Bible Pathways - June 8, 2005

June 8
Read Nehemiah 7 -- 8
In Today's
Nehemiah's appointment of leaders; genealogy of returned exiles; Scriptures read and explained; the Feast (Festival) of Tabernacles (Booths) observed
The ultimate purpose of God for His people was more than the restoration of His Temple and the walls of
After the wall was completed under Nehemiah's supervision, thousands of Jews assembled in
The most pressing need today is for Christians to become seriously committed to reading all of God's Word because it is a discerner (judge, critic) of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). God speaks to us through His Word and, as we read it, like a mirror it reveals our various acts of disobedience, whether by ignorance, omission, or commission His Word will lead to our conviction, confession, and cleansing. We will then become doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).
Furthermore, we should not allow guilt which results from sins we have committed to remain after we have confessed them and repented. We dare not dig up past confessed and forgiven sins of our own or of others; instead, we should rejoice in the merciful, forgiving love of God through Christ our Savior. Remember, in our Lord's parable, the unforgiving servant was delivered to the tormentor. So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also to you, if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (Matthew 18:35).
Christ Revealed:
Through the names required to be registered for priestly service (Nehemiah 7:64). Christ, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 3:1), will soon return wearing His Name, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).
Word Studies:
7:2 feared = revered; 7:3 by = on guard; watches = guards; 7:61 seed = genealogical descent; 7:65 Urim and Thummim = two objects kept in the high priest's breastplate and used to tell the Lord's will (Exodus 28:30); 8:14 booths = temporary shelters.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Mae McElroy · BPM Staff: Ilene Wallace · Government Official: Rep. Kenneth Calvert (CA) · Country: Botswana (1 million) in southern Africa · Major languages: English and Setswana · Limited religious freedom because of local chiefs · 49% animist; 21% Protestant; 4% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in one accord and praise God as the Creator (Acts 4:24).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: I Thessalonians 4:3