Bible Pathway - July 10, 2011
Read Psalms 88
Highlights:
Have you ever despaired in the night, calling out to God in your darkest hours like the psalmist in today's reading? Or, have you experienced the answer of God through His wonderful mercy as in this magnificent Psalm 89? Don't miss the 91st Psalm, one of the most-loved psalms, which pledges amazing promises of blessings.
Life is filled with both spiritual and physical dangers, and the psalmist regarded God to be his Refuge and strong Fortress (Ps. 91:1-2). The godly have a Refuge during pain, mental perplexities, and sorrows. The very nature of trials and testing suggests the possibility of failure.
Since many spiritual conflicts can end in defeat, Christians recognize their need for a Refuge and Fortress. Our adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet. 5:8).
Christians are hated by this world's system because we are not of the world (John 17:14). The subtle spirits behind the world system, many of its practices, amusements, and literature, are based on human reasoning by those who do not read the Word of God and refuse to recognize their Creator. Consequently, they are are opposed to the spiritual life of the true believer. Moreover, the child of God finds that in himself there are fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (I Pet.. 2:11). The Apostle Paul was led to reveal:The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom. 8:7-8).
Though powerful forces and seductive influences of Satan seek to deceive and lead us astray, God has provided a powerful fortress (a protective wall — the Bible — the Word and will of God). The psalmist expressed the utmost confidence in the loving care of God: His Truth shall be thy shield and buckler (armor). Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day (Ps. 91:4-5).
The victorious Christian has no confidence in the flesh (his own thoughts or others') (Phil. 3:3). His faith is in the Word of God: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:10-11). We have no assurance of the Lord's protection if we choose ways that serve self or misapply His Word. But what is there to fear when one remains near The Most High, for His shadow falls constantly upon him.
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished (II Pet. 2:9).
Thought for Today:
Submit yourselves . . . to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you (James 4:7-8).
Christ Revealed:
By the seed (descendants) of David (Ps. 89:3-4). Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed (descendants) of David according to the flesh (Rom. 1:3; also Matt. 1:1; Luke 3:31-32).
Word Studies:
88:13 prevent, come before; 89:10 Rahab in this context is a poetic name for Egypt (see 87:4; Is. 51:9); 89:24 horn be exalted, authority shall increase; 89:41 spoil, plunder; 90:13 let it repent thee concerning, change your judgment to compassion on; 91:13 dragon, serpent, a reference to Satan. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years (Rev. 20:2; see also 12:3-4,7,9,13,16-17;13:2,4,11).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Russ Carnahan (MO), Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA), and Rep. Tom McClintock (CA) • Country: Kuwait (2 million) in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and English • Some religious freedom • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede for your nation and friends in prayer with fasting and a self-sacrificing spirit (Esth. 4:16).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:2
