Bible Pathways - July 10, 2006

Psalms 88

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 dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (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 nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James 4:8). When in doubt, abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22).

The psalmist expressed the utmost confidence in the loving care of God when he said: Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day (Psalm 91:5). The psalmist then assured the faithful, saying: Because thou hast made the LORD . . . thy habitation (dwelling place); There shall no evil befall thee. . . . For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy 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 leap off the pinnacle of the Temple. Satan said: If Thou be the Son of God (meaning: Since You are the Son of God), cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone (Matthew 4:6; Psalm 91:11-12). There are some today who love the promises of God but who disregard the conditions of those promises. Our Lord set the example when He responded to Satan by quoting Scripture which warns not to tempt the Lord God: It is written again, thou shalt not tempt (test) the Lord thy God (Matthew 4:7; also Deuteronomy 6:16). We have no assurance that the Lord's angels will keep us if we choose "ways" that serve self and misapply 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 hypocrites to deceive some by pointing out: "Religious people do these things, so why shouldn't you?" We must continually be casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5).

Christ Revealed:

By the seed (descendants) of David (Psalm 89:3-4). Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed (descendants) of David according to the flesh (Romans 1:3; also Matthew 1:1; Luke 3:31-32).

Word Studies:

88:13 prevent =b> 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 =b> authority shall increase; 89:41 spoil =b> plunder; 90:13 let it repent thee concerning =b> change your judgment to compassion on; 91:13 dragon =b> 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 English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · Staff: Pam Pendergrast · Government Officials: Rep. Russ Carnahan (MO) and Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA) · Country: Cape Verde (405,000) 15 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 390 miles off the coast of Africa Major languages: Portuguese and Crioulo Religious freedom 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for those in authority over you (I Timothy 2:1-2).

Optional Reading: I Timothy 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:3