Bible Pathways - March 1, 2006

March 1, 2006

Read Deuteronomy 1

In Today's Reading:

Moses' review of Israel's past 40 years; from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea; Israel disobeys the Lord and was disqualified from entering the Promised Land

In his first message to the new generation (Deuteronomy 1:1 — 4:43), Moses reminded them that there are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea (about 165 miles) (1:2). This message was given in the fortieth year after leaving Egypt, in the land of Moab (1:3,5). Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the older generation had sinned against the Lord by not believing that He would give them victory over the Canaanites. By faith, the promised land could have been theirs.

The adult Israelites who had left Egypt did not recognize that their hardships were designed to test their faith and prepare them to defeat the Canaanites (see 8:2). As a consequence of their sin of unbelief, that first generation failed to accomplish the will of God and wasted their lives wandering in the wilderness until they all had died except for Caleb and Joshua. The new generation would also be tested. Would they take God at His Word? The next question is will we believe God in obedience to His Word?

We too have a choice. We can choose to be like the many Israelites who found fault with everything or choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith in God's Word overcame all fears and frustrations.

Like the Israelites, some today, although they have accepted Christ as their Savior, have made little or no spiritual progress since they first believed. They fail to overcome the giants in their lives of lust of the flesh . . . lust of the eyes, and the pride of life for they have not allowed Jesus to be Lord of their lives (I John 2:15-17). It is our responsibility to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. Just as God had a plan for Israel, so He has a plan for each of us. In the midst of giant problems, the indwelling Holy Spirit is available to empower us to overcome our giants.

God's Word is our only infallible Guide to receive His power when we pray For God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20). For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained (planned) that we should walk in them (2:10).

Word Studies:

1:2 mount Seir = mountain rainge in Edom that inclueds Mount Sinai; 1:12 bear your cumbrance = endure your complaints; 2:9 Distress not = Do not create a problem; 2:14 were wasted out = had died; host = men of war of that generation.

Christ Portrayed:

By Moses, who spake unto the children of Israel, according to all that the LORD . . . commanded (Deuteronomy 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer and Tom & Mary Beaghen · The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by a family that loves Jesus · Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Country: Lebanon (4 million) in the Middle East · Major languages: Arabic and French · Limited religious freedom · 67% Muslim; 19% Roman Catholic; 10% Eastern Orthodox; 1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Cry and pour out your soul in prayer in time of affliction (Isaiah 26:16).

Optional Reading: Luke 16

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: Romans 13:10