Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Matthew 25 -- 26

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Be ready (25:1-13). Wait faithfully. Minister till Jesus comes -- you will be judged (25:14-30,46). Last Supper -- Jesus' New Covenant sealed in His blood (26:26-28). His betrayal (26:47-50).
Disturbed by the growing acceptance of Jesus as Messiah following the raising of Lazarus from the dead, the religious authorities conspired about how to kill Jesus (Luke 20:19; 22:2). Caiaphas, who was appointed high priest that year, had already urged the Sanhedrin to find a way to put Jesus to death (John 11:49-51).

Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders . . . unto the palace of the high priest . . . And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill Him (Matt. 26:3-4). Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests . . . What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver (26:14-15).

Then Judas led a large mob with soldiers east of Jerusalem into the Garden of Prayer (Gethsemane), approached Jesus, and said: Hail, Master; and kissed Him. . . . Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took Him (26:49-50).

On that night, Caiaphas the high priest . . . the scribes and the elders . . . sought false witness against Jesus, to put Him to death (26:57,59). In doing so, they violated all the rules of Israel's judicial system: 1) there were to be no trials after sunset; 2) there were to be no secret trials; 3) the charges could not originate from judges; 4) the verdict could not be announced at night; 5) the condemned was not to be beaten; 6) two or three witnesses were required and had to agree in all details.

In a frenzy of frustration and anger, the high priest, acting as judge, demanded: I adjure Thee (put you under oath) by the Living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said (stated the fact). (26:63-64). The high priest then angrily shouted: He hath spoken blasphemy. . . . What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death (26:65-66).

Hate and envy, not evidence, led to the death sentence of Jesus. He was left to the vicious abuses of the guards: They spit in His face . . . and . . . smote Him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us, Thou Christ (26:67-68). He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed (Is. 53:5).

Thought for Today:

And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life (I John 2:25).
Word Studies:

25:27 exchangers =moneylenders; usury =interest on money lent; 26:15 covenanted =established an agreement; 26:47 staves =clubs; 26:63 I adjure Thee =a charge You under oath before God.
Cross References:

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

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Reverend Richard J. Roberts • Government Officials: Rep. Bob Inglis (SC), Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), and Sen. Patty Murray (WA) • 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: Thank God for His mercy to cleanse from all sins (Ps. 51:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:9

[Judy Harder]

Read Matthew 27 -- 28

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Pilate's question -- what will you do with Jesus (27:22)? The horrifying crucifixion of our Lord, His death (27:32-65), and His resurrection (28:1-15). Go . . . teach . . . them to observe all things (28:18-20) .
Pilate was the Roman governor over Judea and Samaria. Judicial responsibilities were granted to the Jewish Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, but only Rome could impose the death sentence. When the Sanhedrin demanded death for Jesus (Mark 14:64; 15:1), they shouted: We found this Fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King (Luke 23:2). These charges were not even the ones for which He was condemned to death.

Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, tetrarch of Galilee, who put a royal purple robe on Him and sent Him back to Pilate. Pilate once again met with the chief priests and said: I, having examined Him before you, have found no fault in this Man . . . No, nor yet Herod . . . nothing worthy of death (23:14-15).

Pilate was determined to let the Savior go, saying: I find in Him no fault at all (John 18:38; Acts 3:13). He (Pilate) knew that for envy they had delivered Him (Matt. 27:18).

Though acquittal was the only right decision, Pilate faced a hostile crowd. So he resorted to the scourge to save face and yet hopefully preserve Jesus' life: I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go (Luke 23:22).

However, Pilate's own position was attacked by the next threat, that whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar (John 19:12). Pilate then felt too intimidated to release Jesus, so he 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).

Our loving Savior suffered unbearable physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual agony in our stead.

The accumulated guilt of the sins of all the world was a burden which only the sinless Jesus could bear as our substitute. The cross testifies to the exceedingly great love our Savior and Lord has for us. It was our many sins which brought that agony upon Him. Remembering the cross should be a great safeguard against our willful sin, ingratitude, or complaining.

The Holy Spirit now indwells every believer; so we need to patiently suffer for Jesus' sake: Even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us . . . an example, that ye should follow His steps (I Pet. 2:18-24).

Thought for Today:

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children (Is. 54:13).
Word Studies:

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

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Steve Austria (OH), Gov. Dave Freundenthal (WY), and Rep. Edward Royce (CA) • Country: Germany (82 million) in north-central Europe • Major language: German • Religious freedom • 33.8% Evangelical (Lutheran); 33.6% Catholic; 3.4% Muslim; 1% Orthodox; 1% Other Christian; .2% Other; 27% None • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers with a spirit of thankfulness and praise to the Lord (Ps. 79:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:9

[Judy Harder]

  Bible Pathways

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 

Read Mark 1 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The King who rules by serving others and loving the unlovable. Jesus teaches and heals, and reveals His power over evil spirits. Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath (2:23-28). Invitation to be united with God and a fisher of men (1:17; 3:31-35).
In the first chapter of Mark we see the importance of prayer. Jesus had been in Capernaum teaching in the synagogue, when He was interrupted by a demon-possessed man (1:23-27). Later that day, a crowd of the sick continued to press upon Him far into the night (1:32-34). But, we see Him rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed (1:35).

Again, under great pressure from the crowds, He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed (Luke 5:16). This suggests not a single act but rather a habit of action. In times when the ministry's pressure was the greatest, Jesus seemed to give the most time to prayer in seeking the Father's wisdom and guidance. The day before He selected the twelve men who were to be the future leaders of His Church, He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God (6:12). It was while Jesus was praying on Mount Hermon that He was transfigured before Peter, James, and John (9:29; Mark 9:2). His constant prayer life inspired the disciples to request: Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1). It is of utmost importance that we prayerfully meditate upon His guidelines (see page 140 in our book: Biblical Fundamentals of Prayer). If our prayer is offered to impress someone it is hypocritical since prayer is speaking to God. Our Father which art in Heaven (11:2).

We need times of separation from all activities, even from serving the Lord, just to be alone with the Father. If our prayer life and service are to be most effective, they will often require the sacrifice of sleep, business, and friends.

Jesus gave us many examples of the importance of prayer (Mark 14:32,35-39; Luke 9:18,28; 10:2,21; 11:1-4; 18:1-8; 21:36-37; 22:30-46; John 11:41; 14:16; 17:1-26). Jesus pointed out the great urgency of prayer and the effect of prayer when He said: The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth labourers into His harvest (Luke 10:2).

John assured us with our Lord's own words: Whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. . . . If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (John 14:13-15).

Thought for Today:

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry (Ps. 34:15).
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 noised =the news spread.
Cross References:

For Mark 1:2: See Mal. 3:1. Mark 1:3: See Is. 40:3. Mark 1:11: See Ps. 2:7.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Leonard P. Miller • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA) and Rep. Ted Poe (TX) • Country: Ghana (19 million) in western Africa • Major languages: English and African languages • The government permits freedom to churches and missionaries that do not get involved in politics • 31% belief in spirits and witches; 22% Protestant; 17% Muslim; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for guiding you to sacrifice freely for what pleases Him (Ps. 54:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:9

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 4 -- 5

Highlights In Today's Reading:

You think you had a busy day! Jesus is in a boat just off shore, teaching a crowd about spiritual growth and the Kingdom of God (4:1-34). At even (4:35) He calms the sea (4:39), rebukes demons, heals an issue of blood, and raises the dead (4:35 -- 5:1-43)!
A demon-possessed man always, night and day . . . was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped Him (5:5-6). Then, when the Master drew near, he cried out again with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of the Most High God? I adjure Thee by God, that Thou torment me not (5:7). Jesus calmly said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit (5:.

How thankful we can be that God in His mercy will be better to anyone than his or her inconsistent desires. We need not fear to come near our Lord and Savior, even though there is a secret sin, or evil thoughts, and the demoniac passions cry out against our prayer. Do not doubt that the compassionate Lord will be just as ready to hear your cry for deliverance from sin as he was to hear the cry of this pitiful man who lived alone in the tombs. And if you will permit Him, He will deliver you from the bondage of self, sin, and Satan. He will command the inward discord of your mind to cease, and you shall at last sit peacefully at the feet of your Redeemer and in your right mind.

What good reason could this tormented man have when he saw Jesus afar off (and) he ran and worshiped Him (5:6) to suddenly cry out: Torment me not?

But just think! This is asking too much. It is the very nature of sin to be unreasonable. Why should Peter fall down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord (Luke 5:? We do not pretend to explain the strange emotional conflicts that each of us as sinners may experience. You may think that you as one individual are not important, but Christ considered this one hopeless demon-possessed person so precious that He was willing to go to the country of the Gadarenes in order to save him -- even though He knew He would be rejected by everyone else and told to depart out of their coasts (Mark 5:17). What a revelation of the love of God for even you or me and for every lost sinner who sincerely desires to "worship Him."

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 7:24).

Thought for Today:

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6).
Word Studies:

4:24 mete =measure out, give to others; 5:19 suffered him not =did not permit him.
Cross Reference:

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

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Miss Helayne Abrams • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Official: Rep. Steven Rothman (NJ) • Country: Greece (10.5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Greek and English • Government restrictions on witnessing to others about Christ • 87% Orthodox; 8% Old Calendar Orthodox; 2% Catholic; 1.2% Muslim; .5% Jehovah's Witness; .3% Protestant; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord and He will save you (Ps. 55:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:9

[Judy Harder]

  Bible Pathways


Thursday, October 15, 2009   

Read Mark 6 -- 7

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Like the disciples, we're all on a mission (6:7-13). Follow Jesus as He feeds the multitudes, walks on water, teaches inner holiness (6:30-7:23; Heb. 12:14). Even the crumbs of faith are rewarded (7:25-30).
The Pharisees were the largest religious group of their day. They proclaimed their belief in all Scripture as the inspired Word of God; but they valued even more the tradition (teaching) of the elders -- who were rabbis from the past. These critical Pharisees asked Jesus: Why walk not Thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? (7:5). These self-righteous leaders must have been shocked to hear Jesus quote the Word of God as the highest authority, saying: Well hath Esaias (Isaiah) prophesied of you hypocrites . . . This people honoureth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me . . . in vain (empty show) do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. . . . laying aside the Commandment of God. . . . Making the Word of God of none effect through your tradition (7:6-8,13).

The Pharisees were satisfied with mere external observances. Jesus explained to His disciples: Whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him. . . . That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart . . . proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications . . . wickedness, deceit . . . pride, foolishness (7:18-23).

We deceive ourselves if we believe there is no harm in sinful thoughts so long as they are never verbally or physically carried out. However, even in the Old Testament we read: As he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Prov. 23:7). We cannot conceal evil thoughts from God (I Cor. 4:5).

Faith for salvation and for our Christian growth depends upon hearing and acting upon the whole Word of God: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). The Holy Spirit imparts His Holy Nature to us at conversion. Then He continues His sanctifying work as we through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body (8:13).

The hypocrite is only concerned and satisfied if his outward conduct and conversation appear religious before others. But the true Christian is content with nothing less than inward godliness, that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Rom. 8:3-4).

Thought for Today:

The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy (Ps. 33:18).
Word Studies:

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

Pray for Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Official: Rep. Rush Holt (NJ) • Country: Greenland (60,000) northeast of Canada • Major languages: Eskimo dialects and Danish • Religious freedom • 98% Protestant; .1% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray at all times (Ps. 55:17).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:9

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 8 -- 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Who is "Jesus" (8:29)? His death foretold (8:31-38; 9:30-32). Transfiguration (9:2-13). Resolving some problems requires surrender (9:29).
Jesus and His disciples were in Caesarea Philippi which was a famous idol-worshiping center (8:27 -- 9:2). It was located at the foot of Mount Hermon, the highest mountain in Israel. It was here that Jesus asked His disciples . . . whom do men say that I am? . . . And Peter answereth . . . Thou art the Christ (Messiah) (8:27,29). Matthew adds the Son of the Living God (Matt. 16:13-16), which emphasizes the deity of Christ.

Jesus invited the people to follow and serve Him, saying: Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:34-36). To lose his life means giving up personal ambitions to take advantage of every opportunity to expand one's development of God-given opportunities. Seek . . . first the Kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33).

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). As He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered (gloriously changed) (Luke 9:29). And His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow. . . . And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus (Mark 9:3-4).

At this momentous event, they spoke of His decease (death) which He should accomplish (fulfill) at Jerusalem (9:31). How fitting that these two Old Testament saints, representing the Law and the Prophets, should join Jesus to honor Him in His coming suffering, death, and resurrection, the fulfillment of their prophecies (Deut. 18:15-19; Is. 7:14; 9:6-7).

Peter . . . said . . . let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias (Mark 9:5-6). Some make a similar mistake preferring men and their books, when Jesus and His Book is far superior and beyond comparison. Moses and Elijah were truly great men of God; but Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, is far superior to even the most godly men of history. Peter's three tabernacles suggestion was interrupted by a Voice . . . saying, This is My Beloved Son: hear Him (Mark 9:7).

Thought for Today:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men (Col. 3:23).
Word Studies:

9:3 fuller =bleach that makes white, cleans; 9:12 set at nought =rejected; 9:13 whatsoever they listed =whatever they wanted; 9:45 halt =crippled.
Cross References:

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

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Rep. Andre Carson (IN) and Rep. Gary Miller (CA) • Country: Grenada (97,000) southernmost of the Windward Islands • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 61% Roman Catholic; 31% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that He has promised to sustain us at all times (Ps. 55:22).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:9

[Judy Harder]

Saturday, October 17, 2009  Email    Facebook Twitter    Print 

Read Mark 10 -- 11

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Consider Jesus' guidelines for "human relationships" (10:1-16,35-45). Joy for those who recognize Jesus as Messiah (11:1-10) contrasted by fear and hate from those who receive His wrath (11:15-18,27-33).
Just one day after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem (11:12), Jesus entered the courts of the Temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the Temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. . . . And He taught . . . Is it not written, My House shall be called of all nations the House of Prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves (Mark 11:15-17; Matt. 21:12-13; Luke 19:45-47; John 2:13-17; Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11).

The Sanhedrin, composed of the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders, dispatched a delegation to interrupt and question Jesus as He was teaching, and demanded that He explain His conduct. They asked Him: By what authority doest Thou these things? and who gave Thee this authority? (Matt. 21:23). They were referring to His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, accepting the hosannas and praises of the people hailing Him as the Messiah. He had allowed Himself to be saluted openly as the Christ, the Son of David, and then asserted His authority over the Temple. Many Jewish worshipers came to Jerusalem from a great distance; but, being under Roman rule, the majority only had Roman currency. Since heathen coins were unacceptable in the Temple treasury, they had to be exchanged for Jewish shekels, for which the moneychangers charged a large fee. Also, animals were sold for sacrifices at higher prices.

The religious hierarchy ignored the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled as the Promised Messiah. They also attempted to discredit the miracles in the Temple and elsewhere in His ministry. Blinded by their greed, these self-centered religious authorities were chiefly concerned with protecting their own financial status and prestigious positions.

The Holy Spirit led Peter to write: False prophets . . . among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways. . . . And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not (II Pet. 2:1-3).

Thought for Today:

The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever (Is. 32:17).
Word Studies:

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

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Gene Green (TX) and Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM) • Country: Guatemala (12.3 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian languages • Religious freedom • 60% Catholic; 35% Protestant; 2% Animist; 1.5% Other; 1.5% None • Prayer Suggestion: When you are afraid, have confidence in and rely upon the Lord (Ps. 56:3-4).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:9

[Judy Harder]

Read Mark 12 -- 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus skillfully deals with the Herodians (12:13-17), Sadducees (12:18-27), and Pharisees (12:28-44). We are to watch and pray (13:33).
When questioned by a scribe (a skilled interpreter of the Law) as to what was the greatest Commandment, Jesus answered him, The first of all the Commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is One Lord; And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength (12:29-30). This eternal truth was expressed in Moses' key message: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is One Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children (Deut. 6:4-7).

The Hebrew word "Elohenu" is translated into English as our God. However, God chose to use the plural form "Elohim," literally meaning Gods, 2,500 times in reference to Himself as the Self-Existent, One True God. This, then, is what the sacred proclamation says: Hear, O Israel: the Lord our Gods (Elohim), is One (echad) Lord. The Hebrew word for One is also a solemn declaration that the Lord is a plurality in unity. One (echad) is a word which expresses "one" in the collective sense. It signifies a compound unity -- not an absolute singleness. For example, God said: Man . . . and . . . wife . . . shall be one (echad) flesh (Gen. 2:24). Even with numerous children, they are still called one family. The one Tabernacle (Ex. 36:13) included many individual parts; and many soldiers become one troop (II Sam. 2:25). There is a Hebrew word (yacheed) for one in the sense of an absolute singleness; but it is never used to express the Godhead, although it is used elsewhere in Scripture.

This truth exposes the tragedy of all who reject Jesus as God -- the Creator of all things (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16-17; Titus 2:13) who has revealed Himself as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus said: I and My Father are One (John 10:30; 5:18; 12:45; 14:9-11,20). There are Three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (Spirit): and these Three are One (I John 5:7).

It is of utmost importance that we evaluate our love for God in the light of the unity for which our Lord prayed that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me (John 17:21).

Thought for Today:

The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders (Deut. 33:12).
Word Studies:

12:1 let it out =rented it; 12:17 Render to Caesar =pay Caesar what belongs to him; 12:34 durst ask =dared question; 12:42 two mites = farthing (a penny).
Cross References:

For Mark 12:1: See Is. 5:2. Mark 12:10-11: See Ps. 118:22-23. Mark 12:19: See Deut. 25:5. Mark 12:26: See Ex. 3:3-6. Mark 12:29: See Deut. 6:4. Mark 12:30: See Deut. 6:5. Mark 12:31: See Lev. 19:18. Mark 12:32: See Deut. 4:35. Mark 12:33: See Deut. 6:5; Hos. 6:6. Mark 12:36: See Ps. 110:1. Mark 13:14: See Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. Mark 13:24: See Is. 13:10. Mark 13:26: See Dan. 7:13. Mark 13:27: See Deut. 30:4; Zech. 2:6.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week in honor of Jane Hill • Country: Guinea (8 million) on the Atlantic coast of western Africa • Major languages: French and tribal languages • Freedom for nationals, but strict limitations on missionaries • 83% Muslim; 12% tribal religions; 4% Roman Catholic; .6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers should be lifted up with confidence in God (Ps. 56:9,11).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:19  

[Judy Harder]

October 19

Ephesians 2

All men are dead in sin, but by grace through faith in Christ they may be saved from sin.

INSIGHT

Two of the most wonderful words in the Bible occur in this chapter: "But God . . ." We were dead in our transgressions and sins; we followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the spirit of disobedience; we lived to gratify the cravings of our sinful natures; and we were by nature objects of wrath. BUT GOD, because of His great love for us, made us alive with Christ. We have been saved; God has raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms, that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER

Praise the Lord that He extends grace to you:
All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,
And Your saints shall bless You.
They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
(Psalm 145:10-13)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way. . .
For Your name's sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
(Psalm 25:8-9, 11)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

Christian educational institutions
Challenges for the disabled
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore. (Psalm 121:7-8)

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)  

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 1

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Luke lays groundwork for non-Jews to understand the Truth about Jesus (1:4). Birth of John the Baptist foretold (1:5-25). Birth of Jesus foretold (1:26-45). John born (1:57-66); his mission (1:67-79), his growth (1:80). Angel declares Jesus Son of the Highest and Son of God (1:32,35). Mary divinely blessed (1:46-48).
God sent the angel Gabriel as a special messenger of Good News to Mary of Nazareth, saying: Thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee. . . . Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His Name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (1:28,31-32).

Luke recorded that Mary was troubled at . . . what manner of salutation this should be (1:29). Joseph was equally troubled (Matt. 1:19), so much so that he even contemplated a divorce to end his legal engagement to Mary, though her condition required death by stoning under the Law (Deut. 22:20-21).

Then we read that Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth (Luke 1:39-40). Zacharias, a priest, was married to Mary's cousin Elizabeth. Mary lived in Nazareth, about 70 miles north of Jerusalem. It appears this young Jewish girl had journeyed alone for about three days to Elizabeth's home.

When Mary greeted her, Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit). And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (1:41-43). How delightful this must have been to Mary's heart! Instead of suspicion, there was a miraculous confirmation from Elizabeth who felt so unworthy and yet so privileged to be in the presence of the mother of her Messiah.

Then the Holy Spirit inspired Mary to say: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior (1:46-47). Hers was the highest kind of prayer, for it asks for nothing -- it simply rejoices with praise and thankfulness: For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His Name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation (Luke 1:48-50).

Thought for Today:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee (Is. 26:3).
Word Studies:

1:40 saluted =greeted, embraced; 1:46 magnify =exalt, praise; 1:54 holpen =helped.
Cross References:

For Luke 1:17: See Mal. 4:5-6. Luke 1:50: See Ps. 103:17. Luke 1:53: See Ps. 107:9. Luke 1:71: See Ps. 106:10. Luke 1:76: See Mal. 3:1. Luke 1:79: See Is. 9:1-2; 59:8.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Government Officials: Rep. Hilda Solis (CA) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) • Country: Guyana (705,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: English and Amerindian dialects • The government is becoming increasingly Marxist, radical, and atheistic • 36% Hindu; 28% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 9% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His love (Ps. 63:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:19