Bible Pathway - July 17, 2012

Highlights:

God's faithfulness; praising God for past and present blessings.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Ps. 133:1).

The Israelites went to Jerusalem at least three times a year to worship, singing this Psalm as they went.

There were many types of people on the road to Jerusalem, but they had one thing in common — they were all on their way to the City of God to worship Jehovah.

It is just as true today as it was for the Israelites that those who are members of the family of God should live in peace with one another. This unity comes from the pleasant harmony that is the peace of God as we allow it to touch our lives. Jesus tells us that as we are gathered together in My (His) Name, He is in the midst (Matt. 18:19-20).

All believers in Christ, regardless of nationality, education, or wealth, are redeemed by the same Savior, love the same Master, and are all looking forward to living together forever with Christ in the same Eternal City. There is one Body, and one Spirit . . . One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Eph. 4:4-6). Surely, these common Christian values can unite us above and beyond those little things that might become obstacles to divide us and to tear us down. Let us purpose to agree together on things that matter from the Truth of the Word of God. God's Word brings unity to His people. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Eph. 4:13).

Surely the prayer of Christ should cause us to greatly desire to fulfill His will in all of us: Holy Father, keep through Thine Own Name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as we are (John 17:11).

Since all Christians experience similar trials, temptations, and sorrows, we are to encourage one another in love; Endeavouring (trying earnestly) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:2-3). We should be constantly strengthening each other through prayer, fellowship and counsel. There is great power when believers unite all with one accord (Acts 2:1). Often that which seems impossible can be accomplished when brethren come together for a special cause. Then we truly walk together as the family of God. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do (I Thess. 5:11).

Thought for Today:

Unity of believers may be compared to a great orchestra — many instruments, and yet, perfect harmony.

Christ Revealed:

As the Descendant of David, who would sit upon David's throne (Ps. 132:11). He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32; Acts 2:29-30).

Word Studies:

132:6 Ephratah, the district in which Bethlehem was located; 132:11 fruit, offspring; 132:17 horn, authority, power; bud, flourish; 135:4 Jacob . . . His peculiar treasure, the people of God are God's own possession; 135:14 will repent Himself concerning His servants, will have compassion upon His people; 136:12 a stretched out arm, mighty power; 137:3 wasted, plundered; 137:4 strange, foreign; 137:7 Rase, Overthrow, Destroy, Demolish.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Country: Mauritania (2.6 million) in western Africa • Major language: Hasaniya Arabic • Islamic state with no mission work allowed • 99+% Muslim (predominantly Sunni); .2% Christian (predominantly foreigners) • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble; He will shelter you (Ps. 27:5).

Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:8