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Bible Pathways - July 17, 2006


Psalms 132

In Today's Reading:

A prayer for God's blessing; joy of unity; exhortation to praise the Lord; God's enduring mercy; God's Word magnified

The psalmist reminds us of how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments (Psalm 133:1-2; Exodus 30:25,30; Leviticus 8:12). The holy anointing oil that was poured upon the head of Aaron, the first high priest, is a foreshadowing of the anointing, indwelling, and outflowing of the Holy Spirit upon believers today. The oil poured out symbolized the Holy Spirit who, in love, covers as well as permeates the lives of those who have submitted themselves to Him.

The same indwelling Holy Spirit lives within all true Christians (I John 2:27). Therefore, in a spirit of love, we should express our oneness without partiality, regardless of race, nationality, education, or wealth, for we are the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:27).

The key to true unity is to let nothing be done through strife or vainglory (empty conceit, self-seeking or petty ambition); but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3). Our fallen nature is ever prone to distort unwelcome encounters with others and our emotions can create a crisis out of unimportant incidents. Added to this, we all too often selfishly demand our own rights and blame our frustrations on others. Pride, self-will, and an independent spirit are all enemies of the Spirit-filled life. It is Christlike to accept personal offense with patience rather than to react to someone's rudeness. We need to recognize that people's bad attitudes are often momentary frustrations caused by conflicts, sorrows, sufferings, or bad news. God permits difficult people to come into our lives to give us an opportunity to express His love and patience toward them — just as our Lord has made known His love and mercy toward us.

The unity of believers can be compared to a great orchestra with many instruments creating beautiful harmony. To maintain that harmony, we each must stay in tune by following the Master Conductor. With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring (making every effort) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Christ Revealed:

As the descendant of David, who would sit upon David's throne (Psalm 132:11). He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32; Acts 2:29-30).

Word Studies:

132:6 Ephratah =he district in which Bethlehem was located; 132:11 fruit =b> offspring; 132:17 horn =b> authority, power . . . bud =b> flourish; 135:4 Jacob . . . His peculiar treasure =b> the people of God are God's own possession; 135:14 repent Himself concerning His servants =b> God will have compassion upon His people; 136:12 a stretched out arm =b> mighty power; 137:3 wasted =b> plundered; 137:4 strange =b> foreign; 137:7 Rase =b> Overthrow, Destroy, Demolish.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Wade J. Duke, Jr. · Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson Country: Congo, Republic of the (2 million) in west-central Africa Major languages: French and Lingala Limited religious freedom, but government hostility has lessened 41% Roman Catholic; 20% fetishism and belief in ancestral spirits; 17% Protestant; 9% cults · Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for the spiritual rest that is in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Optional Reading: II Timothy 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:4



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