Bible Pathways - July 15, 2009
July 15
Highlights In Today's Reading:
In this psalm the Word of God is exalted. Every verse in this magnificent psalm magnifies the Word of God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men (John 1:1-4), and He (Jesus Christ) brings the Light of Understanding (the Written Word) to all who trust Him.
Although the writer of this psalm is unknown, David has been suggested as its author. David sought the Lord, observed His Laws, and prayed for His help — all with his whole heart. How necessary it is when praying, reading the Word of God, or seeking His will, that we be able to say: With my whole heart have I sought Thee (Ps. 119:10). That which makes a person truly happy will have eternal value; for the things of the world soon vanish. Happiness is the outcome of a right relationship with God and living according to the way of life taught by the Word of God. Blessed (Happy) are they that keep His Testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart (119:2).
Full provision is made for man's happiness and is revealed in the Word of God. God alone through His Word can give delight, pleasure, and fulfillment as we get to know the unsearchable riches of Christ as written from Genesis through Revelation (Eph. 3:8; compare Luke 24:27).
Much of the emptiness among Christians today stems from being content with accepting doctrinal truth without inwardly applying it to daily experience. For many all is well if one is conservative or orthodox in doctrine and opposes error. Yet, surely, it must be obvious from the Word that we only measure up spiritually in the eyes of God as we truly inwardly accept and outwardly express His Word in our daily thoughts and conduct. Obviously, we can't live it if we don't know it. This points out the necessity of reading all the Bible. Unless we possess His life through the indwelling Holy Spirit and live by His enabling, we lack what is indispensable to spiritual growth and power.
The Pharisees cleansed the outside of the platter (their external appearance) but left the inside full of impurities (Matt. 23:25-26). Our Lord rebuked them for emphasizing doctrine and ritual and failing to deal with their heart condition. But God demands both inward and outward harmony with His Word. To have the outer without the inner is hypocrisy, but to have the inner without the outer expression we fall short of what God expects.
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect (James 2:21-22).
Thought for Today:
They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear My words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken My Covenant which I made with their fathers (Jer. 11:10).
Christ Revealed:
By the psalmist who delighted in the Commandments of God (Ps. 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 the undefiled = those whose lives are beyond reproach; 119:7 uprightness of heart = sincere intent to fully obey the Word of God; 119:25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust = I am very discouraged; quicken Thou me = energize my spirit, restore my life; 119:28 melteth for heaviness = is depressed because of troubles; 119:83 like a bottle in the smoke = shriveled and worthless like a wineskin in the smoke.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Broadcasts sponsored by Robert and Marilee Young • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Officials: Rep. Daniel Lipinski (IL), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Rep. William Thornberry (TX), and Sen. George Voinovich (OH) • Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China • Major language: Mandarin • Religious freedom • 80% "Chinese Religions" (Buddhist/Taolist/Confucian); 4% Christianity; .2% Muslim; 14% Atheist; 1.8% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord (Ex. 15:1-19).
Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:24
