Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways
     
Read Psalms 120 -- 131
Highlights:

The Israelites sang Psalms as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the sacred feasts. Don't miss reading these special verses in today's reading.
God led the psalmist to reveal the true Source of help when he wrote: In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me (Ps. 120:1). It is of utmost importance that we seek the Lord. We are too often tempted to become involved in other activities. However, the next Psalm gives assurance: My help cometh from the Lord. . . . Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep (121:2-4). To remove all fears of the future, the psalmist revealed: The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore (121:7-8). Let us say with David: I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord (122:1).

Patience is indispensable as we wait upon the Lord our God (123:2). The speaker's whole being was engaged in diligent waiting, just as the soldiers on the walls await the relief of the morning change of watch.

At first, we may submit to the Lord even against our will because our past experiences teach us that patiently waiting is our wisest course. We want His will in us. Waiting upon the Lord is the expression of our faith in Him and allows God to deal with us in such a way and time as He thinks best.

To many it appears impossible and too difficult to wait upon God. To illustrate, King Saul thought he couldn't wait. Consequently we read: But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought Him a man after His own heart (I Sam. 13: 14). The one who knows God will not depend upon his own judgment or ability, but will wait until God gives direction. Patiently waiting upon God is a test of our faith in Him and brings His rich reward: They shall inherit the earth (Ps. 37:9).

Just rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him (37:7) and if you feel patience is not your gift, then remember it is the gift of God.

Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue . . . to virtue knowledge . . . to knowledge temperance . . . to temperance patience . . . to patience godliness (II Pet. 1:5-6).

Thought for Today:

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass (Ps. 37:5).
Christ Revealed:

As our Protector — the One who shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in (Ps. 121:. By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:9). And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (II Tim. 4:18).
Word Studies:

130:3 mark =b> record; 130:4 feared =b> reverenced with awe; 131:1 exercise =b> concern; too high for me =b> far beyond me.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), Rep. Donald Payne (NJ), Rep. Mike Rogers (AL), and Rep. Tim Ryan (OH) • Country: Liberia (3 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and more than 20 local languages of the Niger-Congo language group • Religious freedom • 41% ancestor worship and witchcraft; 21% Muslim; 13% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion:Offer up your prayer to God, your King, who will hearken to your prayer (Ps. 5:2).
Optional Reading: II Timothy 1

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:2

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways
     



Read Psalms 132 -- 138
Highlights:

Can we even count the number of times the Lord rescued David from King Saul? As king, David never lost a war. The first five chapters in today's reading are full of trust and love for the Lord. He then contrasts the One True God with worthless idols. Do we qualify as the Lord's peculiar (very special) treasure (Ps. 135:4; Ex. 19:5; Titus 2:14; I Pet. 2:9)? Psalm 136 is called The Great Hallel and was sung during Passover.
Another of David's best-known Psalms is 138: I will praise Thee with my whole heart . . . I will sing praise unto Thee. I will worship toward Thy Holy Temple, and praise Thy Name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy Name (Ps. 138:1-2).

Those who make up the family of God should surely live together in peace and harmony. They will be unable to discover any beauty worth speaking of in the false unity created and maintained by compromise of principles and man-made rules and regulations. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (133:1)!

The unity that is pleasant to the Lord is the unity of Christians brought about through the Holy Spirit. It is like many musicians in a great orchestra playing in harmony. There may be a great diversity of instruments, yet there is perfect unity. The word pleasant denotes delightful and lovely. It should be an attitude that we express toward others.

Psalm 133 was sung three times a year by those who went to worship at Jerusalem on the Lord's appointed feast days (Ex. 23:17; Deut. 16:16). There were all kinds of people on the road to Jerusalem, but they had one thing in common — they were all going to the city of God to worship their Lord.

In keeping with this spirit of unity are the words of Abram to Lot, and they are still applicable for Christians under every circumstance: Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee . . . for we be brethren (Gen. 13:. In contrast to this we are told: He that soweth discord among brethren is an abomination unto the Lord (Prov. 6:16-19).

All true believers in Christ, regardless of denomination, nationality, education, or wealth, have been redeemed by the same Savior, serve the same Master, cherish the same hope, and are looking forward to the same heaven. All of us are subject to trials, temptations, and sorrows. No one is perfect or knows all the answers (including me). But we all are led by the same Spirit. It is therefore an expression of His love to dwell together in unity and to let brotherly love continue (Heb. 13:1)..

Thought for Today:

By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).
Christ Revealed:

As the Descendant of David, who would sit upon David's throne (Ps. 132:11). He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32; Acts 2:29-30).
Word Studies:

132:6 Ephratah =he district in which Bethlehem was located; 132:11 fruit =b> offspring; 132:17 horn =b> authority, power; bud =b> flourish; 135:4 Jacob . . . His peculiar treasure =b> the people of God are God's own possession; 135:14 will repent Himself concerning His servants =b> will have compassion upon His people; 136:12 a stretched out arm =b> mighty power; 137:3 wasted =b> plundered; 137:4 strange =b> foreign; 137:7 Rase =b> Overthrow, Destroy, Demolish.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Country: Libya (5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and Italian • No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted • 98% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Begin each morning with prayer (Ps. 5:3).
Optional Reading: II Timothy 2

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:3

[Judy Harder]

Read Psalms 139 -- 143
Highlights:

Psalm 139 proclaims the universal presence and infinite knowledge of God. He knows our every thought, word, and deed. This could be any of us speaking to God. The closing prayer is one of the most needed prayers in the whole Bible. The last four psalms reflect David's heartfelt pleas for protection.
A sincere love for God prompts a clear break from sin, as indicated by David's intense concern that he have a pure heart: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts (Ps. 139:23). This request expresses sincerity. It is not the request of one who was ignorant of his true character and inflated with presumption but of one who thoroughly knew his natural human tendency to self-deception. Just as one unguarded entrance to a high-walled city may admit an invading horde, David knew that yielding to one temptation could weaken an otherwise guarded life.

Let us be well assured that God alone knows our thoughts and hearts. Nothing is overlooked (I Chr. 28:9). The question is: "How does God make known to us that which is known so perfectly to Him?" Let us take David as an example. For months after his great sins of adultery and causing the death of Uriah, he apparently lived without guilt and without his conscience convicting him because he was king; David was in all other activities appearing as a very good and gracious king. But after one year, the prophet Nathan was led of God to say: Wherefore hast thou despised the Commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? . . . Therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house. . . . Thus saith the Lord . . . I will raise up evil against thee (II Sam. 12:9-11). It was the authoritative Word of God that brought conviction and exposed David's wickedness to his heart. Deeply grieved, David confessed his sin, repented, and was pardoned by God and restored to fellowship with Him. But as God foretold, David suffered many tragedies for the rest of his life because of his sin.

After denying his Lord, Peter remembered the Word of Jesus (Matt. 26:75). That Word searched his heart, and he went out and wept bitterly. The Word, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the Instrument which the Lord God uses today to search the depths of the human heart. David revealed this to Solomon when he said: Thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off for ever (I Chr. 28:9).

Thought for Today:

Have you joined David in the words he penned? How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God (Ps. 139:17)!
Christ Revealed:

As the One who deals bountifully with us (Ps. 142:7). I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10; Eph. 3:20).
Word Studies:

139:15 curiously wrought =b> skillfully fashioned; 140:5 gins =b> lures, snares; 141:7 Our bones are scattered =b> Overwhelming destruction is contemplated; 143:3 smitten =b> crushed, struck.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Government Official: Sen. Mark Udall (CO) • Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe • Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Glorify the person, character, and attributes of God as you pray a prayer of praise (Ps. 8:1-9).
Optional Reading: II Timothy 3

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:3

[Judy Harder]

Read Psalms 144 -- 150

Highlights:

We open with one of David's battle songs sung by his men as they march forth to war (Ps. 144). Psalm 145 may have been sung by David's soldiers after victory in battle. The last five Psalms are a grand outburst of Hallelujah songs to the majesty of our Lord. God reigns; let all creation praise the One True Triune God (God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit); let the angels praise God; let the saints praise God.
The psalmist declared that no man, not even the most powerful or the smartest, has power to save himself or others. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish (Ps. 146:4). After a person draws his last breath, his body will return to the earth.

All that anyone — the poorest person, a president, or a millionaire — will eventually have will be his grave. They (We all) die, and return to their (our) dust (104:29). When a person dies, all that is material or physical ends for him. A Christian can rejoice knowing that his spirit is eternal and is in the loving hands of the Almighty God and destined for eternal life with our Lord. But all who have rejected Christ as their Savior face eternal death. Our Lord said concerning a "rich man" who died, was buried and in hell and tormented, and who cried . . . I am tormented in this flame. . . . remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou are tormented (Luke 16:24-25). All of our plans, popularity, and power which relate to this world will be cut off when we die. Too quickly the achievements and the influence of one age is forgotten in the next. Today's heroes and those who are the masters of the world's intellect and influence at this point in time will be replaced tomorrow. Therefore: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man (mere humans) . . . and whose heart departeth from the Lord (Jer. 17:5).

This means, first of all, that at the beginning of each day we should yield ourselves for Christ's Holy Spirit to freely work in and through us. It means a voluntary, intentional and wholehearted turning away from the world to wait on God to make Himself known to our inner man (Eph. 3:16). As we read His Word, we can expect the abiding presence of Christ to be outwardly evident throughout our day as we daily exercise childlike trust in His Word and willfully submit to His leading.

King David is our example, for he trusted in God and sought His guidance throughout most of his reign. David often called upon God in prayer, and he had the assurance that God was near him. The secret to this assurance was that he loved the Word of God and prayed according to His will. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him . . . in truth (Ps. 145:18).

Thought for Today:

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the (humanly) wise, that they are vain (emplty, profitless). Therefore let no man glory in men (I Cor. 3:20-21).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who gives sight to the blind (Ps. 146:. Jesus Christ opened blind eyes. Then touched He their eyes . . . . And their eyes were opened (Matt. 9:27-30; Mark 10:46-52; John 9:1-41).
Word Studies:

144:7 rid, rescue; 144:13 garners, grain storehouses; streets, fields; 145:3 unsearchable, beyond our understanding; 147:4 telleth, counts; 148:7 dragons, large sea animals.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Officials: Rep. John Campbell (CA) and Rep. Jim Cooper (TN) • Country: Lithuania (4 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Lithuanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 5% Russian Orthodox; 1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Let your prayers express gratitude to God for His wonderful works (Ps. 9:1).
Optional Reading:

II Timothy 4

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:3

[Judy Harder]

July 20, 2011     


Bible Pathways
     

Read Proverbs 1 -- 3

Highlights:

"Wisdom" is the them of Proverbs (comp. Matt. 7:24-27). Knowledge is the facts a person has acquired; wisdom is the ability to rightly apply those facts (Prov. 2:1-6). The wise are protected and preserved (2:8; 3:5-6); in contrast, for the simple, the fools, and the scorners (1:4,7; 3:34), there's a price to pay if wisdom is rejected (1:24-28).
God instructs: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. . . . But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil (Prov. 1:7,33).

There is a promise in connection with spiritual wisdom. If thou . . . searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God (2:4-5). People understand most of the literal meaning of the Bible, but many do not comprehend its spiritual significance because they have not submitted to its guidance. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee (2:10-11). The Apostle Paul said: We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery . . . But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit. . . . Which things also we speak . . . comparing spiritual things with spiritual (I Cor. 2:7,10,13). Religious position was the greatest concern of many of the scribes and Pharisees in the days of our Lord; they refused to let go of their authority. Consequently, they saw Jesus and heard what He said, but they were blind as to who He really was (Matt. 13:13; John 9:39). The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (I Cor. 2:14).

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge (Prov. 1:22)? The simple ones are not the ignorant, but rather those who allow worldly interests to become the motivating force in their lives. The simple ones often become scorners — more fixed in their disinterest of the Truth of the Word of God. They gradually become hardened in sin and hate knowledge.. Then God calls them fools. Fools refuse the warning that would awaken them to the fear of God. Since they ignore His Word, it cannot deliver them. Finally, destruction cometh as a whirlwind (1:27). The fear of the Lord means having reverence of and devotion to Him — a continual surrendering of one's own self and will to do the will of God. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy Commandments (Ps. 119:10).

Thought for Today:

Jesus said: If any man do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, whether I speak of myself (John 7:17).
Christ Revealed:

As the Creator who founded the earth . . . He established the heavens (Prov. 3:19). All things were created by Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:2-3).
Word Studies:

1:4 give subtilty to the simple, impart insight (prudence) to the teachable; 1:11 lurk privily, wait secretly; 1:28 early, diligently; 2:1 hide . . . with thee, receive and treasure My Commandments in your heart; 2:7 buckler, a shield used in hand-to-hand combat; 2:12 froward, opposed to God; 2:16 strange woman, adulteress; 3:26 thy foot from being taken, your life from all danger.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Bill Beach • Government Official: Sen. Barbara Mikulski (MD) • Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe • Major languages: Luxembourgish and German • Religious freedom • 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord; He will never forsake you (Ps. 9:10).
Optional Reading:

Titus 1

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:3
 

[Judy Harder]

Read Proverbs 4 -- 7

Highlights:

"Listening" to the instruction of a father (Prov. 4:1) won't necessarily spare a child all these things, but listening can spare him much heartache and misery. The wise way to live (4:18,20-22)! It is of utmost importance that you know the seven things that the Lord hates (6:16-19). Again, a simple person is pointed out and his destination predicted (7:7; 7:24-27).
The first of the seven deadly sins is a proud look (Prov. 6:16-19). Of all kinds of sin, pride naturally comes first, for it precedes all other sins (see Gen. 3:5).

All sin is selfishness in some form or another, and pride consists essentially in sinful self-esteem, delighting in the thought of one's superiority over others. This characteristic of Satan underlies the remaining six sins that are an abomination unto God. All of them are manifestations of hatred against one's neighbor and four consist of displaying falseness and malice proceeding from the mouth. Because of unrestrained speech, the effectiveness of many Christians is seriously diminished. Instead of being instruments of blessings in the Lord's service, they make little impact for Christ because of their constant careless talk.

Every Christian has an obligation to talk in such a way that his words become an overflow of the Spirit-filled life. We cannot offer a member of our body for our Lord's use on one occasion and then on the next, use it to deceive or destroy another. Therewith (With our tongue) bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude (likeness) of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:9-10). According to Ecclesiastes 5:3 we can detect the voice of a fool by his multitude of words. We reveal our hearts by what we say. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matt. 12:34).

Oh how some people enjoy talking and love above all else to relay what gossip they want you to "pray about." Ponder the kind of talk you enjoy hearing. In this way you can get to know yourself, for the kind of talk you like to hear indicates the kind of person you are. Note also the sort of people who pour into your ears all the latest "gossip." They have "sized you up" as being the type of person who wants to hear that kind of garbage.

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. . . . by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matt. 12:35,37).

Thought for Today:

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Col. 4:6).
Christ Revealed:

By the teacher of wisdom (Prov. 4:7,11). Christ is the Teacher in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3).
Word Studies:

4:12 straitened, hindered; 4:13 fast, firm; 4:24 froward mouth, deceitful talk; 5:3 strange, adulterous; 5:6 moveable, irresponsible, unstable; 5:19 ravished, delighted; 5:22 holden with the cords of his sins, ensnared, held fast by the control of his sins; 6:12 naughty, worthless, wicked; 6:26 whorish woman, prostitute; 7:10 subtil, deceitful; 7:18 solace, delight, enjoy.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Sen. John Barrasso (WY), Rep. James Clyburn (SC), Rep. Betty Sutton (OH), Rep. Jimmy Duncan (TN), Rep. Phil Roe (TN), and Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC) • Country: Paraguay (5 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and Guarani • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord; tell others what He has done (Ps. 9:11).
Optional Reading:

Titus 2

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:3

[Judy Harder]

 Bible Pathways
     
Read Proverbs 8 -- 11

Highlights:

We're admonished to praise wisdom and avoid folly. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy (Holy is plural in Hebrew and refers to God as in Elohim) is understanding (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom, the fear of God, and righteousness is contrasted with folly, sin, and wickedness (chaps. 10-11).
Although God can do all things, He has given us a part to do. The supreme principle in spiritual service is to cooperate with our Creator. We often hear people say: "I believe God can do it," yet they make no effort to do what they can. God promised the Israelites manna but they had to pick up a certain amount each day — no more or less. Some gathered too much and it bred worms (Ex. 16:20). If an Israelite stayed in his tent, God did not place his portion at his doorstep. Paul chose to pray three times to be healed, but God chose to respond with more grace to sustain him in his suffering (II Cor. 12:8-9).

This was also the Lord's principle concerning the manna: He that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack (Ex. 16:18). Paul quoted this principle when he exhorted those who had gathered much to share their abundance to meet the need of those who had gathered little (II Cor. 8:14-15).

Some of us have proved by experience the preciousness of this fact. This principle is also true of The True Bread from heaven (John 6:32) — Christ and His Word. It is a privilege to be able to help our brethren in the Lord. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. . . . for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (II Cor. 9:6-8). When we share the Word of God and give our resources for those who gather little, God sees to it that we gather much; but if instead we think merely of our own selves, the very most we can hope for is to gather little.

What a precious treasure God has entrusted to us! His Word is delivered not by angels, but by and through ordinary Christians who will pay the price of giving themselves to help others. My friend, don't you think that the Lord would want you to influence some of your loved ones and friends to read the Bible — to encourage America to read all His Word? Freely ye have received, freely give (Matt. 10:.

Thought for Today:

He that hath My Word, let him speak My Word faithfully (Jer. 23:28).
Christ Revealed:

As the Creator who prepared the heavens (Prov. 8:27-31). The heavens are the works of Thine hands (Heb. 1:10, John 1:3).
Word Studies:

8:12 of witty inventions, with wise insight; 8:29 his decree, its boundary; 9:7 getteth himself a blot, gets insults in return; 10:1 heaviness, grief, shame; 10:4 slack, negligent, lazy; 10:8 prating fool, self-sufficient know-it-all; 11:6 naughtiness, wickedness.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL), Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX), Rep. John Larson (CT) and Rep. Steve LaTourette (OH) • Country: Peru (26 million) on the western coast of South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Open to evangelism and Bible distribution • 90% Christian; 8% non-Religious/Other; 1.2% Traditional ethnic; .3% Buddhist; .09% Baha'i; .02% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Cry out to God in humility (Ps. 9:12).
Optional Reading:

Titus 3

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:3
 

[Judy Harder]

July 23, 2011   

Bible Pathways
     

Read Proverbs 12 -- 15

Highlights:

Besides being a revelation of God to man, the Bible provides practical instruction that covers every aspect of life. It says that eating herbs (vegetables) with someone you love is better than eating steak (Prov. 15:17).
Lies destroy trust in another person's word. Just one conversation can do evil that will last a lifetime. A lying tongue is but for a moment. . . . Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight (Prov. 12:19-22). The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and . . . it is set on fire of hell (James 3:5-6).

Christ exposed Satan as the source of all lies when He said to a few "reputable" religious leaders: Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the Truth, because there is no Truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the Truth, ye believe Me not (John 8:44-45). Because of Satan's lying tongue, death and suffering came into the world and spoiled the paradise which God had prepared for Adam and Eve. The Bible exhorts: He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile (I Pet. 3:10).

The tongue of a liar strips a person of his good name, and breaks bonds of friendship. In contrast, wise and kind words help to heal the wounded spirit. The Son of God came to bind up the broken hearted (Is. 61:1; Luke 4:18) and to restore between God and mankind — the fellowship broken because of the slandering tongue of the devil (Gen. 3:5; Job 1:10). The tongue should be an instrument of life. The tongue that is controlled by the Holy Spirit becomes an instrument of imparting His life and Truth to others.

Truth is the great need today — Truth in word and deed as well as our thoughts. To this end Christ came into the world. Jesus answered. . . . for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto The Truth. Every one that is of The Truth heareth My voice (John 18:37). Jesus said to His disciples: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).

Thought for Today:

That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death (Phil. 3:10).
Christ Revealed:

As One who hates lying (Prov. 12:22). He that sat upon the throne said. . . . all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:5,8).
Word Studies:

12:1 brutish, without regard to reason or propriety; 12:11 vain, worthless; 12:25 Heaviness, Worry; maketh it stoop, causes depression; 13:11 vanity, dishonesty; 13:16 layeth open, exposes; 14:1 plucketh, tears; 14:23 penury, poverty; 15:1 grievous, harsh; 15:17 stalled, fattened; 15:27 gifts, bribes.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Officials: Rep. Timothy Johnson (IL) and Justice Anthony Kennedy • Country: Philippines (76 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Filipino and English • Religious persecution in some areas • 80% Catholic; 9% Protestant; 8% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 3% Other (Buddhist, Animist, non-Religious) • Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord; He is your refuge (Ps. 15:1-4).
Optional Reading:

Philemon 1

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:3
 

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways
       
Read Proverbs 16 -- 19

Highlights:

Proverbs 16 has a lot of from the Lord; but the Lord; to the Lord; or in the Lord. The rich, the poor, the wicked, the just, fools, wise, truth, lies — all are spoken of here. Lots of living is covered. The lazy sleep so soundly they go hungry (Prov. 19:15), and some are so lazy they won't lift a finger to feed themselves (19:24). The value of instruction from God (16:16,22; 19:8,20-21,27).
The judgment day of Christ may reveal that the damage done by loose talk will far exceed the damage done in any other way. An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward (perverse) man soweth strife: and a whisperer (talebearer) separateth chief friends (Prov. 16:27-28).

The destructive force of the tongue never ends; our words will go on and on from mouth to ear and ear to mouth, spreading damage as they go. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. . . . Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince (17:4-7). A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul (18:7). A person can repent and be forgiven, but no one can retrieve words that have been spoken. The careless words of the tongue release a deadly stream that flows on and on, spreading death wherever it goes. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (18:21).

Many careless words we spoke in the past may have seemed like idle words, but they are no longer idle; they are very busy now working great damage. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly (18:. Let us always be alert and separate ourselves from all associations that would involve us in careless talk lest we jeopardize our God-given usefulness to Him.The psalmist's prayer, a much-needed prayer, should be ours: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips (Ps. 141:3).

The tongue which by mercy and truth iniquity is purged (Prov. 16:6) has a moral and spiritual healing influence. It speaks peace to the troubled conscience and soothes the anguish of the afflicted. It subdues the passions of anger and heals divisions. When the tongue makes known the saving power of God, it points the lost and dying to eternal life.

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man (Matt. 15:11).

Thought for Today:

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends (Prov. 17:9).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who punishes the proud (Prov. 16:5). Jesus said: Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased (humbled); and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11). As the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24), Jesus is our Friend (John 15:14-15) and will never leave (us), nor forsake (us) (Heb. 13:5).
Word Studies:

16:2 spirits, motives; 16:8 without right, dishonestly gained; 17:18 striketh hands . . . surety, gives a pledge to be responsible for his neighbor's debts; 18:2 discover itself, express itself; 18:3 with ignominy reproach, with dishonor and disgrace; 19:3 fretteth, is resentful; 19:7 they are wanting to him, they abandon him; 19:13 a continual dropping, an unending irritation.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Michael Moore • Government Officials: Gov. Charlie Crist (FL), Sen. Claire McCaskill (MO), and Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY) • Country: Poland (38.6 million) in eastern Europe • Major language: Polish • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic (including Greek Catholic — .31%); 1.56% Orthodox; .5% Protestant; .01% Muslim; .01% Far Eastern Religions; 1.7% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord: where He guides, He provides (Ps. 16:1-8).
Optional Reading:

Hebrews 1

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:4

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways
     

Read Proverbs 20 -- 22

Highlights:

We see the benefit of integrity and having a good reputation. Warning is given against alcoholic drink and its subtle addiction that leads to destruction. How should we treat the less fortunate and our children? Proverbs 22 is unique in that the writer gives us "thirty sayings of the wise."
Everyone despises a liar and a thief (even liars and thieves despise people who lie to them): The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets (Prov. 22:13). His lion is an "excuse" and a lie for not wanting to work. Such a lie is common, but just as sinful as any other lie. A child makes "excuses" for disobedience to his parents but he had other plans; a salesman who makes no calls has excuses for making no sales. A husband who decides to play a game of pool says working overtime is the reason he is late coming home.

Rather than making excuses for laziness we need to remember what Jesus prayed for you and me on the night He was betrayed: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them . . . that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me (17:20-23).

Truthfulness and obedience are keys to pleasing God and are essential if one is to know God's will. Jesus promised His disciples: When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth (John 16:13).

The true believer is never satisfied with mere knowledge of the Gospel, but he is a doer of the Word — not a hearer only (James 1:22-25). And, in this new life of spiritual freedom, disciples go forth to witness for Christ and spread the Word which has brought salvation and true joy to themselves. As a part of the Body of Christ, they are willing to respond in every sphere of work in the service of the Church, by the bedside of the sick, caring for the poor, and seeking to bring the wanderers back to the fold. Even the weak in faith and babes in Christ witness to their joy as a new creature (II Cor. 5:17) in Christ, who is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6). All who possess eternal life find joy in expressing their love for their Lord and His Word.

If ye continue in My Word, then ye are My disciples indeed; And ye shall know The Truth, and The Truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32).

Thought for Today:

Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
Christ Revealed:

As the King who sits on the throne of judgment (Prov. 20:. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22).
Word Studies:

20:10 divers, differing; 20:19 meddle not, do not associate; 20:25 make inquiry, reconsider; 21:7 robbery, violence; 21:9 brawling, contentious; 21:14 a reward in the bosom, a secret gift; 22:2 meet together, have this in common; 22:26 sureties for, responsible for.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. Otto Legrady • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Country: Portugal (10 million) in western Europe • Major language: Portuguese • Limited religious freedom • 95% Christian; 5% non-Religious/Other; .5% Muslim; .1% Hindu; .01% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with sincere lips (Ps. 17:1).
Optional Reading:

Hebrews 2

Memory Verse for the Week:

Psalms 34:4