Bible Pathway - March 1
Read Deuteronomy 1
Highlights:
Moses reviews the Lord's goodness to the Israelites; the years in the wilderness; failure to enter the promised land because of unbelief; Israelites conquer Sihon.
For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing (Deut. 2:7).
The old generation that left Egypt had not discerned that the purpose of God had for their trials was to develop their faith in His loving guidance. How different the history of Israel could have been if only they had trusted the Word of God instead of believing the report of the ten spies. They forever missed the blessings in Canaan (See Num. 13:31).
Moses told the new generation the reason their parents failed to gain the promised land — they did not believe the Lord your God (Deut. 1:32).
The new generation of Israelites faced the same problems their parents faced thirty-eight years earlier. In a few days they would be crossing the river Jordan, facing walled cities, and walking in unfamiliar territory.
Not only were the Canaanites a numerous and powerful people, but the Israelites were a very unpromising people. The Israelites' history was a continuous record of complaining, wanting to return to Egypt, and disobeying the Laws of God.
At one time or another, every Christian faces "giant" problems, but God provides strength to all who trust Him. But not until we actively move out in faith to accomplish His purposes will we truly be what He would have us be.
To trust the Lord when we are faced with giants and high walls does not come natural for anyone. But faith is developed as we act upon the Word of God because faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). To the measure that we read and meditate upon His Word —and act upon it — our faith is increased.
The Holy Spirit is the divine Interpreter of the Word we have in our hearts. As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit's ministry is to make the Word quick, and powerful so that Bible Truths become a living reality in our lives. For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).
Then, we need not fear the strength or the number of our hindrances, for the shield of faith . . . shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Eph. 6:16).
Thought for Today:
Do not be discouraged because of past failure. Just look to God and trust in Him.
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses, who spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the Lord had given him in Commandment unto them (Deut. 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28).
Word Studies:
1:12 cumbrance, disputes; 1:39 should be a prey, would be taken captive; 1:42 smitten, defeated; 2:1 compassed, went around; 2:18 coast, border or territory; 2:33 smote, defeated.
Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the Lord for all things (Eph. 5:19-20).
Optional Reading: Luke 16
NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:20
