Bible Pathways - July 10, 2005

July 10

Read Psalms 88:1

In Today's Reading:

A cry for deliverance from death; praise for God's Covenant and promises; frailty and brevity of life; the faithful protected

He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (All Powerful, All Sufficient One) (Psalm 91:1). This is one whose heart is set on being obedient to the Lord. To abide under the shadow of the Almighty there is a need to draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded (James 4:8). If you are in doubt concerning any activity or decision, pray for guidance in order to abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22).

The psalmist expressed the utmost confidence in the loving care of God when he wrote: You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day (Psalm 91:5). The psalmist then assured the faithful, by saying: Because you have made the LORD . . . your habitation (dwelling place); There shall no evil befall you. . . . For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways (91:9-12).

Satan, a fallen angel, quoted these verses to Jesus after His 40-day fast in an attempt to persuade Jesus to test God by leaping off the pinnacle of the Temple. Satan said: If You be the Son of God (meaning: Since You are the Son of God), cast Yourself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning You: and in their hands they shall bear You up, lest at any time You dash Your foot against a stone (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:9-11; also Psalm 91:11-12). There are some today who love the promises of God, but disregard the conditions of those promises. Our Lord set the example when He responded to Satan by quoting Scripture against tempting the Lord God: It is written again, You shall not tempt (test) the Lord your God (Matthew 4:7; also Deuteronomy 6:16). When we choose a path contrary to God, we cannot expect His angels to protect us. It is presumptuous to assume that the Lord's angels will keep us if we choose "ways" that violate His Word.

Satan has deceived many by saying: "Your situation is an exception," or "Just this one time," or "Be broad-minded, everyone is doing it." He also uses examples of spiritual hypocrites to deceive some by pointing out: "Religious people do these things, so why shouldn't you?" We must be aware of his tactics and continually be casting down imaginations, and every high (proud) thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5).

Christ Revealed:

As the Seed of David whom God will establish for ever (Psalm 89:3-4). Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh (Romans 1:3; II Timothy 2:8). And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33).

Word Studies:

88:13 prevent = come before; 89:10 Rahab in this context is a poetic name for Egypt (see 87:4; Isaiah 51:9); 89:24 horn be exalted = authority shall increase; 89:41 spoil = plunder; 90:13 let it repent thee concerning = change your judgment to compassion on; 91:13 dragon = serpent, a reference to Satan. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years (Revelation 20:2; see also 12:3-4,7,9,13,16-17;13:2,4,11).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Mae McElroy · Government Officials: Rep. Russ Carnahan (MO) and Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA) · Country: Estonia (2 million) northeastern Europe · Major languages: Estonian and Russian · Religious freedom · 38% Protestant; 20% Estonian Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Put on God's whole armor so that you may be able to successfully stand up against Satan's evil attacks (Ephesians 6:11).

Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 1