Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Sept. 11, 2009

Read Ezekiel 37 -- 39

Highlights In Today's Reading:

All of us are just dry, dead bones, dead in trespasses and sin (Eph. 2:1) until God fills us with eternal life (37:13-14). Like Job, the latter end of Israel will be far greater than before (37:24-28). You need to know verses 38:23 and 39:25.
Ezekiel recorded: The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones (37:1,3,9; 39:11). The bones were very dry, having been there for some time. Ezekiel was asked: Son of man, can these bones live? Ezekiel heard the call: O, ye dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord; then the cry: Our hope is lost: we are cut off; and then the Good News: Ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I . . . shall put My Spirit in you (37:3-4,11,13-14). The remaining Israelites in captivity were the pitiful remnant of the once glorious united nation of 12 tribes under King David. Furthermore, there appeared to be no hope of restoration. Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed their nation.

However, they were not buried. Ezekiel continued to prophesy: There was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his (its) bone (37:7). The dry, lifeless, scattered bones became complete skeletons, and then bodies, but still without physical or spiritual life. God commanded and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army (37:10).

God revealed, through Ezekiel, that the Israelites would return to the land of promise. I will . . . bring you into the land of Israel. . . . and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land (37:12). God has a merciful and glorious purpose for restoring the Kingdom of Israel that will fulfill His promises to Abraham and David concerning Israel's Messiah King. They will hear the Word of the Lord and will recognize Jesus as their Messiah and God will put His Spirit in them.

All mankind is in the valley of death. The valley of dry bones illustrates mankind's moral and spirtual condition apart from the life-giving, transforming power of the Holy Spirit. We too must recognize the inability of our efforts to earn our way to heaven and hopelessness of our self-righteousness.

The eternal life from God is made possible when we believe His Word, repent of our sins, and receive Christ as our Savior and Lord with the intent of living in obedience to Him (Rom. .

Jesus said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep My saying, he shall never see death (John 8:51)

Thought for Today:

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore (Ps. 121:.
Christ Revealed:

As the One who made possible our resurrection from the grave (Ezek. 37:12). The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout . . . and the dead in Christ shall rise first (I Thess. 4:13-18; also John 11:25; Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:

37:26 place them = settle and bless them; 38:19 shaking = earthquake; 39:6 carelessly = securely, undisturbed; 39:14 sever out men = select men; with the passengers = with the already-collected dead.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Sen. Daniel Akaka (HI), Rep. Brad Elsworth (IN), and Rep. Tim Murphy (PA) • 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: Ask the Lord to forgive your sins (Ps. 25:11).
Optional Reading: Revelation 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:29
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 12, 2009
Read Ezekiel 40 -- 42

Highlights In Today's Reading:

A spectacular Temple in which Jesus can dwell when He returns to earth to reign for a 1000 years is outlined in today's chapters.
Ezekiel's vision of dry bones assured the exiles that, at a future time, God would restore to them their promised land (chap. 37). The vision also foretold the final overthrow of all nations hostile to the people of God. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. . . . unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed (Gal. 3:7-8). In this way, God revealed Himself to the world (Ezek. 38 -- 39).

A few years after the vision of dry bones, Ezekiel received a vision of being brought into the land of Israel: In the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten . . . the hand of the Lord was upon me . . . and set me upon a very high mountain . . . and, behold, there was a man . . . (who) said unto me, son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee (40:1-5). Ezekiel looked far into the future and beheld a glorious Temple far more magnificent than even Solomon's Temple. But no instruction was given regarding who would build it or when. God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:9) and David gave detailed instructions to Solomon concerning the spectacular Temple he was to build. But no directions were given to Zerubabbel, Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra, Nehemiah, nor any biblical writer after them.

No Jewish Temple has existed in Jerusalem since AD 70, when the Romans destroyed Herod's Temple. Almost 2000 years have passed with no recovery of the Ark of the Covenant, representing the presence of God.

To Zechariah was given this great prophetic revelation: Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the Man whose Name is The BRANCH . . . and He shall build the Temple of the Lord: Even He shall build the Temple of the Lord; and He . . . shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne (Zech. 6:12-13). That magnificent structure awaits the return of Jesus who will rule for 1000 years on earth as both King and High Priest.

But Christ being come an High Priest . . . by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands . . . by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:11-12; John 4:21-24; Gal. 3:23-25; Col. 2:17).

Thought for Today:

O sing unto the Lord a new song; for He hath done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him victory (Ps. 98:1).
Christ Revealed:

Through the sacrifice (Ezek. 40:42). Jesus made the final once for all. . . . sacrifice for sins for ever (Heb. 10:10-12). Thus He became our only Mediator with God by dying for our sins. The patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. . . . And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation (9:23-28).
Word Studies:

40:17 thirty chambers were upon the pavement = 30 rooms faced this pavement terrace; 40:23 over against = opposite; 41:24 turning leaves = winged panels; 42:20 profane = unholy, common.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Sen. Sam Brownback (KS), Rep. Ben Chandler (KY), Rep. Michael McMahon (NY), and Rep. Henry Waxman (CA) • 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: Declare the wondrous works of God with thanksgiving (Ps. 26:6-7).
Optional Reading: Revelation 17

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:29
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 13, 2009   
Read Ezekiel 43 -- 45

Highlights In Today's Reading:

God is back! His glory fills the Temple once again (43:5)! The Holy Altar. Pay attention to God's rules (chap 44). God expects us to support His ministry (chap 45). Note especially the keeping of the Passover pointing to Christ's death on the cross (45:21-24).
At a time when the Israelites were helpless slaves in a heathen land and had only memories of their once glorious kingdom, Ezekiel again received a vision of a future Temple far greater than Solomon's. And, best of all, the presence and glory of the Lord was to return. Ezekiel was brought . . . to the gate . . . that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the east. . . . So the Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the House (43:1-2,4-5; 10:19; 11:22-23). This reminds us that the people of God must be holy for God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (I Thess. 4:7).

The Eastern Gate leads straight to the Temple entrance of the Eternal King, who proclaims: I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and My Holy Name, shall the house of Israel no more defile (Ezek. 43:7). The focus here is on the importance of holiness for us. We know from John's vision centuries later that there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 21:27).

Jesus Christ, the King of kings, will return to reign, and the glory of the Lord will once again fill the Temple (Ezek. 43:2,4-5). The Apostle John saw still further into the future to see that even this magnificent Temple would one day pass away. The new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:2) will have no Temple. And I (John) saw no Temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it (21:22).

Our foremost concern should be that our body, mind, and spirit be holy, for ye are the Temple of God, and . . . the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple are ye (I Cor. 3:16-17). The radiance of the indwelling of Christ seen in us will be in proportion to the freedom we give the Holy Spirit to express Himself through our lives. As we thirst after righteousness (Matt. 5:6), the Holy Spirit will enable us to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:5).

Thought for Today:

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold (Prov. 22:1).
Christ Revealed:

As the glory of the Lord (Ezek. 43:4). Jesus is the brightness of His glory (the glory of God), and the express image of His Person (Heb. 1:3).
Word Studies:

43:4 whose prospect is = which faces; 43:12 limit = the whole border, territory; 43:13 higher place of = height of; 43:14 settle = ledge on which the priests stood; 43:17 squares = sides; 44:18 bonnets = turbans, headdresses; 44:22 put away = divorced; 45:24 meat = grain/cereal/meal.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts for the week in Pakistan in honor of the Persecuted Christians in Asia and Africa • Government Officials: Rep. Lincoln Davis (TN) and Rep. Peter Roskam (IL) • 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: Seek the Lord in times of trouble; He will shelter you (Ps. 27:5).
Optional Reading: Revelation 18

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 14, 2009 
Read Ezekiel 46 -- 48

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Reminders of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see the Prince of Peace (chap. 46), the River of Healing (chap. 47) where He healed them all (Matt. 4:24; 8:16; 12:15; Luke 4:40; 6:19; 8:47), the land (chap. 48) with the Temple in the center (48:, and the Lord is there (48:35).
Ezekiel's final vision described the Temple as the House, its worshippers (chap. 40 -- 46), and boundaries (chap. 47 -- 48). Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the House; and . . . waters issued out . . . of the House eastward . . . on the right side (47:1-2). The blessings of eternal life are compared to an awesome endless life-giving river proceeding from the Throne of God and the Lamb and flowing to all the world.

The descriptions of the land and the city are very different from either ancient or modern Israel and Jerusalem. The most significant thing about the New Jerusalem, however, is its new name: The Lord is there (48:35), dwelling in their midst in an even more glorious manner. We can conclude that this is not just a simple description of the restoration of ancient Israel but the glorious future that God has planned for all those who personally receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Then, moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar, the new promised land during the millennial reign of our Lord is envisioned using terms which refer to the Old City, as well as some strikingly different terms.

We see not only a growing spiritual experience in the deepening of the river, but its power to heal (47:, provide life (47:9), and bring forth fruit (47:12). The Holy Spirit does this in the life of everyone who yields to Him. God has a pure River of Life for His children who have been redeemed. This life begins as a small stream from Christ, the Fountainhead, and continues to increase in its depth and preciousness as we walk in the Light of His Word.

This vision illuminates what our loving Father has provided for His people -- a pure river of water of life . . . for the healing of the nations. . . . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (Rev. 22:1-2,17; John 7:38). By His supernatural grace He brings abundance where desolation once existed. What better way to provide this than with a river that originates in the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb (Rev. 21:22) flowing through the barren land, making it miraculously productive. How well this is offered by our Lord, when, on that great day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of Living Water (John 7:37-38).

Thought for Today:

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even for ever (Ps. 125:2).
Christ Revealed:

Through the river of living waters and one of the names of God, Jehovah(Yahweh)-Shammah meaning: The Lord is there (Ezek. 47:1-12; 48:35; also Rev. 21 -- 22).
Word Studies:

46:7 as his hand shall attain unto =s much as he can afford; 46:24 places of them that boil =here the Temple servants are too boil the sacrifice; 47:2 utter gate =uter gate.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • 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: Ask the Lord to teach you His ways (Ps. 27:11).
Optional Reading: Revelation 19

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 15, 2009
Read Daniel 1 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Daniel's faith. Daniel is a prime example of teaching godly principles to every level of life. Beginning as a teenage captive (1:1-3), he will not defile himself (1:8-16). Declares wisdom is from God (2:19-28).
Daniel was chosen by Nebuchadnezzar for captivity as one of the children of Israel . . . in whom was no blemish . . . skilful in all wisdom . . . whom they might teach the learning and the tongue (language) of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat . . . so nourishing them three years (1:3-5). To create loyalty to Babylon, the prince of the eunuches . . . gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar (meaning Prince of Bel). . . . But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself (1:7-8) by eating food that was not scripturally clean. The prince agreed even though it could have been considered an act of rebellion against the king. When examined, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than anyone else (1:15,20).

In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled. . . . Then the king commanded . . . the Chaldeans . . . to shew the king his dreams. . . . They answered . . . the king . . . There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter (2:1-10). Daniel answered. . . . There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the King Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days (2:20,28).

Daniel explained that the great image (2:31) in Nebuchadnezzar's dream represented the kingdoms that would rule the world during what would be known as the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24). A Stone . . . cut out without (human) hands . . . smote the image upon his feet . . . and brake them to pieces. . . . and The Stone . . . became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth (Dan. 2:34-35).

The fact that the massive and awesome Stone was cut out without hands reveals its supernatural identity as The Stone (Jesus) which the builders rejected (Matt. 21:42). In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44).

Jesus Christ is the Messiah King (7:13-14) who shall regin for ever and ever (Rev. 11:15) and each of us is called upon to be loyal to His Word.

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer . . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

Thought for Today:

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's Name is to be praised (Ps. 113:3).
Christ Revealed:

As The Stone that smote the image (Dan. 2:35). The Stone is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:11; Eph. 2:20; I Pet. 2:4-8).
Word Studies:

1:4 Children in whom was no blemish = young men who were strong and healthy; 2:1 sleep brake from him = he was unable to sleep; 2:31 great image was terrible = dreadful, awesome, frightening; 3:19 the form of his visage = his facial expression ; 3:21 hosen = other garments.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Joe Barton (TX) and Rep. Mark Kirk (IL) • 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: Thank the Lord for hearing your prayers (Ps. 28:6-7).
Optional Reading: Revelation 20

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30 (KJV)
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 16, 2009
Read Daniel 4 -- 6

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Daniel interprets: Results (4:34-37). Writing on the wall. The importance of the Holiness of God (5:23-24). Jealousy brings attack on Daniel (6:6-9), who trusts God and is honored (6:10,22,28). God punishes (6:24). God praised (6:26-27).
Nebuchadnezzar had conquered nation after nation and built the most magnificent capital in the world. He became exceedingly proud of all his accomplishments and boasted: Is not this great Babylon, that I have built . . . for the honour of my majesty? . . . there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O King Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee (4:30-31).

At that moment God caused Nebuchadnezzar to lose his ability to reason. He was forced from his throne and ate grass like an ox for the next seven years (4:32-33). At the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and . . . praised and honoured Him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion . . . Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of Heaven . . . and those that walk in pride He is able to abase (4:34-37).

Pride also brought down Belshazzar near the end of the 70-year-long Jewish exile. At that time, he was entertaining the thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand (5:1) from the sacred golden vessels taken from the Lord's Temple in Jerusalem and in a drunken condition, he and his guests praised the gods of gold, and of silver (5:3-4).

Suddenly there was a miraculous handwriting on the wall. In fear, he called in his astrologers to interpret the message, but they were speechless. The queen reminded Belshazzar: There is a man . . . whom the King Nebuchadnezzar thy father . . . made master of the . . . Chaldeans . . . let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation (5:10-12). Belshazzar quickly called for Daniel who boldly proclaimed: Thou . . . hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of Heaven . . . God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it (5:22-26).

The actions of Belshazzar compare with those of some today who have been materially blessed above others but who disregard the Word of God and desecrate the Lord's day and His tithe by using both for selfish interest.

God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6; I Pet. 5:5)).

Thought for Today:

Blessings are upon the head of the just (Prov. 10:6).
Christ Portrayed:

By Daniel -- a stone was rolled across the mouth of the den of lions and set with the king's seal (Dan. 6:16-17). There was a stone rolled across the mouth of the cave where Jesus was buried and it too was set with an official seal (Matt. 27:63-66). As Daniel came forth unscathed, proclaiming the power of God to save, so, too, Jesus came forth from the dead proclaiming the saving power of God (Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:

4:11 the sight thereof to = its visibility extended to; 4:16 & 32 seven times = seven years; 5:5 against the candlestick = opposite the lampstand; 5:12 shewing of = rare ability of revealing the meaning of baffling riddles.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Officials: Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Rep. Dale Kildee (MI), and Rep. Eric Massa (NY) • 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: Sing praises to the Lord (Ps. 30:4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 21

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 17, 2009   
Read Daniel 7 -- 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

God reveals to Daniel what will happen in the future (7:1-14)! His first vision explained (7:15-28). His second vision explained (8:19-27). A loving Creator provides understanding (9:22-27).
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of a great image which represented the future world empires and their spectacular characteristics. These world empires would come in succession during the times of the Gentiles (2:1,31-45; Luke 21:24), beginning with Nebuchadnezzar and will end with the coming return of Christ. In Daniel's vision . . . the . . . winds of the heaven (political, social, and spiritual wickedness) strove upon the great sea (Dan. 7:2). And four great beasts came up from the sea (7:3), representing the same world empires in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2. They are seen in Daniel's vision as savage "beasts" motivated by vicious ambition, rising up out of the sea of humanity, and correspond to Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The sea and opposing winds represent competition and wars that exist among nations.

The first beast (Babylon) was like a lion, and had eagle's wings (Dan. 7:4) and represented Nebuchadnezzar's head of gold on the giant. The second beast, like to a bear . . . raised up itself on one side (7:5), represented Medo-Persia which would conquer Babylon. The one side refers to Persia's dominion over Media. The third beast, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl, represented the speed of conquest by Greece under Alexander the Great. The beast had also four heads (7:6). After his death, Alexander's kingdom was divided among his four generals.

The fourth beast was diverse from all the beasts . . . it had ten horns (ten kings) (7:7). Then Daniel stated: I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn . . . in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things (7:. The ten horns (7:24) correspond to the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar's great (giant) image (2:31) and represent a confederation of ten world rulers (Rev. 13:1-5; 17:12). The little horn symbolizes the power of this satanically-inspired man, the Antichrist. Triumphantly, the Stone (Jesus Christ) destroyed the image of the Gentile nations (Dan. 2:34-35; 7:13-14).

The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Thess. 1:7-8).

Thought for Today:

Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase (Ps. 85:12).
Christ Revealed:

As the Son of Man (Dan. 7:13-14). The truth of this vision was confirmed by our Lord as He spoke of His promised return. They shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matt. 24:30).
Word Studies:

7:25 wear out = to persecute with purpose of entire annihilation; 7:28 cogitations much troubled = bewildered thoughts; 8:7 choler = brutal rage; 8:24 wonderfully = astonishingly successful; 9:7 confusion of faces = look of shame; 9:25 wall = moat; 9:26 cut off = cut to death.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Officials: Sen. Charles Grassley (IA) and Rep. Gene Taylor (MS) • 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: Confess your sins to the Lord; He is quick to forgive (Ps. 32:5).
Optional Reading: Revelation 22

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 18, 2009
Read Daniel 10 -- 12

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Gabriel sent to Daniel but the prince of Persia withstood (a demonic force). It's war and every child of God is in it (10:11-13). The march of the kings, 1,2,3. (chap. 11). At the end, Michael the archangel appears and a time of great anguish follows. But read the promise to those whose names are written in the Book of Life (12:1).
The end of this present world history is near. It is evident by a study of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a spectacular giant (chap. 2) and Daniel's vision of the kingdoms of the world portrayed as four vicious beasts. The fourth beast was unnamed and had a horn with eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things (7:. The king . . . shall exalt himself. . . above every god, and . . . against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation (wrath of God) be accomplished . . . for he shall magnify himself above all (Dan. 11:36-37). The Apostle Paul referred to him as that man of sin (lawlessness) . . . the son of perdition (II Thess. 2:3). He is best known as the antichrist (I John 2:18-22; II John 1:7).

Preceding the Lord's return, there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time (Dan. 12:1). The prophet Zephaniah predicted the same time of trouble (Zeph. 3:8-9). Jeremiah also wrote of a period of tribulation: It is even the time of Jacob's trouble (Jer. 30:7; Zech. 12:2-3; Matt. 24:15-28; Rev. 12).

Jesus told His disciples: There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (sufferings). Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My Name's sake. . . . Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matt. 24:7-28). Until then, our ultimate goal should be not to be unduly concerned with the details of future events or, still worse, secular achievements; but it should be to read all of the Word of God with a supreme desire to become more like Christ each day so we may be changed into the same image (of Christ) from glory to glory (II Cor. 3:18).

The people that do know their God shall be strong (stand firm), and do exploits (be overcomers). . . . And they that be shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness (shall give forth light) as the stars for ever and ever (Dan. 11:32; 12:3).

Thought for Today:

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for Himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto Him (Ps. 4:3).
Christ Revealed:

As Him that liveth for ever (Dan. 12:7). As One of the Three expressed Persons of the Trinity, Jesus Christ always has been and always will be. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58). I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, saith the Lord (Jesus Christ), which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8, also 4:.
Word Studies:

10:15 dumb = speechless; 11:11 choler = furious rage; 11:15 fenced cities = strongholds; 11:24 fattest = richest; forecast his devices = prepare his plans; 12:7 a time, times, and an half = 3 -1/2 years.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Eva R. Johnston • Staff: Bernice Rathbone • Government Officials: Sen. Robert Bennett (UT) and Rep. John Tierney (MA) • Country: Costa Rica (4 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom is increasing • 90% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice at all times (Ps.. 32:11).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30
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[Judy Harder]

Sept. 19, 2009
Read Hosea 1 -- 6

Highlights In Today's Reading:

God's faithfuless versus people's unfaithfulness. Who wins (1:2)? Redemption (2:14). Charges against a sinful nation (chap. 4). God withdraws (chap. 5). Repent (chap 6)! Reaping what you sow (8:7). Punishment will come (chap. 9).
King Jeroboam II ruled during the time when Hosea, Amos, and Jonah were prophets, in the closing years of the Northern Kingdom. He followed the example of Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern tribes of Israel, who chose to separate from the United Kingdom following Solomon's death ( I Kin. 11:26-40; 12:2-20). To secure his newly-formed Kingdom of Israel, Jeroboam I had changed the place of religious worship from Jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put His Name there (II Chr. 12:13), to Dan and Bethel. Consequently, Jeroboam is infamously remembered as the one who made Israel to sin (I Kin. 14:16; 15:26-34; 16:2,26; 21:22; 22:52; II Kin. 3:3; 10:29,31; 13:2; 14:24; 15:9).

When he introduced golden calves as the objects of worship in Dan in the North and in Bethel near the southern border, Jeroboam actually replaced the One True God worshiped by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In addition, he instituted a non-Levitical order of priests and a new religious feast in the eighth month to rival the Feast of Tabernacles in the seventh month (Lev. 23:34). These two "chapels of convenience" prepared the way for religious compromise and for Jezebel, at a later date, to introduce Baal and Ashtoreth as "additional gods" and, eventually, to exclude the worship of the Lord God altogether.

It was in this situation that the Word of the Lord . . . came unto Hosea. . . . I will no more have mercy upon the House of Israel; but I will utterly take them away (Hos. 1:1-6).

The Lord spoke through Hosea: There is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery . . . My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . . . I will also reject thee . . . seeing thou hast forgotten the Law of thy God, I will also forget thy children (4:1-6).

Nothing is more important to our eternal well-being than faithfulness and obedience to our Lord and His Word. Jesus prayed to God the Father: This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the Only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. . . . I have given them Thy Word . . . keep them from the evil. . . . Sanctify them through Thy Truth: They word is Truth (John 17:3,14-15,17).

Thought for Today:

As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the Lord is tried: He is a Buckler (Defender, Protector) to all those that trust in Him (Ps. 18:30).
Christ Revealed:

Through Hosea's love for his unworthy, sinful wife (Hos. 3:1-5). Our Lord Jesus not only loved us while we were yet sinners, but He also died the death of shame for us on Calvary so that all He possessed might become ours (Rom. 5:8; 8:32; II Pet. 1:3-4). I will betroth thee unto Me for ever (Hos. 2:19).
Word Studies:

2:3 (first) set = expose; (second) set = leave; 3:4 ephod = sleeveless priestly outer garment; 4:16 slideth back = stubborn, obstinate. Israel has committed whoredom and sacrifice to idols.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Del. Donna Christian-Christensen (Virgin Islands) and Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX) • 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: Praise God in prayer and with singing for His Word is pure and His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:2-4).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30

[Judy Harder]

Sept. 20, 2009
Read Hosea 7 -- 14

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Israel seeks help from Egypt and Assyria (chap. 7) and worship golden calves (chap. . Finally a cry of repentance (8:2). Reaping what you sow (8:7). Punishment promised (chap. 9). God's call to worship Him (10:12). The Lord's love for Israel (chap. 11); His anger at Israel (chap. 13). Healing and the sacrifice of praise (chap. 14).
Hosea summed up the history of Israel's early promises and the Lord's loving care and blessings. Although they were freed from Egyptian slavery and greatly blessed in the promised land, the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek Him for all this. Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria (7:10-11).

Hosea compared Israel's ingratitude to "an adulterous wife" turning from its Covenant relationship with God to worship idols. Israel had gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. . . . I have written to him the great things of My Law, but they were counted as a strange thing. . . . For Israel hath forgotten his Maker (8:9,12,14).

There was a heartrending plea from the Lord for Israel to return to Him before they were destroyed. I drew them . . . with bands of love (11:4). It was the Lord, in His great long-suffering, who declared: I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt . . . there is no Saviour beside me. . . . O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine help (13:4,9).

The Lord's willingness to show mercy, as He always does to any repentant sinner, was expressed when He said: I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely (14:4). Surely on the day they were conquered, lost everything, and were dragged away by the Assyrians, the Israelites could not have forgotten Hosea's final words: Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein (14:9).

Just as these Israelites were eventually freed from slavery and idolatry, every sinner has the opportunity to be delivered from the far greater slavery of sin, from the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:16). The Law of the Spirit of life (which is) in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. . . . For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the (sinful) deeds of the body, ye shall live (forever) (Rom. 8:2,13).

Thought for Today:

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them (Ps. 34:7).
Christ Revealed:

In the son who was called out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1). This prophecy is twofold: one is a historical reference pertaining to Israel (Ex. 4:22-23); and the other is prophetic, looking to the sojourn of Christ as a child in Egypt (Matt. 2:14-15).
Word Studies:

9:1 hast gone a whoring = committed spiritual adultery and idolatry, were unfaithful to God (Israel was regarded as the wife of Jehovah. Isaiah 54:5; 62:4-5); cornfloor = threshing floor; 10:5 calves = golden calf idols; 10:11 to ride = to put in harness; 11:12 ruleth with God = is still considered faithful to God.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Walt Minnick (ID) • Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious freedom • 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord at all times regardless of circumstances (Ps. 34:1).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 12:50