Bible Pathways 07/12/04
July 12
Read Psalms 101 - 105
In Today's Reading:
Personal commitment to the Lord's ways; a cry in distress; gratitude to God for His mercy; His mighty power; God's providence over Israel
David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to prophesy of Jesus' coming kingdom reign when He will administer equal justice for all the world. Because of this, David declared: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before my eyes (Psalm 101:2-3). To maintain this attitude, David chose his friends wisely, saying: A forward (deceitful, perverted) heart shall depart from me: I will not know (have anything to do with) a wicked person (101:4).
A few of the many reasons for praising the Lord are given in Psalm 103, but it is our loving Lord Himself who is our highest reason for praise. First, we praise Him for who He is, the all-powerful, all-wise, righteous Creator, and then for His mercy and forgiving love in cleansing us from all our sins. We also thank and praise Him because He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him (103:10-11). Just think, His forgiving love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Therefore, it is an act of unbelief, a deception of Satan, and contrary to the nature of our loving Lord, to bring up former sins - either ours or those of others. Forgiven means no longer remembered, not only by God but by us as well (I John 1:9; II Peter 1:9). As you begin praying, always remember to forgive anyone you feel has wronged you. When you do that, your Father will forgive your evil deeds; but, if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you or answer your prayers (Psalm 66:18).
We are reminded that unlimited forgiveness should characterize every true disciple of Christ, for He said: When you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father . . . forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases (Psalm 103:3). Forgiveness of sin and the healing power of God describe the ministry of our Lord Jesus, who was sent to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 9:6).
Word Studies:
101:4 froward heart = an obstinate and evil mind; not know = have nothing to do with; 101:5 cut off = destroy; suffer = tolerate; 101:6 perfect = blameless; one of integrity; 101:7 tarry = continue to dwell; 102:26 wax old = deteriorate; 104:9 bound = boundary; 104:13 chambers = dwelling place, heavens.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BP Staff: Ken Sharp · Government Officials: Rep. J.D. Hayworth (AZ) and Rep. Betty McCollum (MN) · Country: Iraq (22 million) in southern Asia · Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish · Fierce harassment of non-Muslims · 96% Muslim; 3% Christian
Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will enable you to be a generous, cheerful giver to Him (II Corinthians 9:6-7).
Optional Reading: I Timothy 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:10
