Bible Pathway - Dec. 16, 2009
Highlights In Today's Reading:
God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). He sees everyone the same (2:1-12). If you "talk the talk" you'd better "walk the walk" (2:17). Watch your tongue (3:1-12). Draw closer to God and be wise ( 3:13-18;4:1-10). Don't judge (4:11-12). What is real treasure (5:1-6)? Believe; Jesus is coming (5:8). Prayer is powerful (5:13-18).
When someone is talking to us, are we so preoccupied with our own thoughts that we don't pay attention to what they are saying? Do we speak too much and miss much of what they are trying to tell us? In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise (Prov. 10:19).
One of the hindrances to hearing the voice of God in His Word is being so preoccupied with our own ideas that we do not listen to Him. So He cautions us: Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak. . . . the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up (James 1:19; 3:5; 4:10).
When we read the Bible, are we swift to hear or is our goal to finish reading the chapter? Do we insult God by not paying attention to what He thinks we should know? Prayerfully concentrate on what He is saying while we read His Word in order to apply it to our own lives. This is called meditation. The Psalmist wrote: O how love I Thy Law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through Thy Commandments hast made me wiser. . . . I have more understanding . . . for Thy testimonies are my meditation (Ps. 119:97-99)
Christians are to avoid being conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). In doing this, we will be marvelously changed by the perfect Law of liberty.
There are some who refuse or neglect (either response turns out the same) to be conformed to the Lord's purpose for their lives. But, when the King of kings speaks, we need to humble ourselves and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21). The engrafted Word reveals the will of Christ as we read His Word. The original root word — Christ (Christos, meaning "Anointed One") and His Word, which is referred to as the Anointing (Greek Chrisma — I John 2:27), are inseparable.
The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and Truth (John 1:14).
Thought for Today:
O Lord my God, in Thee do I put my trust (Ps. 7:1).
Cross References:
For James 2:8: See Lev. 19:18. James 2:11: See Ex. 20:13-14. James 2:23: See Gen. 15:6. James 4:6: See Prov. 3:34.
Word Studies:
1:27 visit =care for, look after the needs of; 2:11 kill =murder; 3:2 we offend all =be all make mistakes and offend others; 3:4 listeth =determines; 5:3 cankered =tarnished; 5:11 pitiful =full of compassion.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Gov. Don Carcieri (RI), Rep. Norman Dicks (WA), Gov. Jim Gibbons (NV), and Rep. C.W. Young (FL) • Country: Pakistan (146.5 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Urdu and English • There is no freedom to convert Muslims to Christ. Pakistan is an Islamic republic • 72% Sunni Muslim; 20% Shi'a Muslim; 3% Ahmadiya; 2% Christian; 2% Hindu; .1% Other (Baha'i, Animist, Farsi, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35
