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Bible Pathways 07/15/2003


July 15

Read Psalms 119

In Today's Reading:

The greatness, power, and perfection of God's Word

The purpose of the longest chapter in the Bible is to focus our attention on the only infallible Guide to Life given by our Creator. In it, God has provided everything we need to be the person He planned for us to be and to accomplish the purpose for which He created us. It is equally emphasized how indispensable it is to know our Creator, Savior, and soon-coming Messiah King. The chapter opens with: Blessed are the undefiled (whose conduct is beyond reproach) in the way, who walk in the Law of the LORD. . . . and . . . that seek Him with the whole heart (Psalm 119:1-2). The undefiled means much more than just avoiding sin or living a good life. We are specially blessed as we seek to please God Himself with the whole heart.

Like David, all who seek God, will pray: With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy Commandments. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee (vss 10-11). It is by taking daily delight in God's Word, as much as in all riches (vs 14), that our fellowship with the Lord is assured. The psalmist continues: I will not forget Thy Word (vs 16). This kind of forgetting is more than a momentary memory lapse. It is drifting away from God as a result of becoming so involved in other interests that His Word is neglected.

Daily we need to pray: Make me to go in the path of Thy Commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness (119:33-36). As we do this, we have something to sing about regardless of circumstances (vs 54). The child of God can also say with the psalmist: Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy Word. . . . It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes (vss 67,71).

Though he had been afflicted, the psalmist did not find fault with God, nor did he doubt the Lord's wisdom or His justice. For many, it is in times like these that we painfully recognize that we have made wrong choices in the past which have led to unwholesome consequences. In such circumstances we realize that the Bible is priceless, for it alone reveals life's true values and prepares us for eternity. All who love the Lord can say: I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil (Psalm 119:162).

Christ Revealed:

By the psalmist who delighted in the Commandments of God (see Psalm 119:47). Christ said: I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me (John 6:38; 15:10).

Word Studies:

119:1 undefiled = blameless; 119:7 uprightness of heart = sincere intentions; 119:25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust = I am very discouraged; quicken thou me = restore my life; 119:28 melteth = is weary because of grief; 119:83 become like a bottle in the smoke = shrivel like a wineskin in the smoke.

Prayer Needs:

BP Staff: Bernice Rathbone · Pray for Jan Dahlin, coordinator for Swedish translation and radio ministry · Government Officials: Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Rep. William (Mac) Thornberry (TX), Gov. Jesse Ventura (MN), and Sen. George Voinovich (OH) · Country: Kirabati (86,000) 3 islands in southwestern Pacific · Major languages: English and Gilbutese · Religious freedom · 52% Roman Catholic; 44% Protestant; 2% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Acts 10:30).

Optional Reading: I Timothy 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:10



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