March 1
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Forty years after they left Egypt, the Israelites are once again at the border of the promised land. About 2 million Israelites (all the first generation) have now died, except for three men. Why? Can you name them? Moses reminds the second generation that God commanded their parents: Go in and possess the land. . . . but (they) rebelled against the Commandment of the Lord (1:8,43).
How different the history of Israel could have been if they had trusted the Word of God instead of believing the report of the ten spies. Moses reminded them of how God had blessed them in the wilderness even after they had been disobedient: The Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand . . . thou hast lacked nothing (2:7). But the first generation missed forever the blessings of Canaan (Num. 14:27-35).
To trust the Lord when we are faced with giants (13:33) and high walls (13:28) does not come naturally for anyone. These giants and high walls and are, among other things, symbolic of evil habits that attempt to control a Christian's life and are hard for Christians to overcome. They are intent on destroying our testimony as well as eventually destroying our lives. We are warned: If any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. . . . Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived (I Cor. 5:11; 6:9). Yes, without a doubt your determination and faith in the power of God can overcome all the "giants" that seek to destroy your eternal destiny. Our faith in God is increased to the degree that we read, meditate upon, and obey the Word of God because faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God ( Rom. 10:17).
As we read the Bible and act upon it, the Holy Spirit's ministry is to make the Word quick (alive, active), and powerful (Heb. 4:12) so that Bible truths become an actual part of our lives. Satan is powerful but Christ and your prayers are far more powerful. Jesus said: Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it you (John 16:23). Then, we need not fear the strength or number of our hindrances, for the shield of faith . . . shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Eph. 6:16). We are called to be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (5:18).
Jesus declared: Repent. . . . To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna (Rev. 2:16-17).
Thought for Today:
The "giants" of these turbulent economic days are fearsome and, only by reading and obeying the Word of God will the Holy Spirit guide and bring us through.
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 bear =endure; cumbrance =disputes; 1:27 murmured =complained, criticized; 1:39 should be a prey =could be taken captive; 1:42 smitten =defeated; 2:1 compassed =went around; 2:14 wasted out from among the host =had died from this camp; 2:18 coast =border; 2:33 smote =defeated; 2:35 for a prey =as a prize of war; spoil =plunder.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts for the month of March sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts for the week in memory of Aura Profera • Country: Canada (31 million) in North America • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 47% Roman Catholic; 37% Protestant; 3% Eastern Orthodox; 2% cults; 1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble (Matt. 8:24-25).
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: Matthew 5:11
