July 8

Psalms 78

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Oh how quickly we forget! This could be describing us today. The people find themselves in trouble. They cry out to God to be saved, are restored, and promise to stay faithful! How often have we heard or said that (78:34-42)?

By great signs and miracles, Jehovah delivered Israel from cruel slavery in Egypt. Furthermore, His gracious dealings with His people were manifested daily throughout their forty years in the wilderness. Nevertheless, again and again their spirit of discontent prevailed: They sinned yet more against Him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. . . . they believed not in God, and trusted not in His salvation (78:17, 22). The sustenance which God bestowed upon them failed to deter their self-centered nature neither did it satisfy their selfish appetite. Words of praise and thankfulness or a recalling of His wondrous works were all sadly lacking. They remembered not His hand, nor the day when He delivered them from the enemy (78:37-42).

The Apostle Paul reminded the Church at Corinth that: These things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. . . . Neither let us commit fornication (adultery and sexual sins). . . . Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer (I Corinthians 10:6,8,10). The result? They failed to enter the promised land.

True, there are times when we are plagued by doubts and questions. This is the time to remember that after the Apostle Paul prayed three times for his thorn in the flesh (II Corinthians 12:7) to be removed, the Lord revealed to him a very precious truth: My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness (12:9).

Now here is the point that needs special emphasis. Let us realize that every Christian is the chosen of God (Ephesians 1:4) and called out from among (II Corinthians 6:17) the world as lights (Philippians 2:15) amid the darkness. As such, let us live our lives in childlike faith desiring above all else to please Him. God is longing for us to trust Him and look beyond our human resources to His all-sufficient supply. Our never-failing God (Jeremiah 32: 27) has promised to protect and keep us (Hebrews 13:5), and we can rest in the promises of His Word (Numbers 23:19). What is more, He always strengthens us for the work He has called us to do.

Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain, The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth (greater) grace unto the humble (James 4:5-6).

Thought for Today:

When times of discouragement come, then is the best time to count our blessings and remember where the Lord brought us from.

Christ Revealed:

As the true Shepherd (Psalm 80:1). Christ is the Good Shepherd and the Door through which one must enter to be saved. He alone is The Way to heaven (John 10:9,11; 14:6).

Word Studies:

78:15 clave =b> split; 78:34 inquired early =b> sought diligently; 79:4 derision =b> ridicule; 80:3 Turn us again =b> Restore us; 80:8 a vine =b> Israel; 80:12 hedges =b> walls or fences; 80:18 quicken =b> revive.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Brian Stortz • Staff: Michael Sharp • Government Officials: Rep. Julia Carson (IN) and Rep. John Dingell (MI) • Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and Farsi • Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Offer your gift of praise to God in prayer (I Peter 2:5).

Optional Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:8