Inspiration

[Judy Harder]

March 24
Read Judges 6 -- 7

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The nation's repetitious disobedience results in another defeat and domination of the Israelites. Gideon must take a stand against his own father's Baal worship. They battle the Midianites. How did the Lord have Gideon pick his army (7:2-6)?
Gideon, a God-fearing man from the half-tribe of Manasseh where Baal worship was popular, was called of God to go in this thy might (6:14) against a vast invading army of about 135,000 enemy soldiers. Just what was this thy might? Surely God was not speaking of Gideon, who said: I am the least in my father's house (6:15). Gideon's strength -- this thy might -- rested in one thing, the Lord's promise: I will be with thee (6:16).

But before he could deliver Israel from the Midianites, the altar of Baal had to be destroyed and the worship of Jehovah restored. And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom. . . . the same night . . . the Lord said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock . . . and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath . . . And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night (6:23-27).

Gideon accomplished all that God commanded him. He then issued a call to other tribes of Israel to defend their country. Many thousands volunteered to go to war. The Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many . . . lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me (7:2). The Lord instructed Gideon to reduce his forces. The fearful were sent home; then those who were less alert were disqualified (7:3-6). And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men (that were left) . . . will I save you (7:7); thus, God alone would receive the honor.

Like Gideon's 300, the number of men and women who are dedicated enough to accomplish the will of God at any cost is surprisingly small. But the believer's strength to win the battle comes from the Lord, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (subject to human weakness), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (II Cor. 10:4).

Thought for Today:

God specializes in using the small or insignificant to do mighty things for His glory. He will even use "the least" when we obey Him (I Sam. 17:47).
Christ Revealed:

As the Sword of the Lord (Judg. 7:20). In the Apostle John's revelation of Jesus, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword (Rev. 1:16). We know that the sword is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17) and that Jesus is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14).
Word Studies:

6:1 into the hand =under the control; 6:3 came up against them =invaded the country; 6:4 increase =produce; sustenance =living thing; 6:11 angel =messenger; 6:13 befallen =happened to; 6:16 smite =strike down; 6:19 unleavened =yeast-free; 6:20 flesh =meat; 6:28 grove =for idols; 6:36 by my hand =through me; 7:3 in the ears =within the hearing.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Gov. Christine Gregoire (WA) and Rep. Don Manzullo (IL) • Country: Eritrea (4 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Tigrinya • Religious freedom • 51% Muslim; 40% Eritrean Orthodox; 4% Catholic; 1.5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask in the Name of Jesus and for His glory, and your request will be granted (John 14:13-14).
Optional Reading: John 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:44

[Judy Harder]

March 25
Read Judges 8 -- 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jealousy rises up. Which tribe was offended and why (8:1)? After Gideon's death one son conspires against all his other brothers and has them assassinated. How many of Gideon's sons survive? Vengeance is the Lord's and after three years (9:22) did you notice who God used to remove the wicked son?
Gideon's great faith shines as a star on the pages of Scripture (Heb. 11:32). At the angel's command he destroyed the altar of Baal at his own father's house. With implicit obedience he reduced his army to three hundred men to fight the vast armies of Midian without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude (7:12). Furthermore, when Gideon was urged by all to rule thou over us (8:22), he immediately rejected the tempting proposal saying, the Lord shall rule over you (8:23). Yet Gideon made an ephod (priestly garment) (8:27; Ex. 28:6-12).

The ark, containing the Commandments -- the dwelling place of God -- was in Shiloh, the only God-appointed center for Israel's worship, and the high priest alone was commissioned to wear the ephod. Although Gideon lived nearby, Shiloh was located in the tribe of Ephraim whose leaders had shown themselves hostile to Gideon. Jacob had placed Ephraim before his elder brother Manasseh. Since Gideon was of the tribe of Manasseh, they were jealous of him as well as of Jephthah. The Ephraimites were known to be arrogant and claimed their "rights." On another occasion the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire (12:1).

Perhaps Gideon, this godly man of faith, thought that since there existed so much hypocrisy in Shiloh, he was justified to make the ephod and establish his own worship center. Though his intentions to worship were good, the act was wrong. He attempted to accomplish a right thing in a wrong way. Not even a godly Gideon -- no, not even Moses -- was permitted to alter the Word of God.

Concerning the Israelites, in his day, the Lord led Paul to write: Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God (Rom. 10:1-3).

Thought for Today:

Some of our actions may seem like good ideas, but good ideas often do not align with what God says in His Word. Always follow the Word of God (ideas) and be right.
Christ Portrayed:

By Gideon, who delivered the Israelites from Midian (Judg. 8:22-23). The Lord Jesus has delivered us out of the hands of our spiritual enemies, and it is fitting that He should rule over us. Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (Gal. 1:3-4; II Pet. 2:9; Rom. 11:26).
Word Studies:

8:1 chide =contend; 8:3 was abated =subsided; 8:7 tear your flesh =thrash your bodies; 8:9 peace =triumph; 8:12 discomfited =routed, defeated; 8:26 collars =pendants; 8:27 ephod =priestly garment; whoring =worshiping; snare =noose-like trap; house =family; 8:28 lifted up their heads =were a force; 8:32 sepulchre =tomb; 9:2 your bone and your flesh =your relative; 9:4 vain and light =worthless and reckless; 9:9 to be promoted =having; 9:14 bramble =thorn bush; 9:17 adventured =risked; 9:20 fire =fiery destruction; 9:25 liers in wait =men in ambush; 9:27 made merry =celebrated; 9:30 was kindled =burned; 9:32 up =arise; 9:35 lying in wait =preparing for ambush; 9:38 mouth =boasting; 9:41 thrust =drove; 9:42 morrow =next day; 9:45 sowed =scattered; 9:49 hold =chamber; 9:50 encamped against =besieged; 9:52 went hard unto =approached; 9:56 rendered =returned.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Government Official: Sen. John Ensign (NV) • Country: Estonia (1.47 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian • Religious freedom • 38.4% Protestant; 20.3% Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim; .3% Jewish; 39% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: If the words of God abide in you, whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive (John 15:7).
Optional Reading: John 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:44

[Judy Harder]

March 26
Read Judges 10 -- 11

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Two judges rose up after the wicked Abimelech. Do you know their names? The Israelites sinned again but repented (10:10). Don't miss Jephthah. He had quite a history. Read about his vow and victory and note what happened to his only child. Read how God could be so proud of Jephthah.
Jephthah was forced to leave his home in Israel because he was an illegitimate child: Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman. Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob (his mother's country) (11:1-3).

Tob was a small Syrian state (II Samuel 10:6,8). It was a land of idols; yet Jephthah had lived long enough in the promised land to acquire a deep and lasting faith in Israel's God. In exile, Jephthah remained faithful to God while surrounded by idolators for about eighteen years.

It looked as though all of the people of God were against him because he had been excommunicated from Israel. But this man of faith had gained a reputation for vindicating the cause of Jehovah as well as being a valiant warrior. Therefore, all Israel turned to him in the day of their distress. He was the only man in all Israel who was qualified to respond to the Ammonites' threat to attack the Israelites and the people made him head (judge) and captain over them (11:11).

He did not allow self-pity or bitterness to rob him of the honor of remaining faithful to God. Of all the thousands in Israel, Jephthah, who had been rejected, was chosen to lead the armed forces and be judge of Israel. His name is included among the great heroes of faith along with Samuel and David (Heb. 11:32).

All who are used of God will experience many testings. This is the way of God in preparing us for the work He has called us to do. By the grace of God, accept with gratitude all the sorrows that come into your life -- through friend or enemy, failures or humiliations -- as the way of God in developing your faith and usefulness, and of drawing you closer to Himself.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (I Pet. 5:10).

Thought for Today:

By remaining faithful to God and His Word, we will have a good testimony and be in a position to help others when the Lord calls us to serve.
Christ Portrayed:

By Jephthah's only child as she wholly submitted to her father's will even as Jesus wholly submitted to His Father's will (Judg. 11:34-40). On the night He was betrayed, Jesus prayed: Not as I will, but as Thou wilt (Matt. 26:39).
Word Studies:

10:8 vexed =afflicted; 10:14 cry =call; 11:2 strange =foreign; 11:3 vain =renegade; 11:23 dispossessed =driven out; 11:34 timbrels =tambourines; 11:35 opened thy mouth =spoke; 11:37 bewail =mourn that I will remain a virgin.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by the Family who loves Jesus • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Officials: Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr (UT) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA) • Country: Ethiopia (60 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Amharic and Tigrinya • Unsettled after overthrow of communist regime • 41% Eastern Orthodox; 35% Muslim; 10% Protestant; 10% animist; .7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-8).
Optional Reading: John 17

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:44

[Judy Harder]

March 27
Read Judges 12 -- 14

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Ephraim quarrels with Jephthah and then there are six years of peace with him as a judge. Three more judges appear in the 10th, 11th, and 12th chapters. There is a very important reason that we should recognize how their lives and decisions apply to us. The 7th servitude is to the Philistines and the Lord raises up Samson.
The Israelites were oppressed by the Philistines for 40 years. The reason is given: The children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years (13:1). During that time, Samson was born. Unlike Jephthah, Samson had a godly mother and father who desired that their son be fully dedicated to the Lord (13:3-21). The Angel of the Lord said unto the woman (Samson's mother). . . . No rasor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite (one who is dedicated) unto God from the womb (13:3-5).

The Spirit of God came upon Samson and began to move (stir) him (13:25). Eventually, Samson ruled as a judge. As a Nazarite and the judge of Israel, Samson was meant to be an example of loyal commitment to God before all Israel such as Samuel. However, nothing is said about Samson seeking to lead the people to turn to the Lord and worship Him only. Early in life, we see his disregard for his holy calling. His first recorded act of unfaithfulness was "friendship" with the Philistine woman, an enemy of God.

Samson fell far short of fulfilling his calling to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines (13:5). His life was filled with failure because of his self-centered desires that ruled his life from the time he was a young man. He . . . told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife (14:2). For, at that time, the Philistines had dominion over Israel (14:4). The life of Samson is typical of many who become distracted by worldly pleasures and fail to carry out the will of God. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-16).

Christ alone gives our lives value and meaning as He makes us a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (II Cor. 5:17). Only in the measure in which we allow Christ to guide our lives daily shall we be able to truly fulfill His will. This is possible because our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (Rom. 6:6).

Thought for Today:

Let us allow the same Spirit that stirred many in the past stir us to fulfill the will of God in our lives. Only by knowing the Word of God can we know the will of God.
Christ Portrayed:

By Samson, who, as a Nazarite, was to be consecrated to God from the womb (birth) to the day of his death (Judg. 13:7). Jesus was also set apart and consecrated to God from the womb to the day of His death on the cross. Unlike Samson, who failed God, Jesus totally fulfilled the plan of God as He said He would do when He left heaven saying: Lo, I come . . . to do Thy will, O God (Heb. 10:7).
Word Studies:

12:5 took the passages of Jordan =seized the fiords; 12:6 frame =enunciate, pronounce; 13:6 very terrible =very awesome; 13:18 secret =wonderful beyond understanding; 14:4 occasion against =opportunity to destroy, but once again Samson became sidetracked; 14:12 sheets =linen robes, shawls; 14:13 declare =solve; 14:16 hate =have no love; 14:17 lay sore upon =persisted; 14:19 expounded =solved.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Bernice Rathbone • Country: Fiji (813,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Fijian • Religious freedom • 41% Hindu; 40% Protestant; 9% Roman Catholic; 8% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask according to the will of God in the Name of Jesus and you will receive (John 16:24).
Optional Reading: John 18

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:44

[Judy Harder]

From His Heart
Welcome to From His Heart, a free devotional from Crosswalk, the world's largest Christian website.

Faithful Wounds

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. 
Proverbs 27:6
Have you ever had the unpleasant experience of having something in your teeth from lunch that you did not know was there?  I mean you have a lettuce patch between your teeth. and you are walking around like the Jolly Green Buffoon. and no one even bothers to tell you about it?  It is surely embarrassing when you happen to look in the mirror at the end of the day and discover the problem. 

I remember very vividly when two of my friends talked to me about some lettuce in my teeth - a blind spot in my life that I could not see was there.  At first I did not want to believe there was a problem.  But the longer I thought about it and prayed about it, the more I could see the issue.  As God revealed the truth to me, I confessed the problem and began to make necessary adjustments to grow in that deficient area of my life.       

I praise God for friends who love me enough to inflict faithful wounds.  My desire is to be all God wants me to be.  And although I have a long way to go, I surely will delay my progress if I am not aware of the blind spots and am not open to correction. 

WHAT IS IN YOUR TEETH?

Do you have some really good friends who will love you enough to tell you the truth?  Would you be willing to ask those friends to check your teeth so to speak for something that may need to be extracted from your life?   

If you and I really want to walk with God, we must be open to reproof. even if it hurts. even if it is something we would rather not hear.  The Bible says, "Stripes that wound scour away evil" (Prov. 20:30).  It is virtually impossible to go to the next level without the faithful wounds of a true friend who loves you enough to hold you accountable, point out a blind spot and help you pick out the unseen lettuce of sin.           

Here are some things to consider that we often do not see in ourselves:

1. Gossip.  Do you LOVE to give or receive a juicy piece of news about someone. even though you have no knowledge if the news is true or not.  God hates gossip and the spreading of strife among brothers (Prov. 6:19).  It's funny but true: gossip tends to be like bad breath, we notice it in others but do not notice it in ourselves.   

2. Unforgiveness.  Is there someone who has hurt you. and you have not forgiven that person?  When we harbor unforgiveness it comes out in the form of cynicism, negativity, sourness, anger and constant criticism. 

3. Pride.  Do you secretly feel like "it's all about me. what I like, what I want, the way I think it ought to be done?"  Pride is really just the big "I".  When I put myself above others and above God's will, I am walking in pride.  God's word is clear: He hates pride and is opposed to the proud, yet He "gives grace to the humble" (Prov. 16:6-7, Jas. 4:6).

4. Jealousy.  Do you find yourself comparing with others on a fairly consistent basis?  If you find someone smarter, better, richer, or more talented and blessed than you, do you start to resent that person and secretly long for his/her demise?  The Bible says we are not to compare but be content with what we have (Heb. 13:5).  Remember, as believers, we have Jesus!!  Who could ask for anything more?

Let me encourage you as I encourage myself, be open to correction - "He who hates reproof is stupid" (Prov. 12:1).  Give your closest friends the green light in your life.  Allow them the freedom to point out blind spots in you that you need to address.  And be a friend who speaks the truth in love.  Faithful wounds lead to faithfulness. 

May God bless us as we obey His Word and do His will.

Love,



Jeff Schreve
Pastor
www.fromhisheart.org
jeff@fromhisheart.org
1-888-811-8203

Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast. 
 

[Judy Harder]

March 29
Read Judges 18 -- 19

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Without godly leadership, many of the Israelites led unrestrained lives guided by their own lusts and self-interest rather than the Word of God.
Unlike his godly parents, Samson's moral and spiritual conduct were probably much more like that of his tribe during the period of the judges. Samson, a Danite, violated his calling as a Nazarite and Judge by his immoral and unspiritual conduct.

The tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel. . . . when they (the five spies) came to Mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there. When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite. . . . And he said unto them, Thus and thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, and I am his priest. And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous (18:1-5).

Although the tribe of Dan was powerful and had more than 64,000 soldiers, they did not succeed in driving the Amorites from their God-given territory. The spiritual condition of the Danites had deteriorated to immorality and idolatry. In fact, they had lost part of their inheritance to the Philistines and part to the Amorites (1:34) who forced the Danites into the mountains.

The faith in and devotion to the Lord, by which Joshua, Caleb, and others achieved their victories, was missing. One of the reasons the Danites failed in battle was that they were dissatisfied with the territory God had allotted to them. Some of them decided to move north of the other tribes to Laish (18:1,7).

On their way, the five spies went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod . . . teraphim, and the molten image (18:18). The Danites forced Micah's apostate Levite to be their priest and stole his pagan idols to worship. They proceded on to Laish and murdered all the people and renamed the place Dan (18:29).

The deplorable depravity of these Danites resulted from failure to listen to and obey the Word of God. If they had remained in the territory God had given them, they would not have entered the house of Micah and become involved in idol worship.

Paul warned: Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Gal. 1:.

Thought for Today:

Following our own fleshly desires always leads us away from God, but obedience to His Word will always lead us into His perfect will for our lives.
Christ Revealed:

In those days there was no King in Israel (Judg. 18:1). Christ was the rejected King of Israel. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar (John 19:15).
Word Studies:

18:2 coasts =territory; 18:9 still =when are you still here; 18:15 saluted =greeted; 18:19 lay thine hand upon thy mouth =stop complaining or suffer the consequences; 18:21 carriage =goods; 19:4 retained him =pressed him to stay; 19:6 let your heart be merry =enjoy yourself; 19:10 Je'bus =Jerusalem; 19:17 wayfaring =traveling; 19:21 provender =fodder; 19:22 know him =have sex with him; 19:25 spring =at daybreak; 19:29 coasts =territory.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Mrs. Elsie Racer • Country: France (59.1 million) in western Europe • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 7% Islam; 1.22% Protestant; 1.18% Jewish; 1% Buddhist; .2% Orthodox; .2% Eastern Catholic; .2% Jehovah's Witness; 9% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that you would be sanctified through the truth of the Word of God (John 17:17).
Optional Reading: John 20

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:1

[Judy Harder]

April 1
Read I Samuel 1 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Wow!! We learn three powerful truths. 1. Hannah (perhaps wiser than most of us) prays over her desire. 2. God rewards love and obedience. Her son, Samuel, is mightily used of God in leading the nation and is the first prominent prophet after Moses and the last judge of Israel (3:19-21; 7:15). 3. God requires parents to discipline their children in love as He does us (2:12-17,23-25; 3:12-13).
Eli was priest and judge of Israel for 40 years (4:18). This was at the house of the Lord (3:15) which Joshua had placed in ancient Shiloh centuries earlier (Josh. 18:1; Judg. 18:31).

The sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord. . . . Wherefore the sin(s) of the young men was very great before the Lord: for (these) men abhorred the offering of the Lord (I Sam. 2:12,17).

In striking contrast, Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod (2:18). The child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the Word of the Lord was precious (rare) in those days; there was no open vision. . . . Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground (3:1,19). This means that Samuel was obedient to everything that God had spoken. Some believed that God perfomed everything He said through Samuel. Both are true.

In contrast, the conduct of Eli's two evil sons, Hophni and Phinehas, flagrantly disregarded all that God had spoken as if it was unimportant. Eli's failure to remove them from priestly responsibilities was in direct disobedience to the Law of God.

In later years, God spoke through Samuel saying: To obey is better than sacrifice (15:22). Therefore God said to Eli: Wherefore . . . honourest thy sons above Me . . . them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. . . . I will judge his (Eli's) house . . . for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not (2:29-30; 3:13).

Pity the parents who consistently neglect to discipline their children. If we expect our children to please God, we must patiently instruct and supervise them in all His ways, as well as set an example for them to follow.

All who fail to discipline their children will miss the blessings that come from obeying God. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6).

Thought for Today:

If our children are to learn to obey God, they must learn from their parents. If we, as parents, don't obey God, they won't either.
Christ Portrayed:

By Samuel who grew in favor with God and men (I Sam. 2:26). Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52).
Word Studies:

1:6 sore => without mercy; 1:12 marked her mouth =b> noticed her mouth moving; 1:16 daughter of Belial =b> a sinful woman; 2:1 horn =b> strength; 2:8 is enlarged over rejoices greatly over; pillars of the earth are the Lord's =b> God alone sustains and upholds the earth; 2:10 His King . . . His Anointed =b> Messiah, this is the first reference to Jesus' coming by the title Messiah; 2:13 in seething =b> being cooked; 2:15 sodden =b> boiled; 2:29 Wherefore kick ye =b> Why do you rebel?; 2:31 cut off thine arm =b> break your strength; 3:18 every whit =b> everything.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts for the month of April sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • English International Shortwave Broadcasts to all of Africa for the month of April sponsored by Thomas & Marrianne Beaghen • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Justice Samuel Alito and Rep. Chris Lee (NY) • Country: Gambia (1 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and Mandinka • Religious freedom • 87% Muslim; 10% animism and ancestral spirit worship; 2% Roman Catholic; .7% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in one accord and praise God as the Creator (Acts 4:24).
Optional Reading: Acts 2

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: Matthew 6:1

[Judy Harder]

April 2



Come to Athens and live
For reading & meditation: John 7:25-39
"' Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?" (v.35)

We ended yesterday by suggesting that the issue which the Greeks might have wanted to talk over with Jesus was that of taking His message to Athens - the centre of philosophy and learning. Were they intent on saying to Him: "Put Your marvellous message of the kingdom of God into the medium of Greek thought, and in no time it will spread throughout the world. Don't stay in Jerusalem and die; come to Athens and live"? We have no way, of course, of knowing for sure that this was the situation, and I am simply suggesting that this is what may have been in their minds. The idea is not as far-fetched as you might imagine when placed against the verse that is before us today: `"Does he intend to go to the Dispersion ' and teach the Greeks?" (v.35, RSV). Had other nations beyond Israel's boundaries showed interest in His revolutionary approach to life? Tradition says that the king of Edessa once sent a message to Jesus inviting Him to come to his country and present His message concerning the kingdom of God. Whether or not this was so, one thing is certain - the coming of the Greeks precipitated a crisis in Jesus' soul: "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? ' Father, glorify your name!" (John 12:27-28). He would not rationalise or compromise; He would face the issue to which He had always been committed. It was not to be a philosopher's chair in Athens, but a grisly cross in Jerusalem. He would fall into the ground and die, and bear a harvest richer than anything the world could offer.
Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to catch something of Your spirit as I face the challenges that lie ahead of me in the coming days. I want to make my life count for the utmost - show me how we can work things out together. Amen.
For further study:
John 19:17
1. What does the cross signify?
2. What does it mean to "take up your cross"?

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways Devotional
Welcome to the Bible Pathways Devotional, a free devotional from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website.

April 2
Read I Samuel 4 -- 7

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Talk about being shocked! 98-year-old Eli the priest finds out his two sons are dead and the Ark of God is taken (4:17,22). A reminder of God's promised judgment on Eli (2:27-34). Talk about the fear of the Lord (11:7), read what God does to the Philistines (5:1-12). Check out their plan to get rid of the Ark (6:2-9).
The Israelites had declared war against the Philistines without seeking direction from God. When they were defeated, they asked: Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord . . . unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies (4:3).

After their first defeat, they remembered that the presence of the Ark of the Covenant meant victory. Therefore, they brought it from Shiloh to the battlefield. When the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again (4:5).

But, instead of victory, there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen (4:10). Israel assumed that, since the Ark was now in their camp, God would give them victory over the Philistines. And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to day. . . . And . . . Israel is fled before the Philistines . . . and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the Ark of God is taken. . . . He (Eli) fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died (4:16-18).

They had taken the Ark to the battlefield, but they had not repented of their sins nor considered how they had rejected the Lord's Commandments. Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods . . . and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only (7:3).

Some Christians suffer defeat because they are more concerned with outward things appearing right than they are with desiring the Lord to control their lives. Just as the Ark in itself could not save Israel, neither could sacrifice or mere formality in worship take the place of returning unto the Lord with all your hearts.

A vital question was asked by Jesus: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

Thought for Today:

The instructions of God for our lives are not burdensome, but will keep us from spiritual defeat.
Christ Revealed:

Through the rock called Ebenezer, which means the stone of help (I Sam. 7:12). Jesus is our Rock of salvation; our help comes from Him (Pss. 18:2; 121:2). I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
Word Studies:

4:1 pitched =b> encamped; 4:9 quit yourselves like men =b> be courageous and exercise all the strength you have; 4:12 his clothes rent . . . earth upon his head =b> signs of great sorrow; 4:13 trembled =b> deeply stirred; 4:18 judged =b> governed; 4:19 travailed =b> gave birth; 5:6 emerods =b> tumors, boils; 6:2 diviners =b> fortune-tellers; 6:5 images =b> likenesses; 6:6 had wrought wonderfully =b> did mighty things; 6:7 milch kine =b> heifers, milk cows; 6:8 coffer =b> chest; 6:14 clave =b> split; 7:3 strange =b> foreign, false; 7:10 discomfited them =b> confused them in a panic.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts to the Middle East sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Casmir A. Zuranski • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Paul Kanjorski (PA), Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME), and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (GA) • Country: Georgia (5.38 million) west and central Transcaucasia between Asia and Europe • Major languages: Georgian and Russian • Religious opposition to Christianity • 57% Georgian (and Russian) Orthodox; 21.2% Muslim; 5% Armenian Apostolic; .8% Catholic (Greek-Catholic); .5% Protestant (mainly Baptist); .5% Jewish; 15% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for boldness to tell others about the Lord (Acts 4:29).
Optional Reading: Acts 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:1

[Judy Harder]

THE (SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS



At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty.



That was the 'worst' death then. Only the worst criminals could die like Jesus.
And with Jesus things were worse, because not all the criminals condemned to death
could receive nails on their hands and feet.



Of course, nails... Big nails! Each was 15 x 20 cm long, (about 6 x 8 inches)
with a point of 6 cm (2.5 inches). Another point was sharp.



The nails were carved into the pulses, and not into the palms, as we are used to hearing.
In the pulse, there's a tendon which extends to the shoulder,
and when the nails were being hammered, that tendon broke,
obliging Jesus to reinforce all the muscles of his back,
so that he could breathe as He was losing all the air from his lungs.



In this way, He was forced to support Himself onto the nail carved into his feet,
which was bigger than those carved into his pulses, for both feet were carved together.
And, as his feet could not endure for a long time without tearing,
Jesus was forced to alternate that 'cycle' so that He could breathe.



Jesus endured that reality over 3 hours.  Three hours is a long time, isn't it?
A few minutes before He died, Jesus was not bleeding anymore.
He was simply pouring water from his cuts and holes.



When we imagine Him injured, we only picture Him with injuries,
but it is not enough; His wounds were true holes, made into his body.



He had no more blood to bleed, He only poured water.
The adult human body is composed of nearly 3.5 liters of blood (a little over 3.5 quarts).



Jesus poured out all 3.5 liters of his blood;
He had three nails hammered into his members;
a crown of thorns on his head and, beyond that,
a Roman soldier shoved a spear into his side.



All this without mentioning the humiliation He endured
carrying his own cross for almost 2 km, (1.2 miles)
while the crowd spat on his face and threw stones
(the cross was almost 30 kg of weight (over 66 lbs),
only for its higher part, where his hands were nailed).



Jesus had to pass all this experience, so that you can have free access to God.
So that your sins could be 'washed' away. All of them, with no exception!
Don't ignore this situation. HE DIED FOR YOU!
For you, who now read this e-mail.
Do not believe that He only died for others
(those who go to the church or for pastors, bishops, etc).



He died for you!
May God bless your life!



Accept the true reality: JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD.



All you have to do is believe it, accept it, and ask God to save you and you shall be saved!
God has plans for you. Now think on this!
Show your friends what He experienced to save you.
]

60 seconds with God...
During 60 seconds, leave whatsoever you're doing and seize this opportunity!

 

Yes, I love God. He is my source of life and my saviour.
He keeps me alive day and night.
Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him
'I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.'
(Philippians 4:13)