Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

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Bible Pathways 3/1/2004


March 1

Read Deuteronomy 1 -- 2

In Today's Reading:

Moses' review of Israel's past 40 years; command to leave Mount Sinai; refusal to enter the promised land; 38 years of wanderings

In his first message to the new generation (Deuteronomy 1:1 — 4:43), Moses reminded them there are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea (about 165 miles) (1:2). This message was given in the fortieth year after leaving Egypt (1:3). Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the older generation sinned against the Lord by not believing that He would give them victory over the Canaanites.

The adult Israelites who had left Egypt failed to recognize that their hardships were designed to test their faith and prepare them to defeat the Canaanites. As a consequence of their sin of unbelief, they failed to accomplish the will of God and wasted their lives wandering in the wilderness. The new generation also would be tested.

We too can choose to be like the majority of Israelites who found fault with everything, or we can choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith in God's Word overcame all fears and frustrations.

Like the Israelites, some today, although they have accepted Christ as their Savior, have made little or no spiritual progress since they first believed. They do as little as possible to help others spiritually for they have not made Christ Lord of their lives. But all Christians are responsible to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. Just as God had a plan for Israel, so He has a plan for each of us.

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained (planned) that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

Word Studies:

1:2 mount Seir = Mount Sinai; 1:12 bear your cumbrance = endure your complaints; 2:9 Distress not = Do not create a problem; 2:14 were wasted out = had died; host = men of war of that generation.

Christ Portrayed:

By Moses, who spoke to the children of Israel, according to all that the LORD . . . commanded (Deuteronomy 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father has taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for: The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Jane Ache · Government Official (Listed on their Birthdays): Sen. John Breaux (LA) · Country: Rwanda (8 million) in central Africa · Major languages: Kinyarwanda and French · Religious freedom · 40% Roman Catholic; 21% Protestant; 14% belief in false gods, ancestor worship, and spirit-possession cults; 9% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding of the Word of God so you can share it with others (Psalm 119:27).

Optional Reading: Luke 16

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14



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