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Bible Pathways - July 1, 2005


July 1

 

Read Psalms 36:1

 

In Today's Reading:

 

David's confidence in God; destruction of the wicked; the prayer of a penitent heart; brevity of life

 

David sat watching a fire burning and recorded: While I was musing the fire burned (Psalm 39:3) its bright flames slowly turned to ashes. He was reminded of how the most satisfying life soon fades and ends in death. This is a reminder to all of us that life will soon end. David then prayed: LORD, make me to know . . . the measure (length) of my days (life) (39:4). David realized how easy it is to get so caught up with material achievements that we forget that our most important purpose in life is to be a servant of the Lord, fulfilling His will. Material achievements are incidental. Life is short and opportunities for fulfilling the will of God will soon be no more (39:13). David's prayer points out that the brevity of life is an issue everyone should consider, not just senior citizens.

 

Compared to eternity, earthly life is very, very short. Yet, strangely enough, it is easy to be so involved with daily activities that we forget that we are all just one breath away from death.

 

In our brief journey on earth, we may have to retrace our steps or repeat a task; but wasted time can never be recovered. This points out how seriously we need to consider what God would have us do each day. Take advantage of every opportunity to wholeheartedly serve Him. Only as we read through the Bible will we fully know what God expects of us and how we should serve Him.

 

Much of our time and energy are devoted to preparations for earthly securities or pleasures. Many make the fatal mistake of waiting too long for a more "convenient time" to serve the Lord. But the clock of time will stop all too soon and without notice. Just as the sun is seen rising in the east, it will soon set in the west, bringing us that much closer to eternity. For the majority of us, death will come unexpectedly and much sooner than we think. Let us reconsider our secular goals. Do they rob us of opportunities to help reach a lost world with the words of eternal life?

 

It is of utmost importance that, just as our Lord did, we fulfill the purpose for which God created each of us. Jesus said: I must work (do) the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work (John 9:4).

 

Christ Revealed:

 

As the Fountain of Life (and the) Light (Psalm 36:9). In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men. . . . That was the True Light, which lights every man that comes into the world (John 1:4-9; compare 4:10,14; Revelation 22:1).

 

Word Studies:

 

36:7 put their trust under = take refuge in; 38:2 presseth me sore = your punishment presses heavily upon me; 38:8 roared = groaned with anguish; 38:11 sore = afflictions.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for our Military worldwide · The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by a family that loves Jesus · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer · Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Country: Denmark (5 million) in northern Europe · Major languages: Danish and Faroese · Religious freedom · 92% Protestant; 1% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% cults; .1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you strength for today's need (Ephesians 3:14-16).

 

Optional Reading: Colossians 4

 

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

 

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:8





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