July 10
Read Psalms 88 -- 91
The Christian who dwells in the secret place of the Most High is the one whose heart is set on being obedient to the Lord, and such a one shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1) for protection and provisions to meet every need. As you draw near to God (73:28) He will draw near to you. In order to abide under the shadow of the Almighty, there is a need to cleanse your hands (of questionable activities) . . . and purify your hearts (of sinful attitudes and motives), you double minded (James 4:8). His Truth shall be your shield and buckler (assurance of security) (Psalms 91:4).
The psalmist expressed the utmost confidence in the loving care of God when he said: I shall not be afraid . . . of the arrow that flies by day (meaning the numerous Satanic attacks), nor for the pestilence . . . or . . . destruction . . . at noonday (91:5-8). Then he assured the faithful by saying: Because you have made the Lord . . . even the Most High, your habitation (way of life); no evil shall befall you. He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone (91:9-12).
Satan, a fallen angel, quoted vss 11 and 12 from Psalm 91 to Jesus when trying to tempt Him after His 40-day fast, to leap off the pinnacle of the Temple, saying: 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 4:10-11). In tempting our Lord, Satan was like some today who preach the promises of God, but fail to consider the conditions of the promises. Our Lord's response to the temptation of Satan was: It is written . . . You shall not tempt the Lord your God (Matthew 4:7). We have no assurance that His angels will keep us in "ways" that ignore His will as revealed in His Word. Like those who choose to take Scripture out of context to "prove" their views, the devil ignored the rest of that passage wherein God promises protection. He also left out obedience, the key to abiding under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1). Jesus revealed this to His followers, saying: If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love (John 15:10).
Satan has deceived many by saying: "Your situation is an exception" or "Just this one time" or "Be broadminded" or "You can always repent later and get forgiveness." He also uses examples of hypocrites to deceive us by pointing out "religious people that do these things so why shouldn't you?" He suggests others as the standard by which we should measure our actions instead of the Word of God, which is the true standard for every decision.
Some Christians have become involved in questionable activities by associating with those who are not friends of Christ. Paul warned the Ephesians: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. . . . be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:11,17).
Christ Revealed: As the Seed of David whom God will establish forever (Psalms 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 means 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 means prestige shall increase; 89:41 spoil means plunder and rob; 90:13 let it repent thee concerning means have compassion on; 91:13 dragon means serpent or crocodile.
Pray for L.A.C.I. [Loving All Children Individually] Foundation and Charlotte Ketterer, Founder · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Mom, Dorothy P. Wagner · Country: Panama (3 million) in southern Central America · Major languages: Spanish and English · Limited religious freedom · 78% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant; 5% Muslim; .1% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord that you have no need to fear. Trust Him one day at a time (Matthew 6:33-34).
Optional Reading: I Timothy 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 9:14