Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 23 -- 24

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The mock trials, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Don't miss a word of this soul-stirring description of how Jesus carried the shame of a world of sin that He might save us. Praise the Lord! He lives (24:23)!
The women who had followed Jesus were walking toward the borrowed, rock-hewn tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, where the body of their Lord had been hastily lain. It was yet dark (John 20:1) upon the first day of the week (Luke 24:1).

Foremost in their minds was: Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? . . . for it was very great (Mark 16:3-4). These women's love for Christ urged them onward and they soon discovered their cause for concern had vanished (Luke 24:2).

Like the women, our love for the Lord and His Word should be unaffected by opposition or difficulties. It will continue to show its loyalty and service, not waiting for the last hour of necessity, but, instead, looking for the first moment of opportunity.

The women had come to the tomb to complete the burial procedures. But when they entered in they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass . . . behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. . . . (and) they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen (24:3-6).

His words had been fulfilled: I have power to lay it (My life) down, and I have power to take it again (John 10:18). The two men went on to say: Remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise (from death) again (Luke 24:6-7). The women rushed to joyfully relate their glorious discovery to the disciples.

When our problems seem overwhelming, we too are tempted to ask: Who shall roll us away the stone? But as we move forward in faith and loving service, we will be amazed at how the hindrances disappear. Yes, angels do go before us for they are all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14).

Despite Jesus' teaching, neither the women nor the doubting Apostles were expecting such a glorious experience on that resurrection morning. Jesus' mission was completed — the last enemy was destroyed (I Cor. 15:26) — for in His hands He now held the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:18).

Thought for Today:

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth (Job 19:25).
Word Studies:

23:5 Jewry =the Judean region; 23:19 for . . . sedition =for having started a riot; 23:23 instant =insistent or persistent; 23:29 paps =breasts; 23:32 malefactors =criminals, ones who do evil; 24:29 far spent =almost over.
Cross References:

For Luke 23:30: See Hos. 10:8. Luke 23:34: See Ps. 22:18.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. John Barrow (GA) • Country: Israel (6.1 million) in the Middle East • Major languages: Hebrew and Arabic • Witnessing to Jews about Christ the Messiah is actively discouraged • 80.2% Jewish (mostly secular); 14.6% Muslim (largely Sunni); 2.1% Christian; 1.6% Druze; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord with all of your heart, and tell others of the marvelous things He has done (Ps. 73:28).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 15:20

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways
 
Sunday, November 1, 2009 

Read John 1 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The Divine, personal God, who is Jesus Christ in His Deity, the Living Word, the Word of God, the only Virgin born Son of God (1:1-5,14,34,48-51; 2:1-11) and The Way (14:6) for anyone to get to Heaven (3:1-18).
Jesus is introduced as the Creator as well as the prophesied Messiah (Savior). All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men (1:3-4). The Word of God not only provides Light on the true character and value of things but calls us to accountability. We never see what our lives are really like until we see them in the Light of His Word. Jesus is also the Revealer of Himself as the Only Way of salvation, reconciliation with God, and Eternal Life.

We are to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye (all believers) may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:2). Since Jesus is the sinless Son of God, it is only by His atoning sacrifice upon the cross that our sins are forgiven. As such, it is through the Word of God that we understand right from wrong.

Our Creator led King David to write: Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name (Ps. 138:2). The Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to record: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for . . . all good works (II Tim. 3:16-17). Therefore, Christians need to magnify the written Word of God to learn more about the One True Source of Spiritual Life. Because He is also the Bread of Life (John 6:35,48), He satisfies and fills the hungry soul with the spiritual and eternal life that only He can provide.

All the inspired Scriptures, from Genesis through Revelation, are essential to reveal all the will of God for our lives. There is no equal to or subsitute for reading the Word of God exactly as He led the original translation to be arranged. Because of pride and rebellion, many people reject submission to God and His revealed biblical truths and purpose for living.

Of utmost importance, the Gospel of John was written for the purpose of leading us to the knowledge of conversion and reveals how we can be sure that heaven will be our eternal home. Our religious background might be Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, Jewish, or Catholic, and we may be very sincere and very religious; yet, until we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives, we are eternally lost.

These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His Name (John 20:31).

Thought for Today:

For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (Ps. 107.9).
Word Studies:

1:5 the darkness comprehended it not =b> did not appropriate it; the unbelieving world cannot see its need for a Savior; 1:39 tenth hour =b> 4 p.m. by Jewish time, two hours before evening.
Cross References:

For John 1:23: See Is. 40:3; Mal. 3:1. John 2:17: See Ps. 69:9.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts for the month of November sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Government Officials: Rep. Darrell Issa (CA) and Rep. John Spratt, Jr. (SC) • Country: Italy (58 million) in southern Europe • Major languages: Italian and German • Religious freedom • 81% Roman Catholic; .4% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers with a spirit of thankfulness and praise to the Lord (Ps. 79:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:24

[Judy Harder]

Read John 4 -- 5

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Ever wonder who Jesus really is? Read on!! The Living Water (4:5-14); The Great Physician (4:46 — 5:16); God (5:17-31). Confirmed by many witnesses: (1) John the Baptist (5:33-35); (2) His works (5:36); (3) The Father (5:37-38); (4) Scripture (5:39-47). Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (4:23-24).
The Samaritans date back about 750 years prior to Jesus' ministry. The poor Jews left behind in Israel from the Assyrian captivity had intermarried with Gentiles that were brought in by the Assyrians. But Jesus and His disciples left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. . . . through Samaria (4:3-4). Weary from walking about 40 miles, Jesus sat down to rest at Jacob's Well while His disciples went to the village to buy food. It was no coincidence in the purpose of God that, while He sat there, a Samaritan woman came to draw water. This meeting was the real reason Jesus went through Samaria on His way to Galilee. Jesus, the Son of God, knew and cared about the needs of a Samaritan woman and her people.

Jesus' great compassion for all sinners prompted Him to ask the woman for a drink of water (4:7). Surprised, she asked: How is it that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered . . . If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee Living Water (4:9-10).

Jesus continued: Whosoever drinketh of the Water that I shall give him shall never thirst. . . . The woman saith . . . Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not (4:13-15)?

It was time now for the Lord to cause this woman to truly see the answer to her great need, so He saith unto her, Go, call thy husband. . . . The woman answered . . . I have no husband. Jesus said . . . thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband (4:16-18). The woman saith . . . I know that (when the) Messias cometh, which is called Christ . . . He will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am He (4:25-26)..

She recognized Him as the Messiah. Her growing faith saw in Him an authoritative Revealer of Truth: He will tell us all things. She then became a missionary of Jesus to her countrymen. She left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a Man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (John 4:28-29).

Thought for Today:

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His Name, make known His deeds among the people (I Chr. 16:.
Word Studies:

4:6 sixth hour =b> noon by Jewish time and 6 pm by Roman time; 5:21 quickeneth them =b> gives them life.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Country: Jamaica (3 million) in the West Indies • Major languages: English and Creole • Religious freedom • 78% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 7% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Cry out to God daily for mercy (Ps. 86:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:24

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways

Tuesday, November 3, 2009   

Read John 6 -- 8

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Jesus: The Bread of Life (6:1-14,22-51); The Light of the World (8:12). During storms of life, Jesus still says: Be not afraid (6:18-20).
No one seemed to doubt the miracle when Jesus took the five barley loaves, and two small fishes (6:9) and fed about five thousand men, besides women and children (6:10). The majority immediately wanted to make Him King; however, His critics saw this one miracle as insignificant compared to that of Moses, who had fed the Israelites for 40 years. They reacted by saying: Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said . . . Moses gave you not that bread from heaven . . . For the Bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven. . . . I am the Bread of Life (6:31-35).

Jesus then pointed out the vital importance of the Word of God, saying: It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (6:63).

At the Feast of Tabernacles, water taken from the Pool of Siloam was poured out by a priest at the Temple every morning. The pouring of the water recalled the miraculous provision of water during the 40-year wilderness journey when the Israelites didst strive at the waters of Meribah (Deut. 33:8; comp. Ex. 16:5-7) and water flowed in abundance. It is a reminder that when Jesus, the Rock of our Salvation (Ps. 95:1), was smitten (Is. 53:4-5), from Him flowed rivers of Living Water (John 7:38).

On each of the seven days of the Feast, the Levites and the people sang: Blessed be He that cometh in the Name of the Lord (Ps. 118:26). On that great day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried (shouted), 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 (from within him) shall flow rivers of Living Water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive) (John 7:37-39).

Jesus was declaring that He was their long-awaited Answer to the prophetic Scriptures as promised by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29). About six months later, Jesus was crucified.

Fifty days after Jesus' resurrection, God did pour out His Holy Spirit in fulfillment of that prophecy as a free gift to all who repent of their sins and are baptized: In the Name of Jesus Christ . . . ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Acts 2:38-39).

Thought for Today:

Seek the Lord, and ye shall live (Amos 5:6).
Word Studies:

6:24 took shipping =b> got into boats.
Cross References:

For John 6:31: See Ex. 16:4; Neh. 9:15; Ps. 78:24. John 6:45: See Is. 54:13.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Vincent & Rebecca Naughton • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI) and Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA) • Country: Japan (126.7 million) off the eastern coast of Asia • Major language: Japanese • Religious freedom • 49% Buddhist; 45% Shintoist; 1% Christian; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice in the Lord, for He is forgiving to those who call upon Him (Ps. 86:4-5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:24

[Judy Harder]

Read John 9 -- 10

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Has Jesus changed you? The power of a changed life vs. spiritual blindness (9:1-41). The Good Shepherd and His sheep (10:11). Jesus, the Father, the sheep, and eternal life (10:23-30). False accusations against Jesus; the enemy tries to kill Him (10:31-42).
As Jesus went His way, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His 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 in him (9:1-3). Jesus made clay of the spittle (saliva), and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (9:6-7). The blind man, in faith, was obedient and came (returned) seeing — for not only did he see physically, but he could see Jesus, the prophesied Messiah-King — the Light of the World (8:12; 9:5). And he worshipped Him (9:38).

But to the Pharisees, this miracle only became another occasion for critical questioning — of Jesus and of the man who had been blind. With great joy, he told them the wonderful miracle of his healing and added: One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. . . . Herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes (9:25,30).

Indignant, the religious authorities cast him out of the synagogue (9:34). Jesus found him (9:35) and revealed Himself as the Son of God (9:35-41). What a thrilling experience!

This man, blind from his birth, accurately illustrates the terrible condition of everyone without Jesus Christ. Until we see Christ as our Savior we are spiritually blind, nor can we see our need of a Savior, due to the hardness of our hearts (Eph. 4:18).

All who believe that Christ died on the cross to save them from eternal hell, have prayed for the Lord to forgive their sins and have, by faith, accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord are born again (John 3:3). This man who was born blind illustrates that the eternal purpose of God can use every sorrow, every suffering, every handicap, and every tragedy for our good and for His glory. It may not come at the moment we desire, just as this man had waited for 30 years; but, in His time, the Lord will be glorified through it all (9:24,30-33,38). As we read our Bible every day, we need to pray for more light — we need the miracle of spiritual sight.

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28).

Thought for Today:

For the Word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in Truth (Ps. 33:4).
Word Studies:

10:3 porter =b> doorkeeper; watchman; 10:41 resorted unto Him =b> came to Him.
Cross Reference:

For John 10:34: See Ps. 82:6.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Official: Rep. John Yarmuth (KY) • Country: Jordan (5 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Religious tolerance • 93% Muslim; 5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His mercy and loving-kindness (Ps. 86:15).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:24  

[Judy Harder]

Read John 11 -- 12

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Inevitably death enters all of our homes, but there is hope because believers in Jesus pass from death unto life eternal (11:25-26). Power of the Word and prayer (11:38-44).
Jesus was in Perea on the east side of the Jordan river when word came to Him from Mary and her sister Martha (11:1) that their brother Lazarus was sick (11:2). His response to His disciples was: This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God (11:4). However, He remained in Perea for two more days (11:6) and then said: Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. . . . Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that He had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead (11:11-14).

Jesus, the true Comforter, eventually arrived at the home of Mary and Martha. But to these two sisters, Jesus was four days too late. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died (11:21). To the unbelieving world, death is the most dreadful, horrifying word known to mankind; but for the Christian, there is a special comforting assurance that Jesus spoke of regarding His power to give eternal life as He said to Martha: I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die (John 11:25-26).

It must have startled Mary and Martha, as well as their friends who had come to mourn with them, when Jesus stood at this grave sealed by a large stone (11:38) and suddenly commanded the people to take . . . away the stone (11:39) and then cried (shouted) . . . Lazarus, come forth (11:43). Without a doubt, it was a shocking experience when Lazarus came forth. Jesus' delay in returning to the home of Mary and Martha when Lazarus was sick caused temporary suffering and sorrow that the glorious resurrection power of God might be revealed (Rev. 1:18).

This also points out that our human understanding falls short of knowing what is truly best for our lives and often our "unanswered" prayer has simply been postponed for our best interests. We cannot judge the love of God by our circumstances. If our faith is in Him, we will, without exception, trust Him regardless of the circumstances. It is a fact that without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

Thought for Today:

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is (Jer. 17:7).
Word Studies:

12:46 I am come a Light =b> I have come to reveal the Truth.
Cross References:

For John 12:13: See Ps. 118:26. John 12:15: See Zech. 9:9. John 12:38: See Is. 53:1. John 12:40: See Is. 6:9-10; Ex. 4:21.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Official: Gov. Ted Kulongoski (OR) • Country: Kazakhstan (15.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Kazakh and Russian • Religious tolerance • 47% Muslim (largely Sunni); 25% Russian Orthodox; 2% Lutheran; 2% Catholic; 1% Jewish; 2.3% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Begin every day with prayer (Ps. 88:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:24

[Judy Harder]

Read John 13 -- 16

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The defiled cannot enter the Kingdom of God, BUT Jesus can and will cleanse them (13:4-17). Are we guilty of betrayal or denial. (13:18-38)? The Comforter promised (14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-15). New relationship (14:20-21;15:12-21) described (15:1-11). Jesus overcomes sorrow and trials with joy and peace (16:16-33).
God had promised to deliver the helpless Israelites from Egyptian slavery. They must kill a lamb without blemish, place its blood on their door posts, eat all the lamb, and be prepared to leave when God gave the command. In remembrance of their freedom from slavery, Jewish families were to annually reenact their deliverance.

Jesus and His 12 disciples met as a family in the upper room in Jerusalem to commemorate that Passover. During this sacred meal, as the host at the feast, Jesus would dip the sop (unleavened bread) into a common bowl and pass it to the guest of honor who sat next to Him. He was demonstrating a final gesture of His love for Judas even though he would soon betray Him.

Jesus said: He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me (13:18-21). And when He had dipped the sop (bread), He gave it to Judas Iscariot. . . . And . . . Satan entered into him (13:23-27). Jesus later said: It had been good for that man if he had not been born (Matt. 26:24). Judas then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. Therefore, when he (Judas) was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of Man glorified (John 13:30-32). After Judas left, Jesus addressed His 11 disciples as little children (13:33) because they were teachable.

The final words of Jesus at the dinner were centered on five inseparable truths for all of His followers throughout the ages: love, prayer, security in Christ, obedience to His Word, and the privilege of being guided by the Holy Spirit. The first of these truths was the importance of loving one another — even as I have loved you (13:34). Jesus said we are to express our love with a sacrificial, self-denying, forgiving spirit, even as God loves us. The true child of God should never express bitterness, hatred, or resentment toward anyone.

The love of God, as it is expressed through us, identifies us as true followers of Christ. Jesus reminds us: By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

Thought for Today:

Let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God (I John 4:7).
Word Studies:

13:10 but not all =b> but not every one; all were clean except Judas; 15:2 purgeth it =b> eliminates what is keeping it from bearing better fruit.
Cross References:

For John 13:18: See Ps. 41:9. John 15:25: See Ps. 35:19; 69:4.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Officials: Sec. Arne Duncan (Dept. of Education) and Rep. John Carter (TX) • Country: Kenya (29 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Swahili • Religious freedom • 46% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% belief in mystical powers; 6% Muslim; 3% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord amidst trouble and He will deliver you (Ps. 91:15).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:24

[Judy Harder]

Read John 17 -- 18

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Looking beyond the cross and the tomb, Jesus asks the Father for seven things (17:1, 5,11,15,17,21-24). He prays for Himself (17:1-5); His disciples (17:6-19), and us (17:20-26). The love gift of God to the world is Jesus (3:16).
Jesus revealed in His profound heart-stirring, high-priestly prayer that the Word of God, dwelling within His followers, would produce a hatred for sin and a desire to separate themselves from the things of the world, in thought as well as deed. Jesus did not seclude Himself from sinners; but He also did not condone nor participate in their activities.

Jesus said His true followers will do the same: If ye keep My Commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's Commandments, and abide in His love (15:10).

In Matthew, the angel announced He should be called Jesus (meaning Jehovah is Salvation) because He would save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). In Mark, Jesus said He came not to call the (self) righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17). The paramount message of Luke is that Christ came into the world to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). In the Gospel of John, Jesus prayed to the Father for Christians: Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth (John 17:17). Sanctify means set apart for God. Our privilege is to conform to Christ.

Jesus confirmed this as He continued to pray: As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world (17:18). Christ works through us, His disciples, to whom He also says: As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you (20: 21). It is our privilege to go to the unsaved with the Good News of eternal life. Our purpose is to accomplish the ministry that Jesus began, as revealed in all four Gospels. We are expected to use our assets, our time, and our abilities as good stewards, managers of His possessions entrusted to us, to reach the world with His Word.

Our Lord prayed: Holy Father, keep through Thine own Name those whom Thou hast given Me. . . . I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world . . . keep them from the evil (John 17:11,14-15)!

Thought for Today:

Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; shew forth from day to day His salvation (I Chr. 16:23).
Word Studies:

17:12 son of perdition =b> Judas Iscariot; 18:30 malefactor =b> evildoer, criminal.
Cross Reference:

For John 17:12: See Ps. 41:9.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Sam Graves (MO) • Country: Kirabati (86,000) 3 islands in southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Gilbutese • Religious freedom • 52% Roman Catholic; 44% Protestant; 2% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks and praise to the Lord (Ps. 92:1).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:24  

[Judy Harder]

Read John 19 -- 21

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The cross and the crown. Cruelty of soldiers emphasized (19:1-3). Jesus' death and Passover emphasized (19:28-37). His burial and the witnesses of His resurrection (19:38-42; 20:1-29; 21:14). Why John wrote this Book (20:30-31). A threefold emphasis, not just to Peter, but to all of us: Feed My sheep (21:15-17).
Today our attention is focused upon one of the great opportunities of every Christian. To get his attention, Jesus said three times to Peter: Lovest thou Me more than these? . . . Feed My sheep (21:15-17). But, in order to recognize it's importance, we need to return to a scene just prior to the crucifixion. There Peter had confidently boasted to the Lord before all the Apostles: Though all men shall be offended because of Thee. . . . yet will I not deny Thee (Matt. 26:33,35)..

Peter was confident that his loyalty and love for Christ were so strong that nothing could cause him to fail his Lord. But only hours later, Peter was caught off guard and denied his Lord — not just once, but three times (Luke 26:34,74-75). Peter knew that he had miserably failed the Lord and truly repented (22:55-62).

Peter is representative of every true believer in Christ. His sin was not planned but the result of unforeseen circumstances. Peter's restoration gives us assurance that even when we deny the Lord, either by word or by deed, our merciful and compassionate Lord still provides a way for us to be forgiven and restored to perfect fellowship with Christ.

Before Peter's denials, Jesus had said: Simon, Simon (Peter) . . . Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren (22:31-32). The Lord did not pray that Peter would not fail but that his faith would not fail. All of us need to recognize the dangerous deception of pride. Self-confidence can assert itself in every believer and is always waiting for the opportunity to proclaim its self-sufficiency.

Peter's awful denial should lead us to realize how important it is to: Pray, lest ye enter into temptation (22:46). Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil (11:4). Jesus asked Simon Peter: Lovest thou Me more than these? (John 21:15). When tested, Peter was brought to see the unreliability of human wisdom and the need for humility.

Often things we had planned for personal pleasure must be set aside, postponed, or forfeited to serve the Lord by helping someone in need. His words are a reminder: Lovest thou Me more than these? . . . Feed My sheep (John 21:15-17).

Thought for Today:

The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord; and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel (Is. 29:19).
Word Studies:

19:1 scourged =b> whipped with leather cords weighted with sharp pieces of bone or lead; 19:30 It is finished =b> His physical ministry was complete.
Cross References:

For John 19:24: See Ps. 22:18. John 19:36: See Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20. John 19:37: See Zech. 12:10.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Official: Rep. Dennis Moore (KS) • Country: Kuwait (2 million) in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and English • Some religious freedom • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for courage to praise the Lord before unbelievers (Ps. 96:3-5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:25

[Judy Harder]

Read Acts 1 -- 3

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The purpose of the Church (1:. Band together, be still, pray, then God moves (1:13-14).
The power of the Holy Spirit (2:1-21). The message: Jesus, crucified, risen, exalted as Lord and Christ (2:22-36); Altar call (2:37-40); Results — the 1st Church (2:41-47). The message we should all share (3:18-26).

Following the ascension of our Lord into Heaven, about 120 disciples met in an upper room. . . . all continued with one accord in prayer. . . . Peter stood up . . . and said . . . this Scripture must needs have been fulfilled . . . concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. . . . it is written . . . his bishoprick (position) let another take (1:13-20). On the Day of Pentecost, Peter also revealed to those devoted disciples that they were actually witnessing the fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Joel over 700 years earlier: In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh (2:16-17; Joel 2:28-32).

Peter went on to say of Jesus: David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face . . . Therefore did my heart rejoice . . . Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (sheol/grave), neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One (Jesus) to see corruption. . . . Therefore being a prophet . . . He . . . spake of . . . Christ. . . .This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses (Acts: 2:25-35; Ps. 16:8-11; 110:1). To another crowd, Peter again quoted the Old Testament, saying: Moses truly said . . . A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up . . . Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say. . . . God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities (Acts 3:22,26; Deut. 18:15,18-19). Later, Peter quoted Psalm 118:22, showing that Christ, the Stone which was set at nought (rejected) is become the Head of the Corner (the Cornerstone). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts: 4:11-12).

The Apostle Paul who wrote much of the New Testament confirms the importance of knowing the Old Testament if we are to understand the New Testament. The Holy Spirit led him to write: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable . . . That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:16-17).

Thought for Today:

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:16).
Word Studies:

1:3 after His passion =b> after He had suffered death; 1:12 a Sabbath day's journey =b> a little over one-half mile which was the extent a Jew was to travel from home on the Sabbath; 2:27 leave My soul in hell =b> forsake Me in the grave (Sheol).
Cross References:

For Acts 1:20: See Ps. 69:25; 109:8. Acts 2:17-21: See Joel 2:28-32. Acts 2:25-28: See Ps. 16:8-11. Acts 2:34-35: See Ps. 110:1. Acts 3:22-23: See Deut. 18:15,18-19. Acts 3:25: See Gen. 12:3; 22:18.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Government Official: Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH) • Country: Kyrgyzstan (4.7 million) eastern central Asia • Major languages: Kirghiz and Russian • Religious freedom • 75% Muslim; 20% Russian Orthodox; 5% Other (Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant) • Prayer Suggestion: Exalt the Lord, for He is holy (Ps. 99:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 16:25