Some of the most beautiful and meaningful words in the Bible were spoken by Ruth, a Moabite. We have all heard her quoted at many a wedding …

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

Widowed at an early age and committed to being an honorable woman, Her marriage to Boaz is, on so many levels, is a picture of Christ and His Bride.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in heaven, You have been so merciful to us. Thank You for Your compassion to us, the Church, the Bride of Christ.

DAILY READING: Judges 21, Ruth 1,2

The unfortunate conflict between the Benjamites and the rest of Israel because of the detestable abuse of a man’s concubine resulted in the loss of many lives. As the Israelites inquired of the Lord about what to do, the Lord said “Send Judah first.”

Judah, the fourth son of Leah, means “praise.” God asks for praise before we embark on any of life’s challenges. It acknowledges His greatness and rule over all, and rightfully allows His presence and power to take first place.

Praise Him first.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, as I face any challenge, I will put You first and call upon Your strength, in Jesus’ name.

DAILY READING: Judges 17-20

Tragically, Samson’s supernatural strength left him when God’s Spirit departed. He was a victim of his own carnal appetites, which influenced him to break his vow to the Lord to never cut his hair. The secret was not in the hair, but in his commitment to the Lord.

We are drawn away when we allow our lusts to conceive. Confession and forgiveness are available through Christ to restore us. We don’t have to lose out with God when we fail.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we are humbled and awed by Your redemptive plan of grace which gives us the courage and hope to live.

DAILY READING:  Judges 14-17

The parents of Samson were visited by the Lord’s angel who instructed them how to live in preparation for his birth. He wasn’t raised the way other children were, and his parents were held to a higher standard.

The result was great strength and awareness of God’s moving in his life.

Raise your children with this in mind.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, instruct us how to live. We want our children to be strong and make a difference in this world.

DAILY READING: Judges 11-13

Upon his triumphant return after routing the Midianites, the Ephraimites expressed great displeasure in having Gideon overlook using them in the recent battle. In humility, Gideon answered leaders from the tribe of Ephraim wisely by diminishing his accomplishments and praising theirs. He thereby appeased their anger with the tone and deference in his answer.

“A soft answer [gentle response] turns away wrath.” Pr. 15:1

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, the wisdom of Your Word teaches me how to live. Help me control the tone of my tongue today.

DAILY READING: Judges 8-10

This seems to have been the recurring cycle for the Israelites when they first inhabited the Promised Land. Fall away … suffer … cry out to God for help. For many people today, this is their same pattern of life, sad to say.

It’s a good thing that God forgives through His mercy and the blood of Jesus.

A daily faithfulness to read God’s Word … faithfulness to the church family … and good home Christian training of children are all factors in staying close to the Lord.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I place Your Word above all my failures. Keep me close to You. Lead me not into temptation. Deliver me from evil.

DAILY READING: Judges 4-6

In studying the conquest of the Promised Land, the roles of God and His people provide insight into the operation of faith. God clarified His ways and commands and Israel was to obey. They didn’t snap their fingers and see the enemies eliminated. They had to go out by faith and win the battle, although God empowered them.

We don’t say a prayer and the dishes or the car get clean automatically. We wash them using our own hands. God gave us water, health, life etc. He wants the dirt conquered.

DAILY PRAYER; Lord, thank You for the faith You give us to live and move and have our being in this lifetime. We live by the faith You have given.

DAILY READING: Judges 1-3

Joshua commended the two and a half tribes who agreed to assist the other tribes in their conquest of Canaan before returning to settle in the lands nearer Egypt that they had desired. They honored their commitment and nobly fought with their brothers until all were safely in.

The worshipper sticks to his word, even if it costs him. [Ps. 15:4b]  He follows through with his commitments and completes the mission.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I want to be a person of my word. Let Your grace work through me to accomplish great things.

DAILY READING:  Josh. 22-24

Parents, educators and anyone associated with law enforcement have the task of determining what is just when solving disputes. He said … she said … it takes time to sort through the evidence to arrive at an accurate picture of what actually happened. In the process of collecting the necessary facts, there is usually a point at which the picture comes into focus, and a judgement can be made.

The leaders of the Israelite “Cities of Refuge” heard the pleas of those seeking asylum to determine if any mal intent was present. God’s system took the time to seek the truth, but provided protection for those who were truly innocent.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, help us to determine the truth when we must make decisions to administer justice. We are grateful for both mercy and truth.

DAILY READING:  Josh. 18-21

Caleb was the other spy that brought back a positive report to Moses about the possibilities of the Promised Land. He stated that his report was according to the conviction of his heart. On several occasions, the Old Testament describes him as being one who followed the Lord WHOLEHEARTEDLY.

When we live life following the Lord wholeheartedly, our convictions will influence others to join us in the abundant life provided by devotion to Christ. It’s a life of faith. It’s a life of rewards and spiritual conquest.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, apart from You we can do nothing. Shape the convictions of our heart as we read Your Word daily.

DAILY READING:  Josh. 14-17