Bible Pathways - Aug. 16, 2008
August 16
Highlights In Today's Reading:
As we begin our reading today, Jeremiah, the prophet of God, is weeping for this chosen nation of God. All through these chapters he pleads for them to turn from their sinful ways. They worship an abominable heathen idol (7:18) and offer their children as burnt sacrifices (7:31). What could be more of an abomination?
We are prone to ignore the Captain of the host of the Lord (Joshua 5:14) because He is invisible and does not impose Himself upon us. Even Joshua, the great man of faith, asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord and made peace with the Gibeonites (9:14-15) on one occasion.
It is easy to be misdirected into choosing a course of direction because we can physically and financially accomplish our desires. Because of this, some have often gone where God has not directed.
Because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you . . . but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not . . . Therefore. . . . Behold, Mine anger and My fury shall be poured out upon this place, (and) upon man (Jeremiah 7:13,20).
A ministry or church may be popular in the eyes of the world; but have little spiritual effect for the world beyond! The Lord saith, Because they have forsaken My Law which I set before them (for more "popular" programs), and have not obeyed My voice . . . But have walked after the imagination of their own heart. . . . I will scatter them also among the heathen (as slaves) (9:13-14,16). These verses remind us of the necessity for the believer to read all His Word and live a life of obedience to God.
It is possible that our "spiritual" activity is as impressive as huge stacks of wood, hay, (and) stubble (I Corinthians 3:12) which appear successful but may result in eternal spiritual loss. It is of utmost importance for Christians to be emptied of self-sufficiency and filled with the Holy Spirit by a personal relationship with Christ in obedience to His Word. Pray every day that Christ and His Word be exalted: Serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord . . . understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts (I Chronicles 28:9). It is comforting to know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23). But, in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6).
Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Thought for Today:
We begin to fail when we begin to rely on our own abilities rather than on God.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who demanded a cleansed Temple (Jeremiah 7:1-11). Jesus cleansed the Temple and said: My House shall be called of all nations the house of prayer (Mark 11:17).
Word Studies:
7:15 whole seed of Ephraim =b> all the people of the northern kingdom; 7:33 fray them away =b> frighten them away; 9:7 melt them, and try them =b> refine them by testing with affliction; 10:22 noise of the bruit =b> sound of a rumor.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Official: Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR) • Country: Burkina Faso (11 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and Sudanic tribal languages • Religious freedom • 48% Muslim; 33% belief in false gods, idolatry, and heathenism; 14% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that people will come to a knowledge of the Lord God (I Kings 18:36-37).
Optional Reading: 2 Peter 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:17
