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Bible Pathways 07/18/2003


July 18

Read Psalms 139 -- 143

In Today's Reading:

The all-seeing providence of God; David's prayer for deliverance from Saul; comfort in prayer; prayer for mercy in judgment

Our Creator inspired David to write: O LORD, Thou. . . . art acquainted with all my ways (from the time I was conceived unto this very day) . . . Such knowledge is too wonderful for me (beyond my understanding). . . . For thou hast possessed my reins (formed my inward spirit and heart); Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. . . . when I was made in secret. . . . Thine eyes did see my substance . . . when as yet there was none (Psalm 139:1-16). God reveals that, at conception, David became a person, a living soul. Although, as an unborn infant, he was hidden from human view, as if buried in the earth, his body was no mystery to his Creator, Who was skillfully preparing him for his God-ordained destiny on earth.

God also led Isaiah the prophet to write: The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels (body) of my mother hath He made mention of my name. . . . in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me. . . . And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be His servant. . . . I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:1-6). Note that Isaiah knew that the Lord had prepared him to be His prophet while he was being formed — even before his birth.

God also revealed to the prophet Jeremiah: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified (consecrated) thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).

If the mothers of David, Isaiah, or Jeremiah had aborted them, they would have murdered three great men of God. The world's records today would have just shown three more unnamed fetuses. Life is sacred and is given by the Creator for His own purposes. Even if there are unplanned or regrettable circumstances surrounding a conception, God permitted it.

The Holy Spirit inspired the beloved physician Luke to record what the Angel Gabriel announced to the virgin Mary: Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His Name JESUS (Luke 1:31). Note that the Lord Jesus Christ was announced as a Person at conception.

Jesus said, Suffer (permit) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14)

Christ Revealed:

As the One Who delivers souls from prison (see Psalm 142:7). Jesus said: He hath sent Me . . . to preach deliverance to the captives (Luke 4:18).

Word Studies:

139:13 reins = inward parts; 139:15 curiously wrought = skillfully fashioned; 140:5 gins = lures, snares; 141:7 Our bones are scattered = Overwhelming destruction is contemplated; 143:3 smitten = crushed, struck.

Prayer Needs:

BP Staff: Rita Guerra · Pray for Partners International · Government Officials: Rep. William Delahunt (MA), Rep. Mark Souder (IN), and Rep. Mark Udall (CO) · Country: Laos (5 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Lao and French · Great suppression of all Christian activities · 58% Buddhist; 33% belief in spirits and ancestor worship; 2% Christian; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for safety in your travels (Romans 1:10).

Optional Reading: II Timothy 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:10



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