Inspiration

[Judy Harder]

March 3
Read Deuteronomy 5 -- 7

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The Ten Commandments are of utmost importance. They are the foundation of all our laws today. The old enemy Satan desperately attempts to remove them from sight today, but consider, they are the only portion of our Bible written by the finger of God (Ex. 31:18).
Moses anticipated the pitfalls that prosperity would bring once the Israelites inherited the land of plenty: When the Lord . . . give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not . . . beware lest thou forget the Lord (6:10-12). The Lord knew they would be tempted to satisfy their worldly desires instead of keeping the Word of God.

Our Lord reveals that true wealth is spiritual and consists of what we are and not what we have. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit (Rom. 8:5). We are warned: Beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15). The 10th Commandment covers this temptation by saying: Neither shalt thou desire . . . any thing that is thy neighbour's (Deut. 5:21). Any desire to have what belongs to another is covetousness. We are to be content with what God has entrusted to us. It is easier to weep with those who weep than to rejoice with those who have gained more blessings than we have.

Moses warned the Israelites not to forget how God had miraculously delivered them from Egyptian slavery and provided for their every need during their wilderness journey.

Moses told the Israelites that the purpose of God for leading them into the wilderness was, among other things, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these Commandments before the Lord our God, as He hath commanded us (Deut. 6:24-25).

Heartfelt submission turns every trial into a blessing and it helps us guard against pride when we enjoy prosperity or avoid covetousness when we are in need.

Because the Lord loved you, and because He would keep the oath which He had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you . . . from . . . Pharaoh. . . . Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His Commandments (Deut. 7:8-9).

Thought for Today:

The Word of God teaches us not to trust in our own ability (flesh), but to lean on Him (Prov. 3:5-7). When all is going well, we tend to forget God.
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 judgments =laws; 5:2 covenant =binding agreement with qualifications given by God; 6:21 bondmen =slaves; 6:22 sore =terrible; 7:6 above =out of; 7:13 fruit =children; fruit =crops; 7:16 consume =destroy; 7:25 graven images =carved wooden idols; snared =trapped; abomination =detestable, hated thing; 7:26 a cursed thing =set apart for destruction.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Helayne Adams • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Jim Marshall (GA) • Country: Central African Republic (3 million) in the center of the African continent • Major languages: French and Sangho • Religious freedom • 47% Protestant; 34% Roman Catholic; 12% animist; 3% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for the Lord to give you the right words to share Christ with others (Matt. 10:18-20).
Optional Reading: Luke 18

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11

[Judy Harder]

March 4
Read Deuteronomy 8 -- 10

Highlights In Today's Reading:

You'll find inspiring reading in these three chapters as we discover "gems" from our Heavenly Father: The purpose of God is given for all His laws for Israel (8:1); there's a Divine promise included (9:3); and more!
Moses reminded the new generation of the faithlessness of their parents (9:7-24). Forty years before, Israel had sworn allegiance to God and vowed to obey His commands (Ex. 24:3,7). Instead, they chose to worship a golden calf in Horeb (Deut. 9:.

Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his Commandments. . . . Lest when thou hast eaten and art full . . . thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up (conceit, self-dependence) . . . And thou say in thine heart (not to others), My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth (accepting credit for achievements when God alone is responsible for all our abilities) (8:11-14,17). Jesus also said:Beware of covetousness (Luke 12:15) since it is extremely deceptive.

Now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thythy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul (not just on Saturday or Sunday), To keep the Commandments of the Lord . . . for thy good? (Deut. 10:12-13). Thou shalt fear the Lord thythy God; Him shalt thou serve, and to Him shalt thou cleave, and swear by His Name. He is thy praise, and He is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible (awe-inspiring) things, which thine eyes have seen (10:20-21). It is all summed up in fearing the Lord. The fear of God is reverential heartfelt submission to the greatness of God and His authority. Our Lord is the Creator of heaven and earth, so we owe Him our unconditional submission.

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart (Deut. 10:16) means that all lusts must be subdued, of which selfishness is the center. When God becomes supreme in our hearts, all that interferes in any way with His purposes must be overcome, no matter how painful the process may be.

The Lord your God is . . . Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible (awesome, marvelous) (10:17).

Because of who God is, Christians are called to do no less today than Israel was commanded to do. Jesus said . . . Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Matt. 22:37; Deut. 6:5).

Thought for Today:

The person who has a fear of God will have a wisdom that far exceeds anything this world has to offer (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; 8:12 full =satisfied; 8:14 thine heart be lifted =you become proud; 8:18 establish His covenant =confirm His agreement with His qualifications; 9:1 fenced =walled; 9:5 perform the word =accomplish His promise; 9:6 stiffnecked =stubborn; 9:26 a mighty hand =strength; 10:6 stead =place; 10:8 separated =set apart; 10:15 seed =descendants.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Gov. Rick Perry (TX) and Rep. Christopher Smith (NJ) • Country: Chad (7 million) in north-central Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 35% Muslim; 31% animist; 11% Protestant; 5% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Unite with others in prayer; God will bring your request to pass (Matt. 18:19-20).
Optional Reading: Luke 19

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11

[Judy Harder]

March 5
Read Deuteronomy 11 -- 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Just think! We are to cleave (cling, adhere to) (11:22) unto the Lord! Today's reading makes you think! We're told to choose between conforming to the Word of God and enjoying His blessing or conforming to worldly standards inspired by Satan and cheating ourselves out of the blessings of God. Don't miss out (12:28).
Children never instinctively develop a godly character since we are all born with a sinful nature. Therefore, parents are required to take every opportunity to lay up these My words in your heart. . . . and teach them (to) your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. . . . ye shall diligently keep all these Commandments . . . to do them, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cleave unto Him. . . . Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the Commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the Commandments (11:18-19,22,26-28). This calls for diligent teaching of biblical truths day after day. We are living in the most secular age ever known.

Today, as never before, we have been caught up in the spirit of this age and unconciously have been conditioned by secular education and the prevailing materialistic philosophy of life. To withstand the modern onslaught of worldliness in our homes, we must faithfully teach our children the Word of God. We dare not let them just have their way.

"Dear Lord, I do not ask that thou shouldst give me some high work of Thine, some noble calling, or some wondrous task.

"Give me a little hand to hold in mine. Give me a little child to point the way over the strange sweet path that leads to Thee.

"Give me a little voice to teach to pray. Give me two shining eyes Thy face to see.

"The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to wear is this: That I may teach a little child. I do not ask that I may ever stand among the wise, the worthy, or the great.

"I only ask that, softly, hand in hand, a child and I may enter at the gate." (Author Unknown)

Moses . . . said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this Law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life (Deut. 32:45-47).

Thought for Today:

Most people would not think of abusing a child, but we truly abuse our children when we neglect to teach them the Word of God.
Christ Revealed:

Through the burnt offerings which were totally consumed. These typified Christ's total offering of Himself to death (Deuteronomy 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 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; 11:29 goest to possess =about to occupy; 12:2 possess =conquer; 12:5 habitation =dwelling; 12:9 the rest =the resting place; inheritance =possessions; 12:15 lusteth after =covets, desires; 12:26 holy =consecrated; vows =pledges; 12:29 cut off =destroy; 12:30 snared =trapped; 13:3 proveth =tests; 13:13 Be'lial =worthlessness, evil; 13:15 smite =strike; 13:16 spoil =plunder; 13:17 multiply thee =increase your numbers; 13:18 hearken =listen and obey; eyes =sight
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Arabic, English, & Spanish International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Tim Holden (PA) and Rep. Todd Platts (PA) • Country: Chile (15 million) on the southwestern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 73% Catholic; 20% Protestant; 1% Other; 6% None • Prayer Suggestion: Remember, what is impossible with men is possible with God (Matt. 19:26).
Optional Reading: Luke 20

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11

[Judy Harder]

March 6
Read Deuteronomy 14 -- 16

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Nutritionists say: We are what we eat. God makes a clear distinction between what is clean and unclean food. And what is this about charging interest on a loan to another Israelite? We see again in the month of Abib (March/April) the blessed Passover celebrated, foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work on the cross as the ultimate Sacrifical Lamb.
The principle of tithing was made known through Abraham (Gen. 14:18-20), the Father of the Faithful, over six hundred years before the laws of giving were revealed to Moses (Lev. 27:30-31). Jacob also tithed to acknowledge his gratitude to God, the Provider of all his blessings (Gen. 28:20-22). In the time of Moses, this principle was finally put into writing: Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year (Deut. 14:22).

The Law commanded the Israelites to present their tithes to God, but no legal penalty was stated for those who failed to do so. The giving of the tithe was a testimony of love for God and an acknowledgment that He is truly the owner of all things. This offering was to be a voluntary expression of love. But the blessings of God would be withheld from all who selfishly withheld their tithes, whether rich or the poor.

God asks the question: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me. . . . Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse (Mal. 3:8-10). To Israel, their only place to bring their tithes and offerings was the Temple. For the Church, Christ's Body on earth, tithes should be given to support the ministry of the Word and where one receives spiritual nurturing through the Word of God.

However, the Israelites were warned that by failing to tithe, they would not only be robbing God, but it would result in financial losses, through crop failure (3:11).

Surely, the principle of love should cause Christians to give offerings even more than was required under the Old Law. Our gifts to the Lord are a means of expressing our love and faith to Him. At the same time, a giving spirit is a safeguard against covetousness, which is idolatry (Col. 3:5). Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for every Christian to have a part in the ministry of the Word of God throughout the world.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful (prompt, willing) giver (II Cor. 9:7).

Thought for Today:

Giving to God should not be done just to receive a blessing, but it certainly is a blessing to be able to give to the Ministry of God.
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 (Matthew 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; 14:25 turn =exchange; 14:26 bestow =spend for whatever you desire; 15:1 release =forgiveness of debts; 15:4 Save =except; 15:5 hearken =listen and obey; 15:9 be evil =hold grudge, be hostile; 15:10 not be grieved =have no regrets; 15:11 open thine 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 just =that is right.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Sen. Christopher Bond (MO) • Country: China, Mainland (1.242 billion) in eastern Asia • Major languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect) • Renewed persecution of the Church • 16% Asian (including Fulun Gong); 8% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; number of Christians unknown but growing; 10% Atheist • Prayer Suggestion: Pray with great faith and the Lord will answer (Matt. 21:22).
Optional Reading: Luke 21

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11

[Judy Harder]

March 7
Read Deuteronomy 17 -- 20

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Even kings are not above the laws of God as revealed in His Word. Every Israelite king was commanded to read the Law of God (the Five Books of Moses) all the days of his life (17:19). See how to know if a prophet is true or false (18:22).
The Canaanites were idolaters who worshiped false gods inspired by Satan. They became involved in many sins that God hates. God warned the Israelites: When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one . . . that useth divination (fortunetellers), or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits (from the dead). . . . For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God (18:9-13).

The Israelites were not motivated by selfish aggression or greed to enter and possess Canaan. Judgment against the wicked Canaanites was already pronounced by God. The Israelites were just the instruments God used to execute His judgment upon them.

Christians are also in a warfare, but our spiritual battle is against a far greater enemy than the Canaanites. Satan, the enemy of our souls, seeks to defeat, defile, and destroy every true worshiper of the One True God (John 10:10; I Pet. 5:.

Moses foretold of the coming Messiah Jesus: The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken. . . . And the Lord said. . . . I . . . will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. And . . . whosoever will not hearken unto My words . . . I will require it of him (meaning: "I will hold him responsible for his thoughts and actions) (Deut. 18:15,17-19). In order to fulfill the will of God during our spiritual warfare, we are commanded to put on the whole armour of God (not an option), that (we) may be able to stand against the wiles (deceptions) of the devil (Eph. 6:11).

If we hold up the shield of faith and use our defensive weapon of prayer and supplication in the Spirit while wielding our offensive weapon of the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (6:16-18) we have the promise of the Lord: Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you (James 4:7-8).

Thought for Today:

God has provided us with spiritual weapons, but it takes practice to know how to use them. Just like using a sword, reading the Word of God only once is not enough.
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).
Word Studies:

17:2 transgressing His covenant =sinful conduct; 17:4 wrought =done; 17:12 presumptuously =arrogantly, haughtily; hearken unto =listen to and obey; 17:15 stranger =foreigner; 18:3 due =right; 18:6 sojourned =has been residing; 18:8 like =equal; patrimony =father's estate; 18:10 maketh . . . to pass through the fire =burns his child alive as an offering to an idol; divination =enchantment; 18:11 familiar spirits, wizard, necromancer =various activities of fortunetelling, consulting the dead, etc.; 18:13 perfect =blameless; 19:4 ignorantly =inintentionally; 19:5 helve =handle; lighteth =strikes; 19:18 make diligent inquisition =investigate thoroughly; 20:11 tributaries =forced laborers
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Rep. Jason Altmire (PA), Rep. Brian Baird (WA), and Rep. Elton Gallegly (CA) • Country: Colombia (38.6 million) in northwestern South America • Major language: Spanish • New government has declared religious freedom • 93% Catholic; 4% Protestant; .5% Tibal; .2% Muslim; .1% Baha'i; .1% Jewish; 2.1% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matt. 26:41).
Optional Reading: Luke 22

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11

[Judy Harder]

March 8
Read Deuteronomy 21 -- 23

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Read about laws, rules, regulations, and responsibilities to help the Israelites fulfill the purpose of God to preserve the cleanliness, integrity, and holiness of the promised land.
When an Israelite built a house, he was required to put a railing around the flat roof to protect anyone from accidentally falling off the roof, which was often used as a sunporch or a patio. This was not an option, but was required. God had said: When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence (22:. This railing, called a battlement, is symbolic of our responsibility to be our brother's keeper (Gen. 4:9).

If the Lord is that concerned in the building of a mere house to ensure the physical well-being of its neighbors, surely Christians should be concerned about making certain that their opportunities to help others are not overlooked.

This same principle of being concerned for the welfare of others is taught in the New Testament: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves (Rom. 15:1). This is also illustrated in the parable of our Lord concerning the rich man who ignored his responsibility to share his good things with Lazarus. Jesus said: There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame (Luke 16:19-24).

In addition to acts of charity, Christians will influence others by example in their conduct. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak (Rom. 14:21).

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

Thought for Today:

This world believes that it is "every man for himself." This selfish principle is never taught in the Word of God.
Christ Revealed:

Christ died on a cross in our place, submitting to the penalty of death imposed by the Law for our sins (Deut. 21:23). 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 =ploughed; 21:5 stroke =assault; 21:12 pare =trim; 21:13 bewail =mourn; 21:15 hated =unloved; 22:3 hide thyself =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 =wine; 22:25 force =rape; 22:30 discover =uncover; 23:1 stones =testicles; 23:13 paddle =spade; 23:19 usury =interest.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Comoros (563,000) in the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean • Major languages: Shaafi Islam (Swahili dialect) and Malagasy • Limited religious freedom • 99.7% Muslim; .2% Roman Catholic/Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith and the Lord will answer (Mark 11:24).
Optional Reading: Luke 23

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:12

[Judy Harder]

March 9
Read Deuteronomy 24 -- 27

Highlights In Today's Reading:

It may seem amazing how God arranges the blessings at Mount Gerizim with Jacob's six children by his two wives. The curses at Mount Ebal are predominantly pronounced by the children of his concubines. The blessings reveal the result of obedience and faithfulness. The curses are the result of disobeying the Word of God! Take note of the Law of the offering of firstfruits given here.
From the day of Moses to the reign of David, the Amalekites, descendants of Esau, were cruel enemies of Israel (Ps. 83:1-7). These perpetual enemies made a fierce attack on the Israelites at Rephidim near Mount Sinai soon after the exodus from Egypt (Ex. 17:8-16).

Many years later, God said to the new generation: Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt. . . . Therefore . . . when the Lord thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies . . . in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance . . . thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven (25:17,19).

Love was to be Israel's guiding principle, but the love of God was not to be interpreted as sentimental weakness or indifference toward lawlessness.

The principle of justice is based on the unchangeable nature of God and should be the desire of every Christian. The righteousness of God requires justice. Evildoers are to be dealt with according to their crimes.

Israel illustrates how the people of God are guided by the Spirit of God and the Amalekites picture the old Adamic nature motivated by Satan that can often hinder Christians. Paul explains how our old sinful nature still exists and tempts us to fail in fulfilling the will of God: I delight in the Law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members (Rom. 7:22-23). Reckon . . . yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof (6:11-12).

Just as God commanded Moses to destroy the sinful Amalekites, we are to allow our sin nature to be destroyed. Our old man is crucified with Him (Christ), that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (Rom. 6:6).

Thought for Today:

A person will not be a Christian long before he realizes that his old nature is a powerful enemy.
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; 24:12 not sleep with his pledge =not keep it overnight; 24:15 hire =wages; 24:18 bondman =slave; 25:1 controversy =dispute; unto judgment =to court; 25:4 treadeth =brushes; corn =grain; 25:5 without unto a stranger =outside the family; 25:11 secrets =genitals; 25:13 divers =different; 26:5 sojourned =lived as a temporary immigrant; 26:6 evil entreated us =treated us harshly; bondage =cruel slavery; 26:10 set =offer; 26:14 mourning =distress, defilement; ought =any; hearkened =listened; 26:18 peculiar people =treasured possession; 26:19 make thee high =make you supreme; holy =consecrated; 27:11 charged =commanded; 27:15 an abomination = detestable thing; 27:16 setteth light by =disgraces, dishonors; 27:17 landmark =boundary marker; 27:18 maketh =misdirects; 27:19 perverteth =denies justice; 27:24 smiteth =strikes, kills; 27:25 taketh reward =accepts a bribe; 27:26 confirmeth =upholds the terms.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. Duane A. Estey • Staff: Tammy Davis • Government Official: Rep. Vito Fossella (NY) • Country: Congo, Republic of the (2 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: French and Lingala • Limited religious freedom, but government hostility has lessened • 41% Roman Catholic; 20% fetishism and belief in ancestral spirits; 17% Protestant; 9% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior was born (Luke 2:11).
Optional Reading: Luke 24

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:12

[Judy Harder]

March 10
Read Deuteronomy 28

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Pay special attention to this powerful chapter that 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.
Moses' final appeal to the Israelite nation was to make them understand that their security in Canaan depended upon being submissive to God: Hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God . . . to do all His Commandments . . . And all these blessings shall come on thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God (28:1-2). Then he solemnly warned them of the consequences of sin: Because thou servedst not the Lord with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart . . . Therefore shall thou serve thine enemies . . . in hunger . . . and in want of all things. . . . And the Lord shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other. . . . And among these nations shalt thou find no ease . . . but the Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and . . . sorrow of mind: And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life (28:47-48,64-66).

Many have never realized the relationship that obedience to God has to contentment and enjoyment of life. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding. . . . to fear the Lord our God, for our good always. . . . Therefore shall ye keep all the Commandments . . . that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land. . . . Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you . . . which ye shall command your children to observe to do. . . . because it is your life (4:6; 6:24; 11:8; 32:46-47).

Jesus declared: He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest (disclose) Myself to him (John 14:21).

A seed will sprout in low-quality soil, but will not grow into a healthy and useful plant unless the soil in which it grows has the necessary nutrients. The same thing is true spiritually. Just as plants need good soil to produce, we need spiritual nourishment from the Word of God. The person who lives a victorious Christian life sets aside time every day for reading the Bible, praying, and fellowshipping with God to receive this nourishment.

If ye know these things, happy (blessed) are ye if ye do them (John 13:17).

Thought for Today:

Many people feel that being submissive is a sign of weakness, but the children of God know that obedience to the Word of God is the source of their strength.
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; fruit of thy cattle =offspring; 28:7 smitten =struck, defeated; 28:11 plenteous =abundant; 28:13 observe =obey; 28:14 go aside =turn aside, deviate; 28:20 vexation =confusion, frustration; 28:21 pestilence =disease; consumed =destroyed; 28:23 iron =unproductive; 28:26 fray them away =scare them off; 28:27 botch =possibly boils; emerods =possibly ulcers or tumors; 28:28 madness =insanity; astonishment of heart =bewilderment; 28:29 spoiled =robbed, exploited; 28:32 fail with longing =yearn for, suffer emotionally; 28:33 eat up =take away; 28:38 consume =devour; 28:40 coasts =territory, borders; cast =crop off before ripe; 28:41 go into captivity =be taken as slaves; 28:43 within thee =living among you; 28:44 head =chief, leader; 28:46 seed =descendants; 28:48 a yoke of iron =oppression; 28:49 tongue =language; 28:50 regard =respect; 28:52 fenced =fortified; 28:53 straitness =hardship; 28:55 distress =oppress; 28:56 tender =young; delicate =weak; evil =hostile; 28:58 fear => have reverential heartfelt submission to; fearful =awe-inspiring; 28:59 plagues =diseases; wonderful =great; 28:67 even =right; 28:68 bondmen =male slaves.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts to Bangladesh sponsored by Shirley Johnson Evangelist/Missionary • English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Clarita Talbot • Staff: Rita Guerra • Country: Costa Rica (4 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom is increasing • 90% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for (not against) your enemies (Luke 6:28).
Optional Reading: John 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:12

[Judy Harder]

March 11
Read Deuteronomy 29 -- 31

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Moses begins his last words to the Israelite nation. He reviews their past, one more time clearly emphasizing the blessings of obedience and warning of the consequences of disobedience. He pleads with them: Choose life (30:19).
Joshua had been a faithful servant of Moses, and God prepared him to take Moses' place of leadership. God always uses people whom He can trust to be loyal even under difficult situations to join with those who choose to be obedient to the will of God. Joshua is particularly remembered as one of the two spies who declared his faith in the power of God to conquer Canaan when the majority were ready to stone him (Num. 14:6-10).

In the face of strong opposition to entering the promised land by the Israelites who were delivered from Egypt, Joshua and Caleb remained faithful as Moses' most trusted and valiant generals. In this first battle after their freedom from Pharaoh, the Israelites were confronted with the Amalekites and Joshua (the victorious military general) discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword (Ex. 17:8-16). And now, after many years of loyalty, Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it (Deut. 31:7).

In the midst of a people who grumbled and found fault with the things and people God brought into their lives, Joshua's remarkable faithfulness was not marred by a single act of unbelief, criticism of Moses, or faultfinding with those around him; along with Caleb, he wholly followed the Lord (Num. 32:12). It is no surprise that the Lord told Moses: Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thine hand (and your blessings) upon him (27:18).

Many Christians, in order to receive personal gain, have compromised their convictions and proved to be disloyal. But loyalty is a distinguishing characteristic of people who are faithful to God.

Moses did as the Lord commanded him. . . . The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a . . . friend (Lev. 8:4; Num. 27:22; Ex. 33:11). Of Abraham, the Friend of God (James 2:23), the Lord said: I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him (Gen. 18:19).

Thought for Today:

A faithful person can be trusted to handle things of value correctly. Often God cannot trust us with His blessings because of our lack of faithfulness to Him.
Christ Revealed:

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

29:4 perceive =know; 29:17 abominations =detestable things; 29:20 smoke =ablaze; 29:29 secret =hidden; 30:1 call them to mind =remember them; 30:3 turn thy captivity =restore you from captivity; 30:4 unto the outmost parts =to the ends of earth; 30:9 plenteous =prosperous; 30:18 denounce =announce; 30:19 record =witness; 31:3 possess =take possession of; 31:10 solemnity =appointed time; 31:12 stranger =alien; 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; 31:18 wrought =done; 31:21 sware = promised; 31:27 stiff neck =stubbornness.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts to India sponsored by Shirley Johnson Evangelist/Missionary • Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Paul & Linda Stalter • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Officials: Sen. Tom Coburn (OK), Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), and Justice Antonin Scalia • Country: Cote d'Ivoire (16 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and over 60 native dialects • Religious freedom • 40% animist; 25% Muslim; 10% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's teaching; grow and mature in your prayer life (Luke 11:1).
Optional Reading: John 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:12

[Judy Harder]

March 12
Read Deuteronomy 32 -- 34

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Rather prophetic, the Song of Moses (32:1-43) begins by scolding Israel and warns against provoking God. Don't miss "The Words of Life" and how to prolong your days (32:46-47)! Think about the strange end of the great lawgiver of the Hebrew people. He is not allowed to enter the promised land nor to be honored with 40 or more days of mourning as were Jacob and Joseph (Gen. 50:2-4,10,26).
The heat of the sun and the dew of night may seem far apart and opposed to each other but, unaided by human hands, they work together to produce a harvest. Who hears the dew fall or waits to see this spectacular event? In dry seasons and in darkness it comes unobserved and refreshes the grass. It does not come in sweeping torrential showers but descends gently and softly during the dark of night when we are not aware that it is falling. However, in the morning, everything is refreshed and prepared for the heat of the day.

To illustrate an important truth, God has chosen the insignificant but very important dew. Moses began his song: Hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew (Deut. 32:1-2). Then Moses blessed the tribes. And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the Lord be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew. . . . Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also His heavens shall drop down dew (33:13,28).

The purpose of the dew is to maintain life during dry seasons. Only living things benefit from the dew. It does nothing for stones nor dead leaves but is spontaneously absorbed by wilted plants. Dryness of spirit is always a cause for alarm; darkness is not, for you need not see what tomorrow will bring. Days of meditation in the Word of God will refresh and influence very gently and as unnoticed as the dew in the darkest night, it will bring life back to a dry soul.

Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this Law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life (32:46-47).

Whoso looketh into the perfect law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25).

Thought for Today:

Never worry nor fear; God knows how to prepare us for the tests and trials that come each day. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself (Matt. 6:34).
Christ Revealed:

As our Rock (Deut. 32:31). Christ was that spiritual Rock (Petra) that followed (accompanied) them (I Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies:

32:3 publish =proclaim; 32:19 abhorred =despised; 32:20 froward =disloyal; 32:41 whet =sharpen; 32:44 Hoshe'a =Joshua; 33:9 covenant =agreement; 33:15 lasting =everlasting; 33:28 corn =grain; 33:29 tread upon their high places =trample down their heathen altars; 34:2 utmost sea =Mediterranean; 34:6 sepulchre =grave; 34:7 abated =lessened; 34:12 great terror =marvelous deeds.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts to Malaysia sponsored by Paul & Linda Stalter • Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Virginia Gardenhire • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Sen. Kent Conrad (ND) and Gov. Mitt Romney (MA) • Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious freedom • 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Luke 11:3).
Optional Reading: John 3

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:12