Bible Pathway - July 16, 2011
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. 121:8). 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
