Bible Pathways 03/05/2003
Read Deuteronomy 11 -- 13
In Today 's Reading:
Israel is to love and obey God; warning against false gods and adding to or taking away anything from His word
To perpetuate loyalty and love to God in future generations, the word of God was to dominate every Israelite's life. To accomplish this God said: Teach them to your children (Deuteronomy 11:19). Our first concern every day should be to teach our children to love the Lord and be obedient to Him. They should have no doubt that we also truly love the Lord and are obedient to Him. If our hearts are filled with the word of God, it will overflow from our lives: When you stay in your house and when you go on a journey, when you lie down and when you get up (11:19).
Moses repeated to the new generation what the Lord said to their parents, reminding them of how important it is to faithfully keep this entire command which I am giving you to follow, by loving the LORD your God, walking in all His ways, and holding fast to Him (11:22).
God has said: You will . . . rejoice along with your household over every undertaking of yours in which the LORD your God has blessed you (12:7).
What our children will be is usually dependent upon what they learn about our values in life. What we are in great measure is what our children will be. That is why it is so important that parents of young children devote their time to molding their rapidly developing minds. It is of utmost importance that parents guide even the youngest children to reverence God, to worship Him, to pray, and to recognize the Bible as the voice of God speaking to them.
Influences outside the home often send strong messages to our children that are contrary to the values we desire them to live by. It becomes increasingly important for parents in this time of moral chaos to provide our children with a strong spiritual environment.
Children need to fear (have a reverential attitude of deep concern to be obedient) God and to know that He said: Honor your father and mother ? which is the first commandment with a promise ? that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land (Ephesians 6:2-3).
Christ Revealed:
Through the burnt offerings which were totally consumed. These typified Christ's total offering of Himself unto death (Deuteronomy 12:6; see Hebrews 10:5-7).
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Tim Holden (PA), Gov. John Kitzhaber (OR), Rep. Todd Platts (PA), and Rep. Don Sherwood (PA) · Country: Slovakia (5 million) central Europe · Major languages: Slovak and Hungarian · Religious freedom · 60% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 4% Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks and praise to the Lord (Psalms 92:1).
Optional Reading: Luke 20
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:13
