Worship means the lesser bows to the greater. Dagon, the god of the Philistines, was found in the prostrate position before the Ark of the Covenant two mornings in a row.  He had more sense than the Philistines did.

We have choices every day about what to bow down to.  If we bow down to anything or anybody other than the Lord, we have created an idol, and displaced the Lordship of Jesus.

Be careful what you bow down to today.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, there is no one but You.  Point out to me today when I am tempted to put something above You.

DAILY READING:  1 Sam. 5-7;  Gal. 4

Eil neglected to correct his sons so they grew up, became priests, and desecrated God’s House with their immorality and greed.  Eli could have spared himself the grief by correcting their sins at an early age.  God told Samuel that Eli “Failed to restrain them.”

From the cradle, parents have the responsibility to teach children to obey those in authority.  If left to their own ways, they always bring heartache to their families and everyone else.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in heaven, grace us to be good parents and leaders, instructing our children in the ways of Your Kingdom.

DAILY READING:  1 Sam. 2-4;  Gal. 3

As my Mom and Dad say, “Getting old is for the birds.”

When listening to today’s reading, I perked up as I heard, “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.”  This was said of Naomi by the village women after she found out she was to be a grandmother to Obed, a forefather of King David.

It’s comforting to know that the Lord promises to keep us going, even in the twilight years of life.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, thank You for your care and Your promises.  We would not want to live apart from Your presence.  You are good to us.

DAILY READING:  Ruth 3,4;  1 Sam. 1;  Gal. 2

“The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”  So it was said about Paul, the Apostle.

Not too often can a man change his ways, many wives will attest.  However, with God all things are possible.

Don’t give up.  The Lord can do it.  It may take time, but God can do it.

DAILY PRAYER;  Lord, we look to You to work in the lives of those we love who don’t yet follow Your ways like they should.  We speak Your grace to every mountain.

DAILY READING:  Judges 21, Ruth1,2; Gal. 1

“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.”  So Luke described the way Jesus explained to His disciples what they needed to know about His mission to men.

The Psalmist said, “Open my eyes that I might see wonderful things in Thy law.”  

Ask God to give you understanding of His Word every time you read it.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, I need You to speak to me through Your Word.  I need to hear from You today.

DAILY READING:  Judges 16-20;  Luke 24

Samson received his strength from the Lord.  He did mighty deeds no other humans could do.  Although his life and character had many flaws, he ultimately accomplished God’s purposes in his life.

We have flaws, yet God wants to use us.  We have this treasure in these earthen, flawed vessels.

Our strength comes from the Lord.  We can do ALL THINGS through Christ Jesus who strengthens us.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, use me and my weaknesses. Forgive me of my sin, and allow Your precious Holy Spirit to flow through me today.  I trust You.

DAILY READING:  Judges 13-5;  Luke 23

Unhealthy ambition seeks to grab power or wealth God didn’t intend, and seeks to be served rather than serve.

Abimelek murdered his brothers, the sons of Gideon, to steal the power to rule Israel.  Judas Iscariot took money from the Jewish religious leaders and betrayed Jesus.  In both cases, human ambition led to tragic endings.  Abimelek died from an anvil hitting his head, and Judas hanged himself.

Jesus came to serve rather than be served.  Herein lies the proof of God-ordained leadership.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, position me in the role that best serves Your Kingdom purposes.  You know all things.

DAILY READING:  Judges 11,12;  Luke 22

Jesus told us about the challenges of the days to come … many already feel they’ve seen fulfillment of prophecies of disaster … Somalia etc.

^“Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life …  When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

God’s grace will give each Christian what they need to accomplish His will.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, even though tragic things happen because of Your Name, we will put our trust in You to keep us and protect us, and bring us to Yourself in Heaven.

DAILY READING:  Judges 9, 10 :  Luke 21

Jesus said, “Fall on the Rock, or the Rock will fall on  you.”  (Luke 20:180

Fall on the Rock, Christ Jesus, by bowing down to His way of life or there will be a day of judgment when He will have to come down on you in judgement.  Today is the day of salvation.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, Your ways are higher than mine.  I submit to You.

DAILY READING:  Judges 7,8;  Luke 20

[Sorry for the lateness.  Midnight Madness creates Morning Lateness]

“If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?”

So was the question Gideon posed to the Angel of the Lord.  His response was a challenge – “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

God is challenging you to make a difference in every life circumstance where you need to see His impact ie. unruly children, nagging illness, job tension.  As Gideon was God’s warrior to display His power, so we can accept the challenge to do likewise. Pray, Pray, Pray.

PRAYERS for Robbie Blanchard taken to Atlanta Medical Center during FB game with Heritage last night.

DAILY READING:  Judges 5,6;  Luke 19