Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

Act now to share the love of Christ in the Middle East
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Bible Pathways 06/28/2003


June 28

Read Psalms 18 -- 22

In Today's Reading:

Thanksgiving for deliverance; creation and covenants of God; a prayer for God's people; cry of anguish and song of praise

The effects of the Word of God are beyond compare, for it was by His Word that the worlds were created and by which they are still upheld (Hebrews 1:3). Even our sky reveals the glory of God and His creative power (Psalm 19:1). However, most exciting is the transforming power of Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, upon all who receive Him as their Lord (19:7; see also II Corinthians 5:17).

The first six verses of Psalm 19 refer to the works of God in the world, and the remaining eight refer to the marvelous influence of His Word on the lives of all who love and obey Him.

In this short psalm, six names are used to refer to the Word of God:

1. It is the Law of the Lord and, as such, is perfect (Psalm 19:7). It is as far superior to the words of man as the heavens are above the earth. Then why should anyone settle for less than that which is able to save our souls (James 1:21)?

2. It is the Testimony (instructions, decrees) of the Lord and it is trustworthy (Psalm 19:7). You can count on it. The Apostle Paul confirmed this to Timothy (II Timothy 3:15).

3. It is the Statutes (laws, teachings) of the Lord and, therefore, right (Psalm 19:8), because the statutes are founded solely on the righteousness of God. His Word reveals who we are, as well as Who God is.

4. It is the Commandment of the Lord (19:8) — not merely suggested alternatives to popular opinion. It instructs us how to achieve the holiness of God. His Commandments provide us with a new life, free from sin's bondage (Galatians 5:1).

5. It reveals the Fear (reverence) of the Lord (Psalm 19:9) which is a reverential admiration for His holiness and a fear of offending His majesty.

6. It is the Judgments of the Lord (19:9).

The psalmist expresses well what our feelings should be concerning the Word of God — it is more desirable than gold (Psalm 19:10).

Christ Revealed:

As the One to Whom the psalms refer when they speak of the nails that pierced His hands and feet on the cross and the parting of His clothing (Psalm 22:16,18; John 19:18). See also Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34.

Word Studies:

18:2 horn of my salvation = my strong deliverer; 18:26 froward (first use) = crooked; perverse; froward (second use) = hostile; 18:45 close places = fortresses or strongholds; 22:5 confounded = put to shame; 22:7 shoot out the lip = ridicule, hurl insults; 22:17 tell = count.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Linda Rathbone, French translator · Government Officials: Rep. Jane Harman (CA), Rep. Jim Kolbe (AZ), Sen. Carl Levin (MI), Rep. Major R. Owens (NY), and Rep. Ed Pastor (AZ) · Country: Haiti (7 million) in the West Indies · Major languages: French and Creole · Religious freedom · 75% Roman Catholic; 17% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a spirit of humility and submission before the Lord (John 3:30-31).

Optional Reading: Colossians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: John 8:31-32



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