Bible Pathways 07/20/04
July 20
Read Proverbs 1 - 3
In Today's Reading:
Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; necessity of searching for wisdom; importance of trusting in the Lord
Solomon, as well as all the other writers of the Bible, was inspired by God to record exactly what God wanted us to know in order to be the person He created us to become. Consequently, we read: Receive My (God's) words, and hide (lay up as treasure) My Commandments with you; So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yea, if you seek after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you shall understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-5).
Speaking through Solomon, God is saying: "Take My Word seriously." It alone can provide you with true wisdom that will guide you to understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; and, every good path. When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul; Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you (2:9-11).
Despite the Lord's urging, some people spend little, or no, time reading the Bible, even though the Apostle Paul said: Study (Be diligent) to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Timothy 2:15). Only a few ever pray for spiritual achievements so they may accomplish the purpose for which God created them. Discerning Christians will put their personal goals in harmony with God's purposes and seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) while making all secular goals secondary. For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).
The choice of whom we will serve is of utmost importance, for it affects everything else in life. With the same intense energy by which worldly success is pursued by many, Christians should seek achievements of eternal value for the good of others and the glory of God.
One of life's most sobering thoughts is that the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works (deeds) (Matthew 16:27).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator who founded the earth . . . He established the heavens (Proverbs 3:19). All things were created by Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 1:2-3).
Word Studies:
1:4 give subtilty to the simple = impart insight (prudence) to the teachable; 1:11 lurk privily = wait secretly; 1:28 early = diligently; 2:1 hide . . . with thee = receive and treasure in your heart; 2:7 buckler = a shield used in hand-to-hand combat; 2:12 froward = opposed to God; 2:16 strange woman = adulteress; 3:26 thy foot from being taken = your life from all danger.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Lee J. Cofield · BP Staff: Bernice Rathbone · Government Officials: Sen. Larry Craig (ID) and Sen. Barbara Mikulski (MD) · Country: Kenya (29 million) in eastern Africa · Major languages: English and Swahili · Religious freedom · 46% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% belief in mystical powers; 6% Muslim; 3% Eastern Orthodox
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal His will and fill you with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18)
Optional Reading: Titus 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:20
