In Today's Scripture Reading:
David's confidence in God; destruction of the wicked; the prayer of a penitent heart; brevity of life
David sat watching a fire burning and recorded: While I was musing the fire burned (Psalm 39:3), its bright flames slowly turned to ashes. He was reminded of how the most satisfying life soon fades and ends in death. This is a reminder to all of us that life will soon end. David then prayed: Lord, make me to know . . . the measure (brevity) of my days (life) (39:4). David realized how easy it is to get so caught up with material achievements that we neglect our most important purpose in life. Opportunities for fulfilling the will of God will soon be no more (39:13). David's prayer points out that the brevity of life is an issue everyone should consider, not just senior citizens.
Compared to eternity, earthly life is very, very short. Yet, strangely enough, it is easy to be so involved with daily activities that we do not take seriously that we are just one breath away from death.
In our brief journey on earth, we may sometimes retrace our steps or repeat a task; but wasted time can never be recovered. This points out how seriously we need to consider how we can be more effective and to take advantage of every opportunity to wholeheartedly serve Him. Only as we read through the Bible will we fully know what God expects of us and how we should serve Him.
Much of our time and energy are devoted to preparations for earthly pleasures. Many make the fatal mistake of waiting too long for a "convenient time" to serve the Lord. But the clock of time will stop all too soon and without notice. Just as the sun is seen rising in the east, it will soon set in the west, and another day brings us that much closer to eternity. For the majority of us, death will come unexpectedly, and much sooner than we think.
It is of utmost importance that we reconsider our secular goals. Do they rob us of opportunities to seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness ?( Matthew 6:33).
Christ Revealed:
As the Fountain of Life (and the) Light (Psalm 36:9). In Him was Life; and the Life was the Light of men. . . . That was the True Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:4-9; compare 4:10,14; Revelation 22:1).
Word Studies:
36:7 put their trust under => take refuge in; 38:2 presseth me sore => your punishment presses heavily upon me; 38:8 roared => groaned with anguish; 38:11 sore => afflictions.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts for the month of July sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Mr. & Mrs. William Cox Country: Afghanistan (22.7 million) in central Asia Major languages: Pastu and Afghan Persian (Dari) (Religious statistics from Operation World and Religious Freedom in the World) Hostile to Christian evangelization. For a Muslim to convert to Christianity is automatic execution 97.5% Muslim; 1.5% Parsee; .35% Hindu; .1% Traditional ethic; .1% Baha'i; .02% Chrisitian; .02% Sikh; .01% non-Religious Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for the power of His Word (Hebrews 4:12).
Optional Reading: Colossians 4
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: Galatians 1:3
