Bible Pathways 07/10/2003
July 10
Read Psalms 88 -- 91
In Today's Reading:
A cry for deliverance from death; praise for God's Covenant and promises; frailty and brevity of life; the faithful protected
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). He is one whose heart is set on being obedient to the Lord. To abide in the shadow of the Almighty there is a need to draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. . . . Speak not evil one of another (James 4:8,11). Drawing near to God requires that you avoid questionable activities. When in doubt, abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22) and give yourself to wholesome thoughts, attitudes, and motives. You can be assured that then His truth shall be thy shield and buckler (assurance of security) (Psalm 91:4).
The psalmist expressed the utmost confidence in the loving care of God when he said: Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day (91:5-8). We can be free of any fear of the numerous satanic attacks we may experience. The psalmist then assured the faithful, saying: Because thou hast made the LORD . . . thy habitation (way of life); There shall no evil befall thee. . . . For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone (91:9-12). As we seek to do the Lord's will, His angels are prepared to protect us wherever we go.
Satan, a fallen angel, quoted these verses to Jesus after His 40-day fast in an attempt to persuade Jesus to leap off the pinnacle of the Temple. Satan said: If Thou be the Son of God (meaning: since You are the Son of God), cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:9-11; Psalm 91:11). In tempting our Lord, Satan was like some today who love the promises of God, but who fail to consider the conditions of the promises. Our Lord set the example when He responded to the temptation of Satan by quoting Scripture which warns not to tempt the Lord God: It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (Matthew 4:7; also Deuteronomy 6:16). We have no assurance that the Lord's angels will keep us in "ways" that ignore His Word.
Satan has deceived many by saying: "Your situation is an exception" or "Just this one time" or "Be broad-minded, everyone is doing it." He also uses examples of hypocrites to deceive some by pointing out: "Religious people do these things, so why shouldn't you?" Always remember: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).
Christ Revealed:
As the Seed of David Whom God will establish for ever (Psalm 89:3-4). Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the Seed of David according to the flesh (Romans 1:3; II Timothy 2:8). And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33).
Word Studies:
88:13 prevent = come before; 89:10 Rahab in this context is a poetic name for Egypt (see 87:4; Isaiah 51:9); 89:24 horn be exalted = authority shall increase; 89:41 spoil = plunder and rob; 90:13 let it repent thee concerning = change your judgment to compassion on; 91:13 dragon = serpent, a reference to Satan. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years (Revelation 20:2; see also 12:3-4,7,9,13,16-17;13:2,4,11).
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Ken Sharp · Pray for the Bill Rice Ranch, Ministry to the Deaf · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · Government Official: Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA) · Country: Jamaica (3 million) in the West Indies · Major languages: English and Creole · Religious freedom · 78% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 7% Afro-American spiritist · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in one accord with other Christians (Acts 1:14).
Optional Reading: I Timothy 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18
