Bible Pathways - July 18, 2007
In Today's Scripture Reading:
The all-seeing providence of God; David's prayer for deliverance from Saul; comfort in prayer; prayer for mercy in judgment
Our Creator inspired David to write: O Lord, Thou. . . . art acquainted with all my ways (from the time I was conceived to this very day). . . . Such knowledge is too wonderful for me (beyond my understanding). . . . For Thou hast possessed my reins (formed my inward spirit and heart): Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. . . . when I was made in secret. . . . Thine eyes did see my substance . . . when as yet there was none (Psalm 139:1-16). God reveals that, at conception, David became a person, a living soul. Although, as an unborn infant, he was hidden from human view, as if buried in the earth, his body was no mystery to his Creator, who was skillfully preparing him for his God-ordained destiny on earth.
The Holy Spirit inspired the beloved physician Luke to record what the Angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary: Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His Name JESUS (Luke 1:31). Note that the Lord Jesus Christ was announced as a Person at conception.
God also led Isaiah to prophesy concerning Christ: The Lord hath called Me from the womb; from the bowels (body, internal parts) of My mother hath He made mention of My Name. . . . in the shadow of His hand hath He hid Me. . . . And now, saith the Lord that formed Me from the womb to be His Servant. . . . I will also give Thee for a Light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:1-6).
God revealed to Jeremiah: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). If the mothers of David, Isaiah, or Jeremiah had aborted them, they would have murdered great men of God. But the world's records today would have just shown more unnamed fetuses. Life is sacred and is given by the Creator for His own purposes.
Jesus said, Suffer (Permit) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 19:14).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who deals bountifully with us (Psalm 142:7). I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10; Ephesians 3:20).
Word Studies:
139:15 curiously wrought => skillfully fashioned; 140:5 gins => lures, snares; 141:7 Our bones are scattered => Overwhelming destruction is contemplated; 143:3 smitten => crushed, struck.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Henry Rogers Staff: Gina Lesnefsky Government Officials: Rep. William Delahunt (MA), Rep. Harry Mitchell (AZ), Rep. Mark Souder (IN), and Rep. Mark Udall (CO) Country: Belize (236,000) on the eastern coast of Central America Major languages: English and Spanish Religious freedom 64% Roman Catholic; 26% Protestant; 2% spiritist/animist; 1% Hindu; 1% Muslim; 1% Baha'i Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to enable you to endure temptation (James 1:12).
Optional Reading: II Timothy 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 1:5
