Bible Pathways 07/09/2002

July 09

In Today's Reading:

God's goodness and Israel's waywardness; blessedness of living in God's presence; David's desire to walk in truth; God's goodness and power.

Verses for Today:

Bow down Thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy. . . . In the day of my trouble I will call upon Thee: for Thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto Thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto Thy works. . . . Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy Name (86:1,7-8,11).

When David prayed, he was acknowledging his dependence upon God. He saw himself as poor and needy and he stated: Save [Your] servant that [trusts] in [You] (Psalms 86:2). When he spoke of himself as [Your] servant, he recognized God as Lord of his life. His practice was to pray to the Lord daily, not just in times of crisis (86:3).

David knew that the Lord [is] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy [to] all that call upon [Him] (86:5). Consequently, when we are faced with situations that are beyond our control, we too should pray as David did.

This is a prayer that all of us need to offer each day since the flesh [lusts] against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (Galatians 5:17).

When David prayed: Unite my heart to fear [Your] Name (Psalms 86:11), it was not the fear of expected torment or the dread of judgment. It was far different. The motive for this fear of God is one of love -- the fear of a loving child who does not want to disappoint his father. Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land (85:9). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). When David went on to pray: I will praise [You], O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify [Your] Name for evermore (Psalms 86:12), he was declaring a single aim in his life, a master purpose to which all else would be in subjection.

To have our hearts devoted to the Lord is essential for answered prayer. Jesus pointed this out when He said: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

None of us have reached the point of perfection, and probably none of us do everything from absolutely pure motives. If we sincerely search our hearts, we may discover self-seeking and even ulterior motives at times prompting us to pray.

It is comforting to know: Thou O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth (Psalms 86:15).

Christ Revealed:

By Jerusalem, where all of God's springs of Life are (Psalms 87:7). In the New Jerusalem there is a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22:1). Jesus is the only one who can give living water (John 4:10).

Word Studies:

82:1 among the gods = earthly rulers and judges; 82:4 rid = rescue; 82:5 foundations . . . out of course = administration of justice ignored; 82:6 you are gods = you are My representatives; 83:2 lifted up the head = exalted themselves.

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Rep. Dave Camp (MI) and Rep. Lindsey Graham (SC), and Sec. Donald H. Rumsfeld (Department of Defense) · Pray for your Sunday School teacher · Country: Maldives (300,000) 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka · Major languages: Divehi and English · Christian witnessing is banned · 99.9% Muslim; .1% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently; you will receive an answer (Luke 11:9-10).

Optional Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18