Bible Pathways - Aug. 14, 2007
In Today's Scripture Reading:
Jeremiah's call; his message to sinful Judah; its apostasy results in idolatry; Judah entreated to repent
God revealed to Jeremiah that He has a plan and purpose for each of us even before our birth: The Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and . . . I sanctified (set apart for God) thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jeremiah 1:4-5).
Through Jeremiah's revelation concerning the origin of human life, it is revealed that our birth is not our real beginning, nor will our death be our end. Since God is the Giver of life, let us recognize the sanctity of all human life. Just think! God knew you and had a plan for your life even before the day you were born.
The Holy Spirit led King David to write: I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth (Psalm 139:14-15). Both mother and father have the biblical responsibility to recognize that every unborn child, from the moment of conception, belongs to its Creator God. Both parents are responsible as faithful stewards of God to teach their children to know, love, and be obedient to God.
Through the Apostle Paul, God revealed that He (God) hath chosen us in Him (Christ) before the foundation (beginning) of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. . . . In whom (Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance. . . . I . . . Cease not . . . making mention of you in my prayers . . . That . . . the Father of glory, may give unto you . . . The eyes of your understanding (mind) being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:4-5,11,15-18).
We are special! Even before God laid the foundation of the world, He chose us to be His children through Jesus Christ, and it is because of Christ that we have received this inheritance from God.
God has chosen each of us for His sacred purpose. However, He has also given us the freedom to choose whom we will serve. Jesus stated an often overlooked fact when He said that no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other (Matthew 6:24).
Christ Revealed:
As the Fountain of Living Waters (Jeremiah 2:13). Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink (John 7:37; also 4:1-26).
Word Studies:
2:3 offend => be held guilty; 2:14 spoiled => laid waste, plundered; 2:18 Sihor => the Nile River; the river => the Euphrates; 2:31 lords => independent; 2:33 trimmest => scheme; 3:2 been lien with => acted like a prostitute; 3:9 lightness => shameless behavior; 3:10 feignedly => deceptively.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite Staff: Clarence Rathbone Government Officials: Rep. Robin Hayes (NC) and Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY) Country: Czech Republic (10 million) in central Europe Major languages: Czech and Slovak Religious freedom 63% Catholic; 7% Protestant; 4% Eastern Orthodox Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His redeeming love (Revelation 5:9).
Optional Reading: I Peter 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 4:7
