Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 1
Highlights:

Luke lays groundwork for non-Jews to understand the Truth about Jesus (Luke 1:4). Birth of John the Baptist foretold (1:5-25). Birth of Jesus foretold (1:26-45). John born (1:57-66); his mission (1:67-79), his growth (1:80). Angel declares Jesus Son of the Highest and Son of God (1:32,35). Mary divinely blessed (1:46-48).
Jesus would have had the sinful nature of Adam if Joseph had been His biological father. This would have made Jesus a sinner like all mankind and, thus, unable to be the sinless substitute for our sins. But Gabriel, the angelic messenger of Good News, came to Mary and said: Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee. . . . behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His Name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest . . .. the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee . . . that Holy Thing (One) which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:28,31-32,35).

Luke records that Mary was deeply troubled at his saying (1:29). Joseph also was troubled when he learned Mary was pregnant and contemplated a private divorce. The angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS ("Jesus" in Hebrew is the same as "Joshua" meaning "Jehovah (Yahweh) is salvation"): for He shall save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:20-21). How comforting this must have been to Mary. Instead of living under suspicion, there was a miraculous confirmation to Joseph of her virginity.

About 700 years before, Isaiah foretold: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel (God With Us). . . . unto us a Child is born . . . the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Is. 7:14; 9:6). Jesus' birth revealed His unique nature as both God and Man.

The prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah, whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (Mic. 5:2), would be born in Bethlehem of Judah. This small town, about six miles south of Jerusalem, was called the city of David, for that is where David was born.

Zacharias . . . prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people (Luke 1:67-68).

Thought for Today:

Be not a terror unto me: Thou art my hope in the day of evil (Jer. 17:17).
Word Studies:

1:40 saluted greeted, embraced; 1:46 magnify exalt, praise; 1:54 holpen helped.
Cross References:

For Luke 1:17: See Mal. 4:5-6. Luke 1:50: See Ps. 103:17. Luke 1:53: See Ps. 107:9. Luke 1:71: See Ps. 106:10. Luke 1:76: See Mal. 3:1. Luke 1:79: See Is. 9:1-2; 59:8.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Sec. Hilda Solis (Dept. of Labor) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) • Country: El Salvador (5.9 million) in Central America • Major language: Spanish • Some intolerance of Protestants by government officials • 75% Catholic; 20% Protestant; .5% Baha'i; 2.5% Other; 2% None • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for courage to praise the Lord before unbelievers (Ps. 96:3-5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 2 -- 3
Highlights:

Angels declare the heavenly birth (Luke 2:9-14). Jesus presented in the Temple (2:21-24). Jesus, the plan of God to rescue mankind from eternal damnation (2:25-30). Jesus speaks (2:41-52). John prepares the way (3:1-22).
The Passover brought Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem every year. The year Jesus was twelve years old, in the busy preparation for returning home after the feast, Mary and Joseph, supposing Him to have been in the company (group), went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk (relatives) and acquaintance. And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors (teachers), both hearing them, and asking them questions (Luke 2:44-46).

After finding Him in the Temple, Mary said: Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing (2:48). Jesus calmly explained to Mary His reason for being in the Temple, saying: How is it that ye sought Me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about My Father's business? (2:49). Jesus made it very clear who His real Father was. Devotion to His Heavenly Father's interests drew Him to the Temple; but His submission to the will of His Father also caused Him to return to Nazareth where He was subject (obedient) unto them (2:51).

In this age of rebellion, many young people are not disciplined to be in subjection to their parents or to anyone else. Honoring and obeying God-ordained parental authority is the first commandment with promise (Eph. 6:2). Parents who are in submission to God have a responsibility to their children to spiritually train them — -especially by personal example, through daily devotions, and by regular attendance in a Bible-teaching church on the Lord's Day. Pity the parents who rebel against restrictions which are placed on them on the job, at church, or in the community. Such people may even think they have a right to be independent of God-ordained authority.

But God has said: Let every soul (person) be subject (submit) unto the higher powers (of government authorities). For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of (established by) God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power (authority), resisteth (sets himself in opposition to God's appointments) the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (condemnation) (Rom. 13:1-2).

Thought for Today:

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not (Rom. 12:14).
Word Studies:

2:7 swaddling clothes linen cloth wrapped around an infant; 2:46 doctors the rabbis who were the instructors in the Law; 3:1 tetrarch ruler of a fourth part or one of four rulers of a country or province.
Cross References:

For Luke 2:23: See Ex. 13:2,12. Luke 2:24: See Lev. 12:8. Luke 2:32: See Is. 9:2; 42:6; 49:6. Luke 3:4-6: See Is. 40:3-5.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Lee Rutherford's birthday • Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Lewis (CA) and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (OH) • Country: Equatorial Guinea (466,000) in western Africa • Major language: Spanish • Freedom for churches at this time • 71% Roman Catholic; 19% ancestral spirit worship and medicine men; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Exalt the Lord, for He is holy (Ps. 99:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34

 

[Judy Harder]

Friday, October 22, 2010   
 
Read Luke 4 -- 5

Highlights:

Note, the devil attacks when and where we're weakest. Read how Jesus overcame His temptation (Luke 4:1-13). Jesus says He is the "Messiah" of Isaiah 61:1-3, but the religious leaders reject Him. Why? (4:18-30). Miracles happen when Jesus is in the boat (5:1-11).
Some think they can worship God just as well while on the lake fishing or at home resting as they can in church. In contrast, Jesus recognized the need to honor God by regularly attending worship services. We read that He taught in their synagogues while in Galilee (Luke 4:15). And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day (4:16). Jesus was invited to speak, And there was delivered unto Him the Book of the prophet Esaias. And . . . He found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. . . . And He closed the Book, and He gave it again to the minister (4:17-20; Isaiah 61:1-2).

The Scripture Jesus read contained a clear mention of all three Persons of the Trinity — the Holy Spirit, the Father, and the Anointed One.

The people were amazed, And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him. And He began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears (Luke 4:20-21). They marveled at His gracious words (4:22), but knew He clearly referred to Himself as the Messiah who had been foretold by Isaiah and other prophets beginning with Genesis 3:15. You can imagine how startled they were when Jesus said that He whom they assumed to be the son of Joseph (Luke 3:23) was really their long-awaited Messiah.

The congregation listening to Jesus was so infuriated at His equating Himself with God that they disrupted the worship service, seized Jesus, and attempted to put Him to death by pushing Him over a rocky precipice for blasphemy. But He passing through the midst of them went His way (4:28-30). Luke emphasized that Christ is God (the Messiah).

How easy it is to be mistaken when we follow emotions rather than the truth revealed in God's Word. In contrast to the Jews of Nazareth, later the Jews in Berea received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11).

Thought for Today:

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord (Lam. 3:26).
Word Studies:

4:29 brow edge of a cliff; 5:9 draught watch; 5:27 a publican a tax collector for Rome; 5:36 rent tear.
Cross References:

For Luke 4:4: See Deut. 8:3. Luke 4:8: See Deut. 6:13-14. Luke 4:10-11: See Ps. 91:11-12. Luke 4:12: See Deut. 6:16. Luke 4:18-19: See Is. 61:1-2. Luke 5:14: See Lev. 14:1-32.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Officials: Gov. Haley Barbour (MS), Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC), and Rep. John Shadegg (AZ) • Country: Eritrea (4 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Tigrinya • Religious persecution • 51% Muslim; 40% Eritrean Orthodox; 4% Catholic; 1.5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Recognize the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness and praise Him (Ps. 100:4-5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 6 -- 7
Highlights:

That the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5). The Twelve Chosen (6:12-16). The Sermon on the Mount (6:20-49). Note why (6:46)? Foundation for life (6:47-49). Jesus heals the sick (7:1-10), raises the dead (7:11-18). Her sins, which are many, are forgiven (7:47).
We all have sinned far beyond our ability to count, and we should be deeply thankful that our Savior said to the woman: Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace (Luke 7:50). If we are truly grateful, we will approach everyone who sins against us with the same mercy and compassion that we receive from the Lord. Jesus, who knows how the human heart tends to be hypocritical, warned: Why beholdest . . . the mote (speck) that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?. . . Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye (Luke 6:41-42). It is our responsibility to recognize the mote (evil) for what it is, but we must first recognize our own beam (negative attitudes and criticism towards others). Only then are we qualified to help others with their needs.

A heart of compassion and concern to help others is in striking contrast to those who overlook their own faults and failures, but who rarely miss an opportunity to gossip about someone else's conduct or failures. We are prone to imply evil motives to others' actions, and may even exaggerate them. Thankfully, God is a merciful God, who fully forgives us when we repent of our sins. But, we tend to judge ourselves by our good intentions and others by their mistakes. Since we expect God's mercy toward us, it makes a vital demand upon us to extend that same mercy to others. If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matt. 6:15).

Criticism is often an act of self-righteousness in an attempt to build up one's own self-esteem by putting others down. Also, it is easy to jump to conclusions without hearing or caring about all the facts. We have an amazing ability to misjudge the thoughts and actions of others. Judgmental people thrive on faultfinding and find something wrong with everything that is said or done by another whom they would love to belittle. It is this self-righteousness that Jesus spoke of when He said: Cast out first the beam out of thine own eye. Then the love of Christ can be expressed through us.

If anyone is overtaken in a fault (sin), ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Gal. 6:1).

Thought for Today:

The Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel (Joel 3:16).
Word Studies:

6:11 communed discussed; 7:14 bier open coffin on which a corpse was carried to burial.
Cross References:

For Luke 7:22: See Is. 61:1. Luke 7:27: See Mal. 3:1.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Sen. Jim Bunning (KY) • Country: Estonia (1.47 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian • Religious freedom • 38.4% Protestant; 20.3% Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim; .3% Jewish; 39% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when you are oppressed (Ps. 102:8-13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 8 -- 9
Highlights:

Women healed of evils spirits and infirmities (Luke 8:1-3). Parable of the Sower (8:4-15). Our new relationship with the Lord. My mother and my brethren are these which hear the Word of God, and do it (8:19-21). He stills the storms (8:22-25), defeats the demons (8:26-40), heals the sick (8:43-48), and feeds the hungry (9:12-17). Don't miss this key verse — 9:23. The cost to us (9:57-62).
Jesus put the sincerity of would-be disciples to the test when a certain man said unto Him, Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head (no place to sleep) (Luke 9:57-58). The foxes illustrate the clever ones and the birds of the air illustrate the worldly. Jesus pointed out to this man that, if he chose to follow Him, he could expect hardships. Jesus was also saying that He was not attached to earthly possessions, nor could His followers expect any guarantee of earthly resources.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God (9:61-62). Our Lord did not welcome volunteers who were only willing to join Him on their own terms; serving Christ requires a lifetime commitment. Love dictates that there be no compromise in following Him. Jesus was not then, nor is He now, in the midst of a membership drive, nor is He counting converts to prove His success.

Self-seekers and compromisers are often misled, believing there will be a more convenient time when they can choose to follow the Lord. Their excuses reveal that they have divided hearts. Some lack the "single eye" of devotion to Christ where, by comparison, all else in this world is of little importance. Others fail to put Christ first in their daily decisions and, yet, all who do will discover that the satisfaction of self-denial far exceeds fleeting earthly rewards. Each of us needs to consider whether there is someone in our life or something in our heart that is keeping us from giving Christ, His Word, and His will, first place in our lives.

Jesus warned: The Kingdom of God is nigh (near) at hand. Verily (Truly) I say unto you. . . . Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (self-indulgence), and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares (suddenly) (Luke 21:31-34).

Thought for Today:

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope (Acts 2:26).
Word Studies:

8:44 stanched stopped flowing; 9:3 staves staffs, walking sticks; scrip small bag for money or food; 9:29 glistering shining with brilliance.
Cross Reference:

For Luke 8:10: See Is. 6:9. For Luke 9:35: See Ps. 2:7.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Mary Bono Mack (CA), Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR), Gov. Mike Rounds (SD), Rep. José Serrano (NY), and Rep. Bradley Sherman (CA) • Country: Ethiopia (60 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Amharic and Tigrinya • Unsettled after overthrow of communist regime • 41% Eastern Orthodox; 35% Muslim; 10% Protestant; 10% animist; .7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord for your redemption (Ps. 103:4).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19

 

[Judy Harder]

Monday, October 25, 2010   

Read Luke 10 -- 11
Highlights:

Importance of witnessing (Luke 10:1-19). Most-important Commandment (10:27) and question (10:29). How to pray (11:1-13)! Let your light shine (11:33-36). Insincere, self-righteous life condemned by Jesus (11:42-54).
A scribe who was an official interpreter of both the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders, stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 10:25). Jesus replied: What is written in the Law? He answered: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And Jesus said: Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? (10:26-29).

Jesus illustrated the answer by saying: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment (clothing), and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed . . . when he saw him, he had compassion on him . . . and bound up his wounds . . . and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. . . . Which now of these three . . . was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise (Luke 10:30-37).

My neighbour is anyone who needs my compassion and whom I have the opportunity and ability to help. It does not matter what his position, race, or religion may be. We are simply to enter into the feelings of another's sufferings or misfortunes as God has done for us (Heb. 4:15). Whatever is mine actually belongs to God and whatever belongs to God should be shared with my neighbor who was also created by and in the image of God.

All of us need to be reminded of our Lord's answer to the lawyer's question. What shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus caused him to recognize that the evidence of eternal life within us is a desire to obey God's Word. Jesus said: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to (for) another (John 13:34-35).

Thought for Today:

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (Rom. 5:2).
Word Studies:

10:40 cumbered about much serving frustrated over all she had to do; 10:41 careful overly concerned; 11:8 importunity persistence; 11:39 ravening freed, covetousness; 11:46 lade load; 11:53 vehemently fiercely.
Cross References:

For Luke 10:27: See Lev. 19:18. Luke 10:28: See Lev. 18:5.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Audrey Hash • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Country: Fiji (813,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Fijian • Religious freedom • 41% Hindu; 40% Protestant; 9% Roman Catholic; 8% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy (Ps. 106:1).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19

[Judy Harder]

Read Luke 12 -- 13

Highlights:

Jesus denounces scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites (Luke 12:1-12). Verses to heed (12:4-5,8-10). Learn of greed, money, possessions (12:13-15). Don't be a fool (12:19-20). Repent, be prepared for the Master, don't be left out (12:35-48; 13:1-5,22-30)! Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath (13:10-17). Jesus grieves for us too (13:31-35).
The Lord illustrated the self-deception of covetousness by telling this parable: The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow (store) my fruits? . . . I will pull down my barns, and build greater (larger); and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Luke 12:16-20). By hard work in the highly-respected occupation of farming, this man had become wealthy. There is no hint that he had gained his wealth by dishonest methods. His soul-destroying sin was that he spent his lifetime in self-gratification. God called him a fool, and then added: So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (12:20-21).

We Christians should not allow material desires to distract us from doing the will of God. We are not to worry about our future needs. As important as food, clothing, and shelter are to maintaining life, our first concern should always be to seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). By keeping our priorities right, we prepare ourselves to be all that our Lord wants us to be to accomplish the purpose for which He created us.

How we use our time and talents is an expression of our Christian faith. Christ taught that life is truly fulfilling by loving, serving, and giving to extend the Good News to a lost world. Regardless of how much or how little talent, or possessions we may have or acquire, as good stewards we should prayerfully acknowledge His ownership and consider what Jesus would have us do with them.

Thou, O man of God . . . follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (gentleness). Fight the good fight of faith, lay (take) hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession (confession) before many witnesses (I Tim. 6:11-12).

Thought for Today:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Rom. 5:5).
Word Studies:

12:50 straitened pressed with intense sorrow; 12:58 hale take by force; 12:59 mite fraction of a cent; 13:8 dung it fertilize it; 13:24 strait narrow, strict, illustrating no deviation from what God has said in His Word.
Cross References:

For Luke 13:27: See Ps. 6:8. Luke 13:35: See Ps. 118:26.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Rep. Geoff Davis (KY), and Sec. Hillary Clinton (Dept. of State) • Country: Finland (5.2 million) in northern Europe • Major languages: Finnish and Swedish • Religious freedom • 86% Lutheran; 1% Orthodox; 12% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God with a spirit of thankfulness for His goodness (Ps. 107:1,21).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, October 27, 2010   

Read Luke 14 -- 16

Highlights:

Read all the Word of God so as not to miss His call (Luke 14:15-24). Consider the true devotion of discipleship (14:26-35). Together with Jesus, seek the lost (note: 15:7). Parable of the shrewd steward. No one can serve two masters (16:10-13). Rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31).
Our Lord illustrates the two alternatives in life. The first choice is a self-centered son who demanded freedom from his father's authority, and then took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance (inheritance) with riotous living. . . . when he had spent all . . . he began to be in want (faced starvation) (Luke 15:13-16). In his miserable state, this prodigal son made a wise choice when he said . . . I perish (die) with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee (15:17-18).

The word "prodigal" means a waster; the young man wasted his father's substance. After he repented, his father made him aware of the seriousness of his former life as a sinner when he said: This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry and enjoy fellowship with each other (15:24).

Just as the prodigal son discovered that his father's love was far greater than he had previously realized, so too will every repentant sinner discover that the Heavenly Father is waiting with great compassion to forgive all who come to Him.

Jesus then told of a rich man who never recognized that he had "wasted" his life, even though he had become "very successful." But, in hell . . . being in torments. . . . he cried . . . I am tormented in this flame (16:23-24). It was only then he discovered that hell was eternal and that, between him and Abraham, there was a great gulf fixed (16:26). The rich man's preoccupation with success crowded out any desire to use his abilities or resources for the glory of God. The foremost purpose of our brief life on earth is to prepare for an endless eternity while using our resources, time, and talents to provide spiritual food for others.

Since the believer's true conversation (citizenship) is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), we dare not make secular goals, material gain, and physical satisfactions our priorities. Jesus made it very clear: All mankind, rich or poor, has one thing in common — physical death will open the door to either the joy of eternal life or the horrors of eternal hell. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard. . . . How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? (Heb. 2:1,3).

Thought for Today:

Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:33).
Word Studies:

14:26 hate not all natural affections is to be as compared with the Christian's devotedness and love for Christ. Jesus clarified this when He said: Who is My Mother? and who are My brethren? . . . the same is My brother, and sister, and mother (Matt. 12:48-50); 14:32 ambassage relegation; 15:16 would fain craved to; 16:11 unrighteous mammon the use of your money in this world.
Cross Reference:

For Luke 16:15: See Prov. 21:2.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Official: Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY) • Country: France (59.1 million) in western Europe • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 7% Islam; 1.22% Protestant; 1.18% Jewish; 1% Buddhist; .2% Orthodox; .2% Eastern Catholic; .2% Jehovah's Witness; 9% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for your adversaries (Ps. 109:4).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways

Thursday, October 28, 2010   

Read Luke 17 -- 18
Highlights:

Christian conduct includes unlimited and unconditional forgiveness, faith, and surrender to the will of God as revealed in His Word (Luke 17:1-10). Signs that the end is near (17:20-37). Lessons from an evil judge (18:1-8); self-righteous Pharisee and humble tax collector who both pray (18:9-14); warning for those with riches (18:18-28); assurance of gaining the best in this life and life everlasting (18:29-30); a blind man who would not give up (18:35-43).
No one question could be of greater importance than that of a certain ruler (Luke 18:18) who came . . . running, and kneeled to Him (Jesus) (Mark 10:17). He was a young man (Matt. 19:20,22) and possessed great wealth. Kneeling before Jesus, he asked: Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him. . . . Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother (Luke 18:18-20; also Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31). No one ever addressed a scribe or a rabbi as Good Master — only God was called good. Three Gospels report that he recognized Jesus as more than just another Teacher, but as the Good Master (Teacher). He knew that he wanted to prepare for eternity after this physical life.

In response to his most vital question: What shall I do, Jesus told him: Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich (Luke 18:22-23). This should not be twisted to mean that eternal life can be earned by self-effort or sacrificial giving. Eternal life can only come from Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Rev. 1:5). He was unwilling to let Jesus be Lord of his life. He would not give up the influence, prestige, and financial security that his wealth provided. He was a good man, and very religious, but sadly he was eternally lost.

We must: Charge (instruct) them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded (conceited), nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate (share); Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (I Tim. 6:17-19).

Your lifestyle and daily decisions reveal who you are really living for. The young ruler illustrates why Jesus said: Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt. 7:14).

Thought for Today:

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Rom. 12:12).
Word Studies:

17:8 sup, dine; 17:9 trownot think not; 18:1 faint give up; 18:3 Avenge provide justice and protection.
Cross Reference:

For Luke 18:20: See Ex. 20:12-16; Deut. 5:16-20.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Official: Rep. Zach Wamp (TN) • Country: French Guiana (168,000) on the northern coast of South America • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 85% Christian; 9.5% non-Religious/Other; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Do not be fearful or live in dread of what might happen; trust the Lord to take care of you (Ps. 112:7).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19

[Judy Harder]

Friday, October 29, 2010


Read Luke 19 -- 20

Highlights:

The real reason why Jesus came (Luke 19:10). Individual Christian ministry (19:13). Jesus answers questions concerning the resurrection (20:27-40).
The Pharisees conspired against Jesus with the cooperation of the nonreligious political party called the Herodians, a group which urged Israel's submission to Rome (Matt. 22:16). These opposite-thinking groups of people hypocritically sent an investigative committee from the Sanhedrin, pretending to be interested in following Jesus. They said to Jesus: Master, we know that Thou sayest and . . . teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute (taxes) unto Caesar, or no? (Luke 20:21-22). Since the majority of Jews deeply resented paying taxes to the Roman government, this "committee" was sure the crowd would quickly turn against Jesus if He said "Yes." And the Pharisees could also say He was not the Messiah of Israel if He taught subjection to a Gentile government. But, if He said "No," the Herodian party could then accuse Him of conspiracy against the Roman government and Pilate could have Him arrested for disloyalty and treason.

But He perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye Me? Shew me a penny (a Roman coin that was an accepted currency among Jews). Whose image and superscription (inscription) hath it? They answered . . . Caesar's. And He said unto them, Render (Give) therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's. The rest of His comment came as a stinging rebuke to their hypocrisy when He added and unto God the things which be God's (20:23-25). It is common knowledge that the image upon a coin is representative of governmental authority, but added to that we must also submit to the highest authority because we are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). This means that the words of Jesus are still just as true for us to tithe since it represents our accountability to God and expression of gratitude for His provisions.

Some misguided citizens accept the benefits of government but avoid paying taxes. They ignore the two reasons for paying them. Christians are to pay required taxes and obey the law, but they also pay them as a requirement to please God. We simply cannot ignore His clear command to: Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers (I Pet. 2:13-14).

Thought for Today:

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Rom. 15:4).
Word Studies:

19:13 Occupy use your talent to buy and sell; 19:16 pound a unit of money to illustrate opportunities to increase; 19:21 austere stern, exacting; 20:20 feign themselves just men pretend to be sincere followers.
Cross References:

For Luke 19:38: See Ps. 118:26. Luke 19:46: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11. Luke 20:17: See Ps. 118:22. Luke 20:28: See Deut. 25:5. Luke 20:37: See Ex. 3:6. Luke 20:42-43: See Ps. 110:1.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Marcia Fudge (OH) • Country: Gabon (1 million) in west-central Africa • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 66% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 3% animism and ancestor worship • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that one of the purposes of prayer is to glorify God (Ps. 115:1).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19