Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read John 6 – 8

Highlights:

Jesus: The Bread of Life (John 6:1-14,22-51); The Light of the World (8:12). During all the storms of life, Jesus still says: Be not afraid (6:18-20).
In yesterday's and today's reading, Jesus claimed equality with God the Father. The Father told and showed Him all things (John 5:19-20); He is to be equally honored as the Father (5:23). Hearing His Word, believing God, and being obedient brings everlasting life (5:24). Jesus is self-existent; He has life in Himself (5:26). He has authority to execute judgment (5:27) and has the power to resurrect all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth (5:28-29).

Christ later added: Before Abraham was, I am (8:58), showing that He is the eternal I AM as revealed in the Old Testament (Ex. 3:14). This statement was further clarified when He spoke of the glory which He had with the Father before the world was (John 17:5). By Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16).

Christ is God, but He is also the Bread of Life that forever satisfies the hungry soul (John 6:35,41,48,51). Jesus is not just a man who points the way to the love of God; Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (Him) (14:6).

All who are truly saved love the ways of godly living that they once ignored and now hate the sinful things they once desired. When we were born the first time, we inherited the sinful nature from Adam (Rom. 5:12-21). When we are born again (John 3:3,7) into the family of God, we receive the divine nature of Christ into our lives.

Jesus said to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews (a member of the Sanhedrin) (3:1-2): That which is born of the flesh (human parents) is flesh; and that which is born of the (Holy) Spirit is spirit. . . . Ye must be born again (3:6-7) by the will of God (1:12-13).

Jesus taught that our true, first, and foremost goal in life should be to magnify Him in our daily conduct — to love Him with all thy (our) heart, and with all thy (our) soul, and with all thy (our) mind, and with all thy (our) strength: this is the first Commandment. And . . . thy neighbour as thyself (Mark 12:30-31). We are to serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life (Luke 1:74-75).

Thought for Today:

And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23).
Cross References:

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

6:24 took shipping,  got into boats.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Richard A. Nzeribe • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Officials: Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI), Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA), and Rep. Jaime Herrera-Beutler (WA) • Country: Cyprus (754,000) in the Middle East • Major languages: Greek and Turkish • No open evangelism or conversions to Christ • 75% Greek Orthodox; 19% Muslim; 1% Protestant; 1% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to help you teach His Word to your children; it will give guidance and instruction as they go through life (Prov. 6:20-23).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:5

[Judy Harder]

Read John 9 – 10

Highlights:

Have you asked Jesus to change you? The power of a changed life vs. spiritual blindness (John 9:1-41). The Good Shepherd and His sheep (10:11). Jesus, the Father, the sheep, and eternal life (10:23-30). False accusations against Jesus; the enemy still seeks to kill Him (10:31-40).
Three times a year, all men of Israel were commanded to gather in Jerusalem to celebrate seven God-given feasts. The first feasts were Passover and Unleavened Bread (Lev. 23:5-8) — a reminder of their freedom from Egypt. These were followed the same week by Firstfruits (23:10). A first sheaf of early harvest was waved by the priest in faith that God would give them a bountiful harvest. The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) took place fifty days later on their second journey to Jerusalem. On their third journey they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles during which time water from the Pool of Siloam was poured out by the high priest — looking forward to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The pouring of the water from the golden pitcher took place amid the blowing of the trumpets by the priests and the singing of sacred music by the Levites, while the people chanted the Hallel (Ps. 113-118): Save now, I beseech Thee, O Lord. . . . Blessed be He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. . . . God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light. . . . Thou art my God, and I will praise thee (118:25-28).

It was following all this that the Lord Jesus invited those in the Temple: If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink (John 7:37-39). What our Savior said by implication was: "I am the fulfillment of the prophetic Scripture you have just read." Could this carpenter's Son be the long-expected Messiah?

The next day, violence once again erupted in the Temple, and this time stones were hurled at Jesus by the Jews in response to His claim: Before Abraham was, I am (8:58).

As Jesus escaped from the mob and went His way, He passed by a man who was known to be hopelessly blind from birth. This man's affliction became a means of manifesting Jesus as the prophesied Messiah King — the Light of the world (9:5).

The love of God is the spiritual purpose in much of human suffering, and this man's blindness was the very means of keeping him from being lost for eternity. By faith, he obeyed Jesus' command to wash in the Pool of Siloam. He could have argued: "How could I, a blind man, be expected to find the pool?" But he expressed faith and obeyed, and he came seeing (9:7) — in a double sense; for now he saw that Jesus was indeed the prophesied Messiah. Later Jesus found him. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him (John 9:38).

Thought for Today:

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God (I John 4:15).
Cross Reference:

For John 10:34: See Ps. 82:6.
Word Studies:

10:3 porter a doorkeeper; watchman; 10:41 resorted unto Him, came to Him.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Jack Schatz • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. John Yarmuth (KY) • Country: Czech Republic (10 million) in central Europe • Major languages: Czech and Slovak • Religious freedom • 63% Catholic; 7% Protestant; 4% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the guidance of the Lord (Prov. 8:17).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:5

 

[Judy Harder]

Read John 11 – 12

Highlights:

Death inevitably enters all of our homes, but there is hope because believers in Jesus pass from death unto life eternal (John 11:25-26). Power of the Word and prayer (11:38-44).
The "occasion of grief" introduces us to one of the few homes where Jesus was lovingly received while He was on earth. But, at this time, its occupants were grieving as Lazarus' two sisters watched helplessly as their brother lay dying.

They sent a message to Jesus: Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick (John 11:3). It was a considerate and gentle message, as much as to say: "You will know what to do." They did not insist that Jesus leave His work, nor did they ask that a miraculous message of healing be flashed to them as there had been between Cana and Capernaum when the nobleman's son was healed (4:46-54). They left their brother in the hands of Jesus, knowing that He knew what was best.

As Jesus tarried, the weary hours and long days of waiting were sorrowfully ended and their brother died. The message to Jesus from Lazarus' two sisters seemed to have been in vain. Four days later, when the bereaved sisters heard that Jesus was near, they were overwhelmed. Jesus had come! But to them it seemed that He had come too late. Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died (11:32).

In order to strengthen their faith that He is the Resurrection and the Life (11:32), Jesus had delayed His arrival until four days after Lazarus' death (11:39). At Christ's Word, death set free its prisoner and Lazarus came forth from the grave.

Oh, that our hearts might learn to truly trust and wait for Him! We can often quote what God has promised, even in stirring words; but this alone does not prove our faith in the power of the Word of God. No, it depends greatly upon our surrender to Him as Lord of our lives. We must be determined to reject all evil thoughts of the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:16). These evil thoughts are from Satan and can prevent us from receiving answers to our prayers.

If we truly desire the Lord's best, we must truly yield to His Word. His Word sanctifies (John 17:17) and is powerful (Heb. 4:12). Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God (Rom. 6:12-13).

Thought for Today:

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
Cross References:

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

12:46 I am come a Light,  I have come to reveal the Truth.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Ben Quayle (AZ) and Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL) • Country: Denmark (5 million) in northern Europe • Major languages: Danish and Faroese • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 1% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% cults; .1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national revival, for righteousness exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:5

[Judy Harder]

Read John 13 – 16

Highlights:

The defiled cannot enter the Kingdom of God, BUT Jesus can and will cleanse those who choose to obey Him (John 13:4-17). Are we guilty of betrayal or denial (13:18-38)? The Comforter promised (14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-15); new relationship (14:20-21;15:12-21) described (15:1-11). Jesus overcomes sorrow and trials with joy and peace (16:16-33).
Jesus our Savior and Lord has assured us: 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). All of our worries, the result of not having enough faith in His promises, are unnecessary. However, Jesus emphasized: Not every one . . . shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father (Matt. 7:21). It is unthinkable that God would ask us to do anything that was not for our benefit. Jesus said: If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (John 14:15). When we ignore His Commandments, it is evident that we are allowing the carnal nature to rule and that Jesus is not Lord of our lives. Isn't it wonderful to know that: If ye keep My Commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's Commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (15:10-11).

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Lev. 19:18) was the Old Command; but, Jesus in the New Command refers to a perfect reflection of love: As I have loved you . . . ye also (ought to) love one another (John 13:34). This New Commandment encourages us to examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (II Cor. 13:5). We will be delivered . . . to the tormentors. . . . if ye (we) from your (our) hearts forgive not every one his brother (Matt. 18:34-35).

When we allow Christ to be Lord of our lives, it will be natural to extend compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. Jesus said: Love your enemies . . . and pray for them. . . . and your reward shall be great (5:44; Luke 6:35). Only by the grace of God are we able to say with the Apostle Paul: I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Gal. 2:20). Surely, He is the same Christ within us with the same desire to please the Father as when He prayed: That the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them (John 17:26). Remember how patiently He has forgiven us, how faithfully He helps in every time of need.

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen (I John 4:20; Matt. 18:21-35)?

Thought for Today:

Above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves: for charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins (I Pet. 4:.
Cross References:

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

13:10 but not all,  but not every one; all were clean except Judas; 15:2 purgeth it = eliminates what is keeping it from bearing better fruit.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Sec. Arne Duncan (Dept. of Education) and Rep. John Carter (TX) • Country: Djibouti (447,000) in eastern Africa • Major languages: French and Arabic • Limited religious freedom • 91% Muslim; 7% Roman Catholic; .75% Eastern Orthodox; about 300 Protestants • Prayer Suggestion: Prayer with an upright spirit and heart is a delight to God (Prov. 15:.
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12

 

[Judy Harder]

Read John 17 – 18

Highlights:

Looking beyond the cross and the tomb, Jesus asks the Father for seven things (John 17:1,5,11,15,17,21-24). He prays for Himself (17:1-5), His disciples (17:6-19), and us (17:20-26). The love gift of God to the world is Jesus (3:16).
In the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus' countenance shone as the sun and His garments were white as the light (Matt. 17:2). And the voice of God fell from heaven, saying: This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (17:5). Now, following the Last Supper, Jesus prays: Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth (John 17:17).

Jesus reveals the divine love of God that led His disciples to live unto Him who died for them and rose again (II Cor. 5:1,14-21). His love produces a hatred of sin and a clear view of separation from this world system of things.

The believer is in the world but does not have to be a part of it. Jesus' earnest prayer for His followers who were not of the world (John 17:14) does not mean that we are to withdraw from associating with all worldly people. Some Christians have attempted to avoid the society of sinners and have lived in seclusion, hoping to escape the pollutions of the world. They seem to have forgotten the purpose for which they were created. As Christ is the Light of the world (8:12; 9:5) and did not shun the public, so His disciples are to shine (Matt. 5:14-16) — not only at the family altar or at worship in a sanctuary, but in their everyday conversation (conduct) in the world (II Cor. 1:12).

The world, inspired by the spirit of darkness, touches our lives at every point! It tempts with fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (I Pet. 2:11). With tempting attractions it entices its victims to become dedicated to self-love.

The amazing fact is that, in spite of all hardships, sorrows, and suffering that a child of God faces — regardless of what those trials might be — his Heavenly Father loves him just as much as He loves any other person on earth.

Each event in life is meant to bring us into a closer relationship to Him. Consequently, even in stormy trials, we can experience the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7). The world (unsaved persons) cannot experience this peace, but the Holy Spirit imparts it in the hearts of those who trust their Savior and Lord to control their lives. Jesus prayed in His high priestly prayer that we may be one in spirit through His grace. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17:16).

Thought for Today:

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
Cross Reference:

For John 17:12: See Ps. 41:9.
Word Studies:

17:12 the son of perdition, Judas Iscariot; 18:30 malefactor, evildoer, criminal.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. & Mrs. Walter Swanson • Government Official: Rep. Sam Graves (MO) • Country: Dominica (65,000) in the British West Indies • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 75% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the Word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Prov. 28:9).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12

[Judy Harder]

Read John 19 – 21

Highlights:

The cross. Cruelty of soldiers emphasized (John 19:1-3). Jesus' death (19:28-37); His burial and the witnesses of His resurrection (19:38-42; 20:1-29; 21:14). Why John wrote this Book (20:30-31). A threefold emphasis not just to Peter, but to all of us: Feed My sheep (21:15-17).
Peace dawned fully on Joseph of Arimathea's new garden tomb on the first day of the week (John 20:19). When the Savior arose from the grave, a new and victorious day dawned for the human race. At evening . . . when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them. . . . Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you (20:19-21). Acceptance with God was obtained when the cry: It is finished (19:30) triumphantly rang out from the cross on Calvary. From this follows the foundation of faith for all those united to Christ in His death. The resurrection has brought to man reconciliation and peace with God (I Cor. 15:14,17,57) and imparts to the Christian Jesus' assurance: Lo, I am with you alway (Matt. 28:20).

Like the disciples, many Christians become defeated because of some sin or by being a doubter like Thomas. Or they fear that Jesus may condemn instead of comfort, or that they may not be "good enough." Some fear what a hostile world will say or do. Thus, many hide their testimony under a bushel (5:15).

Christ knows our sorrows, our sufferings, and our fears. But, just as the Lord told the Apostle Paul: My grace is sufficient for thee (II Cor. 12:9), we can be certain that His grace is sufficient for us, regardless of the circumstances. Without question, the Lord has a perfect plan; and beyond our sorrows or failures, He has provided direction, purpose, and a glorious future for all who will let Him be Lord of their lives.

What if the disciples had looked at their failures and then gone back to their fishing? It undoubtedly was a financially secure occupation. Peter had strongly denied the Lord, and everyone had forsaken Him in His sufferings. But the disciples didn't give up, and Jesus did not give up on them. He desired to be with them as He came . . . and stood in the midst, and saith unto them (twice), Peace be unto you (John 20:19-21).

Are you still seeking satisfaction from success, or from worldly riches that soon fade away? The disciples discovered lasting joy when they saw the Lord. Oh, look to Him — the crucified, risen Savior! Look to Him for joy that the world cannot give nor take away. You can be sure that Christ will say again: Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (John 8:11).

Thought for Today:

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:20-21).
Cross References:

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

19:1 scourged, whipped with leather cords weighted with sharp pieces of bone or lead; 19:30 It is finished, His physical ministry was complete.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Official: Mayor Vincent Gray (DC) • Country: Dominican Republic (8 million) in the West Indies, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic (many are spiritists); 2% Protestant; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways
     
Read Acts 1 – 3

Highlights:

Purpose of the Church (Acts 1:. Unite together and pray (1:13-14). The power of the Holy Spirit (2:1-21). Peter preaches Jesus: crucified, risen, exalted as Lord and Christ (2:22-36). The 1st Church (2:41-47). Witnesses (3:18-26).
The supreme theme of the Book of Acts is Jesus Christ, the only Savior and the coming King. Know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). The listeners responded by asking: What shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit). . . . Then they that gladly received His (the Lord's) Word were baptized (2:37-38,41).

A person may be doctrinally wrong about many things and yet still be saved; but one dare not be wrong about his relationship with Jesus Christ, who alone is his hope for eternal salvation. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (4:12).

The believers in Acts knew that Jesus of Nazareth is Christ their Messiah. They also recognized that any belief which does not lead to repentance and a new way of life is insincere and worthless. Ye were . . . redeemed . . . with the precious blood of Christ. . . . Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the Truth . . . see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (I Pet. 1:18-19,22).

It is written of these early Christians: Daily in the Temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ (Acts 5:42). Imagine groups of the disciples meeting and talking about the weather or politics, and saying little if anything about Jesus. There are vital obligations for every Christian (Luke 9:23), and the person who has no concern for doing what is pleasing in the Lord's sight should not assume that he is prepared to meet the Lord. However, our faith must never rest in our works. All our trust and hope must be in the Beloved (Christ). It is in Him alone that we have redemption through His blood (Eph. 1:5-7), and not by our good works.

Jesus said of His disciples: They have kept Thy Word (John 17:6). This is of more than incidental significance as we may discern from the promise of our Lord when He said: He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him (John 14:21).

Thought for Today:

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 16:31).
Cross References:

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

1:3 after His passion, after He had suffered death; 1:12 a Sabbath day's journey, a little over one-half mile, the extent a Jew was allowed to travel on the Sabbath; 2:27 leave My soul in hell, forsake Me in the grave (Sheol).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy (Dr. John A. Hash's mother) • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH) and Rep. Scott Tipton (CO) • Country: Ecuador (13 million) in South America, crossed by the equator • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: When you pray, be brief and pray from your heart (Eccl. 5:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Acts 4 – 6

Highlights:

Faithfulness in persecution (Acts 4:1-12). Disciples warned not to preach (4:13-18). How to combat threats (4:19-20,23-31; 5:29-32). Death by lying to Holy Spirit (5:1-11). Prayer, and . . . the ministry of the Word (6:4). A deacon full of faith and the Holy Spirit (6:1-6).
One of the remarkable characteristics of this first church of Jerusalem was the spirit of oneness that was manifested as each one sacrificed material resources. Wealthy believers sold their land or houses and brought the money to be used for the Lord's ministry and the needs of believers. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the Apostles' feet (Acts 5:1-2).

The program of sharing wealth in the early church was purely a voluntary one and not compulsory. While the land remained in Ananias' possession, it was his alone to dispose of if he chose to do so; and even after he had sold it, the money was his to do with as he pleased. All was voluntary.

It appears that Ananias had a desire to receive praise by imitating Barnabas, the man of Cyprus who, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the Apostles' feet (4:37). The Book of Acts shows us that, from the very beginning, the church was not free from hypocrites.

Ananias' greatest sin was not in keeping back part of the money, but in being a hypocrite — pretending to be as sacrificial as Barnabas and others who had surrendered all the money from the possessions they had sold. Ananias anticipated receiving recognition to which he was not entitled. Satan had filled his heart with the desire of gaining a reputation as a generous and self-sacrificing giver, but Ananias did not want it to cost him too much.

Many today are a lot like Ananias and Sapphira. Outwardly, they seem to embrace the Christian faith, unite with the Church, and make an effort to please God; but inwardly, they still desire to please self. The majority of their time and money is devoted to self and the world, and the Holy Spirit knows the difference.

The Book of Acts reveals that God is not satisfied with every gift to the Church, not even when it appears to be sacrificial.

Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? . . . thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God (Acts 5:3-4).

Thought for Today:

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity (Titus 2:7).
Cross References:

For Acts 4:11: See Ps. 118:22. Acts 4:25-26: See Ps. 2:1-2.
Word Studies:

5:2 being privy to it, knowing of it, she helped plan the deception; 6:11 suborned, influenced to do wrong, bribed.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Sen. Saxby Chambliss (GA), Rep. Silvestre Reyes (TX), and Rep. Bill Johnson (OH) • Country: Egypt (66 million) in northeastern Africa • Major languages: Arabic and English • Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims • 87.5% Muslim; 12% Christian; .5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will teach you His ways and transform your life by His Word (Is. 2:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12

[Judy Harder]

Read Acts 7 – 8

Highlights:

Stephen tells it like it is (Acts 7:1-53). This early Christian martyr gives us a glimpse of heaven (7:54-60). Follow the Lord's plan to tell the world: (1) He allows persecution (8:1-3); (2) Believers scatter, sharing the Word as they go (8:4); (3) Individuals hear the Word and believe (8:12,27-38); (4) Preaching continues in all the cities (8:40).
Stephen's Spirit-filled sermon was by no means designed to secure for himself an acquittal with the Sanhedrin. It was a defense of Jesus as the Christ — the only God-appointed Way to eternal life. Stephen's convicting words were too much for the listening Sanhedrin. They cried out with a loud voice . . . And cast him out of the city, and stoned him (Acts 7:57-58).

Stephen's last testimony for Christ was a prayer: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit (7:59). He then prayed for his enemies. As they stoned him, he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep (died) (7:60).

Only the indwelling Spirit of Christ can cause a person to pray for his murderers. This prayer was first prayed by our Lord on the cross: Father, forgive them (Luke 23:34). Such a prayer has no parallel outside the Christian faith. If Stephen had not prayed this prayer, the Church may not have had an Apostle Paul.

The few who experience the highest glory of the Christian life will, as did Stephen, pray forgiveness for all those who misunderstand the love of Christ whom they represent.

Does God really expect us to deny ourselves so entirely for others? Is it not asking too much? It is indeed our calling to become like Jesus who said: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23). Only by demonstrating His self-sacrificing love can the Church fulfill the purpose God has for the Body of Christ on earth (I Cor. 12:27).

The height of the love of God was manifested in the self-sacrifice of Christ. It is the highest glory of the Christian to be like his Lord. Let our love prove itself to be conformable to Him in daily self-sacrifice for the welfare of others; so will it also be acceptable in the sight of God. We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (I John 3:16). Christ's example of self-sacrifice should be the rule of our lives, even in the daily affairs of home, between husband and wife, and between brother and sister.

If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection (Rom. 6:5).

Thought for Today:

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God (I John 4:7).
Cross References:

For Acts 7:3: See Gen. 12:1. Acts 7:27-28: See Ex. 2:14. Acts 7:32: See Ex. 3:6. Acts 7:33-34: See Ex. 3:5,7-8,10. Acts 7:37: See Deut. 18:15. Acts 7:40: See Ex. 32:1. Acts 7:42-43: See Amos 5:25-27. Acts 7:49-50: See Is. 66:1-2. Acts 8:32-33: See Is. 53:7-8.
Word Studies:

7:19 subtilly, shrewdly, treacherously took advantage; 7:51 stiffnecked and uncircumcised,  stubborn, deaf to the truth, and unrepentant; 8:9 sorcery, witchcraft, magic arts.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Sen. Barbara Boxer (CA), Rep. Corrine Brown (FL), Rep. Pete Stark (CA), and Rep. Tim Huelskamp (KS) • 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 the Lord to make you willing to go wherever He wants to send you (Is. 6:.
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Acts 9 – 10

Highlights:

A zealous man seeks to destroy the followers of Jesus (Acts 9:1-2). Never underestimate the Lord's power to change even the vilest heart (9:3-18). The Church strengthened (9:19-31). Miraculous healings; many believe (9:32-42). According to His Word Christ died also for the Gentiles (chap. 10).
Peter's vision on the housetop was a very important step in opening the door of the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Jewish Christians had not understood that the Gospel was to be extended to all Gentiles. Although they had become Christians, culturally they were still Jews, and old prejudices had to be removed.

Peter saw the vision while he was engaged in prayer on the housetop of Simon, the tanner, at Joppa. Prayer is a great revealer. The more one prays the more hardness and hostility in the heart disappear. It is significant that his vision occurred while he prayed from the housetop of a tanner. The Jews considered the business of tanning skins an unclean trade since it involved handling dead bodies. For Peter, an orthodox Jew, to lodge with a tanner, an outcast, was a big step out of his prejudice. Next, we are not surprised to find the man who would lodge with a tanner being led by Gentiles to another Gentile's house thirty miles away. How striking are these "coincidences" of history!

There is as much divine design in the movements of men as there is in the creation of the earth. Cornelius prayed in Caesarea while Peter prayed in Joppa. How well-timed! Surely the world is governed by the intelligence of its Creator.

The sheet with its "unclean" contents suggests the love of God for all people. Peter had thought that God was a respecter of persons, with preference for the Jews (Acts 10:34). However, the Gospel of Christ teaches us to say, Our Father (Matt. 6:9; Luke 11:2; Rom. 1:7) so that we may be able to say, "My brother."

God, in a remarkable way, led Peter to the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurian soldier who had been fasting and praying. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him (Acts 10:34-35).

Overcoming his Jewish prejudice, the Apostle Peter understood the significance of his vision which was that God would have every Christian to be a witness to the lost without partiality, regardless of nationality, rank, wealth, or circumstance.

Since Christ died for all men without partiality, so salvation through Him is to be offered to all. As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name (John 1:12).

Thought for Today:

Peter declared of Jesus: To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins (Acts 10:43).
Cross References:

For Acts 10:14: See Lev. 11:4; 20:25; Deut. 14:3,7. Acts 10:34 See Deut. 10:17. Acts 10:38: See Is. 61:1-3.
Word Studies:

10:1 centurion, a captain of an Italian troop of 100 men; 10:3 ninth hour, 3 p.m., the usual hour of evening worship among the Jews.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Sen. Jack Reed (RI) • 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: Pray with a heart of righteousness, keeping the truth of God, and know He will hear your prayers (Is. 26:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12