(250) 7 September : Proverbs 16v20-21 / Judges 1-3 / Psalm 59v9-13

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 16:20-21

Understanding to grow in

Warm hearts so easily grow cold. Despite previous commitments, the Israelites fail to drive out the Canaanites completely. God allows this to test each generation to see if they will obey as their anscestors did, and to train them for war. Yet the next generation prove unfaithful, turning to the idols around them. As God promised, he then withdraws his protection, the nations advance, his people cry out, and in mercy he sends a judge as saviour. Yet when the judge dies, the people only return to their idolatry. This is the pattern we will see in this book of "Judges." It shows how much we need a saviour who lives forever, always keeping us in check. But there is a lesson here too about passing the faith on to each generation - ensuring our children grow up knowing the Lord and all he has done for us in Christ (2v10). Whether we are parents or simply church members, we all have our part to play in this. And if we neglect it, we cannot expect our children to stand firm in the face of the culture around them, and will see the church in continual decline. It is a word for our day. As you read note how Israel failed.
Judges 1-3

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 59:9-13

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here