Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 9 – 10
Highlights:

What happens to two of Aaron's sons because of strange fire? And what is the difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean (Lev. 10:10-11)? Discover the difference between "holy" fire and "hell" fire. It is of utmost importance that we carefully read today's Scriptures. You will discover why God demands that we be holy.
And Nadab and Abihu . . . offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord (Lev 10:1-2).

Some time after being consecrated as priests, Nadab and Abihu took fire for Altar sacrifice as if it did not matter where it came from or how it was administered.

What a fearful story — Nadab and Abihu were struck dead while working for the Lord! The strange fire (10:1) is intentionally left unexplained because the act was not as important as the principle that was violated. These two sons of Aaron were serving at the Altar, but they failed to recognize the supreme importance of knowing the Word of God and His authority in the way they were to worship. Whatever they did wrong, it robbed God of the honor due Him and focused attention upon themselves.

The uninformed observer would not discern the difference between acceptably serving God and offering strange fire; but acceptable worship must be according to divine command. These two prominent religious leaders ignored God by substituting their "good works" for the will of God, which meant death — spiritually and physically. When a person insists on doing something that is in opposition to the Word of God, he immediately brings the judgment of God upon himself.

We do not actually offer strange fire in our worship services today, but it is possible for Christians to neglect the study of the Word of God which can result in numerous things being substituted for true worship.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. . . . Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. . . . Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen (Rom. 1:18,21-22,25).

Thought for Today:

To the Law and to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them (Is. 8:20).
Christ Revealed:

Through the sacrifice of a lamb without defect (Lev. 9:3). Behold the Lamb of God, which (who) taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Word Studies:

9:21 wave offering, special offering lifted high above the priest's head before the Lord; 10:3 sanctified, treated as holy; will be glorified, must be given honor; 10:6 rend, tear; bewail, express sorrow; 10:13 thy due, your share, yours legally; 10:19 befallen, happened to.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) • Country: Qatar (600,000) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Muslim conversion to Christ is forbidden, but expatriate Christians are allowed to meet informally • 79.5% Muslim; 10.5% Christian; 7.2% Hindu; 1.8% Buddhist; .9% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for boldness to tell others about the Lord (Acts 4:29).
Optional Reading: Mark 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 11 – 13

Highlights:

There is a "secret" found in today's passage. The one underlying, essential foundation to cleanse sin is revealed in today's Bible reading. God has specific Laws concerning clean and unclean animals, childbirth, and the dreadful leprosy (a type of sin). Consider them carefully.
These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. . . . This is the law of the beasts . . . To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten (Lev. 11:2-3,46-47).

Rigid Commandments were given concerning which animals could be eaten and which ones could not. These Laws clearly separated the Israelites from all other nations and were intended to teach Israel that all authority rested in God.

All the regulations that controlled their daily activities were a reminder that there is a higher purpose in life than merely satisfying physical appetites. As Christians, surrounded by an evil world, we are aware of this higher purpose in life and should prayerfully choose between the evil and the good. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word (Ps. 119:9).

Only the food that was considered clean according to the divine Command was to be eaten by the Israelites. The animals that were acceptable for food were those that chewed their cud and had a divided hoof. These two features represent two characteristics of the Christian life. (1) The people of God must be separated from worldliness as a purchased possession (of Christ), unto the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:14). (2) In order for a Christian to remain clean, he should continue to meditate upon the Word of God (like "chewing the cud"). We must daily read and feed upon the Word of God, for Jesus said: Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3).

Peter's vision on the housetop of Joppa clearly confirms that Christians today are not regulated by these ceremonial Laws (Acts 10). However, they do teach the vital necessity of a clean mind and heart. Christ alone can bring the life changes described in these Scriptures.

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (conduct) (I Pet. 1:14-15).

Thought for Today:

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:5).
Christ Revealed:

Through the clean food of the believer (Lev. 11:1-47). Our Lord is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), supplies living water (4:10,14), and His Father's will was His meat (food, nourishment) (4:34).
Word Studies:

11:3 clovenfooted, split hoofed, 2 distinct hoofs; 11:35 ranges, cooking furnaces; 11:44 sanctify, dedicate to serve the Lord; 13:4 shut up, isolate, set apart; 13:5 be at a stay, has not changed; 13:10 quick, inflamed, ulcer forming; 13:43 rising, swelling; 13:45 rent, torn; 13:46 dwell, live; 13:55 fret inward, eaten away within, infected.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts: Sponsored by Ruth J. Hess • Government Official: Rep. Bill Flores (TX) • Country: Romania (22.5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Rumanian and Hungarian • Freedom of worship • 69.5% Romanian Orthodox Church; 14% non-Religious/Other; 8% Protestant; 7% Catholic; 1% Muslim; .1% Jewish; .4% Marginal • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who wrong you (Acts 7:59-60).
Optional Reading: Mark 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 14 – 15
Highlights:

Purification after having skin diseases; signs of leprosy;uncleanness of men and women; sacrifice for cleansing from defilements

The priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean . . . . his clothes shall be rent (torn), and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. . . . he shall dwell (live) alone; without (outside) the camp shall his habitation be (Leviticus 13:44-46). In his extreme grief and deep humiliation, this poor, wretched person had to pass through the camp for one last time, crying: Unclean! Unclean!

When leprosy first appears, it seems harmless – just a small white or pink spot on the skin and, in its earliest stages, it is totally painless. The spot might remain for months or even years before it begins to develop further. Eventually, leprosy causes an extremely repulsive disfigurement of the entire body, including spongy tumor-like swell-ings on the face and head. The movement of joints causes deep, pain-ful, bleeding fissures. The fingers and toes become misshapen, rough, and ragged. The fingernails swell, curl up, and fall off. And, as lep-rosy progresses, the flesh develops offensive, running sores, and the gums begin to bleed. Eventually, as the years pass, the leper becomes thin and weak, plagued with diarrhea, an incessant thirst, and burning fever.

On one occasion, ten. . . lepers, which stood afar off . . . lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. . . . And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and . . . glorified God. . . . And He (Jesus) said . . . Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole (Luke 17:12-13,15,19).

Leprosy illustrates how insignificant a sin may first appear but how dreadful, loathsome, and fatal it can become. Sin immediately separates us from God, for it makes us "unclean." People controlled by sin exist in a state of living death, unless they turn to Christ, truly repent, and forsake their sins.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:7,9).

Thought For The Day: Disease and sickness give opportunity to minister to our brothers and sisters.
Word Studies:

14:8 tarry abroad, stay outside his tent; 14:32 whose hand is not able, who cannot afford; 14:37 lower than the wall, below the surface of the plaster; 15:2 running issue, discharge; 15:33 of her flowers, with her monthly period.

Christ Portrayed: By the priest who made atonement for the leper (Leviticus 14:20). Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation) (Romans 5:11).

Pray for Staff:

Kevin Jennings • Country: Dominican Republic (8 million) in the West Indies, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic (many are spiritists); 2% Protestant; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the Word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Proverbs 28:9).

Optional Reading: Mark 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 16 – 18

Highlights:

Day of Atonement; the scapegoat; the eating of blood forbidden; civil and religious laws; immorality forbidden

Thus shall Aaron . . . . take the two goats, and present them before the Lord at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation. . . . Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail . . . and sprinkle it upon the Mercy Seat, and before the Mercy Seat. . . . And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And the goat shall bear (carry) upon him all their iniquities (Leviticus 16:3-30). On the annual Day of Atonement, the high priest, beginning with Aaron, was first required to present a young bull as a sacrifice for his own sins before he could proceed with the sin offering for the people.

Two goats were necessary to express our Lord's twofold atonement. One goat was sacrificed upon the altar for a sin offering. This act prefigured Christ, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29; compare II Corinthians 5:21; I Peter 3:18). There was no cleansing from sin but merely a "covering" of another year's sins for the Israelites. But Christ, For such an high priest, became us, who is holy, harmless. undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people's: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself (Hebrews 7:26-27).

We should also forgive and choose not to remember offenses against ourselves or others. Therefore, let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Thought For The Day:
God calls us as His people to overcome by His power every trial and temptation.
Word Studies:

16:29 afflict your souls, humble yourselves, practice self-denial; 17:4 cut off, excommunicated from family and the nation; 17:14 the blood of it is for the life there of, its blood sustains its physical life; 18:6 uncover their nakedness, have sexual intercourse.

Christ Revealed:

Through two goats used on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:. The slaying of the first goat typifies that our peace with God was restored by the blood of Christ (Rev. 5:9). The second goat represents the precious mercy of God in forever removing from His sight the sins of His people — as far as the east is from the west (Psa. 103:12). Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more (Heb. 10:17).

Pray for Internet Radio:

sponsored by Mr. Carl Miller • Staff: Michael Moore • Country: Ecuador (13 million) in South America, crossed by the equator • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Optional Reading: Mark 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 19 – 21
Highlights:

Laws of holiness and justice for the people and priests; penalties for idolatry and immorality; laws regarding defilement of priests

And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled. . . . They shall be holy unto their God (Leviticus 21:1,6). The priests were to represent The Most High at all times, melding their spiritual and personal lives and family relationships. You can't imagine a priest who would ignore his privilege to serve the Lord but choose to go fishing. Surely a similar high standard of conduct should motivate every physically-able Christian who loves His Savior to worship and serve the Lord every Lord's Day in the Church that Christ also loved . . . and gave Himself for . . . That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy (Ephesians 5:25-27). Ye are a chosen . . . priesthood. . . . by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God (I Peter 2:5,9,12; see Colossians 1:18-24).

As we read the Bible we learn that it matters enormously what or who actually controls or is Lord of our lives.

Even today, many are deceived and assume that they do not serve man-made gods (because they do not call them such) in their lives. But "gods" are objects of our hearts' real desire and preoccupation. On the Lord's day, golf, fishing, business, or other personal pleasures have taken the place of worshiping the Lord for many. The importance of worshiping the One True God above all else continues to diminish.

When you know what it is that takes first place in a person's thoughts concerning material things and desires, what he looks forward to, and what or whom he is willing to sacrifice for above all others, then you know what his god is. A person's real god is who or what he finds the most satisfaction in his heart thinking and talking about.

As Christians we must set the example and abstain from any conduct that may influence others to be less than their best for Christ. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 20:7). So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12).

Thought For The Day: What a joy and privilege to gather with other saints to praise and worship the Lord.
Word Studies:

19:3 fear, reverentially regard; 19:4 molten, cast metal; 19:26 enchantment, fortune-telling or witchcraft; observe times, astrology; 19:28 print any marks upon you, tattoo yourself or cut your-self as the pagans do; 19:31 them that have familiar spirits, mediums, fortune-tellers; wizards, a form of witchcraft of those who profess to communicate with the dead.

Christ Revealed:

As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Leviticus 20:6-8). Jesus, who is The Truth (John 14:6) also sent us the Spirit of Truth who guides us into all truth (16:13).

Pray for Staff:

Clarence Rathbone • Country: Egypt (67 million) in northeastern Africa • Major languages: Arabic and English • Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims • 82% Muslim; 16% Coptic; .6% Protestant; .6% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: When you pray, be brief and pray from your heart (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

Optional Reading: Mark 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 22 – 23
Highlights:

Death penalty for defiled priests who eat holy things; acceptable offerings; Sabbath, Passover, feasts, and other requirements

In the fourteenth day of the first month at even (evening) is the Lord's Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread (Leviticus 23:5-6). The Passover was the first feast of the Israelite's religious year. The Feast of Unleavened Bread lasted seven days during which unleavened bread was the only bread eaten (Exodus 34:18). Unleavened bread represented (foreshadowed) the sinless nature of Christ. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the True Bread from heaven. For the Bread of God is He which (who) cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (John 6:32-33). Israel's abstinence from leaven for seven days was a reminder that they were a holy people separated from the world and unto their Lord God.

It took seven weeks to harvest all the crops, beginning with the spring barley. After that came the harvest of grapes in June/July and the olives in August/September. These were followed by wheat, the final summer harvest. Just as there was a day of Firstfruits in the spring to indicate faith in the coming harvests, the Feast of Weeks, also known as Feast of Harvest, expressed thankfulness for the completion of the summer harvest (Exodus 23:16). This feast took place on the 50th day after the one sheaf offering of the Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:15-16). It was the second time of the year that all Israelite males were to appear before the Lord (Exodus 23:14-17). Later the Feast of Harvest was also called Pentecost, from the Greek "pentékonta" meaning "50."

In contrast to the unleavened bread required for Passover (symbolic of Christ) were the two wave loaves that were to be baked with leaven for the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) (Leviticus 23:17). Leaven is symbolic of our sin nature and was required in the two wave loaves because they were symbolic of both Jewish and Gen-tile believers who would later make up the Church.

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (I Corinthians 5:7-8).

Thought For The Day: We should remember that the believer's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Word Studies: 22:19 beeves, beef cattle; 22:23 superfluous, deformed; 22:27 dam, mother; 23:2 holy convocations, sacred assemblies; 23:7 ye shall do no servile work, you shall not work at your occupations.

Christ Revealed:

Leviticus 23 — in the seven great feasts of the Lord: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) — all of which typified Jesus Christ. Christ our Passover (I Corinthians 5:7); Bread of Life (John 6:35); Christ . . . the Firstfruits of them that slept (died) (I Corinthians 15:20).

Pray for Our Nation • Country: El Salvador (6 million) in Central America • Major language: Spanish • Some intolerance of Protestants by government officials • 96% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will teach you His ways and transform your life by His Word (Isaiah 2:3).

Optional Reading: Mark 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 24 – 25
MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:

Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Highlights:

The Tabernacle, Candlestick, Shewbread; blasphemy; year of jubilee; laws concerning redemption of property and the poor

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof. . . . And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the Lord. . . . Every Sabbath he (Aaron, the high priest) shall set it in order before the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant (24:5-9). Following the command of God that the children of Israel . . . bring unto thee (Moses) pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually (Leviticus 24:2), Moses was given detailed instructions for making the Shewbread.

The term Shewbread literally means "bread of the face." The loaves of bread were placed before the "presence of God," signifying that He and His Word alone sustained their very lives. By eating the bread, the priests confirmed Israel's dependence upon Him. The 12 loaves contained no leaven (which represents sin). They were made of fine flour – coarse flour could not be used, for these loaves rep-resented Christ, the perfect One, holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:26), who sustained the 12 tribes.

The aromatic frankincense that was required to be placed on the loaves is symbolic of praise to God as well as a reminder that Christ, is the Bread of Life and provides true satisfaction. How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103).

The 12 identical loaves were a reminder that the Lord was the satisfier and sustainer of all 12 tribes. The loaves also pictured Christ, who would endure the fierce oven of affliction and crucifixion to come forth as the Bread of Life. Jesus declared: He that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst (John 6:35). For the Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world (6:33).

Light is a revealer of truth, and the light of the Golden Candlestick shone upon the sacred Shewbread that also typified Christ. As we read His Word, the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, provides His light from His Word on the moral and spiritual truths of life. His light enables Christians to fulfill one of our essential missions to the world: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Thought For The Day: We need to diligently guard against allowing our tongue to dishonor the Lord.
Word Studies:

24:4 order the lamps, see that they are continually supplied with oil and kept in trim; 24:19 blemish, injury; 25:35,39 be waxen poor, has become impoverished; 25:36 usury, interest on loans; 25:39 bondservant, slave; 25:43 rigour, harshness, severity.

Christ Portrayed:

By the kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 25:47-55). Christ is our Savior and Redeemer (Isaiah 60:16) who made us His kinsmen: The Spirit Itself (Himself) beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16).

Pray for Our Nation • Country: Equatorial Guinea (466,000) in western Africa • Major language: Spanish • Freedom for churches at this time • 71% Roman Catholic; 19% ancestral spirit worship and medicine men; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to make you willing to go wherever He wants to send you (Isaiah 6:.

Optional Reading: Mark 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 26 – 27
Highlights:

Blessings for obedience; judgment for disobedience; redeeming persons and property; tithes shall be holy to the Lord

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image . . . to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God. Ye shall keep My Sabbaths, and reverence My Sanctuary: I am the Lord. . . . keep My Commandments. . . . and ye shall be My people. . . . But if ye will not hearken unto (listen to and obey) Me, and will not do all these Commandments. . . . I will set My face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies. . . . And I will scatter you among the heathen (Gentiles) (Leviticus 26:1-33). The Israelites were commanded: Thou shalt have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:1-17). This is the foundation of a right relationship with our Creator and for all true worship of Him.

Numerous blessings were recorded as benefits of obedience to the Word of God (Leviticus 26:3-13). Also recorded were clear warnings of the consequences of sin and disobedience to His Word, which later were fulfilled (26:14-39). Although the Book of Leviticus was written to Israelites, its basic truths are as relevant for us today, for the God of holiness is Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Hebrews 13:.

Although the majority of Jews continue to reject Jesus as their Messiah, they will eventually recognize their spiritual blindness, re-pent, and worship their Messiah Jesus, the true source of eternal peace. God foretold: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah . . . I will put My Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:19-20). Centuries later, through the Apostle Paul, God explained: I would not . . . that ye should be ignorant of this mystery . . . that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in (Romans 11:25).

The times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24) began with King Nebuchadnezzar and will soon end when Jesus Christ, the King of kings, will rightfully rule the world from Jerusalem.

The marvelous compassion and love of God is seen in His desire to forgive and restore sinners to Himself. If we (anyone) confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9) without exception. But it is of utmost importance that we realize the eternal conse-quences of sin, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).

Thought For The Day: God promises rich rewards for those who walk in His ways and are obedient to Him.
Word Studies:

26:6 neither shall the sword go, there will be no war; 26:10 store, food supply; 26:13 go upright, walk erect as free men; 26:15 abhor, disregard, reject; 26:25 avenge the quarrel, execute punishment.

Christ Revealed:

As the Tabernacle to be sent to dwell among us (Leviticus 26:11). The Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14; Revelation 21:3).

Pray for Internet Radio:

sponsored by Rev. Gladys V. Davis • Staff: Chris Robison • 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: Pray with a heart of righteousness, keeping the truth of God, and know He will hear your prayers (Isaiah 26:2).

Optional Reading: Mark 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 1 – 2

Highlights:

First numbering (census) of the Israelites for military purposes and encampment location of each tribe in relation to the Tabernacle

About 70 times in the Book of Numbers, we read: The Lord said or the Lord spake unto?Moses. These were the words of our Heavenly Father speaking to His children. The desire of God was to have a people that would love, obey, and follow Him without reservation. He, in turn, would be their God, and lead them into the promised land. While the Israelites remained at Mount Sinai, it was twice said of them: And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses (Numbers 1:54; 2:34). As long as the Israelites were neither accomplishing anything for the Lord nor going anywhere, but were just talking about it, they were satisfied.

However, just days after they departed from the mount of the Lord . . . to search out a resting place for them. . . . the people complained. . . . Who shall give us flesh (meat) to eat? . . . our soul (body) is dried away (up): there is nothing at all, beside this manna (10:33; 11:1,4,6). Rather than seeing their difficulties as an opportunity to believe that God would continue to meet their needs and lead them to the promised land, they chose to be dissatisfied with their circumstances.

In much the same way, our lives are also a journey, a march each day through unfamiliar territory. Let us learn from their example and not forget that, from the time the Israelites were led to move forward in obedience to God's Word, Satan was there to create discontent, faultfinding and unbelief in the promises of God.

When Christians complain about their hardships, as the Israelites did, they too disqualify themselves from the Lord's best. Only a faithful few, like Caleb, Joshua, and Moses, recognize that God is shepherding us and is fulfilling His plan for our lives.

We all can avoid wasted years as we faithfully read the Bible with an unreserved desire to know and do His will. His Word enables us to be all that He would have us be and to do all that He would have us do. His indwelling Holy Spirit enlightens our minds and stirs our hearts to pray and we are promised that the effectual (effective) fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth (accomplishes) much (James 5:16).

Thought For The Day:
Our almighty God watches over and provides for His children.
Word Studies:

1:2 Take ye the sum, Take a census; by their polls, by head count; 1:16 renowned, chosen national representative; 1:17 ex-pressed, designated; 1:18 pedigrees, ancestry; 2:2 ensign, tribal banner.

Christ Portrayed:

By Moses as he led the people (Numbers 1:54). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep. . . . My sheep hear My voice . . . and they follow Me (John 10:14,27).

Pray for Staff:

Tifany Edwards • Country: Estonia (2 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian • Religious freedom • 38% Protestant; 20% Estonian Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Keep your mind on the Lord and trust Him; He will give you peace (Isaiah 26:3).

Optional Reading: Mark 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 3 – 4
Highlights:

Census and duties of the Levites: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites; the redemption of the firstborn

Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two oldest sons, had been greatly hon-ored by being included with Moses and Aaron and 70 elders to go up Mount Sinai at the Lord's command (Exodus 24:1,9). They had been given national recognition and God-ordained spiritual leadership. But, all this did not protect them from the consequences of their disobedience.

The newly ordained priests Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange (unlawful) fire before the Lord (in His presence), in the wilderness of Sinai (Numbers 3:4). They presumed to burn incense, symbolic of the prayers of the people, with unauthorized fire, that is, fire not kindled by God on the Brasen Altar (Leviticus 9:23-24; 10:1-2).

God never overlooks disobedience to His Word whether one is a popular "spiritual" leader or just an "ordinary" Christian. Even to become a member of a church if there is no intent to submit one's life to please the Lord would be hypocrisy. The One True God is expressed in three Persons as Father, Son (Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary), and Holy Spirit.

A true Christian will seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). As children of God, it is of utmost importance that our loyalty to Christ and His Church be our first consideration. All else is of less importance, such as employment, hobbies, sports, friends, etc. We must desire to have Christ as Lord (Ruler) over our lives. He is the Head of the body, the Church . . . that in all things He might have the preeminence (Colossians 1:16-18).

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wa-vering . . . Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful (terrifying) looking for of judgment. . . . He that despised (rejected) Moses' Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant (agreement), wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto (insulted) the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:23,25-29).

Thought For The Day:

Think of it! Out of over 6 billion people on this earth, God hears and answers the prayers of each one of His own.

Word Studies:

3:10 wait on, care for; 3:12 matrix, womb; 4:3 all that enter into the host, those who qualify to enter the service; 4:6 staves, carrying poles; 4:10 bar, carrying frame; 4:24 burdens, to carry when moving.

Christ Portrayed:

By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Numbers 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood, we serve Christ, our great High Priest (John 12:26; I Peter 2:5,9; Hebrews 4:14).

Pray for Staff:

Becca Lucio • 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: Cry and pour out your soul in prayer in time of affliction (Isaiah 26:16).

Optional Reading: Mark 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 4:14