Bible Pathways - June 30, 2008
June 30
Highlights In Today's Reading:
In constant danger, trouble, grief, or humiliation, David trusted God (31:3) and went straight to Him in prayer. On every deliverance he went immediately to God in thanks and praise. What a way to live!! David seeks vengeance and protection in chapter 35. Both 31 and 34 are considered Messianic Psalms. Can you find Christ and the Crucifixion in them?
When Nathan the prophet confronted David with his iniquity, he confessed his sin and his need for mercy and forgiveness. And the Lord forgave David — not only for his sins, but also for the iniquity of his sin. I acknowledged my sin (offence) unto thee, and mine iniquity (moral evil) have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions (rebellions) unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin (32:5).
Iniquity means more than rejecting God's Word. It means perverting His Word to say something more or less than has been written in the only God-inspired Book. The inevitable result of iniquity is always misery and unhappiness. There can be no lasting peace and joy until sin is sincerely confessed and forsaken.
The removal of sin is wrought only by God in such a way it is said that all guilt is forgiven. So let it be with you, oh, poor sinner — whoever you are, confess your sin and repent now, believe and receive your Savior who said: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Come out of that life of unbelief and enter a life in fellowship with Him. This is a call to lukewarm, halfhearted Christians to no longer be content in your present state.
We know that His blood cleanses us from sin and be free from the power of sin. Yes, believe that the blood brings you into His very presence — into a living and abiding fellowship with the eternal Heavenly Father. Only the blood of Jesus will cleanse us from all sins (I John 1:9).
Both the Old and New Testament emphatically declare that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of life (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22; see John 1:29). Because of God's forgiving love the Holy Spirit will lead you to repentance and then obedience to His Word.
Every forgiven sinner is a witness to the transforming power of Christ. What some only know as a doctrine, we proclaim as fact.
God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him (Romans 5:8-9).
Thought for Today:
Our failures need not be our future. Confession of our sin as an offence against God will bring restoration of His purpose for us.
Christ Revealed:
In the prophecy that not one of His bones would be broken as recorded concerning His crucifixion (Psalm 34:20). These things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken (John 19:36).
Word Studies:
31:4 privily =b> secretly; 31:6 lying vanities =b> vain idols; 31:8 shut me up =b> given me over; 32:2 guile =b> deceit; 32:3 roaring =b> groaning; 35:12 spoiling =b> sorrow; 35:15 abjects =b> slanderers.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash; Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Morris • Staff: Ken Sharp • Country: Tonga (109,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tongan and English • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 22% Mormon; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to enable you to endure temptation (James 1:12).
Optional Reading: Colossians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:7
