Bible Pathways - Feb. 5, 2008
February 5
Highlights In Today's Reading:
There is a "secret" found in today's passage. The one underlying, essential foundation to cleanse sin is revealed in today's Bible reading. God has specific laws concerning clean and unclean animals, childbirth, and the dreadful leprosy (a type of sin). Consider them carefully.
Numerous times God said: Be holy, for I am holy (11:44-45). Make a difference between the unclean and the clean (11:47). God's people must be a morally clean people, inwardly and outwardly, in order to be in a right relationship with God. Every Christian should conduct his life as a purchased possession (of Christ), unto the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:14). The Holy Spirit warns concerning this first generation of slaves that had left Egypt, that . . . all passed through the sea . . . And did all drink the same spiritual drink . . . and that spiritual Rock was Christ. But . . . they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. . . . idolaters. . . . fornication. . . . murmured. . . . let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (I Corinthians 10:1-16)
As we read through the Bible, the Holy Spirit will lead all who are true believers to daily experience the lordship of Christ over their thoughts and conduct that whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory (honor) of God (10:31).
The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to also write: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (3:16). For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (set apart to live as children of the One True God) (I Thessalonians 4:7).
God left nothing to human opinions or contemporary trends. It is our responsibility to learn how God expects us to live. We are called to study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (II Timothy 2:15). If we neglect reading His Word then it becomes easy to substitute human opinion for the Holy Spirit's guidance. My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). As we compare our ways with the Word, we discover the will of God (Romans 12:2).
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (II Corinthians 5:17).
Thought for Today:
If Jesus isn't Lord of all areas of our lives, He isn't Lord at all.
Christ Revealed:
Through the clean food of the believer (Leviticus 11:1-47). Our Lord is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), supplies living water (4:10,14), and His Father's will was His meat (food, nourishment) (4:34).
Word Studies:
11:3 clovenfooted =split hoofed, 2 distinct hoofs; 11:35 ranges =cooking furnaces; 11:44 sanctify =dedicate to serve the Lord; 13:4 shut up =isolate, set apart; 13:5 be at a stay =has not changed; 13:10 quick =enflamed, ulcer forming; 13:43 rising =swelling; 13:45 rent =torn; 13:46 dwell =live; 13:55 fret inward =eaten away within, infected
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Duane A. Estey; The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Schatz • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Official: Gov. Jennifer Granholm (MI) • Country: Burkina Faso (11 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and Sudanic tribal languages • Religious freedom • 48% Muslim; 33% belief in false gods, idolatry, and heathenism; 14% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and rejoice in the Lord for all His spiritual blessings (Isaiah 61:10).
Optional Reading: Mark 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 118:24
