Bible Pathways - July 9, 2005

July 9

In Today's Reading:

God's goodness and Israel's waywardness; blessedness of living in God's presence; David's desire to walk in truth

The Holy Spirit guided David to unite the only two weapons of our spiritual warfare — prayer and the inspired Word of God. Psalm 86 expresses the power we have when these become our way of life.

When David prayed: Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy (Psalm 86:1), he was acknowledging his total dependence on God (see 86:2). He continued to pray: Be merciful to me, O Lord: for I cry to You daily (see 86:3). Although David was the king of Israel he recognized the lordship of God over his life. He often spoke of himself as the servant of the Lord in the Psalms (see 86:2,4).

David continued to worship and confess God's mercy and readiness to forgive. He expressed the utmost confidence that God listens to His people's prayers and is able to deliver them from all harm regardless of circumstance (see 86:5,7,13,15).

David then asked God to teach him to obey Him. Centuries later, Jesus would say to the church of the Laodiceans. . . . As many as I love, I rebuke (reprove), and chasten (discipline): be zealous (earnest) therefore, and repent (Revelation 3:14-19; see also I Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:6-7,10; Psalm 94:12). The Christian who desires a closer relationship with the Lord depends upon continual daily guidance of God through His Word. The Lord's instruction is much more than just giving us information. It is the means to understanding His will and being obedient to it, and also carries the thought of correction (see Psalm 86:11). The child of God never graduates from the school of spiritual instruction. That is why all of us need to read His Word each day.

A sincere commitment to desire Christ to be Lord of your life is essential. The Apostle Peter recognized this when he admonished us to diligently build upon our faith virtue (moral excellence), then knowledge, then temperance (self-control), then patience, then godliness, then brotherly kindness, which will produce in us genuine charity (love) to do the will of God (II Peter 1:5-8). The God who created us has made everything which pertains to life and godliness available to His followers. His power is revealed as we read His Word, for the Word of God is quick (living and active), and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). We have the potential to live in obedience to His Word, but it requires voluntary submission and it's up to us to take the initiative to build our faith. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Christ Revealed:

By Jerusalem, from which the psalmist declared all of the springs (source) of joy and happiness emanate (Psalm 87:7). Jesus is the source of our joy as the angel announced at His birth (Luke 2:10). Jesus also declared: These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).

Word Studies:

82:1 among the gods = earthly rulers and judges; 82:4 rid = rescue; 82:5 foundations . . out of course = administration of justice is ignored; 82:6 Ye are gods = You are My representatives; 83:2 lifted up the head = exalted themselves.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mr. & Mrs Pose Banks · Government Officials: Rep. Dave Camp (MI), Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ), Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC), Sec. Donald H. Rumsfeld (Department of Defense), and Rep. John Sweeney (NY) · Country: Eritrea (4 million) in eastern Africa · Major languages: English and Tigrinya · Religious freedom · 51% Muslim; 40% Eritrean Orthodox; 4% Catholic; 1.5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Realize that you are insufficient (Ephesians 6:10-11).

Optional Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:13