(256) 13 September : Proverbs 16v25 / Judges 10-12 / Psalm 60v9-12

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 16:25

Understanding to grow in

God's grace is seen in acting for a hugely compromised people. Israel consistently turn to idols, yet he is still willing to hear them when they persistently cry out and turn from their practices. It's an encouragement to us that no matter how compromised we or the church become, and no matter how bad things subsequently get, if only we will return to the Lord and cry out for his help, he is ready and willing to hear through Christ. The state of Israel is also seen in the leader they choose and the civil war that results. It warns against accusation and disunity in the church, but also against foolish vows. The text seems to imply Jephthah's led to his sacrificing his own daughter, but it's possible the orginal was saying that she was devoted to a life of serving in the tabernacle. Either way her father acted thoughtlessly, and should have appealed to God or faced his judgment rather than give up his daughter. It teaches us to simply pray and trust God rather than making foolish deals with him. As you read note the problems amongst God's people.
Judges 10-12

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 60:9-12

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here