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Bible Pathways 7/9/2001



July 9

Read Psalms 81 -- 87

The Holy Spirit guided David to unite the two weapons of our spiritual warfare -- prayer and the inspired Word of God -- in Psalm 86, pointing out the power we have when these two become our way of life.

When David offered his prayer: Bow down your ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy (Psalms 86:1), he was acknowledging his dependence upon God. He saw himself as poor and needy, but he stated: Save Your servant that trusts in You (86:2). When he spoke of himself as Your servant, he recognized the Lordship of God over His life. He prayed to the Lord daily, not just in times of crisis (86:3).

David knew that the Lord is good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Him (86:5). Consequently, when we are faced with situations that are beyond our control, we too can say with David: In the day of my trouble I will call upon You: for You will answer me. . . . For You are great, and do wondrous things (86:7,10).

The supreme desire of every Christian should be this prayer of David: Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth: Unite my heart to fear Your Name (Psalms 86:11). This is a prayer that all of us need to offer each day since the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (Galatians 5:17).

When David prayed: Unite my heart to fear Your Name, it was not the fear of expected torment or the dread of judgment. It was far different. The motive for this fear of God is one of love -- the fear of a loving child, who does not want to disappoint his father. Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land (85:9). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). Then David went on to pray: I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify Your Name (86:12); he was declaring a single aim in his life, a master purpose to which all else would be in subjection.

The desire of David, or any of us, to have a devoted heart to the Lord is essential for answered prayer. As Jesus said: Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). What we need is a singleness of heart (Colossians 3:22), for the double minded man is like the surge of the sea being driven by the wind and tossed (James 1:8,6).

None of us has reached the point of perfection, and probably none of us do things from absolutely pure motives; for, if we humbly search our hearts, we may discover self-seeking and unworthy motives to satisfy self.

Like David, we need to delight in the Law of the Lord; and in His Law . . . meditate day and night (Psalms 1:2) and be able to say: O how I love Thy Law! It is my meditation all the day (Psalms 119:97).

Christ Revealed: By Jerusalem, where all of God's springs of Life are (Psalm 87:7). In the New Jerusalem there is a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 22:1). Jesus is the only one who can give living water (John 4:10).

Word Studies: 82:1 among the gods means earthly rulers and judges; 82:4 rid means rescue; 82:5 foundations . . . out of course means administration of justice ignored; 82:6 you are gods means you are My representatives; 83:2 lifted up the head means exalted themselves.

Prayer:

Government Officials: Rep. Dave Camp (MI) and Rep. Lindsey Graham (SC), and Sec. Donald H. Rumsfeld (Department of Defense) · BPM Staff: Steve Harle · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WMCT-AM, Mountain City, TN · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Dr. Hash's mother, Iva Ann McElroy · Country: Pakistan (138 million) in southern Asia · Major languages: Urdu and English · There is no freedom to convert Muslims to Christ. Pakistan is an Islamic republic · 97% Muslim; 2% Christian; 1% Hindu · Prayer Suggestion: Trust that God will provide your needs when you put His will first in your life (Matthew 6:31-33).

Optional Reading: II Thessalonians 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 9:14



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