Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!
<< Bible Pathway

Bible Pathways 03/01/05


March 1

Read Deuteronomy 1 - 2

In Today's Reading:

Moses' review of Israel's past 40 years; command to leave Mount Sinai; refusal to enter the promised land; 38 years of wanderings

In his first message to the new generation (Deuteronomy 1:1 - 4:43), Moses reminded them that there are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea (about 165 miles) (1:2). This message was given in the fortieth year after leaving Egypt (1:3). Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the older generation sinned against the Lord by not believing that He would give them victory over the Canaanites. By faith, the promised land could have been theirs.

The adult Israelites who had left Egypt did not recognize that their hardships were designed to test their faith and prepare them to defeat the Canaanites (see 8:2). As a consequence of their sin of unbelief, that first generation failed to accomplish the will of God and wasted their lives wandering in the wilderness until they all died except for Caleb and Joshua. The new generation would also be tested. Would they take God at His Word?

We too have a choice. We can choose to be like the many Israelites who found fault with everything, or choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith in God's Word overcame all fears and frustrations.

Like the Israelites, some today, although they have accepted Christ as their Savior, have made little or no spiritual progress since they first believed. They do as little as possible to help others spiritually for they have not made Him Lord of their lives. It is our responsibility to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. Just as God had a plan for Israel, so He has a plan for each of us. In the midst of giant problems, the Holy Spirit is available to all who, like Caleb and Joshua, trust in the Lord to overcome their giants.

God's Word is our only infallible Guide. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained (planned) that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

Word Studies:

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

Christ Portrayed:

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

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide · The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by a family that loves Jesus · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer · BPM Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Country: Nauru (11,000) in the central Pacific · Major languages: Nauruan and English · Religious freedom · 57% Protestant; 24% Roman Catholic; 10% Buddhist and Chinese folk-religionist · Prayer Suggestion: Study and heed the instruction of the Word of God that your prayers may be heard (Proverbs 1:28-30).

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: Ephesians 5:11



More Bible Pathway Articles