Bible Pathways - July 27, 2005

July 27

In Today's Reading:

Advice to the wise; Agur's confession of his faith; the words of King Lemuel; praise of a good wife

If we love someone, we want to be with them and know what pleases them so that we can develop a lasting relationship. We also want to know what they dislike so that we can avoid words or actions that would displease them. Surely, this should also be an important consideration in building a relationship with our Lord.

God said: Whoso keeps the Law is a wise son. . . . He that turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be abomination (Proverbs 28:7,9). Why should God be attentive to what we have to say if we are not interested in reading His conditions for acceptable prayer?

The Apostle John reminded believers: If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep (obey) His Commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (I John 3:21-22). But, we can't keep all His Commandments if we don't read all of His Word to know what they are.

Strange as it may seem, some people pray for solutions to their problems, but ignore the one place where God provides the answers. Why is there such widespread neglect among Christians to read all of what God has said? Do they assume that, like the unregenerate world, their own "good judgment" can take the place of the wisdom of our Sovereign Creator?

The prophet Jeremiah exposed the reason for Israel's problems when he said: The Word of the LORD is to them a reproach (shame); they have no delight in it (Jeremiah 6:10). The Lord further declared through His prophet: I will bring evil upon this people . . . because they have not hearkened to My words, nor to My Law, but rejected it (6:19). Throughout history, God has rejected His people when they continued to refuse His guidance. Without a doubt, God was heartbroken when He said to the prophet Hosea: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6) — knowledge of His Word they had chosen to ignore.

Jesus emphasized the need to read His Word when He said: If you keep My Commandments, you shall abide in My love (John 15:10).

Word Studies:

27:16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind = Restraining a contentious woman is like attempting to hold the wind; 28:11 searcheth him out = sees through him; 28:14 that feareth alway = who is always reverent; 28:17 stay = help; 29:10 seek his soul = has concern for his well-being; 30:23 odious = hateful.

Christ Revealed:

As the One who ascended to and descended from heaven (Proverbs 30:4). No man has ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is in heaven (John 3:13).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Rebecca Hahn · Government Officials: Rep. William Clay, Jr. (MO) and Rep. Charles Norwood (GA) · Country: Guyana (705,000) on the northeastern coast of South America · Major languages: English and Amerindian dialects · The government is becoming increasingly Marxist, radical, and atheistic · 36% Hindu; 28% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 9% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Pray without anger or resentment in your heart (I Timothy 2:8).

Optional Reading: Hebrews 4

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:17