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Bible Pathways - Mar. 1, 2008

 

March 1

Deuteronomy 1

Highlights In Today's Reading:

40 years after Israel's first generation left Egypt, about 2 million Israelites are at the border of the promised land.The first generation has died, except for three men. Moses reminds Israel that God commanded: Go in and possess the land (1:8).

The leadership obligations were more than Moses could bear. For the second time, he asked: How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance (problems), and your burden (troubles), and your strife (court cases) (1:9,12)?

The people were continually finding fault and rebelled against the Commandment of the Lord . . . And . . . murmured. . . . our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we (1:26-28).

The distressing words which Moses spoke are echoed today by many heavyhearted pastors who appeal to God in prayer: "How shall I bear this strife or this burden alone?"

Men of God are often confronted with extraordinary hindrances and sorrows. The earnest prayer of many ministers is for God to send men and women who are willing to share responsibility. Recognizing this, Jesus said: Pray . . . therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest (Matthew 9:38). Even the Apostle Paul had dreadful hindrances. Perhaps the most heartbreaking situation was the few members in the church in Corinth, which he had founded, saying about Paul: His bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible (II Corinthians 10:10). He related that of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness (11:24-27). The Apostle Paul never owned a million dollar home or lived in luxury, but he did spend much time in suffering for preaching Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

One of the encouraging strengths of the Lord's Church in each of our communities is when its members demonstrate caring concerns for each other. Through church fellowship, we experience the joy of sharing His life. As one Body we are enabled to reach a lost world with Bibles (I Corinthians 12:12-26); for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Thought for Today:

It takes all of us working together to win the world for Christ. Are you a part of, or apart from the rest of the Body of Christ?

Christ Portrayed:

By Moses, who spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the Lord had given him in Commandment (Deuteronomy 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28).

Word Studies:

1:2 mount Seir =b> mountain range in Edom that includes Mount Sinai; 1:12 bear your cumbrance =b> endure your complaints; 2:9 Distress not =b> Do not create a problem; 2:14 were wasted out =b> had died; host =b> men of war of that generation.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • Country (Religious statistics from Operation World and Religious Freedom in the World): El Salvador (5.9 million) in Central America • Major language: Spanish • Some intolerance of Protestants by government officials • 75% Catholic; 20% Protestant; .5% Baha'i; 2.5% Other; 2% None • Prayer Suggestion: Glory in the Lord. He is Victor over Satan (Zechariah 3:2).

Optional Reading: Luke 16

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:6



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