Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Judges 1 -- 2

Highlights:

Joshua and the elders die. The Israelites live in the mountains because they did not attack the Canaanites in the valleys with their chariots of iron. The Israelites sin by befriending the Canaanites and they stop serving God (Judg. 2:10-11).
Verses for Today:

The Lord . . . said . . . ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed My voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you (Judg. 2:1-3).
The Israelites were chosen by the One True God to reveal Him to the heathen nations and to glorify Him by being obedient to His Word. The first few verses of Judges give us a sense of high hope for the total conquest of the land as begun by Joshua: Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it (1:17). One by one, Canaanite cities fell to the Israelites — then the Philistine cities (1:10-11,13,17-18). And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that He did for Israel (2:7).

A new era in the history of the 12 tribes began soon after the death of Joshua. The Lord's command to complete the conquest of Canaan was not fulfilled because of the people's compromise with the pagan inhabitants of the land. It is disappointing to read: There arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord. . . . And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim. And they forsook the Lord. . . . And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel; and He said, Because . . . this people hath transgressed My Covenant . . . I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them (2:10-21).

The Israelites chose to do what they thought was more "humanitarian" and created peaceful coexistence with the enemies of God. Perhaps they argued: "How could a God of love destroy 'innocent' people?" The concept of innocence disappears when we see sin for what it really is and that false gods are deceiving people so that they will be eternally lost and in hell where this shall be. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).

Thought for Today:

Although the work God is doing in us is a continuing process, it is important to understand that giving only partial obedience is disobedience to Him (Phil. 1:6).
Christ Revealed:

As the Angel of the Lord who is understood to be Jesus Himself, for He speaks as God Himself (I made you . . . and have brought you . . . I sware . . . I said, I will . . . My Covenant) (Judg. 2:1-4). Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58).
Word Studies:

1:7 meat under my table =leftover food; requited =epaid; 1:20 expelled thence =drove out, defeated; 1:23 descry =spy out; 1:27 would dwell =determined to remain; 1:30 tributaries =forced laborers; 2:12 bowed themselves unto =worshiped; 2:16 spoiled =plundered; 2:17 went a whoring after other gods =were unfaithful to the One True God; 2:18 repented =grieved, showed compassion; 2:19 corrupted themselves =became more sinful; 2:22 prove =test.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Bernice Rathbone (retired) • Government Officials: Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT) and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY) • Country: Cape Verde (405,000) 15 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 390 miles off the coast of Africa • Major languages: Portuguese and Crioulo • Religious freedom • 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks for trials because from them we can learn patience (Rom. 5:3).
Optional Reading: John 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9-10

[Judy Harder]

Read Judges 3 -- 5

Highlights:

The Lord uses other nations to test Israel's loyalty (Judg. 3:1,4). Notice the sequence. First servitude — Mesopotamia — 1st Judge Othniel. Second servitude — Moab — 2nd Judge Ehud. Third servitude — Philistia — 3rd Judge Shamgar (3:8-31). Fourth servitude — Canaan — 4th Judge Deborah (Barak).
Verses for Today:

The children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord. . . . the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin King of Canaan. . . . And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord: for he (Jabin) had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess . . . judged Israel. . . . She sent and called Barak . . . and said unto him . . . the Lord God of Israel commanded . . . Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and and of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his (nine hundred) chariots (of iron) and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand (Judg. 4:1-7).
Deborah was the messenger of God to bring His Word of deliverance to His people and free them from oppression. Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground. . . . So he (Sisera) died (4:21). So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. . . . Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoram on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves (4:23-24; 5:1-2). Through Deborah's spiritual leadership, God brought peace to the land for 40 years (5:31).

Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. . . . and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saveth them out of their distresses. He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Ps. 107:17-20). It is obedience by faith in the Word of God and intercessory prayer that enables us to be victorious.

The Lord is seeking Christians today who will intercede in prayer on behalf of others.

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none (Ezek. 22:30).

And He saw that there was no intercessor (Is. 59:16).

Thought for Today:

And this is love, that we walk after His Commandments. This is the Commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it (II John 1:6).
Christ Portrayed:

By Othniel, a deliverer upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rested (Judg. 3:9-11). The Spirit of God was also upon Christ, our Deliverer (Matt. 3:16). There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Rom. 11:26). Jesus declared: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me . . . to preach deliverance to the captives (Luke 4:18).
Word Studies:

3:7 groves =for idol worship; 3:13 gathered =recruited; 3:18 made an end to offer the present =finished giving the tribute; bare =arried; 3:19 Keep silence =leave us alone; 3:24 covereth his feet =taking a nap; 4:13 Gentiles =nations; 4:15 discomfited =stark terror; 4:16 host =army; fell upon the edge of the sword =were killed; 5:10 ride on white asses =hold public office; 5:11 go down to the gates =defend themselves; 5:14 root =ew; 5:15 princes =rulers; 5:18 jeoparded =risked; 5:30 sped =ound; divers =various.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Pam Pendergrast • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Gov. Michael Easley (NC) • 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: Depend upon the Holy Spirit to help you in your prayers (Rom. 8:26-27).
Optional Reading: John 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9-10

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 

Read Judges 6 -- 7

Highlights:

Israel's repetitious disobedience results in their defeat and domination by Midian. Gideon takes a stand against his father's Baal worship. They battle the Midianites. How did the Lord select Gideon's army (Judg. 7:2-6)?
Verses for Today:

The Lord is with thee. . . . Go . . . and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? (Judg. 6:12,14).
Once more the Israelites were enslaved, this time by the Midianites. And the children of Israel did evil (sinned) in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord delivered them into the hand (under the control) of Midian seven years. . . . Israel was greatly impoverished . . . and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord (6:1,6). The answer to their prayers began with reproof: The Lord sent a prophet . . . which said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt . . . out of the hand of all that oppressed you . . . and gave you their land . . . but ye have not obeyed My voice (6:8-10). There was no word of comfort, only reproof. They needed to recognize that their miserable suffering was the direct result of their disregarding the Word of God.

It would appear that this unnamed prophet may have had only one convert — Gideon: And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said . . . The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. . . . Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites (6:12,14).

Gideon was deeply conscious of his poverty and his own limited ability, and confessed: Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house (6:15). We tend to think that the only people God can use are those who have influence in their communities. But, often these people are too busy, want to do it their way, or would rather compromise than lose their popularity.

Gideon was truly a man of inexperience and uncertainty, but he unconditionally obeyed the Lord without fear of the opposition. Gideon was ready to worship the God of Israel and built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah (Yahweh)-Shalom (the Lord is peace) (6:24). We too must get our eyes off circumstances and fix our faith on the Word of God. Hearken (listen), my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? (James 2:5).

Thought for Today:

God specializes in using the small or insignificant to do mighty things for His glory. He will even use "the least" who will obey Him (I Sam. 17:47).
Christ Revealed:

As the Sword of the Lord (Judg. 7:20). In the Apostle John's revelation of Jesus, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged Sword (Rev. 1:16). We know that the Sword is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17) and that Jesus is the Word of God made flesh (John 1:14).
Word Studies:

6:1 into the hand =under the control; 6:3 came up against them =invaded the country; 6:13 befallen =happened to; 6:16 smite =strike down; 6:19 unleavened =yeast-free; 6:20 flesh =meat; 6:28 grove =for idols; 6:36 by my hand =through me; 7:3 in the ears =within the hearing.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Clarence Rathbone • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Gov. Christine Gregoire (WA) and Rep. Don Manzullo (IL) • 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: Read the Word of God to build up your faith so that you can pray and ask in faith (Rom. 10:17).
Optional Reading: John 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9-10

[Judy Harder]

Read Judges 8 -- 9

Highlights:

Jealousy rises up and why (Judg. 8:1). After Gideon's death one son conspires against his brothers and murders all but one. Are we surprised at whom God uses to remove the wicked son? Abimelech's "accident" and death.
Verses for Today:

Abimilech . . . slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal. . . . And all the men of Shechem . . . made Abimelech king. . . . God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech . . . And all the evil of the men of Shechem . . . and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal (Judg. 9:4-6,56-57).
Gideon was called of God to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites (see 6:14-16). Thirty-two thousand men responded to Gideon's call to war; but only 300 men qualified and the others were sent home. With only 300 men, God used Gideon to defeat 135,000 Midianite soldiers. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon (8:28). This illustrates a basic biblical principle. According to your faith, be it unto you (Matt. 9:29). God does not act without man's cooperation, and man can not overcome without the wisdom and power of God. Then the Israelites urged Gideon to be their king. But Gideon knew that it was not he, but God, the True King, who had saved His people. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you . . . the Lord shall rule over you (Judg. 8:23).

After Gideon's death, the Israelites soon forgot that God was the One who miraculously delivered them from the Midianites. With an evil ambition for power, Abimelech negotiated a large sum of money from the Baal temple treasury to pay men to murder his 70 brothers. Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal (Gideon) was left; for he hid himself (9:5). Following the execution of Abimelech's competition, all the men of Shechem . . . made Abimelech king (9:6).

Jotham, who had escaped execution, warned the people that they would soon discover that this self-made king would bring suffering and death upon them as well as upon himself (9:7-21). As Jotham foretold, they soon brought about their own destruction in choosing Abimelech (9:22-57).

Abimelech is an example of a person controlled by the deceptive and destructive forces of pride and selfishness. He was determined to gain his evil ends regardless of whom he hurt. He is a reminder that whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption (destruction); but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (Gal. 6:7-8).

Thought for Today:

For this is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments: and His Commandments are not grievous (I John 5:3).
Christ Portrayed:

By Gideon, who delivered the Israelites from Midian (Judg. 8:22-23). The Lord Jesus has delivered us out of the hands of our spiritual enemies, and it is fitting that He should rule over us. Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (Gal. 1:3-4; II Pet. 2:9; Rom. 11:26).
Word Studies:

8:1 chide =contend; 8:3 was abated =subsided; 8:9 in peace =victoriously; 8:12 discomfited =defeated; 8:26 collars =necklaces; 8:27 ephod =priestly garment; whoring =qorshiping false gods; snare =atumbling block; 8:32 sepulchre =tomb; 9:2 your bone and your flesh =your relative; 9:4 vain and light =worthless and reckless; 9:17 adventured =risked; 9:20 fire =fiery destruction; 9:25 liers in wait =men in ambush; 9:38 mouth =boasting; 9:52 went hard unto =approached; 9:56 rendered =returned.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Dan Murton • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd (Retired) • Government Official: Sen. John Ensign (NV) • 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 that faith is a vital tool in your prayer life to ensure your prayers are answered (Rom. 12:3).
Optional Reading: John 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9-10

[Judy Harder]

Read Judges 10 -- 11

Highlights:

Israel forsakes the Lord and worships idols; Israel oppressed by Ammonites for 18 years; Ammonites defeated. Don't miss Jephthah. He had a remarkable loyalty to God. Read about his vow and victory and the depth of dedication of his only child. Read how God could be so proud of her and Jephthah.
Verses for Today:

Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, and . . . did . . . . according to his vow (Judg. 11:30,39).
After years of suffering, the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned. . . . And they put away the strange (foreign) gods from among them, and served the Lord (10:15-16). And . . . the elders . . . said unto Jephthah . . . be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon (11:5-6).

Jephthah prayed: If Thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me . . . shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering (11:30-31). Likewise the Spirit also helped our infirmities. . . . according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:26-28).

In answer to Jephthah's prayer, God arranged that Jephthah's daughter should be the first to meet him. Jephthah knew the Scriptures well and human sacrifices were condemned by God (Lev. 20:2-5; Deut, 12:29-31; 18:10-12). How could one imagine that this man of God would cut the throat of his daughter to offer her as a burnt offering? To do that would have made God, as well as this man of faith, responsible for a vile murder, since it was the Spirit of the Lord who gave Jephthah his victory (Judg. 11:29,32).

How he fulfilled his vow is obvious: She was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter (11:34). The Lord had declared that the firstborn were to be "sanctified" — not sacrificed: It is Mine (Ex. 13:2; Num. 3:13). And his daughter's response to Jephthah's vow made the outcome unmistakably clear. She asked for two months . . . (to) go up and down upon the mountains . . . (to) bewail my virginity (mourn that I will never marry and will have no children to carry on our family name) (Judg. 11:37). Undoubtedly she had the honor of being one of the servants of God in the Tabernacle in lifelong chastity.

God highly honored Jephthah as one of the heroes of faith: Of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises (Heb. 11:32-33).

Thought for Today:

How thankful we are, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: But the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us (Rom. 8:26).
Christ Portrayed:

By Jephthah's only child as she wholly submitted to her father's will even as Jesus wholly submitted to His Father's will (Judg. 11:34-40). On the night He was betrayed, Jesus prayed: Not as I will, but as Thou wilt (Matt. 26:39).
Word Studies:

10:8 vexed =afflicted, grievously oppressed; 10:14 cry unto =ask for help from; 11:2 strange =foreign; 11:3 vain =renegade; 11:23 dispossessed =driven out; 11:34 timbrels =tambourines; 11:35 opened my mouth =made a vow.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr (UT) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA) • 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: During times of trouble, pray constantly and ask for patience (Rom. 12:12).
Optional Reading: John 17

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9-10

[Judy Harder]

Read Judges 12 -- 14

Highlights:

Ephraim quarrels with Jephthah and then he judges for six years of peace. Three more judges appear in the 10th, 11th, and 12th chapters. It is important that we recognize how their lives apply to us. The 7th servitude is to the Philistines and the Lord raises up Samson.
Verses for Today:

Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. . . . And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well (Judg. 14:1-3).
Each time the children of Israel cried unto the Lord (3:9,15; 4:3; 6:6; 10:10), God pepared a deliverer. But this time, there was no mention of prayer for deliverance, although they had been slaves of the Philistines for 40 years (13:1).

Israel had forsaken Jehovah, but God in mercy began to move upon Samson (13:25) who could have delivered them, but the people remained powerless under the control of the Philistines.

Samson was not an idol worshiper but he was more concerned with satisfying himself than he was with pleasing God. This was evident when he insisted on having an idol-worshiping Philistine wife, saying to his parents: Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well (14:1-3).

Samson's undisciplined life typified the spiritual condition of Israel during that period of the Judges and revealed how a self-willed life results in sorrow and suffering for self as well as others.

The three women in Samson's life represent the attractions of the pleasure-loving world which kept the people of God from the blessings He wanted them to enjoy. All of us are tempted to please ourselves and fail both to pray and to live the will of God. Self-pleasing is expressed in many forms: pride, jealousy, theft, using the tithe for self (robbing God), hate, irresponsibility, using wine, and a host of other fleshly desires. Every day that we fail to deny ourselves and take up our cross, our opportunity of serving the Lord is weakened. Perhaps the greatest failure is that of not presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, expecting that the mercy and long-suffering of God will continue indefinitely.

As a Nazarite, Samson could have been an example before all the world to this day of the power of faithful commitment to God as he delivered Israel from the Philistine bondage. We too are called upon to be separated from the world with a desire to fulfill the Lord's will.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light (Rom. 13:12).

Thought for Today:

Let us allow the same Spirit that stirred many in the past to stir us to fulfill the will of God in our lives. Only by knowing the Word of God can we know the will of God.
Christ Portrayed:

By Samson, who, as a Nazarite, was to be consecrated to God from the womb (birth) to the day of his death (Judg. 13:7). Jesus was also set apart and consecrated to God from the womb to the day of His death on the cross. Unlike Samson, who failed God, Jesus totally fulfilled the plan of God as He said He would do when He left heaven saying: Lo, I come . . . to do Thy will, O God (Heb. 10:7).
Word Studies:

12:6 frame =pronounce it right; 13:6 terrible =awe-inspiring, evoking profound respect; 14:4 occasion against =opportunity to destroy, but once again Samson became sidetracked; 14:17 lay sore upon him =pestered, persisted, and cried.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for 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: Pray fervently with others (Rom. 15:30).
Optional Reading: John 18

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:9-10

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Judges 15 -- 17

Highlights:

Samson loses his wife; in revenge, he destroys their crops and 1,000 Philistines are slain by him. Then there is his escapade with Delilah that results in the Philistines capturing and blinding him; his prayer is answered. Chapter 17 warning; Micah's idols.
Verses for Today:

Every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judg. 17:6).
The Israelites were set apart as a holy nation under the leadership of God. But they ignored the Laws given on Mount Sinai by their True King and ignored His daily direction.

What was wrong with Samson was wrong with the nation. It is recorded in the Book of Judges that everyone did that which was right in his own eyes (17:6). They were not concerned with knowing or doing the will of God.

There is no record that Samson ever expressed a desire to be used by the Lord to deliver the Israelites from the Philistine rulers over (15:11) them.

Early in life, Samson disregarded the spiritual significance of his Nazarite dedication by marrying a Philistine woman. He sinned greatly with Delilah. When Samson saw Delilah, he should have considered his Nazarite vow and high calling as judge of the people of God. As so often happens with everyone who presumptuously believes that the mercy of God will continue indefinitely, when Delilah said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. . . . he awoke . . . and said, I will go out as at other times . .. . And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him (16:20).

Consequently, the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes . . . and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house (16:21).

The tragic story of Samson should remind every Christian who is misusing his God-given abilities (talents) to seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). In contrast, Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, (rather) than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb. 11:24-25).

There are just two walks in life, either the broad (majority) way or the narrow way (living to advance His kingdom). The narrow way leads to life eternal; Jesus warned: Beware of covetousness (of material pleasures and earthly desires): for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15). Christ does not say: "You ought not;" but He says: You cannot serve two masters (Matt. 6:24)."

Thought for Today:

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world (I Cor. 11:32).
Christ Revealed:

Through the strength God gave to Samson for his last victory over the Philistines (Judg. 16:28-30). I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
Word Studies:

15:2 hated =disliked; 15:3 a displeasure =great evil; 16:5 afflict him =hold him captive; 16:16 vexed =pestered, harassed, annoyed; 16:21 fetters =chains; 16:25 make us sport =entertain us; 17:5 teraphim =household idols.
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: Be of one heart and mind with other Christians (I Cor. 1:10).
Optional Reading: John 19

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11

[Judy Harder]

Read Judges 18 -- 19

Highlights:

Danites force Micah's Levite to be their priest. They attack Laish, then occupy it; a concubine is victimized. Many of the Israelites yielded to their own lusts and self-interest rather than the Will of God.
Verses for Today:

In those days there was no King in Israel (Judg. 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25)
The last few chapters represent what life was like among the Israelites during the final period when the judges ruled. Idolatry prevailed in the land and God's people ignored His Word. And yet the Name of the Lord was also used as though He was approving their sins.

To illustrate the deplorable moral condition that existed at that time, a Levite, representing "spiritual leadership," and his concubine are introduced. We are disappointed to read of the priest's violation of the Law by his relationship with his concubine (Lev. 21:7) who played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehem-judah (Judg. 19:2). After four months, the Levite decided that he wanted her back, so he went to her father's house. When the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced (19:2-3).

When the Levite decided to return home several days later, it was too late to complete their journey before nightfall, so they stopped in Gibeah (19:14). An old man offered them hospitality in his house, which they accepted.

The men of the city, certain sons of Belial (homosexuals), beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master . . . saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know (have sex with) him. And the man . . . said . . . do not so wickedly. . . . Behold, here is my daughter a maiden . . . but unto this man do not so vile a thing (rape him) (19:22-24). When the men of the city would not listen to the old man, the Levite took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them (19:25).

The vileness of rape, as well as homosexuality, is confirmed in the New Testament where we read: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections (degrading passions): for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence (penalty) of their error which was meet (fitting) (Rom. 1:26-27).

Thought for Today:

Following our own fleshly desires always leads us away from God, but reading His Word will lead us into His perfect will for our lives.
Christ Revealed:

In those days there was no King in Israel (Judg. 18:1). Christ was the rejected King of Israel. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar (John 19:15).
Word Studies:

18:2 coasts =territory; 18:9 still =still here doing nothing; 18:15 saluted =have a friendly greeting to; 18:19 lay thine hand upon thy mouth =stop complaining or suffer the consequences; 18:21 carriage =goods; 19:4 retained him =pressed him to stay; 19:6 let thine heart be merry =enjoy yourself; 19:17 wayfaring =traveling; 19:21 provender =fodder; 19:25 spring =dawn; 19:29 coasts =territory.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Elaine Servetto • Staff: Barbara Bivens • 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: Ask the Lord to give you discernment in all decisions (I Cor. 2:12-14).
Optional Reading: John 20

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11

[Judy Harder]

Read Judges 20 -- 21

Highlights:

Civil war between Benjamites and other tribes; Benjamites defeated and the results.
Verses for Today:

The tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you? . . . But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren. . . . And the children of Israel . . . asked counsel of the Lord. . . . And the Lord said, go up against him (Judg. 20:12-13,23).
The tribe of Benjamin refused to allow justice to be done to the homosexual mob that gang-raped a defenseless Israelite woman, causing her death (20:13). All the other tribes of Israel united to execute judgment against them and came unto the House of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted that day until even, and offered Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings before the Lord (20:26). In deep humility, they committed themselves to the Lord.

It was only after they had built an altar and offered the sacrifices for their own needs that the Lord said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand (20:28). The tribe of Benjamin was almost destroyed as the consequence of this wicked sin.

There is a growing indifference to immorality in our society, similar to what existed in the tribe of Benjamin. We have redefined sin. Adultery is now called "having an affair." Homosexuality is called "gay and lesbian" or "alternative lifestyles." Fornication is referred to as "live-in lovers." The purpose is to remove the sense of guilt for violating the moral Law of God and to make the sinner feel comfortable, as they did when every man did that which was right in his own eyes (21:25). However, while hating and exposing sin, we must also show mercy and kindness as we pray for and lovingly urge sinners to receive Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives.

All sin is abominable to our holy God; however, all sin that is truly repented of and forsaken is forgiven through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ (I John 1:9). The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that some of them had been delivered from sexual sins when he wrote: Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind . . . shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified (set apart), but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (I Cor. 6:9-11).

Thought for Today:

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this Book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book (Rev. 22:18).
Christ Revealed:

As our Deliverer (Judg. 20:26-28). As we pray and seek the Lord's will, He delivers us from all evil forces. Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God (Gal. 1:3-4).
Word Studies:

20:5 forced =raped; 20:6 lewdness and folly =sinful shameful disgrace; 20:13 children of Belial =evil perverts; 20:34 sore =fierce; 20:35 smote =struck down; drew the sword =were experienced soldiers; 20:41 amazed =terrified; 20:42 turned their backs =retreated, fled; 20:43 trode them down =overtook them; sunrising =east; 20:45 gleaned =cut off; 20:46 fell =died; men of valour =valiant warriors; 21:13 call peaceably =proclaim peace.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Gina Lesnefsky • 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 and lift up your prayers to God with the spirit of understanding (I Cor. 14:15).
Optional Reading: John 21

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11

 

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 
 
Read Ruth 1 -- 4

Highlights:

Famine; Elimelech and Naomi move down from Bethlehem to Moab; Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem; marriage of Boaz and Ruth.
Verses for Today:

The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust (Ruth 2:12).
Bethlehem, in the land of promise, was experiencing a severe famine. Israel knew: If . . . ye will not do all My Commandments. . . . your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits (Lev. 26:15,20).

Perhaps, while standing in their unproductive fields in the Judean hills, Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their sons Mahlon and Chilion looked down on the fertile, prosperous valley of Moab and decided to abandon their God-given inheritance in Bethlehem to sojourn in the country of Moab (Ruth 1:1-2), a place God had cursed (Num. 24:17; Amos 2:1-3). What they thought would be a temporary stay from starvation extended to about 10 years (Ruth 1:1-14).

However, unforeseen tragedy struck in the idol-worshiping country of Moab. Elimelech died, then his sons ignored their Covenant relationship with God and married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Later, Mahlon and Chilion also died (1:3-5). The three childless widows were left without a means of support. Then she (Naomi) arose with her daughters in law. . . . and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah (1:6-7).

Soon Orpah returned back unto her people, and unto her gods (1:15). But Ruth had forsaken the gods of Moab and confessed her loyalty to the God of Israel by saying to Naomi: Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God (1:16).

Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem where Ruth married Boaz. Ruth became the mother of Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David (4:17). The Book of Ruth highlights our Lord's lovingkindness to Gentiles in selecting a Moabite woman to become the great-grandmother of King David. Ruth is one of three Gentile women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:3,5-6). This account shows the love of God for all lost mankind.

He is not a Jew, which is one outwardly . . . But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God (Rom. 2:28-29).

Thought for Today:

Faithfulness allows us to be used by God. By remaining faithful and obedient, we keep ourselves in a position to be His servants as well as to receive His blessings.
Christ Revealed:

Through Bethlehem (Ruth 2:4; 4:11), which means "House of Bread." Jesus, the Bread of Life, satisfies the spiritual hunger of all who come to Him. Then Jesus said unto them . . . I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger (John 6:32-35).
Word Studies:

1:1 sojourn =temporarily live; 1:16 Intreat =ask; 1:19 moved =astir, concerned; 2:2 glean =gather leftover; corn =grain; 2:8 fast by =close to; 2:9 touch =molest, annoy; 2:14 sufficed =satisfied; 2:15 reproach =hinder; 2:16 of purpose =deliberately; 2:19 where wroughtest thou =where did you find so much; 2:20 kinsmen =near relatives who had the right to redeem; 3:3 raiment =best attire; 3:4 mark =notice; 3:8 afraid =startled; 3:15 vail =cloak, shawl; 3:18 finished the thing =made good his promise; 4:4 advertise =give you notice; 4:5 of the hand of =from; 4:6 mar mine own inheritance =endanger my heirs; 4:7 changing =transferring ownership of land.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Officials: Sen. Mark Begich (AK), Rep. Dennis Cardoza (CA), Rep. Barney Frank (MA), Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA), and Sen. Patrick Leahy (VT) • 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: Pray that the Lord will enable you to comfort and encourage others (II Cor. 1:3-4).
Optional Reading: Acts 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11