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
The wife of nobel character...Proverbs 31:22
The wife of nobel character...Proverbs 31:22
Understanding to grow in
Many see each of the 7s (seals, trumpets etc) to cover the entire church age rather than follow one-another. My increasing conviction is that each 7 fits within the final 7 of the previous set, so taking us closer and closer to the return of Christ and renewal of all things. So as the seventh seal is opened, there is silence to mark the solemnity of what is about to take place. The prayers of God's people as seen to rise (probably their cries for justice, as 6v9-10) and judgment is then dispensed on the world in response. In other words, the trumpet events are realeased by the opening of the 7th seal. The significance of trumpets is that they heralded victory and the arrival of the Lord, so count down to that. The judgments are similar to the plagues of Egypt, showing that through them God's people are experiencing another deliverance as they look to the promised land of the new creation. Their symbolism denotes every aspect of the earth being affected, impacting trade and agriculture, but with restraint - demonstrated by it being a third each time. Stars in chapter 1 are angels, so the great star of 8v10 may be an angelic representative of ungodly society, who falls and brings about suffering symbolised by the bitter water. Another star (angel) begins chapter 9, releasing demonic hoards from the Abbys (corresponding with 20v1-3,7). They torment only unbelievers, so their torment most likely entails the despair, brokenness and destruction that is wreaked by sin on sinners. What follows seems to be a great war bringing death throughout the world (possibly that of 20v8-9). The horrific descriptions throughout bring home the horror and evil bound up with these things. But 9v20-21 stresses they will be to no avail in terms of repentance. People will continue in their idolatry and immorality. However, the reader is urged to ensure they have repented and is encouraged that having done so they will be eternally safe when these things come. As you read note the detail.
Many see each of the 7s (seals, trumpets etc) to cover the entire church age rather than follow one-another. My increasing conviction is that each 7 fits within the final 7 of the previous set, so taking us closer and closer to the return of Christ and renewal of all things. So as the seventh seal is opened, there is silence to mark the solemnity of what is about to take place. The prayers of God's people as seen to rise (probably their cries for justice, as 6v9-10) and judgment is then dispensed on the world in response. In other words, the trumpet events are realeased by the opening of the 7th seal. The significance of trumpets is that they heralded victory and the arrival of the Lord, so count down to that. The judgments are similar to the plagues of Egypt, showing that through them God's people are experiencing another deliverance as they look to the promised land of the new creation. Their symbolism denotes every aspect of the earth being affected, impacting trade and agriculture, but with restraint - demonstrated by it being a third each time. Stars in chapter 1 are angels, so the great star of 8v10 may be an angelic representative of ungodly society, who falls and brings about suffering symbolised by the bitter water. Another star (angel) begins chapter 9, releasing demonic hoards from the Abbys (corresponding with 20v1-3,7). They torment only unbelievers, so their torment most likely entails the despair, brokenness and destruction that is wreaked by sin on sinners. What follows seems to be a great war bringing death throughout the world (possibly that of 20v8-9). The horrific descriptions throughout bring home the horror and evil bound up with these things. But 9v20-21 stresses they will be to no avail in terms of repentance. People will continue in their idolatry and immorality. However, the reader is urged to ensure they have repented and is encouraged that having done so they will be eternally safe when these things come. As you read note the detail.
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.