Bible Pathway - Sept. 18, 2012

Highlights:

Vision of the glory of God; prophecy of kingdoms from David to Antichrist; the Great Tribulation.

I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled (Dan. 10:3).

Cyrus' proclamation to encourage the Jews to return to Jerusalem was made in the first year of his reign (Ezra 1:1-4). Only about 50,000 Israelites responded and went with Zerubbabel to help rebuild the Temple.

During the third year of the reign of Cyrus, or two years after he issued the proclamation, opposition became so intense they were ordered to stop the reconstruction (Ezra 4:4-22).

Daniel became deeply distressed when he learned that opposition had caused construction on the Temple to cease. Consequently, he prayed and fasted for three weeks. Afterward, God revealed to him how unseen evil powers often control the decisions of nations. And He said unto me . . . for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand . . . I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me . . . Now I am come (Dan. 10:11-14).

We must recognize that there are spiritual forces at work in the world. As we sometimes look at things that are happening around us, we can't understand how it is possible that so many bad things could happen in a short period of time. It is very likely that evil spiritual forces are at work in this situation. The enemy, Satan, desires to corrupt and confuse. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

There is constant warfare taking place in the unseen world. We sometimes talk about combatting evil influences, but the fact is we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against . . . rulers of the darkness (Eph. 6:12). It is vital that we recognize man's inability to overcome these forces without prayer. Prayer is our communication with God. It is a vital necessity in our fight against the enemy. It is through prayer that we claim the Scriptures that will overcome the forces of evil. Remember, when your life is under attack, speak the Word of God in your prayers. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past . . . Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).

Thought for Today:

As we pray, Christ Jesus intercedes for us.

Christ Revealed:

As Him that liveth for ever (Dan. 12:7). As One of the Three expressed Persons of the Trinity, Jesus Christ always has been and always will be. Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily (Truly, truly), I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58). I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, saith the Lord (Jesus Christ), which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8, also 4:8).

Word Studies:

10:15 dumb, speechless; 11:11 choler, furious rage; 11:15 fenced cities, strongholds; 11:24 fattest, richest; forecast his devices, prepare his plans; 12:7 a time, times, and an half, 3-1/2 years.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Patricia Meldrum • Staff: Tifany Edwards • Country: Togo (5 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and several African languages • Limited religious freedom • 41% belief in false gods and voodoo; 32% Roman Catholic; 19% Muslim; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that one of the purposes of prayer is to glorify God (Ps. 115:1).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:5