Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Matthew 18
Highlights:

The child and humility; importance of forgiveness; marriage and divorce; rich young ruler; laborers in the vineyard; request of James and John.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (Matt. 18:21).

Jesus' ministry in Galilee was finished, and great multitudes followed Him and He healed them there (19:1-2). Instead of entering Judea by the direct route through Samaria. He took the most lengthy southeastern route through Peraea, east of the Jordan, and through the cities of Decapolis, that extended south to the Dead Sea. The ruler of this district was Herod Antipas, the one who executed John the Baptist for his outspoken views against Herod's divorce and remarriage (see Matthew 14:1,3; Luke 3:1,19).

The vicious religious leaders had followed Him from Jerusalem, north to Galilee. And they continued to be a part of the crowd. And now, in Herod's territory, they asked: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? (Matt. 19:3). The religious leaders thought that if our Lord took the position of John the Baptist, possibly Herod Antipas might execute Him. But they thought whatever Jesus said, it would at least bring division among His followers.

The popular trend of the day, as well as the followers of Hillel, a prominent rabbinical school, taught that divorce was allowable for almost any reason. But there was a strong, conservative, minority school, followers of Shammai, that held to the biblical view. In our Lord's Sermon on the Mount, He taught the strict view of marriage, with no exceptions.

As always, Jesus quotes the Scriptures to answer their question, saying: Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? . . . What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder (19:4-6).

We cannot relive the past and are most grateful for God's mercy and forgiveness to all repentant sinners. Many church members in our corrupt society do not realize the God ordained seriousness of marriage or divorce.

God is a loving Father who wants the best for our lives, that is why he offers the free gift of forgiveness of sin. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins (James 5:20).

Thought for Today:

When praying the Lord's Prayer, you are asking God to forgive you in the same way you forgive others!
Cross References:

For Matt. 18:16: See Deut. 19:15. Matt. 19:4: See Gen.1:27; 5:2. Matt. 19:5: See Gen. 2:24. Matt. 19:7: See Deut. 24:1-4. Matt. 19:18: See Ex. 20:13-16; Deut. 5:16-20. Matt. 19:19: See Ex. 20:12; Lev. 19:18; Deut. 5:16.
Word Studies:

18:6 offend, do wrong, cause to sin; 19:14 Suffer, Permit; 20:3 third hour, about 9 a.m.; 20:11 murmured against the goodman of the house, were indignant, critical of their employer; 20:15 Is thine eye evil?, Are you begrudging, jealous, or envious?; 20:26 minister, servant.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Michael and Deedee Moore Anniversary • Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by James & JoAnn Casteel • Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Tom Price (GA) and Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (OH) • Country: Zambia (10 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: English and 70 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 30% Roman Catholic; 25% Protestant; 24% ancestor worship, magic, and witchcraft; 19% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment (Prov. 2:1-6).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:1-2

[Judy Harder]

Read Matthew 21
Highlights:

Jesus' triumphal entry; Temple cleansed; fig tree cursed; more parables; tribute to Caesar; greatest Commandment.
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass (Matt. 21:4-5).

Jesus was on His way into Jerusalem on Sunday morning (Palm Sunday), to present Himself as King of the Kingdom of Heaven. He began on foot from Bethany, which is only about two miles from Jerusalem.

Near Bethphage, located between Bethany and Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives, He sent His disciples to bring Him an ass and its colt. More than 500 years before this, the prophet Zechariah foretold that the King of kings would one day appear, riding upon an ass (Zech. 9:9).

Undoubtedly, a large crowd had followed Him. Also additional crowds of pilgrims had joined them who were on their way to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. They hailed the Lord as King, spreading their garments in the way as men had done formerly for kings (II Kings 9:13). They strewed His path with branches from the trees and cried: Hosanna to the son of David. They hailed the Lord as the Messiah, crying out the Messianic greeting: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord (Matt. 21:9).

When the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying in the Temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, And said unto Him, Hearest thou what these say? (21:15-16).

To these learned men of the Scriptures, Jesus responded: Yea; have you never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? (21:16). The Pharisees had agreed that if any man did confess that He (Jesus) was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22). But they were powerless that day, because of the overwhelming acclaim Jesus was receiving from the people.

In the Temple, He assumed supreme authority as the King of Peace. And soon He will return to gather his own to ever be with the Lord (I Thes. 4:17). And the hostile powers of the world will be just as powerless to withstand Him when He returns with His mighty angels . . . taking vengeance on them that know not God (II Thes.1:7-10).

Thought for Today:

Unless humility is shown before God and man, it is of little value.
Cross References:

For Matt. 21:5: See Is. 62:11; Zech. 9:9. Matt. 21:9: See Ps. 118:26. Matt. 21:13: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11. Matt. 21:16: See Ps. 8:2. Matt. 21:33: See Ps. 80:8-9; Is. 5:1-2. Matt. 21:42: See Ps. 118:22-23. Matt. 22:24: See Deut. 25:5. Matt. 22:32: See Ex. 3:6. Matt. 22:37: See Deut. 6:5. Matt. 22:39: See Lev. 19:18. Matt. 22:44: See Ps. 110:1.
Word Studies:

21:2 over against you, ahead of you; facing you; 21:8 strawed . . . in the way, spread in His path; 21:33 husbandmen, tenant farmers; 21:42 The Stone . . . is become the Head of the corner, Christ (Ps.118:22-23) who is the Chief Corner Stone (Eph. 2:20; I Pet. 2:6).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Rita Guerra • Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Paul R. LePage (ME) and Rep. Alan Nunnelee (MS) • Country: Zimbabwe (11.2 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: English and Shona • Limited religious freedom • 59% Christian; 35% Traditional; 2% Muslim; 4% Other/non-Religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Baha'i, Jewish) • Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Prov. 3:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:1-2

[Judy Harder]

Read Matthew 23
Highlights:

Hypocrisy denounced; destruction of the Temple foretold; signs of Christ's return.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation (Matt. 23:14).

During our Lord's last day in the temple, He exposed the false and evil character of the religious leaders. The pretended sanctity of the Pharisees and the orthodoxy of the scribes had won for both of them a reputation of religious superiority. Then there were the wealthy Sadducees, who neither pretended or practiced biblical orthodoxy (21:23-22:34).

At this time Jesus proclaimed His strongest denunciation for these religious leaders calling them blind guides. . . . hypocrites . . . full of . . . all uncleanness. . . . of hypocrisy and iniquity. . . . Ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (23:13-33). It was the strongest, sternest, severest pronouncement of judgment in His entire ministry; somewhat paralleling that in Galilee when He denounced the unbelieving cities in which most of His miracles took place (11:20-24).

After leaving the Temple, His disciples, as loyal, patriotic Jews had done for centuries, were admiring the marvelous structure of the Temple buildings. They had especially noticed the greatness of the stones and were astounded when Jesus declared that this same temple would all be torn down, not one stone left upon another (24:1-2, Mark 13:1).

As He sat upon the Mount of Olives, His disciples asked Him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world? ( Matt. 24:3).

There can be no question about the exactness of the details Jesus prophesied, but Bible teachers disagree as to whether He refered to the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D under Titus, the still-to-be fulfilled tribulation, or His return in the end times.

Jesus begins with: Take heed that no man deceive you (24:4). This statement is of utmost importance since we can become too concerned over the year and the exact time of Christ's coming. But, He makes it clear that this should not be our primary concern.

The unsaved need to know that His love and saving grace are also avalible to them. Thus our part, as believers, is to proclaim the praises of Christ to the world. Jesus said to occupy until He comes (Luke 19:13). Jesus has commissioned us to Go . . . teach all nations . . . to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matt. 28:18-20).

Thought for Today:

Is your life an outflow of the love of Christ each day?
Cross References:

For Matt. 23:39: See Ps. 118:26. Matt. 24:15: See Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. Matt. 24:29: See Is. 13:10; 24:23; 34:4; Ezek. 32:7; Joel 2:10,31; 3:15; Zeph. 1:15. Matt. 24:30: See Dan. 7:13. Matt. 24:31: See Deut. 30:4; Is. 27:13; Zech. 2:6. Matt. 24:38: See Gen. 6:3-5; 7:7.
Word Studies:

23:5 phylacteries, Scripture texts in small boxes worn by some Jews to impress others of their religious zeal; 23:15 compass, to "go about," or "go around," sea and land; 23:29 garnish, decorate, adorn.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Mr & Mrs Nick Angelos • Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Steve Southerland II (FL), Rep. Vicky Hartzler (MO), and Rep. Joe R. Pitts (PA) • Country: Afghanistan (22.7 million) in central Asia • Major languages: Pastu and Afghan Persian (Dari) • Hostile to Christian evangelization. For a Muslim to convert to Christianity is automatic execution • 97.5% Muslim; 1.5% Parsee; .35% Hindu; .1% Traditional ethic; .1% Baha'i; .02% Christian; .02% Sikh; .01% non-Religious • Prayer Suggestion: Seek God as more important than food to satisfy your hunger (Prov. 3:13-18).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:1-2

[Judy Harder]

Read Matthew 25
Highlights:

Parable of ten virgins; of talents; judgments of the nations; last Passover; Lord's Supper; Christ's agony and prayer; Judas' betrayal; Jesus on trial; Peter's denial.
And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt (Matt. 26:39).

Caiaphas was high priest that year as appointed by the Roman governor. After Lazarus was raised from the dead, the dismayed religious authorities consulted together about how to kill the Miracle Worker. Caiaphas justified putting Jesus to death saying that one man should die for the people (John 11:50). This simply meant that there could be no better opportunity for showing their loyalty to Rome than by crucifying this Person who claimed to be King of the Jews. Thus, from that day forth they took counsel together for to put Him to death (11:53).

Jesus' popularity was the only thing that prevented them from immediately following through with their plan to assassinate Him (Luke 20:19; 22:2). But undoubtedly, to their great surprise, one of the twelve, Judas, volunteered to betray Him (Matt. 26:14-16). Knowing His destiny, Jesus had been agonizing in prayer and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood (Luke 22:44).

Judas arrived in the Garden leading an armed mob of soldiers and, before them all, he approached Jesus; And when he rose up from prayer . . . behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus (Luke 22:45,47) and said: Hail, Master; and kissed Him (Matt. 26:49). Although Jesus had the power to defend Himself, He does not use it (26:52-53). Then, as we read the full account, we see an odd reversal of roles as Jesus, the victim, dominates all that takes place.

The high priest, acting as judge, also became the accuser of the Son of God, and finally, in a frenzy of anger, demanded: I adjure thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God (26:63). Jesus answers, Ye say that I am (Luke 22:70).

That single admission condemns Jesus to death, for the members of the Sanhedrin had a different expectation of the Messiah. They wanted a conqueror to set them free by force. Jesus knew that only one thing — his death — would truly set them free. For that reason He came to Earth.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Thought for Today:

Obedience to His Word and seeking Him in prayer each day is a means God uses to strengthen us in the hour of testing.
Cross References:

For Matt. 26:31: See Zech. 13:7. Matt. 26:64: See Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13.
Word Studies:

25:27 exchangers, moneylenders; usury, interest on money loaned; 26:15 covenanted, established an agreement; 26:47 staves, clubs; 26:63 I adjure Thee, I charge You under oath before God.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Pat Boehme • Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (TN), Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), and Sen. Patty Murray (WA) • Country: Albania (3.1 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Albanian and Greek • Newly opened to evangelism • 41.5% Christian; 39% Muslim; 18.5% non-Religious/Other; .2% Baha'i; .01% Jewishi • Prayer Suggestion: Commit your fears to the Lord and He will give you peace (Prov. 3:24-26).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:1-2

[Judy Harder]

Read Matthew 27
Highlights:

Jesus before Pilate; Judas' suicide; crucifixion; entombment; resurrection; the Great Commission.
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death (Matt. 27:1).

Pilate was the Roman procurator (Governor) over Judea and Samaria. His authority was absolute. After considerable deliberation and transferring Christ to Herod, who had jurisdiction over Galilee, Pilate refused to condemn the Lord saying: I, having examined Him before you, have found no fault in this Man . . . No, nor yet Herod . . . nothing worthy of death (Luke 23:14-15).

Pilate was determined to let the Savior go, saying, I find in Him no fault at all (John 18:38). He then sent Jesus to Herod, hoping perhaps that the responsibility would shift to someone else. Pilate's wife added to his fears when she said: Have Thou nothing to do with that just Man (Matt. 27:19).

Pilate, faced with an angry crowd, resorted to the scourge as a means of saving Jesus' life: I will . . . chastise Him, and let Him go (Luke 23:22). This fulfilled two prophecies: I gave my back to the smiters (Is. 50:6) and with His stripes we are healed (53:5). Words can not describe the unbearable agony our Savior suffered.

However, when Pilate's own position was challenged by their next threat, that whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar (John 19:12), Pilate felt too intimidated to release Jesus and took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying; I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it (Matt. 27:24).

Then came the actual crucifixion — the lingering torture at a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull (Matt. 27:33). Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate (Heb. 13:12). We must remember that it was because of His great love for us that He suffered to rescue us from Hell's eternal prison.

The accumulated guilt of the sins of the world was a burden which He bore that no one else could bear. The constant thought of the cross is a great safeguard against willful sin, ingratitude, murmuring, and complaining.

If you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you. Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps (I Pet. 2:21).

Thought for Today:

Jesus Christ is alive and reigning in the midst of His people today.
Cross References:

For Matt. 27:5-10: See Zech. 11:12-13. Matt. 27:34: See Ps. 69:21. Matt. 27:35: See Ps. 22:18. Matt. 27:39: See Job 16:4; Ps. 109:25; Lam. 2:15. Matt. 27:43: See Ps. 22:8. Matt. 27:46: See Ps. 22:1.
Word Studies:

27:15 wont, accustomed; 27:16 notable, notorious; 27:24 tumult, uproar, riot; 27:48 straightway, immediately, without delay.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Beverly Fortran • Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Ed R. Royce (CA) and Rep. Steve C. Austria (OH) • Country: Algeria (31.5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Opposition to the Gospel is intense • 96.7% Muslim; 3.02% non-Religious; .29% Christian; .01% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to help you teach His Word to your children; it will give guidance and instruction as they go through life (Prov. 6:20-23).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:1-2

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 1
Highlights:

Ministry of John the Baptist; baptism and temptation of Jesus; His Galilean ministry; the twelve disciples chosen; the unpardonable sin.
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed (Mark 1:35).

Before beginning His ministry and immediately following His baptism, Jesus remained in the Jordan praying . . . And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him (Luke 3:21-22). This was the first of many examples that Jesus gave us of the importance of prayer (Matt. 14:23; Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:32,35-39; Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:18,28; 10:2,21; 11:1-4; 18:1-8; 21:36-37; 22:39-46; John 11:41; 14:16; 17:1-26). This points out how important prayer was to Christ.

We read of one day when He was teaching in the synagogue. He was interrupted by a demon-possessed man. Afterwards, He healed Peter's mother-in-law. The great crowd of the sick continued to press upon Him until far into the night (Luke 4:31-41). It was a long and exhausting day's work. Perhaps we would have felt that it was more important to get an extra hour of sleep instead of rising to pray.

Again, He departed into a mountain to pray (Mark 6:46), suggesting not a single act but rather a habit of action. When the ministry's pressure was the greatest, He slept the least and gave more time to prayer.

Thinking of the serious work the day before He selected the twelve men who were to be the future leaders of the Church, Luke says: He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12). His constant prayer life caught the attention of the disciples, and even they said: Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1).

Jesus' example teaches us that prayer is one of the most important Christian activities. Like Jesus, through prayer and daily Bible reading we maintain an intimate walk with our Savior and lay the foundation for success in other spiritual activities, ensuring victory in the struggle against Satan.

It is the basis and strength of all we do. Through His Word and prayer we can understand His will and plan for our lives. We are told to renew our minds (Rom. 12:2), that we may stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:10-12).

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).

Thought for Today:

No hindrance is too great for those who know that Christ alone can transform a life.
Cross References:

For Mark 1:2: See Mal. 3:1. Mark 1:3: See Is. 40:3. Mark 1:11: See Ps. 2:7.
Word Studies:

1:7 latchet, leather strap similar to a shoelace; 1:26 torn him, thrown him into convulsions; 1:43 straitly charged, sternly warned; 1:45 blaze abroad, make known everywhere; every quarter, everywhere; 2:1 it was noised, the news spread.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA) • Country: Andorra (78,000) in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain • Major languages: Catalan and French • Official freedom of religion • 94% Christian; 4% non-Religious; .6% Muslim; .9% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the guidance of the Lord (Prov. 8:17).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:1-2

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 4
Highlights:

Jesus' parables; storm stilled; legions of devils cast out; Jairus' daughter raised.
The Kingdom of God . . . . is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds . . . it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs (Mark 4:30-32).

In the parable of the seed and the sower, the field is the world and the good seed are the children of the Kingdom. Matthew introduces the tares who represent what appear to be converts to Christ who meet with true Christians (Matt 13:25-40).

The first parable implies the importance of hearing and receiving the Word and producing a harvest. But the second one reveals the counterfeit, led by evil motives, who joins with true believers but cannot produce spiritual fruit. Sadly three parts of the good seed are lost.

The third parable which describes The Kingdom of God . . . . like a grain of mustard seed (4:30-31) is intended to build faith in the ultimate outcome of His Kingdom.

The seed will continue to grow and reproduce, and will become immensely successful, and all . . . the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Is.11:9). The beginning is very insignificant like a grain of mustard seed (Mark 4:31). It is a prophecy of the gradual spreading of the Kingdom throughout the world. The King of the Kingdom began as a mere babe in a manger who died on the cross with only a handful of followers. Then 120 believers met in an upper room and were filled with the Holy Spirit and in a few days thousands had received Him and were baptized (Acts 2:38-41). Today, millions have acknowledged Him as Savior and Lord. The least of all seeds becometh greater than all herbs (Mark 4:32).

Without a doubt, the Israelites in Jesus' time were looking for a Messiah who would overthrow the Roman empire. And once again, give them the freedom and the preeminence the Kingdom had enjoyed under David, as was foretold by the prophets (II Samuel 7:16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Zechariah 6:12-13). But they had not recognized the prophecy that the Messiah would come first to build a spiritual Kingdom.

The mustard seed foretells the eventual greatness of the Kingdom which will be seen by all as foretold: After these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God . . . . And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:1,16).

Thought for Today:

The Lord may delay His rescue in the storms of our lives to more fully develop our faith in Him.
Cross Reference:

For Mark 4:12: See Is. 6:9-10; Jer. 5:21; Ezek. 12:2.
Word Studies:

4:24 mete, measure out, give to others; 5:19 suffered him not, did not permit him.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Steve R. Rothman (NJ) • Country: Angola (11 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: Portuguese and Bantu dialects • Christianity is gradually being driven underground by communism • 60% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 5% belief in ancestor spirits, witches, and medicine men • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national revival, for righteousness exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 6
Highlights:

Twelve apostles sent out; John the Baptist beheaded; 5,000 fed; Jesus walking on the sea; Jesus heals many.
Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Mark 7:7).

The Pharisees were the largest religious group of their day and firmly proclaimed their belief in Scriptures, but Jesus exposed their hypocrisy. He pointed out that their error was even more serious than equal acceptance: Ye reject the Commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition (7:9). And still worse: Making the Word of God of none effect through your tradition (7:13). For instance, the Commandment of God taught the necessity of mercy, loving one's enemies, and purifying the heart from worldly desires and sinful ambitions. But instead of realizing the need of their heart being right with God, the Pharisees were satisfied with external observances.

Jesus said: Woe unto you . . . hypocrites! For ye pay tithe . . . and have omitted the weightier matters of the Law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone (Matt. 23:23).

Today none goes by the name of Pharisee, but many worshipers still ignore the fact that our Lord prescribed a far higher standard than the outward observance of the Law for His followers, saying: Ye have heard . . . Thou shalt not commit adultery; But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart (5:27-28).

We deceive ourselves if we believe there is no harm in thinking sinful thoughts so long as they are never expressed. Even in the Old Testament we read: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Prov. 23:7). As we yield to His will, as revealed in His Word, our lives will be a practical, daily expression of the indwelling Christ.

The Christian is made pure in heart as the Holy Spirit imparts His holy nature at conversion and through a daily denying of self — a sincere confession of our faults, failures, and sin.

It includes genuine motives, intentions, and affections to please the Lord. A pure heart is one which immediately checks evil thoughts and lustful desires. It is one that mourns over pride, discontent, and coldness — content with nothing less than inward godliness and holiness. Those who are pure in heart . . . shall see God and are changed . . . from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (Matt. 5:8; II Cor. 3:18).

Thought for Today:

Our daily actions, attitudes, and speech reveal what we meditate on.
Cross References:

For Mark 7:6-7: See Is. 29:13. Mark 7:10: See Ex. 20:12; 21:17; Lev. 20:9; Deut. 5:16.
Word Studies:

6:25 charger, a large dish; 7:19 purging all meats, declaring all food ceremonially clean.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson • Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Mary Lynne Taylor • Pray for Government Official: Rep. Rush D. Holt (NJ) • Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and local dialects • Religious freedom • 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic •Prayer Suggestion: Prayer with an upright spirit and heart is a delight to God (Prov. 15:.
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 8
Highlights:

4,000 fed; leaven explained; Peter's confession of faith; death and resurrection foretold; transfiguration; warning of hell.
And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and He was transfigured before them (Mark 9:2).

During the previous six days Jesus and His disciples had been at Caesarea Philippi ( Matt. 16:13; 17:1). Six signifies the number of man and his efforts. The next day was the seventh, the number of perfection, typifying Christ transfigured in all His glory, in the presence of Moses and Elijah. Elijah went to Heaven without dying, and Moses, though spoken of as having died, was removed by God Himself. His body was under special care of Michael the Archangel (Jude 1:9).

Although our Lord came into the world and took upon Him . . . the likeness of men (Phil. 2:7), at His transfiguration, He appeared as the glorious, eternal Son of God.

The Holy Spirit directed Matthew to write: His face did shine as the sun (Matt. 17:2), and Luke was inspired to write: The fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering (Luke 9:29), meaning He radiated with the matchless glory of His deity.

The purpose of this glorious, momentous event seemed to commemorate the sufferings of Christ — His death and resurrection — and to honor the Messiah, the promised Savior of the world. For they spoke of His decease (departure), which He should accomplish at Jerusalem (9:31).

The three apostles stood before the former great exponents of the Law and the Prophets, Moses and Elijah, great men of God. But Jesus was the fulfillment of both the Law and the prophets. Christ, by virtue of His sinless perfection as the virgin born Son of God, is far superior to the most godly men of history.

Peter made the mistake of suggesting that they build three tabernacles — one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for Jesus. So many people today make a similar mistake and miss the Lord's best because they place too much importance on great speakers, popular tapes, and books, instead of seeking Christ through His Word. However good and helpful these may be, they cannot possibly take the place of personally reading the Bible — the one true source of spiritual life and growth!

The voice from Heaven still says: This is My beloved Son, hear Him (Mark 9:7).

Thought for Today:

The worship that Christ deserves cannot be directed toward man.
Cross References:

For Mark 8:18: See Ezek. 12:2. Mark 9:44,46,48: See Is. 66:24.
Word Studies:

9:3 fuller . . . can white them, launderer can bleach them; 9:12 set at nought, rejected; 9:13 whatsoever they listed, whatever they wanted; 9:45 halt, crippled.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Danny Murton • Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Carl E Miller • Pray for Government Officials: Gov. John Dalyrmple (ND), Rep. Gary G. Miller (CA), and Rep. Andre Carson (IN) • Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 1.5% Muslim; 1% Jewish; 2.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the Word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Prov. 28:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 10
Highlights:

Law of divorce; children blessed; rich young ruler; request of James and John; triumphal entry; cleansing the Temple.
They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left hand, in Thy glory (Mark 10:37).

Jesus had just told His disciples that He would suffer and die at Jerusalem and arise on the third day, but they were still expecting an immediate kingdom (10:33-34).

James and John, along with their mother, asked Jesus if he would give them the two most prominent positions in His Kingdom. Their question, just like their thinking, was so off track. But Jesus was prepared to get them thinking the right way. Jesus answered them by asking a very striking question: Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? (10:38). Sharing the cup of agony, pain and humiliation that Jesus suffered was a far greater privilege than having a position of importance. Sometimes, our priorities in life can get out of sorts. We might think we need one thing, when it is really something else entirely that is of greater importance.

The rewards of life are the same way. It is easy to get wrapped up in end results. But what about life along the way? The joy should be in serving Christ. Yes, thank God, a home in heaven is being prepared for us. However, we live everyday for the honor and privilege of being the chosen vessel of God we are. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (Heb. 12:28).

Christians today should be just as willing to suffer with Christ as they are to reign with Him. When the authorities commanded the Apostles not to teach in Jesus' Name, they replied: We ought to obey God rather than men. After being beaten, the Apostles departed rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name (Acts 5:27-41.) We may never have to suffer beatings, imprisonment, or death for the cause of Christ. However, there will be times we will deal with our own brand of trials and tribulations. The greatest blessing that lies ahead for us is spending an eternity in the presence of God. He has promised that we will share His future honor if we share in His suffering (Rom. 8:17; II Tim. 2:12).

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy Statutes (Ps. 119:71).

Thought for Today:

A true disciple is more than just a casual follower, for he is learning to die to self daily.
Cross References:

For Mark 10:6: See Gen. 1:27; 5:2. Mark 10:7-8: See Gen. 2:24. Mark 10:19: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20. Mark 11:9: See Ps. 118:26. Mark 11:17: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11.
Word Studies:

10:1 by the farther side of, beyond; people resort, multitudes gather; 11:8 strawed, spread, scattered.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Karen Hawkins • Pray for Internet Radio: sponsored by Julia Rhodes • Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Mike Quigley (IL), Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM), and Rep. Gene Green (TX) • Country: Armenia (3.8 million) southwest Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Armenian and Russian • Religious freedom • 78.5% Armenian Apostolic Church; 3.3% Muslim; .05% Protestant; 17.7% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 139:7-8