Bible Pathways 08/14/2003

August 14

Read Jeremiah 1 -- 3

In Today's Reading:

Jeremiah's call; his message to sinful Judah; its apostasy results in idolatry; Judah entreated to repent

God revealed to Jeremiah that He has a plan and purpose for each of us even before our birth: The Word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee . . . I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jeremiah 1:4-5).

Just think! God knew you and had a plan for your life even before the day you were born. Through Jeremiah's revelation concerning the origin of human life, it is revealed that our birth is not our real beginning nor will our death be our end. Like Jeremiah, we need to focus on what God has for us to do. God is the Giver of life! As believers, let us hold in honor the sanctity of all human life for each one has a divine purpose.

The Holy Spirit led King David to write: I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth (Psalm 139:14-15). Both a mother and father have the biblical responsibility to recognize that every unborn child, from the moment of conception, belongs to its Creator God. Both parents are responsible as faithful stewards of God to teach their children to know, love, and be obedient to God.

To the Apostle Paul, God revealed that He (God) hath chosen us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. . . . In Whom (Christ) also we have obtained an inheritance. . . . The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:4,11,18).

You are special! Even before He laid the foundation of the world, God chose us to be His children through Jesus Christ, and it is because of Christ that we have received this inheritance from God.

The Apostle Paul prayed that the hearts of the Ephesians would be enlightened to understand that God had promised a wonderful future for those whom He had called. As present-day believers, we have that same promise which is far more glorious than we can comprehend.

God has chosen each of us for His sacred purpose. However, He has also given us the freedom to choose whom we will serve. Jesus stated an often overlooked fact when He said that no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other (Matthew 6:24).

Let us choose to be like Joshua and declare: As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).

Christ Revealed:

As the Fountain of Living Waters (Jeremiah 2:13). Jesus is the only Fountain that can satisfy the thirsty soul. Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink (John 7:37; also 4:1-26).

Word Studies:

2:3 offend = be held guilty; 2:14 spoiled = laid waste; 2:18 Sihor = the Nile River; the river = the Euphrates; 2:31 lords = independent; 2:33 trimmest = scheme; 3:2 been lien with = acted like a prostitute; 3:9 lightness = shameless behavior; 3:10 feignedly = deceptively.

Prayer Needs:

BP Staff: Clarence Rathbone · Pray for Bryan Smeathers and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WMTA-AM, Central City KY · Government Officials: Rep. James Hansen (UT), Rep. Robin Hayes (NC), and Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY) · Country: Nepal (24 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India · Major language: Nepali · Limited religious freedom · 89% Hindu; 7% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; .3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christ will be seen through you (Philippians 1:20-21).

Optional Reading: I Peter 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 5:9