Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Revelation 14 – 16

Highlights:

The people of God sing a new song at the throne (Rev. 14:1-5; Ps. 96:1; 98:1; 149:1; Is. 42:10). A special offering of firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb (Rev. 14:4). What to preach and to whom (14:6-7). The wrath of God (14:9-20; 15:1,5-8; 16:1-21). Victory over evil (15:2-4). Be ready (16:15).
It is the Lord Jesus Christ who should be predominant in the worship services of our churches. The angel having the everlasting Gospel (Rev. 14:6) proclaimed: Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters (14:7). John records: I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth (from that moment on): Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them (14:12-13).

The dead which die in the Lord are believers — those for whom Jesus prayed: They have kept Thy Word. . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17: 6,16). They are the ones who willingly take up Jesus' cross of daily self-denial (Luke 9:23). In striking contrast, our Lord drew aside the veil of the unseen world and revealed the horror of the inevitable, fiery torment that awaits those whose worship, adoration, and desires are upon worldly attainments — those who live in rebellion against Christ and refuse to worship Him as God.

We may dislike the thoughts of hell and its eternal torment — for ever and ever (Rev. 14:11) — but Christ explained very clearly the everlasting destiny of both the saved and the lost in His One Book. That Book which He provided tells how believers can gain the Lord's best out of this life. It also tells about the heavenly rewards He has provided for all who love Him. In His earthly ministry, Jesus used the same word "everlasting" to explain the duration of the punishment of the lost — those who will be cast into everlasting fire (Matt. 18: — as He did to explain the duration of the blessings of the saved — those who will inherit everlasting life (19: 29; comp. 25:41-46 with Mark 3:29; Luke 18:29-30).

We dare not disregard what God has revealed. Eternal separation from God is the inevitable consequence of refusing to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. In contrast, there is a wonderful place beyond compare that is prepared for those who receive the crucified Jesus as Savior and Lord (John 14:2).

There shall in no wise enter into it (new Jerusalem) any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 21:27).

Thought for Today:

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him (John 3:36).
Cross References:

For Rev. 14:7: See Ps. 146:6. Rev. 14:8: See Is. 21:9. Rev. 14:10: See Jer. 25:15; 51:7. Rev. 14:15: See Joel 3:13. Rev. 14:20: See Is. 63:3. Rev. 15:1: See Lev. 26:21. Rev. 15:4: Ps. 86:9; Is. 66:23; Jer. 10:7. Rev. 15:8: See I Kin. 8:10-11.
Word Studies:

14:5 no guile, no lie or deception; 15:7 vials, bowls or cups.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL), Gov. Mike Beebe (AR), Sen. Johnny Isakson (GA), and Sen. Tim Johnson (SD) • Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe • Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to lead you in all that you do (Matt. 6:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 13:4

[Judy Harder]

Read Revelation 17 – 18

Highlights:

Clear prophecy of the coming judgment of MYSTERY, BABYLON, who deceives multitudes and attacks those who are martyrs united with the Lamb (Rev. chap. 17). Read of her horrifying fall (chap. 18).
Over one-eighth of the entire Book of Revelation, about 65 verses, is devoted to the subject of judgment upon Babylon (Rev. 14:8-19; 16:17—19:5). The reason is made very obvious; consequently, Babylon deserves our full attention.

The Apostle John reported: He (an angel) carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. . . . having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations (detestable sins) and filthiness of her fornication (unfaithfulness to God): And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH (17:3-5). Old Testament Babylon was the most magnificent and most powerful capital city of the ancient world.

BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates God-defying forces in politics and religion that will soon control the world. This federation of churches, world religions, and world governments will give full support to the one-world political and economic system (referred to in Rev. 17:3 as the scarlet coloured beast), which will be ruled by the Antichrist.

THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS and the beast represent the close alliance that exists between the world government, called the beast, and the harlot, Babylon, which proclaims itself to be the true Church. Babylon has become the great whore (17:1) — symbolic of an unfaithful wife — because it has become unfaithful to God by accepting the gods of false churches and religions as the One True God with different names. It is an apostate "Christianity" that denies Jesus Christ's statement: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). This false Church is also called that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:18) because it controls the governments of the world which support its false worship.

I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues (18:4).

The forces of the world shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful (Rev. 17:14).

Thought for Today:

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4).
Cross References: For Rev. 17:4: See Jer. 51:7. Rev. 17:12: See Dan. 7:20-24. Rev. 17:14: See Dan. 2:47. Rev. 18:2: See Jer. 50:39; Is. 21:9. Rev. 18:5: See Jer. 51:9. Rev. 18:7-8: See Is. 47:7-8; Zeph. 2:15. Rev. 18:22: See Ezek. 26:13. Rev. 18:24: See Jer. 51:49.

Word Studies:

17:8 perdition, destruction; 18:2 Babylon (from "Babel"), confusion (Gen. 11:9). It is the name God chose for Satan's great earth system of religion and world government. The true Church is warned to come out of her (18:4-5).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Official: Rep. Chip Cravaack (MN) • 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: Ask the Lord to forgive you of all ill will, grudges, or hatred you may hold in your heart toward another person (Matt. 6:14-15).
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 13:4

[Judy Harder]

Read Revelation 19 – 20

Highlights:

The roar of the crowd; four great hallelujahs (Rev. 19:1-6). The Lamb and His bride (19:7-9). The Second Coming; the Word of God (19:11-16). Armageddon, doom of the beast, and false prophet (19:17-21). The thousand-year sentence (20:1-3). Martyrs resurrected (20:4-6). Satan defeated (20:7-10). The Book of Life and the final Judgment (20:11-15).
The Battle of Armageddon is usually the attention-grabber in chapter 19, but the first part of the chapter is devoted to the Lamb, His Bride, and a great multitude that is saying: Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are His judgments: for He hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of His servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia (Rev. 19:1-3). Alleluia is taken from the Hebrew and is made up of two words, Hallel meaning "praise," and jah meaning "the Lord."

A voice from the throne exhorts: Praise our God, all ye His servants. . . . Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the House of the Lord (19:5; Ps. 134:1).

The worldly minded use the term "good luck"; or, when something disappointing happens, they say: "Oh, that's too bad." But Christians need to become more accustomed to using heavenly language. Recognizing the Lord in our daily circumstances will soon cause our whole life to take on a new dimension. We will experience a satisfaction which the worldly minded cannot comprehend. Saying "Praise the Lord!" is an acknowledgment that we are really satisfied with His arrangements.

I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He (the Lord Jesus Christ) that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war (Rev. 19:11). And I saw the beast (the Antichrist), and the kings of the earth . . . gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse. . . . And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him . . . and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone (19:19-20). This is the final destination of Satan and all who reject Christ as Savior and Lord.

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God Omnipotent (All-Powerful) reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready (Rev. 19:6-7).

Thought for Today:

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (Ps. 150:6).
Cross References:

For Rev. 19:2: See Ps. 19:9; Deut. 32:43; II Kin. 9:7. Rev. 19:5: See Ps. 115:13. Rev. 19:11: See Ps. 96:13. Rev. 19:16: See Deut. 10:17. Rev. 19:18: See Ezek. 39:4. Rev. 20:2-3: See Is. 24:22. Rev. 20:8: See Ezek. 38:2,15. Rev. 20:12: See Dan. 7:10.
Word Studies:

19:6 Omnipotent, All-Powerful; 19:13 vesture, robe; 20:9 compassed, surrounded.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Rep. Mike Pompeo (KS) • Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe • Major languages: Luxembourgish and German • Religious freedom • 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Matt. 6:16-18).
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 13:4

[Judy Harder]

Read Revelation 21 – 22

Highlights:

A new heaven and a new earth. . . . all things new (Rev. 21:1-5). End of pain, sorrow, and death (21:4; 22:3). Do you know the Lamb? We will see His face (22:3-4). The Lamb and God are the Temple and the Light (21:22-23,25). Who can enter (21:27; 22:14)? The River of Water of Life; the Tree of Life (22:1-2,14). When Jesus comes, He will come quickly (22:20)!
We have come to the end of another year, and to the end of The Book far above all books. In fact, it is the only book provided by our Creator. It reveals who the True God is, that we are lost sinners, and how God wants us to live in order to prepare for eternal life with Him. After prayerfully reading through the Bible, we will never be the same. And, as believers, one of these days, sooner than we think, we will turn the last page in the book of our own journey through life to delight at seeing our names recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 21:27). The Bible has always been the worldwide best seller, even though the Author wrote only one book using about 40 people over a period of about 1500 years to do so.

But those who die without having trusted Christ as Savior cannot experience that delight. Note the characteristics of the unsaved: The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, (these all) shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (21:.

How solemn is the warning concerning all liars and those who are morally corrupt — including whoremongers, fornicators, sexual perverts — and those dealing in the various forms of witchcraft, spiritualism, and idolatry! All will be cast into the lake of fire. (Deut. 18:10-12; Eph. 5:3,5; Col. 3:5-6; Heb. 13:4.) As evil as these sins are, God is willing to forgive anyone — even the vilest sinner — who turns from his sins to Christ (II Pet. 3:9; I John 1:9). Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3).

Christian friend, as you read your Bible each day, think, pray, and believe that the Holy Spirit will mold your life to be like Him whose Name is The Word of God (Rev. 19:13). Let His Word dwell in your thoughts throughout each day, and you will become a living expression of His life.

Our world is becoming a mess. While drinking water, streams, and even the ocean are so polluted with mercury and other filth that it is unsafe to eat the fish, earth's physical pollution cannot compare to sin's spiritual pollution. However, the Christian's future is awesome and thrilling. We have been promised a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea (Rev. 21:1).

Thought for Today:

The Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you (I Pet. 1:25).
Cross References:

For Rev. 21:4: See Is. 25:8. Rev. 21:23: See Is. 60:19. Rev. 21:25: See Is. 60:11. Rev. 21:27: See Is. 52:1. Rev. 22:2: See Ezek. 47:12; Gen. 2:9. Rev. 22:3: See Zech. 14:11. Rev. 22:12: See Is. 40:10. Rev. 22:13: See Is. 44:6; 48:12. Rev. 22:16: See Is. 11:1. Rev. 22:18-19: See Deut. 12:32.
Word Studies:

21:9 the bride, the Lamb's wife, the Church, the Lord Jesus' Church; 21:16 twelve thousand furlongs, 1500 miles; 21:23 lighten it, illuminate it; 22:7 prophecy, foretelling, forth telling, teaching; 22:16 angel to testify, messenger to bear witness.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jeff Flake (AZ), Rep. Hal D. Rogers (KY), and Rep. Heath Shuler (NC) • Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian • strongly Orthodox country • 67% Macedonian Orthodox; 23% Muslim; 3% Catholic; 2% Protestant; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Do not worry about your material needs (Matt. 6:25-30).
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 13:4

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 1 – 3

Highlights:

Creation of all things; creation of Adam and Eve; temptation by Satan; Adam and Eve rebel against God and forfeit Garden of Eden.
God made mankind in His image and His likeness (Gen. 1:26). He made us different from every animal. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). No animal has a God consciousness or is capable of worshiping God.

The LORD God took the man (Adam), and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it (Gen. 2:15). Man's responsibility was to obey the Word of God and to take care of His garden. However, God allowed man's love, loyalty, and obedience to be tested.

In Eden, we are introduced to Satan, the one who came in the guise of the serpent (3:1). He is also called the dragon, that old serpent . . . the Devil. . . Satan (Rev. 20:2; also Is. 14:12; Matt. 13:39; I Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:10). He did not reveal himself as the enemy of God or as a wicked deceiver intent on destroying every enjoyment of mankind (John 8:44). His intent was, and still is, to prevent man from obeying his Creator.

First, Satan tried to create doubt concerning the truth of what God had said. He implied that God was withholding the best enjoyments in life from Adam and Eve. He asked: Hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden (Gen. 3:1)? This was followed by Satan's partial truth, which was a lie: God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil (3:5). At that moment, Eve chose to rely on her "good judgment" rather than on the Word of God. She began to "covet" what belonged to God and disregarded His ownership and authority. When she saw that the tree was good for food, and . . . pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise (she chose to trespass on the property of God and), she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat (3:6).

On that day, Adam and Eve, the father and mother of all mankind, chose to eat the forbidden fruit. They sinned and consequently died spiritually, and they became destined to die physically. From that moment on, all of Adam's descendants inherited his sinful, disobedient nature. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Rom. 5:12).

Thought for Today:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet. 5:.
Christ Revealed:

As Creator (Gen. 1:1; comp. John 1:1-4; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 11:3). As the Seed of woman (Gen. 3:15; Is. 7:14; 9:6-7). God sent forth His Son, made of a woman (Gal. 4:4).
Word Studies:

1:29 meat, food in general; 2:10 heads, branches, rivers; 2:14 Hiddekel, Tigris; 2:24 cleave, cling; 3:1 subtil, shrewd, crafty, sly; 3:13 beguiled, deceived, seduced, led astray; 3:15 it, her Seed (Jesus Christ); bruise, wound.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • Government Officials: Rep. Terri A. Sewell (AL), Rep. John Sullivan (OK), and Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ) • Country: Madagascar (15 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique • Major languages: French and Malagasy • Increasingly anti-Christian • 43% witchcraft, ancestor worship, and some astrology; 21% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Trust that God will provide your needs when you put His will first in your life (Matt. 6:31-33).
Optional Reading: Matthew 1

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 4 – 6

Highlights:

Sacrifices of Cain and Abel; Cain murders Abel; genealogy from Adam to Noah; Noah's Ark.
God will forgive our sins when we repent and forsake our sins, but the physical and spiritual consequences are staggering and they are eternally irreversible. It did not take long for Adam and Eve's sin to become evident. Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children. . . . And unto Adam He said . . . cursed is the ground for thy sake (because of what you have done) . . . Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth . . . In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground (Gen. 3:16-19). Physical death also became a reality as a result of their sin. Added to that, the LORD God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden (3:23).

Sin was now a characteristic of mankind. Adam and Eve's son Cain became jealous of his brother Abel and angry with God because Abel's sacrifice was "accepted" while his was rejected (4:4-5). The Lord approached Cain in love and offered him an opportunity to repent of his sin: If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door (4:7). While Cain's offering of the firstfruits of the ground recognized God as Creator, it did not recognize Cain as a sinner. Without shedding of blood is no remission (forgiveness of sin) (Heb. 9:22). By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts (11:4). Abel brought the best as an offering. He apparently recognized himself as a sinner and brought. . . the firstlings of his flock, which means he offered a blood sacrifice of a lamb as atonement for his sins (Gen. 4:4; comp. Heb. 11:4; 12:24). In striking contrast, Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him (Gen. 4:.

The genealogy of the sons of God (6:2,4) continued through Adam and Eve's third son Seth (5:3), through whose lineage Jesus would come (Luke 3:23-38). What often happens today is exactly what happened then: The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives (Gen. 6:2). It is assumed by some that marriage of believers (the sons of God) with nonbelievers (the daughters of men) may be acceptable. The heart could swell with pride that these mixed marriages produced brilliant men. They were mighty men . . . of old, men of renown (6:4). But, they were not men who lived in obedience to God.

From the beginning, the biblical principle has always been: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers . . . what part hath he that believeth with an infidel (unbeliever)? And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? for ye are the Temple of the Living God (II Cor. 6:14-16).

Thought for Today:

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not (Rom. 7:18).
Christ Revealed:

Through Abel's blood sacrifice (Gen. 4:4-7). Christ is the Lamb of God, sacrificed for man's sin (John 1:29; Heb. 9:22; 11:4). Man's best achievements can never take the place of Christ's atonement made through His own sinless blood.
Word Studies:

4:4 had respect, approved; 4:5 wroth, exceedingly angry; 4:22 artificer, craftsman in metal; 5:3 begat, fathered; 5:24 was not, was translated to (disappeared into) heaven; 6:6 repented the LORD, grieved the Lord; 6:9 perfect, blameless.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Country: Malawi (10 million) in southeastern Africa • Major languages: English and Chichewa • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 23% Roman Catholic; 16% Muslim; 16% animist; 4% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord that you have no need to fear. Trust Him one day at a time (Matt. 6:33-34).
Optional Reading: Matthew 2

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 7 – 9

Highlights:

Noah, his family, seven pairs of clean and one pair of unclean of every living creature enter the ark as God had commanded (Gen. 7:2,9,16); the Great Flood; the Rainbow Covenant.
The LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark (Gen. 7:1). Noah was able to save his family and preserve mankind because his faith in the spoken Word of God led him to build the ark. During the many years spent in constructing the ark, he was also known as a preacher of righteousness in an ungodly world (II Pet. 2:5). This illustrates the New Testament truth that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The ark was a secure refuge from certain death; it was also a type of Christ, who provides refuge from spiritual death for all believers. Christ, our spiritual ark, continues to call the lost today: Come unto Me . . . and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28).

For Noah and his family, there came a day, prior to the flood, when they were told to enter the ark, and the LORD shut him in (Gen. 7:16). This shows the special attention and personal care that God gives to all who are faithful to Him. All who wait for a more convenient time to be saved need to realize that it is an insult to God who said: Now is the accepted time . . . now is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2). Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it (Heb. 4:1).

Just as Noah was able to rest within the ark, secure from the waters of death, Christians can be assured of spiritual rest, for our lives are hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). As soon as he was once again on dry land, Noah builded an altar unto the LORD . . . and offered burnt offerings on the altar (Gen. 8:20). The obedience of faith and the worship of God go hand in hand. Just as Noah was not given an exact day when the flood would come, neither do we know the day that we will face the Lord either through death or at His Coming.

Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels (messengers) of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noe (Noah) were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew (understood) not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. . . . Therefore be . . . ready (Matt. 24:36-39,44).

Thought for Today:

And I will establish My Covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth (Gen. 9:11).
Christ Revealed:

Through the ark (Gen. 7:1,7; Acts 4:12; I Pet. 3:12,20). Christ is our ark of safety. Jesus . . . delivered us from the wrath to come (I Thess. 1:10).
Word Studies:

7:3 keep seed alive, preserve the species; 7:18 face, surface; 8:1 asswaged, subsided; 8:3 abated, diminished; 9:19 overspread, populated.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy (Dr. John A. Hash's mother) • Staff: Dan Murton • Country: Malaysia (22.7 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Malay and English • All Christian witness to Muslims is illegal • 58% Muslim; 23% Buddhist/Taoist/Chinese; 8% Christian; 6% Hindu; 5% Sikh/Animist/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask, seek, and knock through prayer, knowing God promises to answer (Matt. 7:7-8).
Optional Reading: Matthew 3

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 10 – 12

Highlights:

Descendants of Noah; Babel; origin of languages; the call and Covenant of God with Abram; his journeys to Canaan and Egypt.
Nimrod is the first king mentioned in the Bible: The beginning of his kingdom was Babel (Gen. 10:10). Nimrod means "rebel." He was a mighty hunter before the LORD (10:9). Later we read: Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth (I Chr. 1:10).

With Nimrod as their leader, the people united to build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven. They said: Let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth (Gen. 11:4). The words make us a name revealed their desire for power. The carnal human heart seeks a name for itself and wants to feel important. It has no desire to glorify God.

The mighty Nimrod established the first world empire and ruled it. His self-centered ambition to build a tower whose top may reach unto heaven did not mean he expected to reach the throne of the Almighty God — his desire was to make himself and his followers mighty enough to rule the world. Nimrod was a hunter — probably meaning a hunter of men who would support his ambitions. Before the LORD means that this rebel pursued his own ambitious plans in defiance of God, who had commanded Adam and Noah: Multiply, and replenish (fill) the earth (1:28; 9:1).

Just as it was in the days of Nimrod, there is a worldwide movement today to unite and control all people and all religions into a one-world government and one superchurch. This government and religious system is recorded in Revelation 17:3-5 (see December 29 devotion). The only assurance of not being deceived in this age of lawlessness is knowing the Word of God and having a personal relationship with Jesus. This knowledge exposes the motives behind the actions of leaders in world affairs.

The call of God demands that we make a choice. Even the closest ties of human loyalty or affection must be cut when they conflict with our submission to Christ and what is written in His Word. He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me (Matt. 10:38).

Thought for Today:

And He sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all (Mark 9:35).
Christ Revealed:

As the Promised Seed of Abraham (Gen. 12:3,7; compare Matthew 1:1; Acts 3:25-26; Gal. 3:16). Abraham was a type of Christ who leads the way to a far better promised land (John 14:2-4,6; Heb. 11:8-10). He took on Him the seed (offspring) of Abraham (Heb. 2:16).
Word Studies:

10:25 earth divided, people became separated; 11:3 Go to, Come; 12:7 seed, descendants; 12:10 sojourn, live temporarily; 12:16 had, gave him.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Chris Robison • Country: Maldives (300,000) 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka • Major languages: Divehi and English • Christian witnessing is banned • 99.9% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble (Matt. 8:24-25).
Optional Reading: Matthew 4

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 13 – 15

Highlights:

Abram and Lot separate; Abram moves to Hebron, and builds an altar; Lot rescued; Melchizedek blesses Abram; Covenant of God with Abram.
The testing of Abram's faith began after he and Lot left Ur of the Chaldees in obedience to the call of God to journey more than 500 miles to the promised land (Gen. 11:31; 12:4). Upon arrival, he discovered there was a famine so they went into Egypt (12:10-20). Returning from Egypt they traveled south near Sodom where the pastureland was best. Abram and Lot both had large flocks. Soon there was a strife (quarreling) between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and . . . of Lot's cattle (13:7). Abram could have taken the best for himself since he was older than his nephew, as well as being the spiritual leader of his family. Instead, he graciously said to Lot: Let there be no strife . . . for we be (are) brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself . . . from me: if thou wilt take the left . . . then I will go to the right (13:8-9). Lot selfishly took advantage of Abram and greedily chose the whole land — all the well-watered plain near Sodom.

It was after this experience that Abram received a promise from the Lord that He would make Abram's seed (descendants) as numerous as the dust of the earth (13:16). Abram went farther northwest to live in the plain of Mamre . . . in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD (13:18). Lot decided to ignore his spiritual need to be in fellowship with Abram. Instead, he compromised and made friends with the people of Sodom, who were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly (13:10-13).

Lot was typical of many Christians today who deplore our wicked society but still make decisions based on personal material advantages. Only a few listen seriously to their Savior, who said: No servant can serve two masters (Luke 16:13). When determining where we live or where we work, our first consideration should be: "Where can I best serve the Lord?"

Before his conversion, the Apostle Paul was a prominent Pharisee. But after he trusted Christ as Savior, notice what he wrote concerning his career choice: What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Phil. 3:7-8). It is no surprise that God could use him to write most of the New Testament.

Paul's choice was similar to that of Joshua whom God chose to lead His people into the promised land and who proclaimed: Fear the LORD, and serve Him in sincerity. . . . choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:14-15).

Thought for Today:

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14).
Christ Portrayed:

By the high priest, Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 4:15-16; 5:5-10; 7:1-4). Today Christ is our High Priest who is interceding in prayer for us and who alone is deserving of our gifts and service to Him.
Word Studies:

13:6 bear, support; 13:12 toward, near; 14:11 victuals, provisions, food; 14:13 confederate, allies; 14:17 dale, valley; 15:4 shall come forth out of thine own bowels, is your own flesh and blood.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY) and Rep. Mark S. Critz (PA) • Country: Mali (10 million) in West Africa • Major languages: French and Bambara • Religious freedom despite Muslim majority • 81% Muslim; 17% animism and spirit worship; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray the Lord of the harvest to send workers to harvest for Him (Matt. 9:38).
Optional Reading: Matthew 5

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Genesis 16 – 18

Highlights:

Ishmael; Abram's name changed; covenant of circumcision; Sarai's name changed; Isaac promised to Abraham and Sarah; Abraham's prayer for Sodom.
Abram and Sarai were childless. God had promised Abram a son (Gen. 15:2-4), but 10 years had passed and now he was 85 years old. At that time, Sarai said unto Abram . . . the LORD hath restrained me from bearing . . . go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children (have a family) by her (16:2). At the age of 86, Abram fathered a son, Ishmael, by Hagar.

Thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael (16:16; 17:1), God again spoke to Abram: I am the Almighty God. . . . thy name shall be Abraham. . . . I will establish My Covenant (Agreement) between Me and thee and thy seed (descendants). . . . My Covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time . . . next year (17:1-21).

Abraham was now 99 years old and Sarah was 90. At her age, it was physically impossible for Sarah to have a child. But God revealed to Abraham: I am the Almighty God, meaning the One who is All-Sufficient. Through Abraham God reveals why God could answer Abraham's prayers. He said: I know him . . . he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him (18:19).

One of the great tests of our faith is patiently waiting upon the Lord. It may take two weeks, two years, or, as in Abraham's situation, 25 years for our prayers to be answered or for the promises of God to be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write concerning Abraham's faith that he was fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. . . . Therefore it was imputed (credited, transferred) to him for righteousness (Rom. 4:21-22).

God had said to Abraham: Walk before Me, and be . . . perfect (remain faithful) (Gen. 17:1). We too have a responsibility in our covenant relationship with God. Jesus said: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48). According to my dictionary perfect means, among other things, "carry through," "develop." In biblical language it means: It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (I Cor. 4:2).

Thought for Today:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (I Pet. 1:7).
Christ Revealed:

As the Seed of Isaac (Gen. 17:19). Christ was a descendant of Isaac. Jesus . . . Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac (Luke 3:23-34; Heb. 11:18).
Word Studies:

16:6 dealt hardly, treated harshly; 17:1 perfect, blameless, being faithful, having integrity; 18:7 dress it, prepare it; 18:12 waxed, grown; 18:28 Peradventure, Suppose.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. & Mrs. Walter Swanson • Government Official: Rep. Frank D. Lucas (OK) • Country: Malta (388,000) about 60 miles south of Sicily • Major languages: Maltese and English • Religious freedom • 97% Christian; 1.7% non-Religious/other; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for the Lord to give you the right words to share Christ with others (Matt. 10:18-20).
Optional Reading: Matthew 6

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14