TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 8:26-39
Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. - Acts 8:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
“If I had a thousand lives, I would give them all for the women of China,” said Lottie Moon. Based in Qingdao, she ministered through education and personal evangelism, while surviving famines and fighting poverty that plagued the region. A letter published in an 1887 mission journal inspired the “Lottie Moon Christmas Offering” that continues to this day and has raised more than one billion dollars for world missions. She explained to a colleague: “We must go out and live among them, manifesting the gentle, loving spirit of our Lord. . . . We need to make friends before we can hope to make converts.”

The Word of God is the starting point for effective witness. Often in the New Testament, “word” is a synonym for the gospel message, a reminder that Scripture is not just a doctrine for study by insiders but good news for proclamation to outsiders. This principle was vividly on display in an encounter between Philip and an African court official. The royal treasurer of Ethiopia was apparently a proselyte to Judaism, or at least a religious seeker, for he had gone to Jerusalem to worship. As a Gentile and a eunuch, he occupied a low position socially speaking from a Jewish point of view, yet in this episode God pointedly reached out to him in love (see Deut. 23:1; Isa. 56:4-5). He sent an evangelist to a desert road to intercept his chariot and explain a messianic prophecy.

Philip found the eunuch reading from Isaiah 53 (vv. 32-35). Although a messianic interpretation was not common for this passage at the time, Jesus used it of Himself (Luke 22:37), and the Gospel writers also recognized it as speaking of Christ (Matt. 8:17). The eunuch didn't understand about whom Isaiah was writing, but Philip gently explained from Scripture the identity and mission of the Messiah. The official's heart was more than ready. He responded in faith to the good news, was baptized, and “went on his way rejoicing” (v. 39).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you might expect, based on today's study we encourage you to do something in the area of witness. In a “seeker study” or “investigative Bible study,” for example, we do what Philip did with the Ethiopian treasurer—read and explain Scripture to someone who's already interested. Do you know anyone like this, someone who's searching for truth and meaning? With the Spirit's help, approach them soon and offer to study the Word with them.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 1:6-9
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night. - Joshua 1:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Olympic archer Jenny Nichols, competing at the Athens Games in 2004, gave all the glory to God. Inside her quiver were Scripture passages, about which she said, “I memorize or recite them while I practice and then during tournaments, when I get nervous or my head gets too much into the game, where I'm worried too much about my results, I'll start reciting these verses.” Ranked number one on the American women's team, she added, “I want it to be like worship to him. I give God my best, but if that doesn't measure up to what other people are doing, I have offered my best. And that is all he wants.”

Memorizing and meditating on the Word are important spiritual disciplines. As the leadership of the Israelites during the Exodus passed from Moses, and God Himself commissioned the new leader Joshua, the repeated theme “Be strong and courageous” was very appropriate (vv. 6, 9). Joshua had big shoes to fill and the people stood on the verge of major military challenges, but God promised victory and the inheritance of the Promised Land. Trusting in God's words was crucial, especially in light of the fact that Moses was ineligible to enter the land precisely because of his disobedience to a previous word from God. No wonder, then, that the Lord reminded Joshua and the people of the necessity of obedience and fulfilling their covenant obligations (v. 7).

The theme of obedience links naturally in turn to the idea of knowledge—people can't obey what they don't know (v. . Joshua needed to keep the Law in his “mouth,” an allusion to the practice of reading Scripture aloud, either individually or in a congregational setting (see Jan. 18). “Meditate” literally means to “mutter” or talk to oneself. Continual meditation indicates a process by which head-knowledge becomes heart-knowledge (cf. Ps. 1:2). As we need to digest food to sustain ourselves physically, so we need to digest the Word to walk rightly with God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The word “meditate” is not well understood by modern Christians, but hopefully today's devotion has been helpful on this subject. The key is to understand that unlike Eastern meditation, which empties the mind, biblical meditation fills the mind with Scripture. In that spirit, schedule a time and place for meditation and take along a Bible and notebook. “I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees” (Ps. 119:48).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Titus 2:1-8
You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. - Titus 2:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
William Tyndale learned the doctrine of justification by faith by reading Erasmus's Greek edition of the New Testament. Though denied permission to translate, it then became his lifelong passion to make the New Testament available in his native language of English. He completed his translation in Europe and had it smuggled into England, where it faced fierce opposition from the government and established church. Living in Antwerp, Belgium, he began translating the Old Testament as well, but in 1535 was betrayed into the hands of the law. Condemned as a heretic, he was strangled and burned at the stake.

Tyndale paid the ultimate price for his devotion to God and His Word. As we've read, obedience is an essential response to the Bible. The complementary truth is that our obedient actions verify and exalt the truth and power of Scripture.

Paul wanted sound doctrine taught (v. 1), but interestingly he elaborated on this idea not in terms of propositions but rather virtues. While there's no reason to think the virtues are exclusive, he presented them in categories appropriate to specific groups—older men (v. 2), older women (v. 3), younger women (vv. 4-5), and younger men (vv. 6-8). Addressing specific audiences is not meant to divide but to unite. The older women should teach the younger women, for example, and Titus should be a model for the younger men.

Verse 5 is our key: “so that no one will malign the word of God.” When younger women live godly lives as described here, this promotes the gospel; otherwise, godless actions speak louder than any words. The virtues listed include love, self-control, purity, kindness and submission. Similarly, Titus is to live righteously so that outsiders will have “nothing bad to say about us” (v. 8; cf. 1 Tim. 3:7). This principle applies across the board, that is, when we live to please God, He uses our obedience to bring honor to His Word and glory to Himself (v. 10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In which season of life described by Paul are you? “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1).

Take another look at the verses in this passage written specifically about you. How would you apply them to yourself? Pray over them, asking God the same question. As He leads you into what steps you should take, tell someone to whom you'll be accountable, and go do it!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 15:1-9
Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? - Matthew 15:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
A recent study conducted by UCLA found that 79 percent of American college students said they believe in God. Only 28 percent reported praying daily, however, and just 40 percent thought it was “essential” or “very important” to practice religious values in everyday life. Eighty percent thought that nonreligious and religious people could live equally moral lives, and 64 percent thought that people can grow spiritually without being religious.

Many of today's college students give religious faith lip-service only. That's not at all the kind of “obedience” God is looking for. Rather, we are to love and obey Him wholeheartedly (cf. Luke 10:27).

The Pharisees are a negative example of shallow, outward obedience. It's all too easy to read today's passage and think to ourselves, “I'm glad I'm not like them” . . . but Jesus told a parable about such an attitude (Luke 18:9-14). Part of the point is that the Pharisees were blind to their own insincerity, and we need to understand that without the Spirit and the Word we would be blind as well.

The Pharisees' question was actually an accusation or self-exalting comparison (vv. 1-2). It referred not to the Law but merely to traditions developed after the Babylonian captivity (and written down as the Mishnah about 200 a.d.). As usual, Jesus' answer penetrated beneath the surface to a core spiritual issue—genuine obedience (vv. 3-9). Scripture commands us to honor our parents, but they had found a “loophole” to excuse opposite behavior. Tradition had apparently taken Numbers 30:2 and applied it in a way directly opposed to God's clear command. This should have been a clue to its sinfulness, but when people want a thing they are remarkably good at self-deception.

“You hypocrites!” Jesus judged, and quoted Isaiah 29:13--16 to wake them to their spiritual deadness. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Let's review our month's devotional study up to this point. Try making two lists, one of qualities of the Word and one of our proper responses to the Word. Then take a look back through the relevant Scripture passages and add them to these lists.

Which three items speak to you most powerfully or you think are most important? Why? Ask the Spirit to help you to respond as you should to the Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Peter 3:10-18
In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth. - 2 Peter 3:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Athanasius, a fourth-century Egyptian church leader, played a key role in fighting against heresies relating to Christ's Incarnation. Specifically, he refused to compromise with Arianism, which claimed that the Son had not existed eternally and thus denied His full divinity. This idea distorted the doctrine of redemption. Spending years in exile for his battle for orthodoxy, Athanasius wrote influential works on theology and the desert hermits, and ultimately his defense of Christ's nature was recognized as truth.

Standing up for scriptural truth is not easy but it is essential, especially in light of Christ's return. “The day of the Lord will come like a thief,” said Peter, that is, quickly and unexpectedly (v. 10; cf. Matt. 24:42-44). This teaching and the epistle's imagery are not sensationalism at which we gawk. Peter wrote it “to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior” (3:1-2).

Living as if Christ could return at any time directly shapes how we must walk as believers (vv. 11-15). Aware of the temporary nature of things as they are and looking forward to a new heaven and earth, we can anticipate and in some mysterious way “speed” God's plan. More concretely, we should live “holy and godly lives . . . [making] every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” Despite the coming judgment on sin, God's patience as He waits for the full number to come to faith proves His love (v. 9).

False teachers “distort” or twist this foundational truth. They are “ignorant and unstable” and have chosen “their own destruction” (v. 16; cf. 2 Cor. 4:2). Paul's letters are here put on a par with “other Scriptures”—a key point in itself. But even more important is the implication that interpreting the Word is a matter of both knowledge and actions. This should challenge all of us to judge our knowledge and actions against the Word.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Modern tools that can help you become a “good workman” of the Word and avoid the errors of the unbelievers mentioned in today's passage include Bible study software and Web sites. Programs such as Accordance® and Web sites such as www.online-bible.com or www.ccel.org can be of great help. The latter is the Christian Classics Ethereal Library, with an especially helpful “World Wide Study Bible” feature that connects passages with multiple translations and commentaries.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Timothy 4:9-16
Command and teach these things. - 1 Timothy 4:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to Moody Alumni magazine, Dr. Ron Sauer, MBI Greek professor since 1987, “is known to arrive at school very early to sit at the feet of the Father and study the Bible.” He is also well known on campus for his insightful devotions that open classes, and in 2004 he was presented with the Faculty Citation Award. As one student said, “His ability to teach, coupled with his deep passion for the Lord, inspired me to excel both in the classroom and in my devotion to Christ.” Dr. Sauer is a model Bible teacher of the sort described in today's reading.

The foundation of our faith and hope is Christ (vv. 9-11). The salvation He accomplished is not only a theological affirmation, but He Himself is the living God, a Person whom Paul loved and served. Paul exhorted his protégé Timothy to “command and teach these things” to his congregation in Ephesus.

As a pastor and Bible teacher, Timothy had two main responsibilities (vv. 12-14). First, he was to practice what he preached—not only to “talk the talk” but to “walk the walk.” Second, he was to build up the body of Christ, as opposed to grandstanding for personal glory or gain. Both of these responsibilities were to be carried out in humility, remembering that his gift was not an innate ability rooted in individual talent, but instead had been given to him by the Holy Spirit, as signified by the elders' laying on of hands.

This calling was so important that Timothy was to “give yourself wholly” to it (vv. 15-16). Keeping a close eye on his life and doctrine was very necessary, for as a leader he deeply affected the lives of those under his care. This spiritual mandate was not changed by the low cultural expectations caused by his relative youthfulness, or any other factor that might be an excuse. As Paul later wrote to him: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We may not all be gifted as preachers or teachers, but we should all be participants in a local church. Therefore, we all have preachers and teachers ministering to us, and the flip side of Paul's exhortation to be a good pastor is a question for ourselves: Are we good followers? That is, do we submit, honor, respect, and encourage those who minister the Word to us? Perhaps most important, we need to pray diligently for them as they have an awesome responsibility.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 16:5-15
When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. - John 16:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of cyclical depression brought on by changes in season and the fewer hours of daylight that come with them. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite, irritability, anxiety, lack of energy, problems concentrating, and feelings of despair. Thankfully, SAD has a straightforward solution—light. Light therapy, as prescribed by doctors, requires a specialized lamp, usually in the form of a “light box.” The light from the light box must enter a sufferer's eyes to be effective.

Light therapy gives us an apt illustration of spiritual illumination. While we should strive to be accurate handlers of the Word, we're not to trust in our own interpretive abilities or learning, but rather look to the Author for right understanding. This is the Holy Spirit, the Counselor whom Jesus promised His disciples to send (v. 7). To the world, the Spirit has a ministry of conviction of sin in order to bring people to salvation (vv. 8-11; cf. 15:26-27). His mission is to proclaim to unbelievers who Jesus is and what He's accomplished.

Within the community of believers, the ministry of the Holy Spirit focuses on teaching and enabling (vv. 12-15). We cannot “bear” or follow God's commands on our own—we need the Spirit to guide us in the way of truth. Through the apostles, who wrote the New Testament under His inspiration, He revealed the future to us (cf. 14:26). As part of the divine Three-in-One, He speaks the very words of God and brings glory to the Son. He empowers us for evangelism, just as He did the disciples: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). Remarkably and thankfully, the Holy Spirit gave us the Word, He is working toward its fulfillment, He gives us knowledge of it, courage to speak it, and power to live it!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here's a prayer to end your devotional time today: “O you who are the Source and Ground of all truth, guide me today, I beseech you, in my hours of reading. Give me wisdom to abstain as well as to persevere. Let the Bible have proper place; and grant that as I read I may be alive to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in my soul. Amen” (John Baillie, A Diary of Private Prayer).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 24:33-48
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. - Luke 24:45
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 2002, Colorado high school senior Ryan Patterson won one of the most prestigious national awards for young scientists. He earned the top prize of a $100,000 college scholarship at the Intel Science Talent Search Competition, an honor generally considered to be a “junior Nobel Prize.” He invented a glove that converts American Sign Language into text on a portable screen, thereby enabling those who sign to be understood by those who cannot. Their minds are opened to understand.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit opens our minds, and in case we were wondering, our minds desperately need it! On our own, our minds and hearts are blind, closed, inadequate to receive, understand, or obey God's truth. This was evidently the case with the disciples after Christ's resurrection. Peter, John, and the others seem quite clueless—surprised by what happens and slow to recognize their Master.

The two followers from the Emmaus road encounter (see Jan. 30) relayed the good news to the remaining eleven disciples: Jesus is alive—and we've seen Him! In the middle of their story, Jesus Himself appeared. Despite the eyewitnesses and His actual presence, the disciples still couldn't “see.” They thought He was a ghost, so far were their minds from comprehending. Jesus offered them evidence—His physical body, the nail holes in His hands, and the fish He ate. Once they'd finally wrapped their minds around who was right in front of them, Jesus went on to open their minds to the Scriptures. His mission of redemption, including His death and resurrection, fulfilled the Old Testament (vv. 44-47; cf. John 5:39-40). How incredible it would have been to be a fly on the wall during that Bible lesson!

Proclaiming the gospel of forgiveness to all nations would hereafter be the disciples' core task, and it is the privilege and responsibility of all believers. Their main identity, and ours by inheritance, is “witnesses” to the good news of salvation (v. 48).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Like the disciples, perhaps you don't really know what the Old Testament has to say about Christ. If so, we urge you to undertake additional research and Bible study in order to increase your knowledge of and gratitude for God's plan of redemption. You might start by taking a look at Isaiah 53, a messianic psalm such as Psalm 2, or God's promise that Abraham's seed would be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 12:3).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
We have the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
A light bulb in Livermore, California, has been burning for over a century. Installed in a fire department building in 1901 and moved to another station in 1976, the three-watt bulb remains on 24 hours a day. The fixture's longevity is helped by a tight seal and continuous power. According to the Guinness Book of Records, it has been on for nearly one million hours altogether and is the oldest and longest-burning light bulb in the world!

Without the mind of Christ, trying to understand Scripture is like trying to read in a windowless room in which the light bulbs have all burned out. “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers,” wrote Paul (2 Cor. 4:4). Only the mind of Christ can understand the Word of God; only a supernaturally enlightened heart can receive a supernaturally revealed Book.

The Holy Spirit is the key. On the divine side, the Spirit completely and accurately knows the thoughts of God, analogous to the way in which a person's inner spirit knows his or her thoughts (vv. 10-11). On the human side, He is the key to the Christian's identity and mission (vv. 12-13). As opposed to the finite and sinful “spirit of the world,” the Holy Spirit enables us to understand and proclaim God's gift of salvation. The apostles' message, then, was not based in “human wisdom,” but rather its content and authority came from God Himself.

Verses 14-15 restate the basic contrast. Those without the Spirit cannot comprehend the gospel—the message appears to them to be pure “foolishness” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18). Those with the Spirit, on the other hand, are able to discern accurately about “things that come from the Spirit of God,” including Scripture. This ability of spiritual insight and discernment does not spring into being fully formed, but develops and grows through a process of spiritual maturing (cf. 1 Cor. 3:1-2).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here's an object lesson that illustrates the principles we've studied today. Take your Bible to a dark room and try to read it. That's like the unregenerate mind trying to understand Scripture. Next, light a small candle and try again. That's like the redeemed mind trying on its own—perhaps a few things in focus but not much. Finally, do your reading under a 100-watt bulb or a nice halogen lamp. That represents the Spirit's illumination. Make sure that's the way you are reading the Bible every day!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 119:33-40
How I long for your precepts! - Psalm 119:40
TODAY IN THE WORD
Scientists recently claim to have located a “sweet tooth gene.” Two teams working independently found such a gene in mice, and by using the recently finished human genome map they located what is probably a similar gene in humans. Further research has been undertaken to confirm this finding, which might have applications for diets, diabetics, and the design of new artificial sweeteners.

The “sweet tooth gene” might also explain that craving you had last night for more cake and ice cream! More seriously, what do we hunger for or desire most strongly in the spiritual realm? God's Word should be our bread, butter, and dessert. Careful study, obedience, and the Spirit's guidance are very necessary aspects of our relationship with Scripture, but let's not forget delight! Today's reading, one of the sections of Psalm 119, weaves the theme of delight or pleasure with many of these other themes that we've explored the past two weeks.

The psalmist first wanted God to show him what is true, seen in the petitions “teach me,” “give me understanding,” and “direct me.” Second, to motivate him to live what is true—a movement from knowledge to action, seen in the requests to “turn my heart toward your statutes” and “away from worthless things.” When we do otherwise, it's like throwing our lives away, which is why he prayed, “Preserve my life.” Third and finally, to keep His promises so that His name will be glorified. If God did the first two things, the psalmist would be able to live righteously and bring honor to His name.

In his prayer, the writer vowed to obey God's commands wholeheartedly, “for there I find delight” (v. 35). Only in God can true pleasure be found; all else is “worthless” and counterfeit. “Delight” suggests and intertwines the ideas of joy, longing, commitment, and trust. We too should exclaim: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (v. 103).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Among the Bible's purposes of guiding, convicting, etc., it's cheering to find that it also has the purpose of delighting us. After all, to love God is to love His Word and to revel in it with pleasure. Which Scripture verses delight you personally? Make a list of five to ten. Write them on index cards and place them strategically throughout your house today (or even for the week). It's guaranteed to fill your day with godly delight!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 7:37-44
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. - John 7:38
TODAY IN THE WORD
When people report crimes, the police usually ask them to look through a book of mug shots to see if they can identify the perpetrator. If no picture can be found, they ask the victim to describe that individual to a sketch artist. The photos or drawings are then distributed to detectives and police working on the case to help them identify and capture suspects. Knowing criminals' identities is a key step in bringing them to justice.

Similarly, the key to Scripture is the identity of Christ. As we begin to wind up our month of study on God's Word, no point is more important than this one. Jesus' message in today's reading was straightforward: believe in me (vv. 37-39). He extended His invitation in Jerusalem, on the first day of the weeklong Feast of Tabernacles (a harvest celebration), when the people built booths and remembered the nation's wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan. His invitation, an evocative metaphor of satisfying spiritual thirst, was based on an Old Testament allusion. Given the occasion, this was probably Isaiah 12:3—during a procession from the temple to the Pool of Siloam and back again, the priests drew water from the pool (to be poured out as a drink offering) and recited this verse.

The people's range of responses reminds us of the Parable of the Sower (vv. 40-44; see Jan. 15). Some showed partial faith, seeing Jesus as a messenger from God, perhaps the “Prophet” who was to precede the Messiah. Others believed fully, recognizing Jesus to be the Christ. Still others doubted. Ironically, they cited a messianic prophecy Jesus fulfilled, but lacked accurate information about his birthplace that might have changed their minds. A final group reacted with hostility and wanted Jesus seized and tried as a heretic.

In Jesus' message and people's responses, we see in a nutshell the meaning of Scripture and the history of the world.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The next time you get ready to enjoy a cool drink of water, take just a moment to reflect on its refreshing nature. Those few seconds spent thinking about the unequaled refreshment of water can be a tiny picture of what Christ meant when He spoke in today's passage about coming to Him and drinking (v. 37) or when He spoke to the Samaritan woman about “living water” (John 4:10). Let the water you drink today be an object lesson that focuses your thoughts on the Living Water.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 24:13-32
Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. - Luke 24:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
Earlier this month, we told you about the world's largest book. How about the smallest? The smallest reproduction of a printed book is a complete New Testament, engraved in gold ink on a five-millimeter-square microchip. Created with the help of a computer by the husband and wife team Pawan Sinha and Pamela Lipson, the book's letters are each only four microns high, about the size of a red blood cell. Such “tiny writing” has been among the couple's interests since their days as doctoral candidates at MIT.

Whether written large or small, the whole of Scripture testifies to the centrality of Christ, as we learn again in today's reading. On Resurrection Sunday, two followers of Jesus were on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Apparently members of the inner circle, they were discussing reports they had heard of the morning's events—the women's account of the empty tomb, the confirmations from Peter and John. What had really happened? What did it mean? On the road, they were met by the risen Lord but were prevented from recognizing Him, perhaps so they could focus on His amazing message.

In contrast to their puzzled and uncertain version of the story, Jesus taught them with authority how all that had happened had been foretold by the entire Old Testament (vv. 25-27). The suffering, death, and resurrection of the Messiah was the way it had to be for salvation to be made possible. Their failure to understand this was evaluated as foolishness and slowness of heart. They should have known!

At the moment these two followers began to share a meal with Jesus, they recognized Him. Now they understood why their hearts had burned with excitement for the truth while Jesus had been teaching them—God had been opening their eyes! As believers in whom faith had been kindled, they ran off to share the good news with others (see Jan. 26).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage says that these two followers recognized Jesus at the moment of breaking bread with Him. In the culture of that day, meal-fellowship or table-fellowship was a very meaningful and even intimate experience. Inviting someone to dinner was not merely a ritual or for show but a deep expression of friendship.

In the near future, plan hospitality or meal-fellowship for several close friends or another family.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 19:11-21
His name is the Word of God. - Revelation 19:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Books 5 and 6 of John Milton's epic, Paradise Lost, tell a story of Satan's rebellion and war in heaven. Succumbing to pride, Satan led a revolt and tried to set himself up as God's equal. When battles between the two angelic armies were inconclusive, the Son of God Himself entered the fray. Alone, He rode onto the field in His Father's chariot, and alone, He defeated the Devil's legions. In fact, there was no battle, as the fallen angels fled and were cast out of heaven. Our all-powerful Lord is not to be resisted!

This scene from Milton echoes the picture from today's reading, as Christ on a white horse rides triumphantly onto the final stage of history. Since all of God's Word testifies to the centrality of Jesus, it's very appropriate that Christ, the “Word of God,” appears here as the victorious King (v. 13; cf. John 1:1, 14).

This dramatic picture symbolizes several key attributes of our Lord (vv. 11-16). The white horse may stand for purity and righteousness. His eyes like fire indicate both wisdom and anger. The crowns show Him to be the King of Kings. The robe dipped in blood can symbolize both atonement and judgment. His intention to make war means that justice will be done (vv. 17-21). The sword is the Word, which is why it is pictured coming out of His mouth (v. 15; cf. Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16). And His secret name probably implies that His true nature is far beyond our limited comprehension. Allusions to the Old Testament here are many, including His iron scepter (Ps. 2:9) and the winepress (Isa. 63:1-4).

In His Second Coming, Jesus will be accompanied by previously raptured believers, the “armies of heaven.” We know their identity because a few verses earlier (Rev. 19: they are said to be dressed in “fine linen, white and clean,” given to the Bride of Christ (the church). Thanks to God's Word, riding behind the Word-Made-Flesh, we too will play our part on that momentous day! Let us pray for His glorious appearing to be soon!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What an incredible gift God has given us in His special revelation that we call the Bible! This will be a great year of discovering even more of His “good and perfect” gifts, our theme for 2006.

To conclude this month's study, you may want to write a song, poem, or letter to God, thanking Him for the gift of His Word and the illumination of His Spirit. Present your creative work as a love-offering before His throne.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 68
You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. - Psalm 68:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson believed that African Americans should know and be proud of their history. He once said, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” He wrote books and articles, promoted various educational endeavors, and founded Negro History Week, since expanded and renamed Black History Month. He believed all Americans should learn about African-American history, and is today regarded as the “Father of Black History.”

Psalm 68 remembers the history of Israel and how God had worked in the life of the nation. This psalm was a processional liturgy, which means that the Israelites sang it as they marched on festival days with the Ark to the tabernacle or temple. Another example of this form is Psalm 47, studied earlier this month (Oct. 6).

As the procession began, the people started marching and prayed for their enemies to flee before them (vv. 1-3; cf. Num. 10:35). The vivid images of smoke blowing away and wax melting contrast with the rejoicing of the righteous in the presence of God, whose loving face is surely shining on His faithful worshipers. Next, perhaps just as people caught sight of the Ark, they offered praise to the Lord (vv. 4-6). Baal was called “cloud rider,” but the true glorious and exalted God is the one who really “rides the clouds” (v. 4). He's also near to His people, showing love for the oppressed and powerless.

As the procession continued, the psalm recalled history, how God led Israel through the wilderness to the Promised Land (vv. 7-18). History showed that God faithfully saves, rescues, protects, and blesses His people (vv. 19-23). The procession (vv. 24-27) then took up a prayer for the Divine Warrior to continue doing these things on their behalf (vv. 28-31). At the sanctuary, the psalm climaxes in awe-inspired praise for our majestic God (vv. 32-35).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul applied Psalm 68:18 to Christ, finding messianic implications in the idea of “ascending on high” (see Eph. 4:8-10). If this Old Testament-New Testament linkage interests you, we encourage you to study it further. How and why did the apostle take this verse and apply it to Christ's redemptive work? Your study might take you into commentaries, concordances, and topical study Bibles, as well as theological and hermeneutical textbooks.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 69
I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. - Psalm 69:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the fall of 2004, a nine-person Ukrainian team set a new depth record for caving. Exploring Krubera, the world's deepest known cave, they reached a depth of 2,080 meters (about 1.29 miles). Their route included narrow passages, steep vertical drops, freezing water, and other harrowing obstacles. The team, funded by the National Geographic Society, named the sandy chamber that was their deepest point “Game Over,” but it may lead to even deeper regions.

This is all very well with the proper equipment and safety precautions, but no one would want to be trapped in such conditions. That's how David felt in today's psalm. It's as though he were overwhelmed by a flood, helplessly sinking and drowning in the churning waves, or as though he was surrounded by a hostile army, making a hopeless last stand against the enemy's onslaught (vv. 1-4). No help was in sight, no one was responding to his cries. Though his own foolishness and sin had brought about the crisis to some extent (v. 5), he prayed that what was happening to him wouldn't discourage others (vv. 6-12). He was repentant (weeping, fasting, sackcloth), yet to those around him he was a joke, to be mocked in drunkards' songs.

In the midst of suffering, David trusted steadfastly in God's love and mercy (vv. 13-21). He believed the Lord would pull him out of the pit. Though scorned and alone, he knew his God would come to save him. His prayer then turned to calling rather fiercely for justice on his enemies (vv. 22-29) before ending with a hymn of praise (vv. 30-36). When God delivers, the downtrodden will see that there is hope in His faithfulness!

It's no surprise that the Gospel writers saw that this psalm foreshadowed the sufferings of Christ. Psalm 69 is the second-most quoted psalm in the New Testament, usually in relation to events surrounding His Passion.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have a richer understanding of the events in the New Testament, especially in the life of Jesus, when we study the Old Testament. One way to see this is to re-read the Passion accounts in the Gospels and pay special attention to the references to the Psalms, particularly Psalm 69. Your study of the Psalms will help you appreciate even more the experience of our Lord as He suffered and died for our sins.