Scripture Reading: Judges 2:1-23, Judges 21:25, Proverbs 21:2-3, Mark 12:28-34
This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Pentateuch into the second section of the Old Testament, the Historical Books.
The Book of Judges: The book of Judges chronicles the period after Joshua’s death, which was characterized by an ongoing cycle of Israel’s sin, God’s judgment, and His deliverance. This deliverance came through twelve leaders, known as judges.
How Judges Fits Into the Story: Judges records how the nation of Israel survived the dark days of the judges entirely by the grace of God. In His mercy, God sent oppressors as reminders of their rebellion, responded to His people’s cries, and raised up deliverers. Judges demonstrates the fundamental problem of the human heart—when God’s people forget His saving acts, they go after other gods. In the end, the book of Judges illustrates an eternal truth: In spite of our sin and rebellion, the Lord will continue to build His kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does God’s response to the destruction and disobedience described in today’s reading tell you about the nature of His kingdom?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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136 thoughts on "Judges"
In spite of our sin & rebellion, the Lord will continue to build His kingdom.
TRUTH.
And seems so relevant to today…
His has won the battle, He is writing the story, He cannot be stopped. He reigns forevermore!! Our living Hope!!
When I was thinking about the 1st question, I thought of the cycles and how we can go through them ou4se
If you listened to the podcast with Jennie Allen this week, it was really good. It gave me hope to know that so many young adults are giving their lives to the Lord.
For some reason I can’t reply to other people after one time, so I just want you all to know that I am praying through the requests.
The Lord hears our prayers. Praise His Name!
Tricia
Tricia… CeeGee mentioned to me before… don’t check the “save my…” box after you do your name, etc. I’ve stopped checking that box. Maybe that will help you too! It’s totally a pain, but…
God is so patient. He will not tolerate disobedience, but offers mercy and grace when we turn to Him. He offers do-over after do-over. This would certainly get old if I was the one having to deal with that, but God’s patience is just so incredible, and His love is so extravagant.
Lord, I love you so much. I am so sorry that You have to remind me that I need to keep my eyes focused on You, but am so grateful that you do. Amen
Well said Mercy!
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So good Rhonda and so true! I frequently think how did we get here? May God have mercy on our country!❤️
(heart!)
I just feel like I am in that sweet spot to really see it! Maybe it’s anyone say over 55, can see it clearly?!!
Just think how clean tv was in the 70’s and 80s! My mom said mtv would be the death of the youth…hahahahhahh
Reflection Questions:
1. What does God’s response to the destruction and disobedience described in today’s reading tell you about the nature of His kingdom? Well, first, Judges 2 told me something about human nature and the generational pattern: we see a turning point in Israel’s history, up until this point, they had been conquering the Promised Land under Joshua. But after Joshua and his generation pass away, a new generation emerges and forgets God and falls into a cycle of disobedience. And God’s response is a mix of discipline and mercy. He removes His protection, He allows oppression from the enemies, and He appoints judges (We see the exact same pattern playing out today. Whenever a godly leader steps up to speak truth and guide people back to righteousness and reforming, they are met with hostility, assaults, and literal death threats). Human nature hasn’t changed, we still tend to stone the messengers of God’s mercy, and so God allows the cycle to repeat.
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2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? I see the reading today highlights “nothing is new under the sun”. “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). I see that redemption is hindered by human rebellion. And what is rebellion? It isn’t always an overt dramatic action, it is often the “seemingly right choices” made in the privacy of man’s own heart and mind, “there was no king…everyone did whatever seemed right to him” (Judges 21:25). True redemption requires a king, and the Word (let this book never depart from us, Joshua 1:8).The King is Jesus, who guards the hearts and minds of His people, and He must be actively enthroned in the lives of His people, rather than being abandoned/forgotten, or treated as a last resort, a quick fix in times of need. We should step down as kings in our lives, cast our crowns and let our hearts enthrone Him (reminds of the Xmas song “What child is this?” , so bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh. Come, peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings. Let loving hearts enthrone Him). Be blessed dear sisters.
Yesss, amen Mercy!
Amen!
Preach it!
Regarding the second question, I think God had to let this part of the cycle play out for the people of Israel to see how completely incapable they were of being faithful to God on their own terms. They later think a king will save them, so they ask for one; but ultimately no earthly king can save them from themselves. (And we are no different!) God must send them a different kind of king and a different kind of kingdom to redeem them and all of creation from it’s brokenness.
My answers for today’s questions work together. The nature of God’s Kingdom is full of grace and mercy, but also discipline. A discipline based on love that is designed to constantly bring us back to Him. This leads to redemption. I believe that God’s redemption and the actions of Christ are eternal. My redemption is a one time thing, but a constant action on God’s part and mine. Sometimes, that act of being redeemed is painful for us as we are refined by God, but not as painful as Christ’s sacrifice. I pray I can walk in redemption every day and on the days, hours, or minutes I falter, that I can look to Christ to get back on the path.
(heart!)
Ladies, I come to ask for prayer.
That multi faceted situation that seems to need multiple miracles is worsening. It is causing much misery and hopelessness for both myself and my husband. I know it does not help that I am not strong, courageous or obedient like Joshua/the Israelites in Monday’s reading. I’m not even sure how to pray about it anymore. The groaning of the Spirit I guess. I know God works all things for good for those who love Him, but I doubt my ability to love Him as commanded with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (today’s reading). At times I doubt my salvation. I wonder if this is God pruning (very painful, but I guess that is to be expected), if it is attacks of the evil one, or a combination. Applying today’s devo makes me wonder if “God sent oppressors (situations) as reminders of their (my) rebellion”? When/If He will “respond to His people’s (my) cries, and raised up deliverers (deliverance)”?
How long, O Lord? Like the thorn Paul speaks of that is not taken from him??
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Sorry for my rambling. Many thanks to all of you sweet prayer warriors. ❤️
Your comments regarding the study are so convicting/encouraging to me today, and seemingly pertinent to my situation. ❤️
Praying for you B. God covers all the uglies when you come to Him. Believe and trust. Much love and many prayers going up for you.❤️
Thank you ❤️
Praying B for you to know that you can come to God however you are! He is not afraid of your doubts!
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Dear sweet B, none of us are strong, but for the strength of the Lord! If the Holy Spirit is praying for you, you are covered. None of us has “enough” faith. What matters is that our faith is in Jesus. Rest in him, dear sister. He’s got you!
Amen!
Yes, I am joining in and praying for and with you B! We all have things that we face, situations and circumstances that make us fear and question everything. You may stumble and fall, but let Jesus be there with you, hold you, and help you up when he decides. He is your strength. “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength..!
If you would like to join our Private fb page to expound a little more we would love to help if we can or know how to pray. SRT SHE’S is the group, anser the question. OR are you on?!
Thank you for praying❤️
I am still choosing to remain off of social media, although there are times I think I should partake.
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Praying sister. Trial seasons are very hard, hold on to God’s faithfulness and promises. A broken heart and a contrite spirit He doesn’t despise.
Thanks❤️
B, continuing to pray for you and for all the pieces that are contributing to the hopelessness you and your husband are feeling. Praying for God to comfort and strengthen both of you as things are sorted out. He is our Rock no matter what.
Thank you for your continued prayers. ❤️
Oh, B. I am so sorry for your struggles. We’ll cry out to Him with and for you. ❤️
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B, dear sister, this sounds so hard! I hate that I am just now getting back here to see this. I have prayed for your situation before and will be praying for a respite from or decrease in some part of the pain. I was going to ask if you were in the FB page, too. I understand the avoidance of social media. I don’t use it the way it’s intended. LOL I use it for Bible study in private groups and following close family. Just thought I’d share that. I have felt ALL of the things you listed. There is HOPE beyond the pain. I have learned the hard way that I may never know the why, but I know the Who that is sovereign and remind myself that He is in control not me. Hugs! I encourage you to pray for a verse and a song that you can cling to when you need a spiritual boost. Even If by Mercy Me was a great comfort to me a few years ago when I was struggling. My go to verse is Psalm 16:8. Psalm 62:1-2 is similar or 62:5-8. Zephaniah 3:17 is refreshing. Jeremiah 29:11. I pray for restful sleep tonight! ❤
Thank you ❤️
I have added those verses to my recent collection, along with the verse you previously shared, I think that was Psalm 16:8. “Even If” ❤️ Working on “Abide with Me”. Katy Nichole’s “In Jesus’ Name(God of Possible)” speaks to me for sure.
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I love “In Jesus’Name”!
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I just listened to this tonight. Such a beautiful version. Lyrics under video when you tap on ‘more’.
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Same God (Acoustic) – Emmy Rose, Bethel Music
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Catherine Mcvey I looked back at your comment from yesterday. What a testimony! Thank you for sharing.
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My thoughts as I was reading today are how far our world has strayed from God. It literally blows my mind. And it saddens me. I’m so overjoyed that some young are tired of all the craziness and seeking God. I pray that it is truly from the heart.
Yes, it is encouraging to see the young ones finding Jesus!! Our church has a on fire for Jesus young adults, and youth!! I sometime want to go to THEIR meeting after seeing pictures of full on worship and on their knees.
I am just now texting with my 13 year old granddaughter and she said she has picked up the little Bible I gave her and said the prayer in the back the last couple of days!! That made my heart so happy. She used to make up songs about God…but for some reason she doesn’t sing anymore even though she has an amazing talent!
Copied/pasted from a text. Thank you for your prayers, CeeGee, Tina, Mercy, Rhonda J, Searching and others!
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Thank you for your prayers. Jon said the interviews went really well, and he feels good about them and the job. There were two people that were out, so they’re hoping to set up some interviews with them on Friday. Thankfully, those interviews would be virtual, so he wouldn’t have to go back there.
They are “rebuilding” this department with a supervisor and three therapists. His case load could be 35 people/week, which is a LOT, but they have a “no show” rate, which would help with how many people he sees. (It would reduce the case load, in other words.)
We don’t know about pay, etc., and he hasn’t been offered the job yet (but they seemed to think he might be a good fit!)
I’ll let you know deets on Friday and ask for more prayers, of course!
Thanks for the update Adrienne. That’s encouraging positive feedback for Jon!
Continued prayers for his interviews later this week. ❤️
Praying for JON to have another round of success and open door for this Friday. Seeing 35 people per week can be overwhelming, I pray the right workload will be established for him so he can balance this career in a sustainable and rewarding way. May the Lord bless his efforts and use his gifts to help others.
continuing to pray, Adrienne!
Praying through this with y’all. Definitely sounds encouraging!! ❤
He doesn’t care to a certain extent. I may be completely flopping it, but it was the best response I could come up with.
I think I see what you mean that He doesn’t care. He doesn’t care (it doesn’t matter to Him) that we desire to “do our own thing”. He is still perfect and just and He will not give in to our sinful desires to make us “happy”.
He quietly longs for us (the prodigal son story -Luke 15: 11-32). He waits for us with all the patience a good father can have. He waits till we come back to our senses. He runs a long distance to meet us on our way back, and gives us His love, His forgiveness (not bickering or resentment), His ring (authority), the best robe, and rejoice loudly with a celebratory feast.
The Lord always makes a way for goodness and holiness, we need to be looking for it.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does God’s response to the destruction and disobedience described in today’s reading tell you about the nature of His kingdom?
He knows and understands our hearts and He will enact justice if He is wronged. He will discipline us to save us.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
That we are not wrong to place our hope in Him. He is a just God, but He will continue to rebuke us if needed. Our God wants to keep us on the right path. He knows that we need constant attention; that we will get diverted off of the right path, so that’s why He continues to discipline us and remind us of why we’re here, and what we need to do to be good followers of the word.
❤️ what a reminder to know how God holds us accountable, He is just! We, as the world, are still committing these sins-it is sad to see this.
Love knowing that God still loves us and wants us as His children ❤️
Hello, Shes! First, I would like to share a PRAISE that Harper’s surgery yesterday went well. The doctor anticipated that surgery would take them at least 3 hours, but they were able to successfully complete the surgery in just over an hour and a half. Praise the Lord for His mercy and compassion is never ceasing!
And now, I ask that you would continue to pray for Harper as she begins the healing journey. She is in a lot of pain and my sister said she just cries and cries. She also is refusing to turn her neck to one side so they have ordered physical therapy for her. Please pray for relief from the pain and that they would be able to get her moving properly as she goes through this next phase in the process.
Your prayers mean so much to me. I have been overwhelmed by the love and peace that I have felt pouring in on Harper and the whole family. So very grateful for this community of prayer warriors!
KIRA H praise God for His gift of less time under anesthesia! I prayed for Harper as soon as I woke up, but will be praying now with your specific request! Thanks so much for the update! ❤
Encouraging update, praise the Lord. What a journey for a little one & family to go thru. Have prayed some more❤️
Praying and in agreement with Wendy B and CEE GEE. ❤️
Continued prayers!
Thank you KIRA for the update (I was holding my breath yesterday). Thank you for sharing the journey and the prayer request with us so we can partake in God’s goodness and witness miracles forming through prayers. Praying for HARPER to have a painless recovery and successful physical therapy, strength for your sister and family to overcome.
Yes, praying! I too hold my breath. I hate when littles have to go through stuff like this and they get so overwhelmed and scared! :/
Praying for Harper!❤️
praying!
Thank you so much for the update, Kira. Will continue praying for that little one and all who love her. ❤️
Judges is such a beautiful example of God’s redemptive love! People get caught up in the world, God uses the circumstances of our lives (whether by Him or just the results of our sin) to draw us back to Him! He is always listening for our cry! Ready to help, we just have to cry out to Him!
May I extend the same grace and mercy to those around me!
Praying for all!
Yes, on the extending mercy and grace to others! We were all walking our own way..which is the world’s. Serving jail has really made me have more mercy and grace. Which I really, could have just looked at myself in my high school/college years and even in my 30’s! I am a slow, slow learner. Or stubborn. Prideful. Yes, yes and yes! But when I FINALLY realized that my Savior also needed to be my LORD and died for me not just for eternal life but to live for him here…and now Game changer!
My heart hurts for some of the hard things going on with our current ladies. If anyone would like to be on our jail ministry prayer team I would love to add you! I love that Miss Catherine McVey and Sharon New Jersey Girl are on the prayer team. We usually have no more than 12. So if you have wanted to do jail ministry but can’t, well this is a way!
Hi ladies, I am praying for a clear scan for a breast ultrasound I have to have tomorrow. If you could join with me in prayer, I would so appreciate it. Every single thing has to bow at the name of Jesus, including sickness and disease! Praying you all have a blessed day.
Praying with you Katherene.
Yes, praying with you!!
Praying
Prayers for a clear scan and good health overall, Katherine.
Praying
Praying ❤️
Praying sister that all be well.
Praying!
joining in prayer for you!
I had to look up what exactly what a marauder was “a person or animal who roams around looking for opportunities to steal, destroy and commit crimes “, wow, who does that sound like! Our reading says God saved them from the power of their marauders. Our command is to love the Lord, our God with all our heart, all our soul with all our mind and with all our strength and to love our neighbors our self. This was the Israelites command also. The Lord’s anger burned against Israel because that nation violated his covenant. And everyone did whatever seemed right to him! I’m praying for America for all the people to turn their hearts towards Jesus, when we focus on the mercy, grace, and love he has towards us we can begin to love him totally, with all that is in us. And we will be blessed! I don’t believe I will ever tell anyone to listen to their heart or to follow their heart because their heart may lead them straight to hell, Jesus is the only one we should follow and listen to.❤️
(heart) Amen. So glad you looked it up- I started to but kept reading!! That is so helpful to know the specific definition! So right on the evil one!!
Yeah, I do believe our leaders have long turned against him, only caring about themselves.
Unrelated to the essential questions, but still relevant–
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The name ‘Acsah’ stood out in today’s reading of Judges 1, so I looked further.
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Ruth O’Reilly has this to say:
This is a beautiful example of how God, our heavenly Father generously blesses us, far above and beyond what we ask.
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Come boldly, yet humbly. Don’t settle if you can see you will struggle. Know what you want and what you need. Acknowledge what you’ve been given and give thanks. Then, ask with confidence and receive all that your heavenly Father gives you.
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Acsah is a good reminder to know what is needed (vs wanted) and to ask boldly in faith, knowing our Father gives generously.
❤️ So good!
Today’s passages are just such a sad commentary of where our world is at. We were built on foundations and principles that are godly and yet we are so so far away from that. God, is holy, just and righteous. He will not tolerate disobedience and sin and we see that in these verses but we also see that God always makes a way for deliverance, redemption and restoration and guidance and instruction. His Word tells us the better way, the best way, the only way.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself.There is no other command greater than these.” Mark 12
Heavenly Father, keep my eyes focused on you to love you with all my heart, soul and mind.
@Catherine McVey thank you for your testimony yesterday. I did respond there, but just want you to be sure to know it was of great encouragement to me. Praise the Lord for His hand on your life.
Praying for your requests SRT sisters.
Can I please ask you to pray that I get a call today for the appt I am waiting for. 11 days ago I was told I would be triaged as an urgent referral and I have still yet to get a call. I have called multiple times to follow-up and confirmed they have everything so can’t do much more. I am frustrated, discouraged, concerned and my physical symptoms are wearing my down. Knowing that something is really wrong and it not being addressed is hard. Thank you.❤️
I’ll say it again, you always sum up so much better exactly what I was trying to say!
I just prayed for you…that must be really frustrating. To think…putting that scare in you..but then making you wait to hear from them. I get that for sure!! But just like Catherine said…we have to trust he is walking beside us through it all. Faith and trust. Praying that your faith be your anchor no matter what storm comes, no matter big or small–Jesus is in the boat with you!! Hugs! Praying they call today!!
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Precious Wendy, I am praying that you will get that call today and that you can find peace in your diagnosis. You are another one that is getting prayed for every day.
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Praying!
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Praying Wendy for an opening and you will get a call soon. Health care delay on urgent matters is frustrating.
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Oh Wendy, that is so frustrating!! Praying that you hear today and that a plan can be put in place. Hold on to your faith. You always have the best comments and I look forward to your strength and faith. The song Trust In God by Chris Brown and Elevation Worship came to me when I was reading. Trust in God, He is our fourth man in the fire ALL of the time. Hugs ❤️
Yes…such a good song!
and Same God. He is the same God yesterday, today, and tomorrow!! Still healing, still forgiving, still restoring…still in the fire with us!
Another great song. Thank you ❤️
Thank you again, Catherine. Trust in God is in fact one of the songs that has been running through my mind❤️
Praying for you Wendy! ❤️
praying, Wendy, for the way to clear up and bring you to the top of the list. The waiting can be so hard, praying tomorrow is the day for a call. Also wondering, what is more urgent than your situation? Praying for those folks too.
❤️ Searching,thank you and thank you for that wise perspective. It would do me and my mindsight well, not be so self focused and pray for those that are more urgent because surely there is.
Amen
Today’s reading in judges just broke my heart because we (the older people) have seen the US do the same thing. We were built a nation under God with reverence and gratefulness, thankfulness and honor to Him. You could see it overall and how quickly we slipped away, although just a couple of generations.
You saw the decline through TV shows, culture, and just the breakaway from thanking God and mentioning his Name. It’s funny how you can’t see it at the time. I was in college in the 90’s. And oh just the difference of tv shows, movies, and songs that became main stream. I remember so clearly my mom pointing it out. Saying the things we listen to our awful and not right. Then I saw as my grandchildren knew nothing of God/Jesus and the great stories of the Bible. No knowledge of the 10 commandments. And I thought…how did we get here?
Our nation is no different than Israel. Our culture and ways must break his heart with all of our other gods and the things we worship. And blatantly sinning as if it is nothing, even celebrating it. I really was shocked in the last decade how far we had strayed, but it was also a huge wake up call for many Christians to say finally- this is wrong. The Lord is weeding out, he will not be mocked. His loving patience doesn’t last, he sends many warnings but we don’t see them. (well we see them, but we don’t see them as God’s judgement!)
Our heart should break for the things that break God’s heart. He should be our priority loving him with all our hearts, souls and minds! We should teach our kids and grandkids his authority and majesty. His name should be on our lips in daily conversations and family gatherings. Telling of his faithful love and reign in our hearts. Serving him in our time and loving others well. Showing the Jesus way, not the world’s way. I want to be different, yes…!
Lord, help us to bring you to the center of our lives. Let us get back to praying out loud in our homes, over our food, on our knees before bed. An open Bible on our tables making it our first priority. Not because we have to but because we are eager and want you each day. Let us surrender our will to yours. Help us to show you by our lives to others around us, not in a quite way but impactful big way! Let prayer be our go to in conversations or pointing to his ways and standards. Let this become normal in our lives. Let us honor you with fear and reverence. Help us Lord…no weekly religion, but a growing relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Help our faith be strong and steadfast, but powerful enough that we don’t forget all you do! Let us recognize all things come from You. You are merciful, we thank you for that with Grace upon Grace upon Grace! May we remember. Amen
Remember though- there is no condemnation in Jesus Christ. We are justified and redeemed and restored through Him. Washed white through his blood. He condemns our actions, not us as his children. But “go and sin no more.” We should feel conviction by the Holy Spirit and not want to sin against him. For he is Holy and we are becoming Holy through him…a past justification, present and future. That is the story of redemption!
What do you do whenever parents are teaching their kids about Jesus and they still reject him? I see that in my husband’s family. His sister was raised in church and I used to tuck her in with her Bible on her chest after she fell asleep. She’s now dating women after marrying a man and having a child. My nephew was raised in church and in high school started questioning everything he was taught. He believes in a higher power but that’s it. I know of other families where they were raised in church but the kids walked away from the faith. Is it still the parents fault? At some point, we each have to questions the beliefs we are taught and determine our own faith. I do agree that some families have not been teaching their kids about church and God, however, some still are, so what then?
I think all we can do is pray for them. They are caught up in Satan’s snare. My nephew and I were talking about this the other day. We wish we would have behaved differently. Our parents went to church, but that was it. We saw lots of drinking. We wanted that rebellious life because it looked fun.
We are commanded to teach them, our children and their children about the Lord! That is all, that is our duty. And then yes, it’s their choice. But usually when the foundation is there, they will come back to it when everything falls apart in their life. Or something big happens that they can’t control. God uses things, and if that foundation is there they will cling back to it. And really, that’s usually what it takes for most of us.
If they accepted Jesus, then when they stray they are like prodigal son. They are still God’s children, they have just fallen away, and they will come back. They can reject, but many will return! :-
“Train them up in the word (the truth) and they shall not depart when they are older!” My Madre used to always say that. She was very good at saying I raised ya’ll right, now it’s on you! :) I was the prodigal daughter. I played in the mud for a long time till I recognized where I was.
And yes, we pray for them!
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@Catherine Mcvey – thank you for, as you put it – “a very lengthy post” yesterday, in reminding us of God’s presence & provision as you walked that unknown path and for His healing hand. What a wonderful example and reminder of God’s ever presence and that whatever we face we are never alone because God is with us whoever we go & whatever we go through. He alone is our strength & gives us the courage and grace when we need it.
There may have been someone who needed to hear your testimony of Gods presence & power in what you shared. Thank you again for sharing. What a mighty God we serve!! ❤️❤️
Yes, love our Catherine and her POWERFUL testimony!! An absolute MIRACLE of complete healing!! When it looks like no way he MAKES a Way! He’s a mountain movers, sea parting, giant-slaying Way maker!
And that you had faith Catherine from the beginning..Beautiful and powerful!!
May we not be fearful when troubles come but look to the Way maker!
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Proverbs 14:12 ” There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.”
“Seems” is the key word. Praying and asking the Holy Spirit will gives us the wisdom we need.
God’s kingdom requires 100 fidelity.There is no room for other gods, disobedience, and disobedience.
God would raise up judges or the tribal leaders to “save” or deliver them from their enemies; a after their:salvation or deliever they returned to their idolatry and sinfulness to become worst than before. God still had compassion on them.
I once read that the word for judges in Hebrew “shoftim” had the meaning of ” saviors”.
The book of judges reminds us that even when we stray from God, His heart is always for us. His retribution against His people when they turned away was God’s way of reminding them of His power and mercy. I don’t believe that God delights in punishing us, but He does it out of love and desire for us to rely on Him.
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Yes, indeed. We need discipline and we need pruning to grow. AND there are consequences for our choices and sin. We should learn, but we are stubborn and unwilling, or just crazily unaware. That’s why it’s so important to see our afflictions as lessons and learning time. And to grow our faith rather than complain or let it sow bitterness.
It is one thing to be taught and not abide by it, it is quite another to not be taught at all. The forefathers failed miserably in teaching all that God commanded to their children. Still – it’s no excuse to abandon God & worship idols!
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Q1 – God can not and does not tolerate sin. He is a holy God and His kingdom is holy. He commands that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, & strength – to do so leaves no room for idols or anything else that would distract us from obeying Him & serving Him fully.
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Q2 – we are no different than the Israelites. It is because of our unrelenting sin that Jesus had to go to the cross. Only His shes blood could take away the sin that the blood of bulls and lambs could not. For God to sacrifice His only Son, for sinners like us, shows how deep His love is for us.
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Praise God for His amazing grace and for His mercy that is new every mornings
Happy Tuesday She’s – May God’s richest blessings be on you today! ❤️
Good comment!
God’s response to the destruction and disobedience described in Judges shows that the nature of His kingdom is HOLINESS.
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Judges records just how broken we humans are. The depravity of the human heart is fully on display. BUT GOD [ :-) ] will not be defeated. His plan for our redemption will not be stopped.
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Praying for the Lord to give you all a fresh sense of His peace today.
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Thank you for being faithful Lord when we are not. Amen
I named my sourdough starter after deborah and jael!!!
That’s fabulous
it is
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This passage highlights the human condition and the destruction inevitable left to our own devices. It also highlights God faithfulness to build His kingdom and his mercy to provide a way of salvation, despite our forgetfulness and infidelity. Praise God for his saving work!!
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V18 “The Lord was moved to pity whenever they groaned because of those who were oppressing and afflicting them.” This verse stood out to me because it was the Lord who allowed the affliction, yet he still felt pity for them. This is really a picture of a parent/child relationship. Disciplining our children, especially when it upsets them and allows them to feel the pain of their consequences, is never fun or easy. Your heart breaks as a parent, but you know it is in their best interests. After everything God had done for the Israelites, they forgot and turned to their evil ways over and over again – yet God still grieved when they grieved – even though it was their own doing. This just shows me that God never gives up on me/us.
Yes – He never gives up on us! Praise God for His infinite grace!
Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.
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We are told in v 7 that the people served the Lord while their elders were alive – however they must have failed to follow the Lord’s commandments and caution in Deuteronomy 6 to write His words everywhere and to teach their children.
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Same failure over the past 50-60 years in US.
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Q1 God’s response to the disobedience- He was patient for a while, then giving them over to their enemies until they cried out, He delivered them and then the cycle was repeated over and over. God will not back down from His standards, requirements and expectations. He shows mercy and grace to a point, then gets down to the business of letting the Israelites wallow in the mess they’ve gotten themselves into.
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Q2 God pursues us, forgives us, redeems us over and over if we stray and turn back to Him. He has done that for me many times before I truly and totally submitted to Him.
There will be a last day of His patience. Praying for the lost, the prodigals and all who don’t know Jesus as Savior, that they turn to Him while He can be found. Please, Lord, may Today be the day they turn to You.
Searching – thank you for breaking down the questions the way you did. I often struggle with the questions and just asked the Lord to show me how to respond. Your answers gave me great insight and I’m hoping soon I can answer on my own without going to the comments:)
I have never been a fan of the studies with questions! (and never answer them, I just put my normal thoughts, lol). So, yes, I too, love reading everyone’s answers!
Tami, I feel the same way about the questions.
The questions are tough for me too, and you will notice that I don’t do the breakdown everyday – I try, but sometimes it just doesn’t come to me.
I always say I prefer the devotionals, yet I know that I am learning more with the question format.
Searching, I had similar thoughts about them not knowing the Lord or what He had done for them. The fathers definitely dropped the ball in teaching them Deuteronomy 6:3-5.
Thanks so much for sharing your takeaways! ❤
Excellent answers. I especially love this “God pursues us, forgives us, redeems us over and over…” -being pursued is just a special position in any relationship, one with GOD Most High is even beyond me. God is Love, God is kind, God is patient, God is not proud, God is not self-seeking.
Thank you Lord for never giving up on me!
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Morning all, I was here, but run out of time as I have to dash into my day!
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Praying blessings abundant over each of you.
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CATHERINE MCVEY, what a testimony yesterday, I remember those days of prayer well. You, as are many, continue to be prayed for..
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Be strong and courageous, I know they were yesterday’s words, but homour me.. I pray them for you today too!
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Much love, covered in strong and courageous prayers for you all❤️
Thank you Tina! Love you. Yes, still so grateful for all the prayers of my SRT sisters!❤️
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