Introduction
What has time spent with God got to do with happiness? Reading the Bible and praying to God can feel at times like a chore or duty that must be done before something pleasurable, such as sleep or breakfast, can be enjoyed. Yet the Bible constantly relates blessedness (another word for happiness or joy) with reading God’s word. ‘Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night’ (Ps. 1:1-2). ‘Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law’ (Ps 94:11). The reason for this connection between happiness and God’s word is that God is good and he wants good for his children. He communicates his will through his word and so by spending time with God, listening to him in his word, we are challenged and encouraged to align our thoughts, feelings and will with his and so take hold of the good he has in store with us.
These notes are provided to help you listen to God as he speaks to us in his word. Each reading also has a ‘Today’s Prayer Suggestion’ that will hopefully inform and broaden your daily prayers. Each reading and prayer time should take about 15 minutes depending on the length and difficulty of the passage. They can be used for your personal Bible reading or even with your spouse and family.
Since we rely on God for understanding it is right that we pray for his help in understanding what he says to us. A prayer used by Christians for this purpose in the past (and present) is the one from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer (2nd Sunday in Advent):
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Setting the Agenda: Acts 1:1-11
Luke’s ‘former book’ is the Gospel of Luke. Read Luke 1:1-4. What is his purpose in writing book one and (presumably) book two?
What is the significance of the word ‘began’ in verse 1?
How do the expectations of Jesus and the disciples conflict in 6-8?
Acts 1:1-11 sets the agenda for Acts in many ways yet ends with a promise that remains unfulfilled by the end of the book. What does the return of Jesus mean for you?
Today’s Prayer Suggestion:
1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?
2. QUT Christians: Praise God for the students who studied 1 John last semester. Pray that FOCUS groups would form well for Semester 2 and grow in love for God and each other.
3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!