverse call to practically welcome all who are of the truth, even if they are strangers. John therefore rebukes Diotrephes for not doing so - it seems because of jeleousy. As you read consider your own commitment to hospitality towards Christians. 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.