Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

February 2, 2011   

Read Leviticus 4 -- 6
Highlights:

Again Moses: Speak unto the children of Israel (Lev. 4:2). People guilty of sin can approach the Holy Creator God who provides forgiveness for all sin and eternal life through Christ!
There were certain conditions necessary to make a Sin Offering acceptable to God. All sacrifices must be without blemish (Lev. 4:3). Every man had to also bring his own sacrifice to God. The worshiper had to offer it willingly and take a personal part by laying his hands on the head of his sacrifice to make it representative of his sins. Then he slew the animal, and the body of this sin offering was burned without (outside) the camp. The camp must not be defiled, because the Lord dwelt in its midst (Num. 5:3). But only the priest could offer the blood sacrifice. Requirements of the sin offering were: If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the Commandments of the Lord . . . let him bring for his sin . . . a young bullock without blemish unto the Lord for a Sin Offering. . . . Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out (Lev. 4:2-3,12).

In other offerings, the offerer came as a worshiper, but here he came as a convicted sinner. The Sin Offering was a distinct witness to the fact that sin exists within the heart of all mankind (Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:23, 5:12). God has provided just one Sacrifice for sin under the New Covenant which can redeem and restore a sinner. He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Cor. 5:21).

To demonstrate its seriousness, if a priest sinned, his sacrifice was the same as that of the whole congregation (Lev. 4:14,23). Christians are a royal priesthood (I Pet. 2:9) and have a similar influence and an obligation to abstain from fleshly lusts (2:11).

The Sin Offering typified Christ who would die in the sinner's place. Animal sacrifices served their purpose until Christ shed His sinless blood on the cross for man's sins (Heb. 10:10). Today, by faith the sinner believes that Jesus died in his place and receives Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. Once this is true, we then should present your (our) bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your (our) reasonable service (Rom. 12:1).

Without shedding of blood is no remission (of sin) (Heb. 9:22). True repentance will result in obedience to the Word of God, and will be evidenced by our daily conduct. Faith without works is dead (James 2:20).

Thought for Today:

Almost all things are by the Law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission (Heb. 9:22).
Christ Revealed:

Through the body of the young bull which was burned without the camp (Lev. 4:12). This pictures Jesus as He suffered without the gate (Heb. 13:11-12).
Word Studies:

5:3 it be hid from him he is unaware of it; 5:4 if a soul swear of a person makes a vow; 5:8 asunder in two parts; 5:17 wist it not was unaware of it; shall bear his iniquity is responsible for his sin; 6:2 fellowship partnership.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Official: Sen. John Cornyn (TX) • Country: Spain (39.6 million) in southwestern Europe • Major languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan • Limited religious freedom • 85% Roman Catholicism; 1% Islam; .5% Protestant; .5% Jehovah's Witness; 13% Other (Mormon, Jewish, Secular Humanist) • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's teaching; grow and mature in your prayer life (Luke 11:1).
Optional Reading: Mark 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6

[Judy Harder]

Read Leviticus 7 -- 8

Highlights:

Consecration and 10 steps to cleansing. How do priesthood requirements parallel the Christian walk? See the parallel between Aaron, the high priest (Lev. 21:10) and Christ, the Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)?
The Law of the Peace Offering is given last. It was a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise and was presented for some special blessing or vow of dedication. It could also be a freewill offering for special occasions when the worshiper desired to express his praise, love, and thanksgiving to the One True Holy God. And this is the Law of the sacrifice of Peace Offerings, which he shall offer unto the Lord (Lev. 7:11). The Peace Offering required "unleavened bread" offered as a part of the sacrifice. The absence of leaven represented the absence of sin and foreshadowed the perfect Lord Jesus Christ. Yeast, or leaven, was a symbol of corruption for it caused fermentation.

The Peace Offering was the last one to be offered because there could be no peace or fellowship with God until all the regulations of the Sin and Trespass offerings had first been obeyed.

The special feature of the Peace Offering was the sacrificial meal wherein the priest and the worshiper shared together what was offered, and part of the offering was presented to God upon His altar, as though it were being consumed by Him. It was a joyful, fellowship feast celebrating restored peace and communication with God. After these sacrifices the worshiper was acceptable to God. What joy there is in knowing the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7).

Jesus promised: My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). The Lord's peace is imparted to every Christian who submits his will to the will of God.

If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His Commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (I John 3:21-22). We are given the awesome responsibility of receiving or rejecting His peace in our hearts. Let (or allow) the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Col. 3:15). God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ (II Cor. 5:19-20).

Thought for Today:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee (Is. 26:3).
Christ Portrayed:

By Moses as he consecrated the priests who were called for the work (Lev. 8:1-30). Christ is the One who sets the believer apart for service. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained (appointed) you (John 15:16).
Word Studies:

7:14 oblation required freewill offering; 7:18 abomination offensive thing, defiled, unclean, detestable to God; 7:25 cut off from his people excommunicated from family and nation; 8:8 Urim, Thummim sow-unknown objects placed in the breastplate of the high priest by which he ascertained the will of God.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in honor of Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Official: Rep. Tom Graves (GA) and Rep. Robert J. Whitman (VA) • Country: Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) (19 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India • Major languages: Sinhala and Tamil • Christianity suppressed • 69% Buddhist; 15% Hindu; 8% Christian (mostly Catholic); 7% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Luke 11:3).
Optional Reading: Mark 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6

[Judy Harder]

February 4, 2011   

Read Leviticus 9 -- 10
Highlights:

We begin with "strange" fire! What is the difference between holy and unholy; clean and unclean (Lev. 10:10-11). Discover why God demands that we be holy.
Nadab and Abihu were sons of Aaron, the high priest. They were appointed to serve as priests, assisting him in conducting sacrifices and worship service. It appears that some time after being consecrated as priests, they took fire for altar sacrifice as if it did not make much difference where it came from or how it was administered. They failed to recognize the importance of obedience to the authority of the Word of God. Nadab and Abihu . . . offered strange fire before the Lord. . . . And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord (Lev. 10:1-2).

What a fearful report of Nadab and Abihu who were struck dead while "serving the Lord." God had chosen Aaron to be the first high priest and the anointing oil was poured upon his head as a sign of consecration. That ye may put (a) difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the Statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses (10:10-11).

We are commanded: As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation (conduct); Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (I Pet. 1:14-16).

God has also said that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph. 1:4).

How often zeal for God and activities are mixed by showing a proud spirit and seeking personal recognition. Christians are often willing to do the will of God when it happens to coincide with their desires to get attention. Such people enjoy the recognition and opportunity to display "their" abilities. Mixed motives and pride are great hindrances to humility. The basic principle of a successful life is for us to recognize that we are nothing in ourselves, as Jesus said: As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. . . . Without Me, ye can do nothing (of eternal value). If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and . . . burned (John 15:4-6). Christ alone must be exalted.

Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:28-29).

Thought for Today:

Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 7:1).
Christ Revealed:

Through the sacrifice of a lamb without blemish (Lev. 9:3). Behold the Lamb of God, which (who) taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Word Studies:

10:3 glorified highly honored; 10:10 holy and unholy sacred and profane; 10:13 thy due legally; 10:14 heave (lift up before the Lord) shoulder high.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. and Mrs. Walter W. Swanson • Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) • Country: St. Kitts-Nevis (42,000) in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 74% Protestant; 7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that your life is in the hands of God, and ask Him to deliver you from all evil (Luke 11:4).
Optional Reading: Mark 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6

[Judy Harder]

 February 5, 2011   

Read Leviticus 11 -- 13
Highlights:

Read about the supreme essential to cleanse sin. God has specific laws concerning clean and unclean animals, childbirth, and the dreadful leprosy (symbolic of sin).
Numerous times God said: I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves . . . Make a difference between the unclean and the clean (Lev. 11:44-47). The people of God must be a morally clean people, inwardly and outwardly, in order to be in a right relationship with God. Every Christian should conduct his life as a purchased possession (of Christ), unto the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:14). The Holy Spirit warns concerning this first generation of slaves that had left Egypt, that . . . all passed through the sea . . . And did all drink the same spiritual drink . . . of that spiritual Rock . . . and that spiritual . . . Rock was Christ. But . . . they were overthrown (died) in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. . . . idolaters. . . . fornication. . . . murmured. . . . let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (I Cor. 10:1-12).

As we read through the Bible, the Holy Spirit will lead all who are true believers to daily experience the lordship of Christ over their thoughts and conduct, that whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory (honor) of God (10:31).

The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to also write: Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are (3:16). For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (set apart to live as children of the One True God) (I Thess. 4:7).

God left nothing to human opinions or contemporary trends. It is our responsibility to learn how God expects us to live. We are called to study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (II Tim. 2:15). If we neglect reading His Word, then it becomes easy to substitute human opinion for the Holy Spirit's guidance. My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord (Is. 55:. As we compare our ways with the Word, we discover the will of God (Rom. 12:2).

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (II Cor. 5:17).

Thought for Today:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits (Ps. 103:2).
Christ Revealed:

Through the priest who looked on the plague after it was washed to pronounce it clean (Lev. 13:55,59). Jesus Christ. . . . Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Rev. 1:5).
Word Studies:

11:3 clovenfooted hoof parted into two distinct hooves; 13:2 rising swelling; 13:4 shut up isolate; 13:5 be at a stay has not changed; 13:10 quick raw  forming; 13:51 fretting contagious, spreading.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Sudan (28.9 million) at the eastern end of the Sahara Desert • Major languages: Arabic and Nubian • Limited religious freedom • 70% Sunni Muslim; 19% Christian; 10% Traditional; 1% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently; you will receive an answer (Luke 11:9-10).
Optional Reading: Mark 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6

[Judy Harder]

February 6, 2011 

Read Leviticus 14 -- 15
Highlights:

After reading these chapters, you will discover how detestable sin is in the eyes of God. Separation from sin is of utmost importance to have fellowship with God. Be "clean" in mind, thought, and deed.
All lepers would surely defile everything they touched. Consequently, they were consigned to isolation beyond the reach of human aid. And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be (Lev. 13:45-46).

The word "leprosy" struck terror in the heart of an Israelite for two reasons. First, the person who had leprosy became an outcast from society. He was forced to leave his home — his family, friends, and the place of worship — and exist outside the camp. When anyone went near him, the leper had to cry out the warning: Unclean, unclean. But perhaps the most horrifying reason leprosy was so feared was that there was no known cure for it.

Leprosy often appears as just a small, harmless, pink spot — but how dreadful, loathsome, and fatal it eventually becomes. Leprosy illustrates how detestable sin is to God. It may first appear as insignificant. Like leprosy, sin immediately separates us from God and makes us unclean. People controlled by sin exist in a state of living death and only Christ can cleanse a sinner. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us . . . through Jesus Christ our Saviour (Titus 3:5-6).When we turn to Christ, truly repent, and forsake our sins, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. . . . If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:7,9).

This illustrates how only Christ could touch a leper and the leper be instantly healed. The leper typifies how Christ reaches out to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8-9). All the "good works" we could do in a lifetime could not save us. But once we are saved, we will be known for our good works. Whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25).

Thought for Today:

They which have believed in God . . . be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:.
Christ Portrayed:

By the priest who made atonement for the leper (Lev. 14:20). Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation) (Rom. 5:11).
Word Studies:

14:2 leper one who has leprosy, a name given to various types of skin diseases as well as the incurable form of leprosy; 14:8 tarry abroad stay outside his tent; 14:32 whose hand is not able who cannot afford; 14:37 lower than the wall below the surface of the plaster; 15:2 running issue discharge; 15:33 of her flowers with her monthly period.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Vern Ehlers (MI) • Country: Suriname (431,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: Dutch and English • Very limited religious freedom • 27% Hindu; 22% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 20% Muslim; 6% witchcraft and spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Be specific in your prayers (Luke 18:41-43).
Optional Reading: Mark 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3

[Judy Harder]

 February 7, 2011   

Read Leviticus 16 -- 18

Highlights:

Three spiritual truths stand out — Atonement, Sacrifice, and Holiness — learn how Jesus fulfills them all. PTL! Warnings against various defilements and the need to know (listed in chapters 18-19).
The Day of Atonement was the most important day in the Hebrew calendar. On that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. It shall be a Sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever (Lev. 16: 30-32).

In addition, on this day, two goats were brought for the corporate sin offering. The high priest received them at the Tabernacle Door, where he cast lots to select one to be sacrificed and the other to be released into the desert. The first was sacrificed as a sin offering (16:9) and the second was the scapegoat (16:26). The peoples' sins for the past year were transferred to this scapegoat by the high priest laying hands on the goat. It was then led into the wilderness beyond the camp. It then departed from human view, symbolically carrying the sins of the congregation away.

The sacrificed goat represents the sufficiency of a blood sacrifice, for it is the blood that maketh an atonement (17:11). Without shedding of blood is no remission (of sin) (Heb. 9:22). The scapegoat represents the fact that all our sins are forgiven and forever removed. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us (Ps. 103: 11-12). In the New Testament the blood of Jesus Christ . . . cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).

Not realizing this fact, many Christians continue to pray for God to forgive them many times and continue to carry the unbearable guilt of past sins. He does not want us to carry the guilt of confessed sins. In fact, it infers we don't really believe He has forgiven us.

The two goats represent the two-fold purpose of our Lord's death on the cross. Our sins are forgiven and forever removed from the sight of God. Our peace and fellowship with God are restored by the blood of Christ. Believe His Word: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

Thought for Today:

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (I John 4:18).
Christ Revealed:

Through the two goats used on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:. The slaying of the first goat typifies that our peace with God was restored by the blood of Christ (Rev. 5:9). The second goat represents the precious mercy of God in forever removing from His sight the sins of His people. Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more (Heb. 10:17).
Word Studies:

16:29 afflict your souls humble yourselves, practice self-denial; 17:4 cut off excommunicated from family and the nation; 17:14 the blood of it is for the life thereof its blood sustains its physical life; 18:6 uncover their nakedness have sexual intercourse.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by James P. Devery • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Staff: Linda Kennon • Government Officials: Gov. John Hickenlooper (CO), Rep. Richard (Doc) Hastings (WA) and Sen. Herbert Kohl (WI) • Country: Swaziland (985,000) in southern Africa • Major languages: English and siSwati • Religious freedom • 67% Protestant; 19% animism, spirit-possession cults, and divination; 11% Roman Catholic; 3% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Watch and pray that you may be worthy to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:36).
Optional Reading: Mark 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3

[Judy Harder]

February 8, 2011   

Read Leviticus 19 -- 21

Highlights:

Amazingly, again the Creator instructs Moses: Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel (Lev. 19:2). Try counting how many times, just in today's reading, God reminds us: I am the Lord.
The Law and all the Ordinances were given to the nation of Israel as a means of revealing to the world the wisdom and loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father. I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. . . . Therefore shall ye observe all My Statutes . . . and do them: I am the Lord. . . . Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy (Lev. 19:36-37; 20:7).

The instructions against fraud, hatred, an unforgiving attitude, and immorality, are summed up in one Commandment: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (19:18). Other Commandments call for reverence for parents and the aged and compassion for the suffering and the weak. All these reveal the loving concern of the Creator God who cares for all His people.

Love in the heart of God is the source of everything that is good (see Gen. 1:10,12,18,21,25). God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good (1:31). His character of loving-kindness should be expressed through His people. We are the means that God has chosen to express His love to the world. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

Most of us, somewhere along the way, have at times thought: "How can I possibly love some people I know — that rude egotist down at the office who deliberately puts me down, or that smooth liar who has deceived me, or that onetime friend who took advantage of my trust?" And the list continues.

Any pagan can say: "I will do good to the person who is good to me." To love those we consider "unloveable," it takes a Christian who, from his heart, seeks to manifest the nature of Christ his Savior who has forgiven his sins. Jesus said: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you . . . For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:44-48). It is of utmost importance that we sincerely express His love and compassion without exception.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Rom. 12:10).

Thought for Today:

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou has found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off (Prov. 24:14).
Christ Revealed:

As the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Lev. 20:6-8). Jesus, who is The Truth (John 14:6), also sent us the Spirit of Truth who guides us into all Truth (16:13).
Word Studies:

19:3 fear everentially regard; 19:4 molten past metal; 19:26 enchantment fortune-telling or witchcraft; observe times astrology; 19:28 print any marks upon you tattoo yourself or cut yourself as the pagans do; 19:31 them that have familiar spirits mediums, fortune-tellers; wizards a form of witchcraft of those who profess to communicate with the dead.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Gus Bilirakas (FL) • Country: Sweden (8.09 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Swedish • Religious freedom • 90% Evangelical Lutheran; 1.5% Roman Catholic; 1% Pentecostal; 4% Muslim; 3.5% Other (Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others by name (Luke 22:31-32).
Optional Reading: Mark 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3


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February 9, 2011   

Read Leviticus 22 -- 23
Highlights:

A wealth of spiritual information is found in these two chapters which outline the holy days of Feasts and fasts God required. Every Christian should learn how they all foreshadowed our relationship with Christ who was crucified on Passover (Lev. 23:5; John 19:14).
On the annual Day of Atonement the high priest must offer sacrifices for himself and then for the sins of the nation. He was then prepared to offer incense (symbolic of prayer) before the Lord (see Ex. 6:3). He passed beyond the veil hidden from the people, including all other priests, and he was alone in the presence of our Creator. There shall be a Day of Atonement . . . ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. And ye shall do no manner of work. . . . it shall be unto you a Sabbath of rest (Lev. 23:27-32).

The priests . . . shall come near to Me to minister unto Me, and they shall stand before Me . . . saith the Lord God. . . . when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them while they minister. . . . they shall not gird themselves with anything that causeth sweat (Ezek. 44:15-18). Work that produces sweat was unacceptable in the inner court (44:17). Fleshly "sweat" in many of our activities causes the blessings of God to be withheld.

While individual Israelites under the Old Covenant did not have the privilege of coming into the presence of God, Jesus under the New Covenant has made a way for us to see Him visibly and to be with Him for eternity. Jesus will make all Christian believers His priests. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection . . . they shall be priests of God and of Christ (Rev. 20:6; see 1:6; 5:10). Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace (with our prayers), that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

Only a few take time to pray and fast as did the early church. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost (Spirit) said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them (Acts 13:2).

Thought for Today:

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Heb. 10:31).
Christ Revealed:

Leviticus 23 — in the seven great Feasts of the Lord: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) — all of which typified Jesus Christ. Christ our Passover (I Cor. 5:7); Bread of Life (John 6:35); Christ . . . the Firstfruits of them that slept (died) (I Cor. 15:20).
Word Studies:

22:19 beeves beef cattle; 22:23 superfluous deformed; 22:27 dam other; 23:2 holy convocations sacred assemblies; 23:7 ye shall do no servile work you shall not work at your occupations; 23:27 afflict humble.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Inez Holliman • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Jay Inslee (WA) and Sen. James Webb, Jr. (VA) • Country: Switzerland (7 million) in central Europe • Major languages: German and French • Religious freedom • 53% Roman Catholic; 41% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask that God's will be done in your life (Luke 22:42).
Optional Reading: Mark 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3

[Judy Harder]

February 10, 2011   

Read Leviticus 24 -- 25
Highlights:

A rebellious son blasphemed the Name of the Lord (Lev. 24:11,16). The Lord commanded (24:23). Note the number of perfection (seven) and its eventual climax in the year of Jubile (25:8-55).
One of the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God states: Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain (Ex. 20:7). It's a very serious sin to take the Name of the Lord . . . in vain, but, even worse, the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the Name of the Lord, and cursed (Lev. 24:11). This was much more serious because it showed active rebellion and brought discredit to the Name of the Lord.

Every 50th year in Israel was to be proclaimed as a year of Jubile . . . Ye shall not sow, neither reap (25:9-11). For 12 months the land was to rest while the people lived on whatever grew spontaneously. The Jubile reminded the nation of their total dependence upon God and acknowledged, the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof (Ps. 24:1).

As the trumpet announced the Jubile year, a sacrifice for atonement was made. This informed the people that an acceptable offering had been presented for their sins. In this year every downtrodden Hebrew who lost his ancestral property because of debts, or who became a slave through poverty or misfortune, regained his freedom and all his former property rights and privileges. All debts had to be forgiven.

This is a type foreshadowing the Gospel (Good News) which Christ came to reveal. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

Jesus' death on the cross is the sinner's Jubile. He sets us free from the power of sin and Satan and forgives all sins as well as provides us equal access to all the blessings of God. We, in turn, are to forgive everyone even as God forgives us because His forgiving Spirit indwells our lives. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25).

In the Synagogue, Jesus read: 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 (Luke 4:18; compare Is. 61:1-2).

Thought for Today:

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the Law of Liberty (Jas. 2:12).
Christ Portrayed:

By the kinsman-redeemer (Lev. 25:47-55). Christ is our Savior and Redeemer (Is. 60:16) who made us His kinsmen: The Spirit Itself (Himself) beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Rom. 8:16).
Word Studies:

24:4 order the lamps see that they are continually supplied with oil and kept in trim; 24:19 blemish injury; 25:35,39 be waxen poor has become impoverished; 25:36 usury interest on loans; 25:39 bondservant slave; 25:43 rigour harshness, severity.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) • Country: Syria (17 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Limited religious freedom for Christians • 90% Muslim; 4% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Roman Catholic; .25% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a spirit of humility and submission before the Lord (John 3:30-31).
Optional Reading: Mark 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3

[Judy Harder]

February 11, 2011   

Read Leviticus 26 -- 27

Highlights:

Talk about the benefits of walking on the "straight and narrow" — the marvelous blessings! Contrast the horrific results of disobedience. The fear of the Lord plus three things that are absolutely of the Lord.
Israel's success could not be explained by natural causes; the supernatural power of God was in control. The Israelites were reminded that God had brought them out of Egypt and consequently they were His people. Therefore, in loving gratitude, they should live to please their Master.

If ye walk in My Statutes, and keep My Commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase. . . . and ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword (Lev. 26:3-4,7-8).

He promised them blessings beyond compare if they would keep His Commandments, saying: I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My people (26:12). God also graciously warned them, saying: If you will not hearken unto Me, and will not do all these Commandments. . . . I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass. . . . and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies. And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up (26:14,19,37-38).

But the continual complaining and dissatisfaction of the adults who were delivered from Egyptian slavery prevented them from possessing the promised land (I Cor. 10:1-11; Heb. 3:7-19). This should be a warning to Christians today.

Just as the blessings of God were dependent upon the Israelites' obedience as well as gratitude, we, too, must obey His Word and be grateful to the Lord if we are to receive His blessings.

We have the privilege and highest honor of being soldiers in the army of the King of kings. Victory to the Israelites was not dependent on their strength but upon God who promised: Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts (Zech. 4:6).

To Christians Jesus still says: I am The Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing (John 15:5).

Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it (Luke 11:28)!

Thought for Today:

Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for Him: behold his reward is with Him, and his work before Him (Is. 40:10).
Christ Revealed:

As the Tabernacle to be sent to dwell among us (Lev. 26:11). The Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14; Rev. 21:3).
Word Studies:

26:6 neither shall the sword go there will be no war; 26:10 store food supply; 26:13 go upright talk erect as free men; 26:15 abhor disregard, reject; 26:25 avenge the quarrel execute punishment.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in honor of Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI) • Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers must be offered to God with the Spirit and understanding (John 4:22-24).
Optional Reading: Mark 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3


February 12, 2011   

Read Numbers 1 -- 2
Highlights:

God organizes the people in preparation to inherit the promised land. He speaks to Moses over 85 times, and just as important: Moses did as the Lord commanded (Num. 20:27).
The Israelites had been camped near Mount Sinai for more than a year. It took about 30 days to receive all the laws and regulations recorded in the Book of Leviticus. It was just one month after the erection of the Tabernacle on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt (Num.1:1). They were now ready to move toward the promised land.

Israel was free from the cruel slavery of Egypt (a type of the world) and the forced obedience to Pharaoh (who typifies Satan). Israel's tribes were not journeying as strangers through a desert waste merely led by Moses. They would be led by God Himself.

As long as they were at Mount Sinai but not yet required to go forward, the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses (2:34). But during their journey from the Red Sea to the promised land it was far different. When they saw the Egyptian chariots led by Pharaoh coming toward them, their faith of living in the promised land completely failed. The Israelites murmured against Moses saying it would have been better to stay in Egypt (Ex. 14:10-12). After numerous times of refusing to trust God on their way to the promised land, He would declare: All those men which have seen My glory, and My miracles . . . and have tempted Me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to My voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers (Num. 14:20-23).

Yes, as Moses said: We went through all that great and terrible wilderness (Deut. 1:19). But if the children of Israel had believed God and had entered the land when Caleb said: Let us go up at once, and possess it (13:30), they would have been in Canaan within less than two years after they left Egypt. Consequently, very little is said about the 39 years of wandering in the wilderness, for it was a time of failure. They would not trust God, even after all He had done for them. Instead, they murmured against Moses. . . . and they said . . . Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt (Num. 14:2-4).

The people of God live by faith, obey His Word, and trust in His promises. Fullfilment in life becomes a reality when we realize that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10).

Thought for Today:

Unless Thy Law had been My delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction (Ps. 119:92).
Christ Portrayed:

By Moses as he led the people (Num. 1:54). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep. . . . My sheep hear My voice . . . and they follow Me (John 10:14,27).
Word Studies:

1:2 Take ye the sum take a census; by their polls by head count; 1:16 renowned chosen national representatives; 1:17 expressed designated; 1:18 pedigrees ancestry; 2:2 ensign tribal banner.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Sen. Arlen Specter (PA) • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Have faith in the Word of God (John 4:49-53).
Optional Reading: Mark 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3

 

[Judy Harder]

February 13, 2011   

Read Numbers 3 -- 4
Highlights:

The census, duties, and order of God for all. The details required for transporting the Tabernacle. Are you allowing God to bring His order and detail into your life? Redemption of the firstborn!
It was vitally important that the Tabernacle workers (Levites) remain faithful and loyal if the priests were to perform their sacred responsibilities. All that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the Tabernacle. . . . shall bear the curtains of the Tabernacle . . . (its) covering . . . and all that is made for them: so shall they serve (Num. 4:23,25-26).

The words to perform the service occur again and again. They refer to the Levites' ordinary hard work of disassembling the Tabernacle and carrying the curtains, poles, furniture, and everything pertaining to the Tabernacle worship throughout the dangerous, difficult wilderness journey (Deut. 1:19).

Just as the priests at that time were dependent upon the faithfulness of the workers, the outreach of the Word of God throughout the world today is dependent upon the faithfulness of the people of God. Every Christian is called upon to perform the service — to faithfully help make it possible for others to know about Jesus Christ and His Word, which alone can set souls free from sin and hell.

God has first claim on the lives of all His people, for all were created and sustained by Him (Col. 1:15-17). Salvation is more than a doctrine. It takes place when a person fully gives himself to the Lord. Christ expects not only to be our Savior but to be our Guide through life, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith . . . that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph. 3:17,19). It is of utmost importance that we submit to His Lordship because of our relationship with Jesus Christ, who . . . washed us from our sins in His own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Rev. 1:5-6).

Everything is changed when the believer submits to the Lordship of Christ and realizes that everything of eternal value does have its source in Him. It is then that Bible reading becomes the means of discovering His will and living daily to please the Lord.

Satan continually seeks to hinder everyone from accomplishing anything worthwhile for the Lord. We must be on guard against the more subtle temptations of using the Lord's day and His tithes for personal pleasure. Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season (at the proper time) we shall reap, if we faint not (don't give up) (Gal. 6:9).

Thought for Today:

Unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Eph. 3:20).
Christ Portrayed:

By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites (Numbers 3:6). As a holy and royal priesthood, we serve Christ, our great High Priest (John 12:26; I Pet. 2:5,9; Heb. 4:14).
Word Studies:

3:10 wait on care for; 3:12 matrix tomb; 4:3 all that enter into the host those who qualify to enter the service; 4:6 staves carrying poles; 4:10 bar carrying frame; 4:24 burdens to carry when moving.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Official: Gov. Jay Nixon (MO) • Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China • Major language: Mandarin Chinese • Religious freedom • 80% "Chinese Religions" (Buddhist/Taoist/Confucian); 4% Christianity; .2% Muslim; 14% Atheist; 1.8% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your life will always be pleasing to God (John 8:29).
Optional Reading: Mark 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:4