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Bible Pathways 07/04/2003


July 4

Read Psalms 52 -- 59

In Today's Reading:

Tendency of corrupt tongue; foolishness of atheism; a prayer for protection; a cry against deceitful friends; the psalmist's trust in God

God must judge all unconfessed sin. It is fitting that David, the man after God's own heart (see I Samuel 13:14), expressed the exceeding hatred God has for the evil which corrupts His creation. Included in Psalm 59 is David's prayer: O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me (Psalm 59:1). He also prays that God would not be merciful to his enemies, since God cannot be merciful to any sinner who does not repent of his sins (see 59:5,13). True repentance prepares our hearts to receive Christ as our Savior and allows Him to become Lord of our lives in obedience to His Word (see Acts 2:38; 4:12).

David recognized that sinful acts are rebellion against God. David identified himself with God, Who hates sin, and declared that he too hated those who rebel against God and counted them his enemies as well. For David it was the expression of a king who loved the Lord and His ways and recognized that he was the anointed representative of God on earth and, therefore, was responsible to administer justice on the Lord's behalf.

There is coming a day of reckoning when God will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious (selfishly partisan), and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation (distress) and anguish, (will be) upon every soul of man that doeth evil (Romans 2:6-9). You can be among those who look forward to Christ's return if you repent and forsake your sins. Let Christ be Lord of your life and read His Word in order to do His will. Life is fleeting and judgment is sure. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2).

Though Jesus first came as the Suffering Servant, when He returns, it will be as the conquering King, Who will make war against the forces of Satan and will judge all mankind by His righteousness. The sharp sword that will go forth out of His mouth is the Word of God. Jesus said: He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath One that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (John 12:48).

Christ Revealed:

As the One Who saves those who will call on Him (see Psalm 55:16-17; compare Romans 10:13).

Word Studies:

53:3 filthy = corrupt; 55:4 sore = grievously; 55:9 divide their tongues = bring confusion to their counsel; 59:10 prevent = go before me.

Prayer Needs:

BP Staff: Charity Ryan · Pray for Bible Pathway Prayer Partners · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of those who fought in Iraq for freedom · Government Official: Rep. Sam Farr (CA) · Country: Indonesia (216 million) five large and 13,662 lesser islands in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Bahasa Indonesian (modified form of Malay) and English · Growing pressure from Muslim leaders to limit advances of Christianity by not renewing many of the missionaries' permits to stay in the country · 44% Muslim; 35% Islamic mixtures; 10% Protestant; 4% animist; 4% Roman Catholic; 2% Hindu; 1% Buddhist · Prayer Suggestion: If the words of God abide in you, whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive (John 15:7).

Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:16



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