Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 3 -- 4

Highlights:

Still on the east side of the Jordan River outside Canaan, Israelites defeat a giant king; Division of land east of the Jordan; Moses can't enter the promised land — emphasizing the importance of doing the will of God and not claiming credit for what God is doing; Cities of refuge established east of the Jordan.
Verses for Today:

That ye may live, and go in and possess (inherit) the land. . . . keep (guard with your life and obey) the Commandments of the Lord your God. . . . and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding. . . . For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh (near) unto them? (Deut. 4:1-7).
Moses reminded the new generation of Israelites that living according to the Word of God would bring lasting fulfillment. He began to explain his first message which highlighted the importance of keeping all the Word of God and was given to their parents nearly 40 years earlier at Mount Sinai (1:3-5).

That ye may live (4:1) meant that the Israelites would enjoy the best in life. The one essential requirement for remaining in the land of promise was obedience to the Word of God. Moses warned them: When thou shalt . . . do evil in the sight of the Lord thy God . . . ye shall soon utterly perish. . . . (God desires that you) seek Him with all thy heart (4:25-29).

We too need a daily reminder to take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul (inner thoughts) diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart . . . teach them thy sons (4:9).

Unfortunately, unless children learn respect for their parents, they seldom learn to respect and obey God, who has promised: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6).

The Bible provides our only true source for knowing the will and character of our Creator. As we read the Bible with a desire to obey it, the Holy Spirit makes the Word quick, and powerful (Heb. 4:12) so that it becomes a reality in our lives.

The people of God often face seemingly impossible situations. But the Lord has provided the Christian with His Word, which is the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith (Eph. 6:17,16), since faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Keep therefore . . . His Commandments . . . that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee (Deut. 4:40).

Thought for Today:

Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His Commandments (Ps. 112:1).
Christ Portrayed:

By Joshua who led the Israelites into their inheritance (Deut. 3:28). Through Jesus we receive His promised inheritance among them which are sanctified (set apart) by faith that is in Me (Acts 26:18).
Word Studies:

3:7 spoil =plunder; prey =prize of the war; 3:18 meet =fit; 3:28 charge =commission (also 31:14); 4:2 diminish ought =take away anything; 4:10 fear =have reverential heartfelt submission to and respect for (also 14:23; 28:58; Josh. 22:5); 4:13 Covenant =binding agreement with all qualifications given by God (also 5:2; 33:9); 4:14 possess =live in; 4:19 divided =allotted; 4:27 heathen =gentile people; 4:30 tribulation =distress, suffering; 4:34 assayed =ever tried; 4:41 severed =separated; 4:42 unawares =accidentally.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a Family that loves Jesus • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Christopher Carney (PA), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT), Sen. Russell Feingold (WI), and Sec. Ken Salazar (Dept. of the Interior) • Country: Bahamas (284,000) in the northern portion of the West Indies • Major languages: English and some Creole • Religious freedom • 72% Protestant; 26% Roman Catholic; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers must be offered to God with the Spirit and understanding (John 4:22-24).
Optional Reading: Luke 17

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:17

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 5 -- 7

Highlights:

The Ten Commandments are the foundation of the moral laws for all mankind, they are the one portion of our Bible written by the finger of God (Ex. 31:18).
Verse for Today:

The Lord our God is one Lord (Deut. 6:4).
The Hebrew word translated our God is Elohenu, meaning "our Gods." This, then, is what Moses said: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God(s) is one Lord (6:4). The word one ('echad) expresses "one" in the collective sense and signifies a compound unity. Thus, one Lord is a glorious revelation of the One True God as being one yet expressed in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Consider these revelations: Let Us make man in Our image (Gen. 1:26); as one of Us (3:22); let Us go (11:7); and who will go for Us? (Is. 6:. The same Hebrew word 'echad is used in Genesis 2:24 where man and woman become one flesh with numerous children, they are still "one" family.

The Hebrew word yacheed is "one" in the sense of absolute one. But, God accurately referred to Himself by the word 'echad, meaning a compound unity. Those who reject Jesus as fully God, as well as fully Man, are rejecting the true revelation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26). In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7). Who created all things by Jesus Christ (3:9). And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:11). For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5).

In the beginning was the Word (Logos, i.e. Divine Expression of God), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:1,14).

The real reason some insist on believing the false theory of evolution is that if they acknowledge that God created all things, they must submit to Him as Lord of their lives.

There are a thousand voices clamoring for your attention. But, when we realize that there is only One True God and He has provided one Guide to live by, we must be still, and know that I am God (Ps. 46:10). We notice too He does not say merely: Be still, but He tells us something so awesome: I am God.

Thought for Today:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. . . . I and My Father are One (Matt. 22:37; John 10:30).
Christ Revealed:

Through the land flowing with milk and honey (Deut. 6:3). This pictures Christ who bountifully provides for our needs. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).
Word Studies:

5:1 statutes =permanent laws; judgments =laws, verdicts, sentences; 5:2 Covenant =binding agreement with all qualifications given by God; 6:21 bondmen =slaves; 6:22 sore =terrible; 7:25 graven images =carved wooden idols; abomination =detestable, hated thing; 7:26 cursed thing =thing set apart for destruction.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Casmir A. Zuranski • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Official: Rep. Jim Marshall (GA) • Country: Bahrain (629,000) 11 islands in the Persian Gulf near Saudi Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • No evangelical work is permitted • 85% Muslim; 5% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 1% Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Have faith in the Word of God (John 4:49-53).
Optional Reading: Luke 18

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 8 -- 10

Highlights:

Discover "gems" from our Heavenly Father in these three chapters. The purpose of God is given for all His Commandments (Deut. 8:1). There's a Divine promise included (9:3). Reminder of the result of rebellion.
Verse for Today:

And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna . . . that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by Every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live (Deut. 8:3).
Jesus began His earthly ministry by quoting from Deuteronomy: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by Every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). This was His response to Satan who tempted Jesus to make bread for Himself from stones after His 40-day fast in the desert: If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread (4:3), meaning: "If You are the Son of God, why should You, of all people, need to remain hungry?"

Satan attempted to lure Jesus into using His Deity to satisfy His physical need. But, Jesus quoted Scripture: It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (4:7; Deut. 6:16). He again told Satan: It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve (Matt. 4:10; Deut. 6:13-14).

Throughout His ministry, Jesus quoted Scripture when answering His critics and set an example for us to whom He also said: He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth (guards with his life and obeys) them, he it is that loveth Me. . . . If a man love Me, he will keep My words (John 14:21-23).

For the Word of God is quick (living), and powerful (Heb. 4:12) and it is the only means Jesus used to defeat Satan. As we continue reading all of the Word of God, then the Holy Spirit is able to bring it to our minds when we need it.

We need to remember Moses' warning to Israel: Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping His Commandments. . . . And thou say in thine heart (to yourself), My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember (and praise) the Lord thy God: for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth. . . . serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the Commandments of the Lord . . . for thy good (benefit) (Deut. 8:11,17-18; 10:12-13).

Thought for Today:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His Commandments: His praise endureth for ever (Ps. 111:10).
Christ Revealed:

Through the shittim (acacia) wood used to make the Ark of the Covenant (Deut. 10:3). Acacia wood, a desert growth, is symbolic of Christ in His human form. When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the Law (Gal. 4:4).
Word Studies:

8:2 prove =test; 8:14 thine heart be lifted up =you become unmindful of God; 8:18 establish His Covenant =accept His agreement with His qualifications; 9:5 perform the word =accomplish His promise; 9:6 stiffnecked =stubborn, self-willed; 10:6 stead =place; 10:15 seed =descendants.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Gov. Rick Perry (TX) and Rep. Christopher Smith (NJ) • Country: Bangladesh (125.7 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Bangla and English • Present religious freedom may become limited • 86.6% Muslim; 12.1% Hindu; .6% Buddhist; .3% Christian; .4% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your life will always be pleasing to God (John 8:29).
Optional Reading: Luke 19

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 11 -- 13

Highlights:

Warning against false gods and adding to or taking away anything from His Word. Just think! We are to cleave (adhere) to (Deut. 11:22) the Lord! We must choose between loyalty to and love of the Word of God and enjoying His blessing or conforming to worldly standards that are inspired by Satan (12:28).
Verses for Today:

Lay up these My Words in your heart and in your soul. . . . And ye shall teach them (to) your children . . . when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deut. 11:18-19).
At Sinai, God had directed Moses to tell the people: If ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My Covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people (Ex. 19:5). The importance of obedience was emphasized 19 times in the instructions concerning the building of the Tabernacle (chap. 38 through 40). Moses repeated to the new generation what the Lord had said to their parents and reminded them of how important it is to diligently keep all these Commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cleave (hold fast) unto Him (Deut. 11:22).

To perpetuate loyalty and love to God in future generations, every Israelite was to live in subjection to the Word of God and also to teach it to their children. As Christians, we too should love the Lord and be obedient to Him. We are also responsible to teach our children to truly love God their Heavenly Father and obey Him.

Moses stood in sight of the promised land and said: I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey . . . and a curse, if ye will not obey (11:26-28). Let's not be so concerned about praying for blessings as we are with being obedient to His Word; then, God will take care of the blessings. Another fundamental principle for pleasing God is to rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee (12:7).

What our children will become is often influenced by what they learn about our values in life. That is why parents need to devote time to developing the minds of their young children. It is of utmost importance that parents guide even the youngest child to reverence God, to worship Him, to pray, and to recognize the Bible as the voice of God speaking directly to them.

It is vital in this time of moral chaos to provide our children with a strong spiritual home environment that includes prayer at meal times and family Bible reading and devotions every day.

Thought for Today:

Children need to fear (have a reverential attitude to) God and to know that He commanded: Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first Commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Eph. 6:2-3; comp. Ex. 20:12).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Burnt Offerings which were totally consumed. These typified Christ's total offering of Himself to death (Deut. 12:6; see Heb. 10:5-7). The bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the Sanctuary (Holy Place) by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify (make holy) the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate (13:11-12).
Word Studies:

11:1 keep His charge =be true to all His requirements; 11:6 opened her mouth =split like a chasm; 11:10 thy foot =working a water treadmill with your foot; 11:11 drinketh water =soaks up water; 11:17 wrath be kindled =anger flare up; 11:21 as the days of heaven upon the earth =forever; 11:22 cleave =hold fast; 11:25 stand before you =resist you; 12:15 lusteth after =covets, desires; 12:26 holy =consecrated; 12:29 cut off =destroy; 13:13 Belial =worthlessness, evil; 13:15 smite =strike; 13:16 spoil =plunder; 13:18 hearken =listen and obey.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter W. Swanson • Government Officials: Rep. Tim Holden (PA), Rep. Todd Platts (PA), and Sen. James Risch (ID) • Country: Barbados (259,000) on the island farthest east in the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 79% Protestant; 8% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: When discouraged over material or financial loss, praise the Lord for preparing and providing an eternal home (John 14:1-3).
Optional Reading: Luke 20

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 14 -- 16

Highlights:

Clean and unclean food; the Law of the tithe; dedication of the firstborn; three Feasts to be observed; Passover celebrated, foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work on the cross as the ultimate Sacrifical Lamb; judges and justice.
Verses for Today:

Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed . . . year by year. . . . that thou mayest learn to fear (revere) the Lord thy God always. . . . If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren . . . thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need. . . . Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart . . . and thou givest him nought (Deut. 14:22-23; 15:7-9).
The prosperity of Israel in the promised land did not depend on advanced agricultural techniques but on its obedience to the Word of God (11:10-15).

Tithing reminded the Israelites that they, as well as the land, belonged to the Lord. Before all other considerations, tithes to the Lord were to be given first. Furthermore, no Israelite could come before the Lord without an offering commensurate with his income.

The Israelites were to "rejoice" with a heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of honoring God with their tithes and offerings that the Lord thy God may bless thee (14:29).

Giving to the poor was recognition that all our possessions actually belong to the Lord. We are merely stewards of the love of God, distributing to the less fortunate.

When we give to someone who needs our help, we are loaning to the Lord. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again (Prov. 19:17). Giving a cup of cold water in His Name is the same as giving to the Lord. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (I John 3:17).

Over 630 years before the Law was given to Moses, Abraham — father of the faithful (Rom. 4:11) — paid a tenth (tithe) to Melchizedek . . . priest of the Most High God as an acceptable offering to the Lord (Gen. 14:18-20). Both tithing (Luke 18:12) and the giving of offerings (21:4; Acts 24:17) were still being practiced by Israel during New Testament times. Today, the Lord's ministries, missionaries, churches, and Bible schools are being sustained through the tithes and offerings of His people. Jesus said: Render (Give) therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's (Matt. 22:21).

Thought for Today:

The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall (Prov. 10:.
Christ Revealed:

Through the year of release, which typifies Christ's forgiveness of our sins (Deut. 15:1). This should cause us to realize how important it is to forgive others, even as He has forgiven us (Matt. 6:14-15). Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).
Word Studies:

14:1 cut =disfigure; make any baldness =shave; 14:2 holy . . . peculiar people =treasured possession, dedicated; 14:7 cloven =split; 14:8 swine =pig; 14:23 fear =give reverential, heartfelt submission to and respect for; 14:25 turn =exchange; 14:26 Whatever thy soul lusteth after =whatever you desire; 15:1 release =forgiveness of debts; 15:4 Save =except; 15:5 hearken =listen and obey; 15:9 be evil =be selfish, inconsiderate, hateful, hostile, hold grudge; 15:10 not to be grieved =have no regrets; 15:11 open thing hand wide =give freely; 15:14 floor =threshing floor; 15:15 bondman =slave; 16:3 leavened bread =bread that contains yeast; affliction =humiliation, distress; 16:13 corn =grain; 16:19 gift =bribe; 16:20 that which is altogether just =that is right.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: George Kopchak • Government Official: Sen. Christopher Bond (MO) • Country: Belarus (10 million) in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Belarussian and Russian • Religious freedom • 48% Orthodox; 22% Roman Catholic; 1.1% Jewish; 1% Protestant; .2% Muslim; 27.7% Agnostic/Atheist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask in the name of Jesus for His glory, and your request will be granted (John 14:13-14).
Optional Reading: Luke 21

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:17

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 17 -- 20

Highlights:

Even kings must obey the laws of God and His Word. Every Israelite king was commanded to read the Law of God (the Books of Moses) all the days of his life (Deut. 17:19). See how to know a true or false prophet (18:22).
Verses for Today:

The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet (Jesus) from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken. . . . I (God) . . . will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. . . . whosoever will not hearken unto My words which He shall speak in My Name, I will require it of him (Deut. 18:15,17-19).
Many centuries after Moses foretold of the prophet Jesus, the prophet Jeremiah foretold that, at Christ's return, God will make a new Covenant with His people who will hearken (Jer. 31:31-34). In conversation with His critics, Jesus said that both Moses and the Scriptures bore witness of Him: For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings (Genesis — Deuteronomy), how shall ye believe My words? (John 5:46-47).

Jesus declared to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this world, meaning it has no earthly origin but is a spiritual kingdom (18:36). On the Day of Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaimed that Jesus had fulfilled prophecy when he said: A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. . . . Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after . . . have likewise foretold of these days (Acts 3:22-24; comp. Deut. 18:18-19). While the Jews sought both the promised Prophet and the Messiah (John 1:25), they failed to recognize Jesus as both the Prophet and Messiah whom Moses foretold. Christ has the sovereign right as a Son over His own house (Heb. 3:6) to be Master in His house. The keys belong to Him, and He must have control. He dwells within His own house, as a life within a life.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews wrote: He that despised (rejected) Moses' Law died without mercy . . . how much sorer (more severe) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the Covenant (Agreement), wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto (insulted) the Spirit of grace? (Heb. 10:28-29).

Thought for Today:

And ye have not His Word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not (John 5:38).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Old Testament animal (without blemish) sacrifices which were made (Deut. 17:1). Christ was perfectly pure from all sin. Christ . . . without blemish and without spot (I Pet. 1:19). As the Prophet (Deut. 18:18-19).
Word Studies:

17:2 transgressing His Covenant =sinful conduct, disregard; 17:4 wrought =done; 17:12 presumptuously =arrogantly, haughtily; hearken unto =listen to and obey; 17:5 stranger =foreigner; 18:3 due =right; 18:6 sojourned =has been residing; 18:8 patrimony =father's estate; 18:10 maketh . . . to pass through the fire =burns his child alive as an offering to an idol; divination =enchantment, witchcraft; 18:11 familiar spirits, wizard, necromancer =various activities of fortunetelling, consulting the dead, etc.; 18:13 perfect =wholehearted in your love and service to God, blameless; 19:4 ignorantly =unintentionally; 19:5 helve =handle; lighteth =strikes; 19:18 make diligent inquisition =investigate thoroughly; 20:11 tributaries =forced laborers
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jason Altmire (PA), Rep. Brian Baird (WA), and Rep. Elton Gallegly (CA) • Country: Belgium (10.2 million) in northwestern Europe • Major languages: Flemish and French • Religious freedom • 74% Catholic; 3% Muslim; 1% Protestant; .5% Orthodox; 20% Secular Humanism; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: If the words of God abide in you, whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive (John 15:7).
Optional Reading: Luke 22

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-6

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 21 -- 23

Highlights:

Read about laws, rules, regulations, and responsibilities to fulfull the purpose of God to preserve the cleanliness and holiness of the promised land.
Verses for Today:

Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother (Deut. 22:1).
The Israelites had been taught that, because God had created all things, everything belonged to Him and they were only caretakers of His possessions. Because of their Covenant relationship with the Lord, they were even responsible for the welfare of their neighbor's property.

The person we help may or may not appreciate or even deserve the kindness we express. Our responsibility, however, is not to the person who needs our help but to the Lord, who is the true Owner of all creation, and who provides us with the opportunities to express His love to the lost and unloved.

Under the laws of most countries, one is not held legally responsible for failing to prevent someone else's financial loss. But, as the people of God, our stewardship responsibility requires that we respond to another's needs in a spirit of Christlike love.

Jesus illustrated this by saying: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which . . . wounded him . . . leaving him half dead. . . . a certain priest. . . . And likewise a Levite . . . looked on him, and passed by on the other side (Luke 10:30-32). Perhaps they had completed their religious responsibilities in Jerusalem and were on their way home to Jericho, the city of palm trees, where many of the Temple priests lived. To stop and help this man could have "defiled" them according to their traditions and made them ceremonially unclean or, perhaps, they felt he was undeserving. But a certain Samaritan . . . had compassion on him (10:33). He wasn't looking for excuses to avoid giving aid or questioning whether the hurting man was deserving of help. Instead, this outcast from Samaria, who was much despised by the religious Jews, demonstrated a Christlike love by providing for his care.

Our Lord taught His followers to go far beyond merely helping preserve the property of a friend or neighbor. Jesus commanded His followers: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:44-45).

Thought for Today:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding (Prov. 9:10).
Christ Revealed:

Christ died on a cross in our place, submitting to the penalty of death imposed by the Law for our sins (Deut. 21:22-23). In the evening He was taken down from the cross, signifying the Law had been satisfied (John 19:31). Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us (Gal. 3:13).
Word Studies:

21:3 wrought =worked; 21:4 eared =sloughed; strike =assault; 21:12 pare =trim; 21:13 bewail =mourn; 21:15 hated =loved less; 22:3 hide thyself =do nothing to help him, avoid responsibility; 22:6 dam =mother; 22:8 battlement =guard rail; 22:9 divers =various kinds of; 22:14 maid =virgin; 22:15 damsel =young woman; 22:19 amerce =ine; 22:25 force =rape; 22:30 discover =uncover; 23:1 stones =b> testicles; 23:13 paddle =pade; 23:19 usury =nterest.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Rita Guerra • Country: Belize (236,000) on the eastern coast of Central America • Major languages: English and Spanish • Religious freedom • 64% Roman Catholic; 26% Protestant; 2% spiritist/animist; 1% Hindu; 1% Muslim; 1% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-8).
Optional Reading: Luke 23

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-6

[Judy Harder]

 
Bible Pathways

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 

Read Deuteronomy 24 -- 27
Highlights:

God speaks of His blessings at Mount Gerizim through Jacob's six children by his two wives. His curses are pronounced by the children of his concubines at Mount Ebal. The blessings result from obedience and faithfulness. The curses result from disobeying the Word of God! Take note of the Law of the offering of firstfruits.
Verses for Today:

Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure . . . that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord . . . giveth thee. For all that do . . . unrighteously, are an abomination (detestable) unto the Lord thy God (Deut. 25:14-16).
Moses, the lawgiver and prophet, placed great emphasis on the necessity of honesty and truthfulness in all areas of life. When presenting the Law, he warned against two sets of weights and measures — one for buying and the other for selling. It is of utmost importance in our business dealings with others not to take advantage of them or misrepresent the facts. We must conduct our business transactions in a true Christian way that conforms to the character of our Heavenly Father. It is cruel to neglect to pay what one owes. God hates lying and thievery. We can exercise the principles of justice and equity or take advantage of others. Dishonesty is expressed in various ways: wasting time on the job, taking what doesn't belong to us, unethically conducting business, and lying. These are an abomination to God.

Our conduct with others goes much deeper than either word or deed; it goes to the hidden motives of our hearts and reveals what we truly are. Jesus taught: From within, out of the heart of men, proceed . . . All . . . evil things . . . and defile the man (Mark 7:21-23; comp. Matt. 15:19-20). This means that the thoughts and actions of a Christian should always be the expression of what Jesus would think and do.

The attitude of fairness and consideration for others' well-being applies to a Christian's daily relationships with others. It is possible to have bitter thoughts while doing kind deeds and to say loving words while having wrong attitudes and motives. But, our Adamic nature and its self-serving conduct can be overcome by the Christ-centered nature that He has bestowed within us. The self-centered "I" must give way to Christ and His control.

We do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (fleshly), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) . . . bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:3-5).

Thought for Today:

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21).
Christ Revealed:

Through the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and Pharaoh (Deut. 26:. Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (Gal. 1:3-4).
Word Studies:

24:3 hate =dislike; 24:4 abomination =detestable; 24:10 pledge = loan, security; 25:1 unto judgment =to court; 25:13 divers =different; 26:5 sojourned =swelled temporarily; 26:6 evil entreated us =treated us harshly; bondage =cruel slavery; 26:10 set =offer; 26:14 in my mourning =in distress, defiled ceremonially; hearkened =listened; 26:18 peculiar people =treasured possession; 26:19 holy =consecrated; 27:11 charged =commanded; 27:15 an abomination = detestable thing; 27:16 setteth light by =disgraces, dishonors; 27:19 perverteth the judgment =denies justice or the rights; 27:24 smiteth =strikes, kills; 27:25 taketh reward =accepts a bribe; 27:26 confirmeth not =ails to live by word of this Law.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rev. Al Joslyn • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Country: Benin (6 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and tribal languages • Some hostility toward Christians • 59% animism and voodoo; 17% Muslim; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask according to the will of God and you will receive (John 16:24).
Optional Reading: Luke 24

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-6

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 28

Highlights:

This powerful chapter has been used by the Holy Spirit to bring many to receive Christ as their Savior as well as to warn of the destruction of those who ignore Him.
Verses for Today:

If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to . . . do all His Commandments. . . . The Lord shall open unto thee His good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in His season, and to bless all the work of thine hand (Deut. 28:1,12).
The Israelites' enjoyment of His good treasure was inseparably linked with obedience to the Word of God. God bestows His good treasure of blessings on all who read His Word with a desire to know His will — that we might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10).

When we delight in His ways and pray: Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy Law (Ps. 119:18), we will experience the greatest satisfaction.

Moses further warned: If thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all His Commandments. . . . The Lord shall make the pestilence (disease) cleave unto thee. . . . The Lord shall smite thee . . . . thou shalt not prosper in thy ways (Deut. 28:15,21-22,29).

Almost four times as many verses warn of the consequences of disobedience than of the blessings for obedience. The obvious conclusion of the Word of God is that each sin has a consequence — and it definitely does. However, this fact can also be misapplied, as in the case when Jesus' disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest (revealed) in him (John 9:2-3). What seemed to be a curse became a blessing, for it brought this man to his Savior. This points out that not all suffering is the result of sin and not all wealth and good health are necessarily a blessing from God. Consider the rich young ruler who chose to keep his wealth; it kept him from denying self and becoming a follower of Jesus (Matt. 19:16-22).

Victory over our present-day "Canaanite" giants — the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:16) — is achieved, not because of our abilities or lack of them but because of our desire to do the will of God. Overcoming power is found in cooperating with the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. We too can say: I can do all things (that He calls me to do) through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).

Thought for Today:

Keep My Commandments, and live; and My Law as the apple of thine eye (Prov. 7:2).
Christ Portrayed:

As the One from whom our blessings come (Deut. 28:1-2). Blessed be . . . God . . . who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings . . . in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Word Studies:

28:4 fruit of thy body =children; fruit of thy ground =produce; 28:7 smitten =struck, defeated; 28:13 observe =guard with your life and obey, the same Hebrew word translated keep in many places; 28:20 vexation =confusion, frustration, trouble; 28:21 pestilence =disease; consumed =destroyed; 28:23 iron =unproductive; 28:26 fray =scare; 28:28 madness =insanity; astonishment of heart =bewilderment; 28:29 spoiled =robbed, exploited; 28:32 fail with longing =yearn, suffer emotionally; 28:33 eat up =take away; 28:40 coasts =territory, borders; 28:41 go into captivity =be taken as slaves; 28:43 within thee =living among you; 28:44 head =vhief, leader; 28:46 seed =descendants; 28:48 a yoke of iron =oppression; 28:50 regard =respect; 28:52 fenced =fortified; 28:53 straitness =hardship; 28:56 tender =young, timid; delicate =weak; evil =hostile; 28:58 fear =have reverential heartfelt submission to and respect for; fearful =awe-inspiring; 28:59 plagues =diseases, disasters; wonderful =extraordinarily great; 28:68 bondmen =sale slaves.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Country: Bhutan (2 million) in the eastern Himalayas of central Asia • Major languages: Tibetan and Nepalese dialects • Public worship, evangelism, and proselytization are illegal • 50-70% Buddhist; 24-45% Hindu; 5% Muslim; <1% Protestant/Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christians would be united as Christ and God are one (John 17:11,21).
Optional Reading: John 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-6

[Judy Harder]

   Bible Pathways

Thursday, March 11, 2010 

Read Deuteronomy 29 -- 31

Highlights:

Moses begins his last words to Israel. He reviews their past, once more clearly emphasizing the blessings of obedience. He pleads with them: Choose life (Deut. 30:19).
Verses for Today:

Keep therefore the words of this Covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. . . . That He may establish thee to day for a people unto Himself, and that He may be unto thee a God . . . as He hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob (Deut. 29:9,13).
The Creator chose the small Israelite nation through whom He would reveal Himself as the One True God. Moses continued to warn the people of the consequences of disregarding their Covenant responsibilities to the One True God: Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations (29:18).

The chosen people of God confirmed their Covenant with God by promising to keep it. The Covenant was a lifetime to love the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, and keep His Commandments . . . the Lord thy God shall bless thee. . . . I have set before you life and death . . . therefore choose life (30:16-19).

When the Israelites entered the promised land, they were surrounded by influences that would test their loyalty to the One True God. They were faced with people who seemed to have "advantages" such as chariots for war and an "attractive" religious system with images they could see and touch. The Israelites would be tempted to depart from loyalty to God. In one of Joshua's last messages, he proclaimed: When ye . . . have gone and served other gods . . . then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land (Josh. 23:16). Israel's One True God is our God. There is no other. Israel's Messiah is our Savior. There is no other. Christians are also the people of God by a far more precious Covenant (Heb. 8:6) than that of Abraham, and we too are tempted by the many false gods that surround us.

As the nations of the world become our near neighbors, some people are deceived into assuming that the false gods of these nations are the One True God who are called by another name and that their religions are some of the many ways to worship the Almighty God. But all worshipers of these false gods reject that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).

Thought for Today:

Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth, that We should be a kind of firstfruit of His creatures (James 1:18).
Christ Revealed:

As life (Deut. 30:15). Jesus is The Resurrection, and The Life (John 11:25).
Word Studies:

29:17 abominations =detestable things; 30:3 turn thy captivity =restore you from captivity; 30:4 unto the outmost parts of (under) heaven =to the ends of earth; 30:9 plenteous =prosperous; 30:18 denounce =announce; 30:19 record =witness; 31:10 solemnity =appointed time; 31:12 stranger =foreigner; 31:14 charge =commission; 31:16 go a whoring after the gods of the strangers =be unfaithful to the One True God; 31:17 devoured =consumed, destroyed; 31:21 sware =romised.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Ben Wallace • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Officials: Sen. Tom Coburn (OK), Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), and Justice Antonin Scalia • Country: Bolivia (8 million) in South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Religious freedom • 92% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant; 3% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that you would be sanctified through the truth of the Word of God (John 17:17).
Optional Reading: John 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-6