Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

 
Bible Pathways

Friday, December 11, 2009   

Read Titus 1 -- Philemon 1

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Moral instruction. Do good, practice virtue. Witness and live your faith with enthusiasm (Titus 1-2). The coming of Jesus (2:13-14). We're heirs, justified by grace (3:4-7). A beautiful portrayal of a sinner facing God with Christ the Intercessor (Philemon 1:1-25).
When Peter and the apostles were commanded by the authorities not to tell others that Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah, they responded as faithful Christians, saying: We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote to Titus. . . . For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou. . . . Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work (Titus 1:4-5; 3:1). This Scripture does not mean we should be unfaithful to the Word of God if evil forces demand that we deny our faith in Jesus Christ.

Christians should faithfully declare the Truth, even when it might mean imprisonment or death. Let Christ be your example as well as Stephen, Peter, Paul, and John. Those early believers did not react with hatred against their enemies. We are called to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men (3:2).

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. . . . Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who . . . made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil 2:3-8). Christians should be law-abiding citizens: Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers (I Pet. 2:13-14).

No person is ever justified in using force or violence. It is Satan who instigates violent opposition to lawful authority.

Along with Paul we also must admit: We ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. . . . These things I will that thou affirm constantly (lay stress upon), that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:3,8).

Thought for Today:

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Rom. 12:18).
Cross References:

For Titus 1:2: See Num. 23:19.
Word Studies:

Titus 2:10 purloining =stealing anything, even small things; Philemon 1:8 enjoin =to order you to do that which is proper; 1:12 mine own bowels =out of my very heart.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Hugh & Norma Crawford and Frances Richards • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Sen. Max Baucus (MT) and Sen. John Kerry (MA) • Country: Niger (10 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: French and Hausa • Christian evangelism is limited • 89% Muslim; 10% animist; .4% Christian • 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: Matthew 18:34

[Judy Harder]

Read Hebrews 1 -- 4

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus, the Son and Heir, is greater than the angels (chap. 1). Jesus, the Man, is like us (2:17; 3:6), and has faced all temptations (4:15). Jesus is greater than Moses (chap. 3). Jesus, the Word, cuts deeply and truly (4:12; see John 1:1-5). Jesus, our Helper, gives us His mercy and grace (4:16).
The high priest held a position of supreme importance in the Hebrew nation. Through him they could, as a nation, secure and retain an acceptable relationship with God. The high priest also was to be a representative from God to the people.

Once every year, on the Day of Atonement, Israel's high priest passed through the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies where the glory of the presence of God dwelt. This was symbolic of Christ, who passed from the presence of His disciples up into heaven — the ultimate Holy Place of the presence of God (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11).

Jesus. . . . took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted (Heb. 2:9,16-18). For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (4:15).

Christ, the all-sufficient, great High Priest for both Jews and Gentiles, offered Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of those who accept Him as Savior. To them gave He power to become the sons of God (John 1:12). Therefore, we are invited to come boldly unto the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16) — into God's presence — with our prayer requests, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (4:16). Let us therefore come literally means that we may "keep on approaching" the throne of grace to receive wisdom and strength to meet every need. We are assured that God . . . is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (11:6), and that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us (I John 5:14).

Having been given such wonderful truths, we should never doubt that God will answer prayer! 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 (confession of faith) (Heb. 4:14).

Thought for Today:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
Cross References:

For Heb. 1:3: See Ps. 110:1. Heb. 1:5: See Ps. 2:7; II Sam. 7:14. Heb. 1:6: See Ps. 97:7. Heb. 1:7: See Ps. 104:4. Heb. 1:8-9: See Ps. 45:6-7. Heb. 1:10-12: See Ps. 102:25-27. Heb. 1:13: See Ps. 110:1. Heb. 2:6-8: See Ps. 8:4-6. Heb. 2:12: See Ps. 22:22. Heb. 2:13: See Is. 8:18. Heb. 3:7-11: See Ps. 95:7-11. Heb. 4:3: See Ps. 95:11. Heb. 4:4: See Gen. 2:2.
Word Studies:

Heb. 2:17 behoved =was necessary for, was imperative for; 4:8 Jesus =not the Lord Jesus, but Joshua; 4:12 quick =living.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Nancy Thunberg and Lois Holmquist • Government Officials: Rep. Steve Kagen (WI), Rep. Joe Sestak (PA), and Sec. Tom Vilsack (Dept. of Agriculture) • Country: Nigeria (113.8 million) in western Africa • Major languages: English and Hausa • Government permits all types of religious activity • 45% Muslim (largely Sunni); 40% Christian; 9% Indigenous; 6% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the guidance of the Lord (Prov. 8:17).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:34

[Judy Harder]

Read Hebrews 5 -- 7

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus chosen by God as our High Priest (5:1-10) and sealed by His oath (7:15-28). Jesus made full and final payment for sin (5:9; see John 3:16; Rom. 6:23). Don't stagnate; the Lord expects us to continue to grow spiritually (Heb. 5:11— 6:3). Our hope is God (6:13-20).
Since the day Adam sinned, everyone has been born with his sin nature. As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. . . . so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous (Rom. 5:12-19). But, from His birth, Jesus, the only-begotten, virgin-born Son of God, is the only person ever born sinless. Scripture says that though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered . . . He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). He did not allow temptation, opposition, popularity, His earthly family, or suffering to deter Him from doing His Father's perfect will. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 5:21).

Our highest privilege as a servant of our Savior is to press on each day to be like Christ who is our Lord. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace (6:14). We are made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (6:22-23). The Apostle Paul stated: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect. . . . but this one thing I do . . . I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:12-14).

We're to treasure the Word of God as the most precious thing in life. There is a danger of being lulled into a state of satisfaction — knowing the Truth even when we are not experiencing its power (II Tim. 3:5). Too often our trouble is that we do not yield to His will when He makes it clear. We are admonished: Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). Christ's death, resurrection, and soon return should be our strongest motivation.

Looking for that . . . glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special, devoted) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13-14).

Thought for Today:

Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (I Sam. 15:22).
Cross References:

For Heb. 5:5: See Ps. 2:7. Heb. 5:6: See Ps. 110:4. Heb. 6:14: See Gen. 22:17.
Word Studies:

6:17 immutability of His counsel =His purpose will not be altered.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lillian Conley-Ousley • Government Official: Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA) • Country: North Korea (22.2 million) in northeastern Asia • Major language: Korean • Violent oppression against all religions • 68% atheist; 15% Ch'ondogyo; 14% Other Traditional; 2% Buddhist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national revival, for righteousness exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35

[Judy Harder]

Read Hebrews 8 -- 10

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus seated with highest honor (8:1-2). Jesus Christ, the mediator of a better Covenant, which was established upon better promises (8:6). For this is the Covenant that I will make . . . I will put My Laws in their mind, and write them in their hearts (8:10). The just shall live by faith (10:38).
God required the Israelites to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins of ignorance. However, these sacrifices could not truly restore fellowship between God and man. They were temporary substitutes until the sinless Son of God shed His blood and died on the cross for our sins. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure (10:4-6).

The first recorded words of our Savior showed His desire to obey God: Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business? (Luke 2:49). He, from His youth, was completely and continuously devoted to the Father's plan — even though He knew it would end with humiliation, untold suffering, and physical death.

Christ's words — Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God (Heb. 10:9) — revealed His willingness to do everything to carry out the plan of God to redeem sinful mankind. As those who have had our sins washed away by the sacrificial death of our Beloved Savior, we too should be committed to doing all we can to bring precious souls to saving faith in Him. As His fellow workers, we have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (10:36).

Like Jesus, Christians should be devoted to doing His will and living to please our Heavenly Father. Spiritual success is so simple, yet it is hidden from the proud and the self-righteous. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called (I Cor. 1:26). We praise the Lord for the privilege of obeying Him with all our hearts!

Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not desire. . . . Then said I, Lo, I come . . . I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy Law is within my heart. . . . I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation: I have not concealed Thy lovingkindness and Thy Truth (Ps. 40:6-8).

Thought for Today:

The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (I John 2:17).
Cross References:

For Heb. 8:5: See Ex. 25:40. Heb. 8:8-12: See Jer. 31:31-34. Heb. 9:20-21: See Ex. 24:8. Heb. 10:5-7: See Ps. 40:6-8. Heb. 10:12-13: See Ps. 110:1. Heb. 10:16-17: See Jer. 31:33-34. Heb. 10:30: See Deut. 32:35-36. Heb. 10:37-38: See Hab. 2:3-4.
Word Studies:

8:10 New Covenant =I will . . . write them in their hearts, in contrast to the Old Covenant — written in stone; 9:2 candlestick =lampstand; 10:33 gazingstock =object of public ridicule; 10:36 patience =steadfast endurance, trust; 10:39 perdition =state of being eternally lost.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts for the week sponsored by Howard Manley • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Country: Norway (4.45 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Norwegian • Religious freedom • 87.8% Evangelical Lutheran; 3.8% Other Protestant and Catholic; 3.2% None; 5.2% Other (Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Jehovah's Witness) • Prayer Suggestion: Prayer with an upright spirit and heart is a delight to God (Prov. 15:.
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35

[Judy Harder]

Read Hebrews 11 -- 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

What is Faith, what it does, and how do you get it (chap. 11; Rom. 10:17). How to have a successful "faith run" (Heb. 12:1-4). Like a good parent, the Lord disciplines His children (12:5-13); so listen and obey when He speaks (12:14-29), because He is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (13: — never out of date.
Abraham is the father of the faithful (Rom. 4:11). In obedience to God, he left the security of his own country to live in tents as a homeless stranger in the land of promise (Gen. 12:1; Acts 7:2-4). By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles (tents) with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise (Heb. 11:8-9). Although he had many disappointments, there is no record that he complained even once of receiving less than the perfect promise of God.

To leave the security of one's country for the unknown and be content seems impossible to the worldly-minded. But the example of Abraham illustrates that as we read the Bible, by faith we too can have the guidance of God through the ordinary and crisis experiences of life, what our occupation should be, and whom we will have as friends, as well as the suffering we may experience. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:17), We may experience many disappointments while recognizing that God is leading us toward life-fulfilling places of witness and service in the Kingdom of God. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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. 10:3-5).

God fulfills His promises or answers prayers in ways we seldom expect. As our faith in God grows, we will be less concerned over earthly possessions and pleasures and become more occupied with our heavenly home, that city . . . whose Builder and Maker is God (Heb. 11:10).

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

Thought for Today:

O taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him (Ps. 34:.
Cross References:

For Heb. 11:18: See Gen. 21:12. Heb. 12:5-6: See Prov. 3:11-12. Heb. 12:12: See Is. 35:3. Heb. 12:26: See Hag. 2:6. Heb. 13:5: See Josh. 1:5; also Deut. 31:8. Heb. 13:6: See Ps. 118:6.
Word Studies:

11:29 assaying =attempting; 13:9 divers =various.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Officials: Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (LA) and Sen. Mark Warner (VA) • Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors • 97% Muslim; .5% Christian • 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: Matthew 18:35

[Judy Harder]

Read James 1 -- 5

Highlights In Today's Reading:

God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). He sees everyone the same (2:1-12). If you "talk the talk" you'd better "walk the walk" (2:17). Watch your tongue (3:1-12). Draw closer to God and be wise ( 3:13-18;4:1-10). Don't judge (4:11-12). What is real treasure (5:1-6)? Believe; Jesus is coming (5:. Prayer is powerful (5:13-18).
When someone is talking to us, are we so preoccupied with our own thoughts that we don't pay attention to what they are saying? Do we speak too much and miss much of what they are trying to tell us? In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise (Prov. 10:19).

One of the hindrances to hearing the voice of God in His Word is being so preoccupied with our own ideas that we do not listen to Him. So He cautions us: Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak. . . . the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up (James 1:19; 3:5; 4:10).

When we read the Bible, are we swift to hear or is our goal to finish reading the chapter? Do we insult God by not paying attention to what He thinks we should know? Prayerfully concentrate on what He is saying while we read His Word in order to apply it to our own lives. This is called meditation. The Psalmist wrote: O how love I Thy Law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through Thy Commandments hast made me wiser. . . . I have more understanding . . . for Thy testimonies are my meditation (Ps. 119:97-99)

Christians are to avoid being conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). In doing this, we will be marvelously changed by the perfect Law of liberty.

There are some who refuse or neglect (either response turns out the same) to be conformed to the Lord's purpose for their lives. But, when the King of kings speaks, we need to humble ourselves and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21). The engrafted Word reveals the will of Christ as we read His Word. The original root word — Christ (Christos, meaning "Anointed One") and His Word, which is referred to as the Anointing (Greek Chrisma — I John 2:27), are inseparable.

The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and Truth (John 1:14).

Thought for Today:

O Lord my God, in Thee do I put my trust (Ps. 7:1).
Cross References:

For James 2:8: See Lev. 19:18. James 2:11: See Ex. 20:13-14. James 2:23: See Gen. 15:6. James 4:6: See Prov. 3:34.
Word Studies:

1:27 visit =care for, look after the needs of; 2:11 kill =murder; 3:2 we offend all =be all make mistakes and offend others; 3:4 listeth =determines; 5:3 cankered =tarnished; 5:11 pitiful =full of compassion.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Gov. Don Carcieri (RI), Rep. Norman Dicks (WA), Gov. Jim Gibbons (NV), and Rep. C.W. Young (FL) • Country: Pakistan (146.5 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Urdu and English • There is no freedom to convert Muslims to Christ. Pakistan is an Islamic republic • 72% Sunni Muslim; 20% Shi'a Muslim; 3% Ahmadiya; 2% Christian; 2% Hindu; .1% Other (Baha'i, Animist, Farsi, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35

[Judy Harder]

Read I Peter 1 -- 2

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Get this: Begotten us again (1:3) means born again. Hope in tests and trials, anchored on the matchless sacrifice of Jesus (1:6-9;2:21). Called to be holy like Him (1:13-23). His Word is for ever (1:23-25). Christ is the Chief Corner Stone (2:6-8). We're a royal priesthood (2:9-10).
This letter was written by the same Peter who was with our Lord most of the three and one half years of His ministry as one of His 12 Apostles. No one knew Jesus better and Peter became a loyal, devout disciple.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers (Christians) scattered throughout . . . Asia. . . . Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. . . . That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. . . . Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (1:1,5,7; 2:1-2).

You do not put your trust in one you do not know, and the great problem is that so few take the time to really know God by daily praying and reading His Word. Many have heard much about Him; but when problems come, their hold is so slight, their acquaintance so superficial, that they do not know the power of God. We can know God as Peter did. If He is to be anything to us when we most need Him, we need to know His Word. O, how we need someone whom we can fully trust in the great emergencies of life and death! Let us apply ourselves to reading and then believing, and we shall know God as Peter did. As we read His Word and pray with a desire to let the indwelling Holy Spirit guide us, He will strengthen us to live according to His Word. At the time we accepted Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit came to live within us and brought about a miraculous change we call the new birth or being born again (John 3:3,7; I Pet. 1:23). We are called to a life of separation from the defiling things of the world. By yielding control of our lives to the Holy Spirit He will enable us to please the Lord.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (I Pet. 1:22-23).

Thought for Today:

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (II Cor. 6:17).
Cross References:

For I Pet. 1:16: See Lev. 11:44-45. I Pet. 1:24-25: See Is. 40:6-8. I Pet. 2:6-7: See Is. 28:16; Ps. 118:22. I Pet. 2:22: See Is. 53:9. I Pet. 2:24-25: See Is. 53:4-6,12.
Word Studies:

1:17 sojourning =temporarily residing; 2:2 sincere =perfect, pure, without a mixture; 2:4 disallowed =rejected; 2:19 thankworthy =acceptable, something we should give thanks for.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: George Kopchak • Country: Panama (3 million) in southern Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Limited religious freedom • 78% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant; 5% Muslim; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: When you pray, be brief and pray from your heart (Eccl. 5:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35

[Judy Harder]

Read I Peter 3 -- 5

Highlights In Today's Reading:

A believer's lifestyle is a testimony to nonbelievers (3:1-5), so treat each other as joint heirs (3:7), and live a blameless lifestyle before the world (3:8-22). Be good stewards of the grace of God (4:1-11). Why rejoice in suffering? Because glory awaits us (4:12-19). Church leaders stay alert and feed and strengthen the flock (5:1-11).
Faithful Christians will face continual temptations and many a fiery trial from Satan which will tempt us to self-sufficiency, self-will, self-confidence, self-praise, and self-righteousness.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try (test) you, as though some strange thing happened unto you (4:12). If you are not being tested, take a look at your walk with the Lord.

As we prayerfully read the Word of God, it acts as a mirror to expose our self-life. God allows our association with others to expose our lack of humility. Lack of love, all indifference, all sharp and hasty remarks — so often excused under the guise of just being honest or "That's just the way I am" — need to be confessed for what they are, self-exalting pride.

The remedy to the self-life is the cross of Christ (Gal. 2:20). The indwelling Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to be free from pride and take on an attitude of true humility.

As we humble ourselves, God will exalt us in due time (I Pet. 5:6; Luke 14:11). But the exaltation God promises is not some popular prize that would feed one's ego; it is the joy and satisfaction of becoming more like Christ. It is truly a privilege just to be His servant and give all praise to Him.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. . . . But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer (I Pet. 4:1-4,7).

God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world (Gal. 6:14).

Thought for Today:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Ps. 139:23-24).
Cross References:

For I Pet. 3:10-12: See Ps. 34:12-16. I Pet. 5:5: See Prov. 3:34.
Word Studies:

3:11 eschew =turn away from; ensue =earnestly pursue; 3:20 were saved by water =were saved from the water by entering the ark (that illustrates Christ); 4:15 busybody =one who interferes in other people's affairs that do not concern him.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Official: Rep. Bill Posey (FL) • Country: Papua New Guinea (5 million) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 715 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 64% Protestant; 33% Roman Catholic; 2% ancestor worship, belief in spirits, and witchcraft • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will teach you His ways and transform your life by His Word (Is. 2:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35

[Judy Harder]

Read II Peter 1 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Don't forget the promise of a glorious life in Jesus in contrast to life in a sinful world (1:3-12). The Holy Spirit gave the prophecy that Jesus is coming (1:16-21). Don't believe everyone; false prophets and teachers are everywhere (2:1-22).
Just as Daniel determined he would not defile himself by eating of the king's meat (Dan. 1:, and just as Paul said: This one thing I do (Phil. 3:13), every Christian should be determined to yield his life daily to the will of God. God unites our will with His will by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. . . . what manner of persons ought ye to be . . . Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (II Pet. 3:8-14).

The word conversation means much more than one's creed, confession, or conversation with others. It deals with the everyday and commonplace associations of life. A holy conversation (3:11) is the result of a life in harmony with the Word of God. Only as we yield our lives to obedience to His Word, will our thoughts, conversations, and conduct reflect the Lord Jesus Christ, the Living Word.

The Scripture teaches us to see that, in order to fellowship with Christ, we must avoid everything that is not in harmony with His Word. We cannot love righteousness while continuing in sin.

So holy conversation is a life led by the same Holy Spirit that ruled the everyday life of Christ.

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen (II Pet. 3:18).

Thought for Today:

Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness (Ps. 143:10).
Cross Reference:

For II Pet. 2:15: See Num. 22:5,7. II Pet. 2:22: See Prov. 26:11.
Word Studies:

2.7 vexed =distressed; filthy conversation =immoral conduct; 3:16 wrest =distort.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bill Hash • Government Official: Rep. Adrian Smith (NE) • Country: Paraguay (5 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and Guarani • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to make you willing to go wherever He wants to send you (Is. 6:.
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35

[Judy Harder]

Read I John 1 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Confession of sin brings cleansing and the opportunity to build integrity (1:9-10). There is either love or hate, truth or lies (2:9-10). To be blessed keep the Lord's Commandments (3:22-24).
The word study is not a popular word among failures, for it means to read in detail especially with the intention of being devoted to achieving the mastery of a grade, goal, or acceptance. As we diligently study the Word of God in order to know His will, we discover that He empowers us to accomplish His will.

This is the reason the Holy Spirit led John to write: Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that . . . shall remain in you, ye also shall continue (abide) in the Son, and in the Father. . . . The Anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you . . . the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and . . . ye shall abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming (2:24,27-28).

We are to study the right thing (the Word of God) for the right reason: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

As we abide in Him (I John 2:28) through His Word, we will not be ashamed. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in Him, the same bring forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing (John 15:5). To be ashamed is to be accountable for intentionally doing wrong. It is much different from the humiliation that results from making a mistake or by having tried and failed.

As Christians who desire Christ as Lord of our lives, He has spoken to our hearts: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (II Tim. 2:15). Shame is caused by the consciousness of deliberate wrongdoing.

When we set aside a definite time each day to read what God has to say and fellowship with Him in prayer, we will learn what His will is. Then we have no fear of being ashamed before Him at His coming (I John 2:28).

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38).

Thought for Today:

Therefore to him that knowth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17).
Word Studies:

2:3 keep =guard with our lives and obey; 2:20 Unction =anointing of the Holy Spirit. This is how we can know all things (2:20); 3:9 His Seed =esus, the Word of God (Gal. 3:16; John 1:1-14; Luke 8:11).
Cross References:

For I John 1:8: See Eccl. 7:20. I John 3:12: See Gen. 4:8.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of George Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Henry Brown, Jr. (SC), Gov. Sonny Perdue (GA), and Rep. Ike Skelton (MO) • Country: Peru (26 million) on the western coast of South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Open to evangelism and Bible distribution • 90% Christian; 8% non-Religious/Other; 1.2% Traditional ethnic; .3% Buddhist; .09% Baha'i; .02% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray with a heart of righteousness, keeping the Truth of God, and know He will hear your prayers (Is. 26:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 28:19