Bible Pathway - July 19, 2011
Read Psalms 144
Highlights:
We open with one of David's battle songs sung by his men as they march forth to war (Ps. 144). Psalm 145 may have been sung by David's soldiers after victory in battle. The last five Psalms are a grand outburst of Hallelujah songs to the majesty of our Lord. God reigns; let all creation praise the One True Triune God (God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit); let the angels praise God; let the saints praise God.
The psalmist declared that no man, not even the most powerful or the smartest, has power to save himself or others. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish (Ps. 146:4). After a person draws his last breath, his body will return to the earth.
All that anyone — the poorest person, a president, or a millionaire — will eventually have will be his grave. They (We all) die, and return to their (our) dust (104:29). When a person dies, all that is material or physical ends for him. A Christian can rejoice knowing that his spirit is eternal and is in the loving hands of the Almighty God and destined for eternal life with our Lord. But all who have rejected Christ as their Savior face eternal death. Our Lord said concerning a "rich man" who died, was buried and in hell and tormented, and who cried . . . I am tormented in this flame. . . . remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou are tormented (Luke 16:24-25). All of our plans, popularity, and power which relate to this world will be cut off when we die. Too quickly the achievements and the influence of one age is forgotten in the next. Today's heroes and those who are the masters of the world's intellect and influence at this point in time will be replaced tomorrow. Therefore: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man (mere humans) . . . and whose heart departeth from the Lord (Jer. 17:5).
This means, first of all, that at the beginning of each day we should yield ourselves for Christ's Holy Spirit to freely work in and through us. It means a voluntary, intentional and wholehearted turning away from the world to wait on God to make Himself known to our inner man (Eph. 3:16). As we read His Word, we can expect the abiding presence of Christ to be outwardly evident throughout our day as we daily exercise childlike trust in His Word and willfully submit to His leading.
King David is our example, for he trusted in God and sought His guidance throughout most of his reign. David often called upon God in prayer, and he had the assurance that God was near him. The secret to this assurance was that he loved the Word of God and prayed according to His will. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him . . . in truth (Ps. 145:18).
Thought for Today:
The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the (humanly) wise, that they are vain (emplty, profitless). Therefore let no man glory in men (I Cor. 3:20-21).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who gives sight to the blind (Ps. 146:8). Jesus Christ opened blind eyes. Then touched He their eyes . . . . And their eyes were opened (Matt. 9:27-30; Mark 10:46-52; John 9:1-41).
Word Studies:
144:7 rid, rescue; 144:13 garners, grain storehouses; streets, fields; 145:3 unsearchable, beyond our understanding; 147:4 telleth, counts; 148:7 dragons, large sea animals.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Officials: Rep. John Campbell (CA) and Rep. Jim Cooper (TN) • 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: Let your prayers express gratitude to God for His wonderful works (Ps. 9:1).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:3
