Public Procamation

April 29

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 21 – 22

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 18:8a – “Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah, among the nations, And will sing praises unto thy name.”

Almost half of the book of Psalms is written by David. He has been called the sweet singer of Israel. And a number of those Psalms that he wrote deal with specific events that have happened in his life as recorded in the books of 1 & 2 Samuel. This chapter (22) should be compared to Psalm 18.

This song (or Psalm) is an expression of praise to David’s God for his deliverance. Some believe that this was written by David in reference to his deliverance from the hand of Saul found in 1 Samuel 23. The words translated as “give thanks” mean to confess publically” and is mainly translated praise in the book of Psalms.

Prayer: Mighty Deliverer, today I join David in proclaiming the grand deliverance You have provided through Your Son. Amen. 

Sacrificial Giving

April 30

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23 – 24

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 24:24 – “And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will verily buy it of thee at a price. Neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah my God which cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”

Araunah wanted to give David the threshing floor for sacrificing, but David insisted on paying for it. He understood the principle that when praising the Lord, when there is no cost there is no true sacrifice. David believed in sacrificial giving to the Lord (see more in 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 4 on this topic).

What have you sacrificially given to God lately? What did it cost you? Was it truly a sacrifice?

Prayer: God of my life, I am sorry that so much of what I give to You is the “leftovers” without any real sacrifice on my part. Your Son gave it all – help me to be all in in my giving back to You. Amen. 

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

April 28

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19 – 20

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 18:8a – “And David came to his house at Jerusalem…”

Jerusalem. A name of great significance in the Old Testament and even today, a city in a small country in the Middle East, yet such a fulcrum and focus-point. The name "Jerusalem" occurs 806 times in the Bible, 660 times in the Old Testament and 146 times in the New Testament. The city was named by the Canaanites and the named has remained.

The last part of the name – salem – is related to the Hebrew word – shalom – which means peace. It has been called the city of God (Psalm 87), the throne of God (Jeremiah 3:17), a place of salvation (Isaiah 46:13), and a holy city (Isaiah 52:1). During David’s reign it was the political and religious capital. Rich in history and prominent in prophecy, it is one city to watch in God’s great and glorious plan.

Prayer: God, as the Psalmist sang, let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Help us to see it as a marker in your prophetic plan. Amen. 

Deadly Forest

April 27

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 17 – 18

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 18:8 – “For the battle was there spread over the face of all the country; and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.”

Absalom begins a campaign to remove David as king. He sends his forces out to meet the forces of David in the forest of Ephraim – a very rugged terrain with heavy growth. More of the soldiers of Israel died because of the forest than actually died in battle. David and his forces were the victors in the battle.

Often in this life, decisions that we make involve many others in the outcome. David’s initial sin of adultery with Bathsheba led to murder, rape, rebellion, and the death of many soldiers. When we sin, it is never a victimless crime. When we sin there are ripples that spread out like in a pond. This is why God desires us to obey Him.

Prayer: Gracious Father, I come to You in forgiveness of the sin in my life. Release others from my sinful results. Amen.

The lesson from Shimei

April 26

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 15 – 16

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 16:12 – “It may be that Jehovah will look on the wrong done unto me, and that Jehovah will requite me good for his cursing of me this day.”

David continues to reap from his sin concerning Bathsheba and Uriah. David is facing treason from his son Absalom. He and many of his companions have left Jerusalem before they are faced with the confrontation of Absalom and his followers. As they are travelling, a distant relative of Saul – Shimei – throws stones at them and pronounces curses against them. 

David’s people want to kill Shimei, but David won’t allow it. David was in hope of the possibility of God looking at his repentant heart and blessing him. We need to trust God to bless us when we repent of the sin in our lives. He always will.

Prayer: Merciful God, I thank you that You are constant – You will always receive, forgive, and bless Your child who truly repents. Today, I claim your blessing that You provide. Amen.

The Path of Sin

April 25

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 13 – 14

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 13:15 – “Then Amnon hated her with exceeding great hatred; for the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.”

David will face a number of consequences because of the affair of Bathsheba and Uriah. In this passage today we read of the account of one of David’s sons raping his half-sister. The account shows us the progression of what took place.

First, Amnon felt love toward his half-sister Tamar. Law forbade marriage between them. He apparently allowed his thoughts to dwell upon her until they became lustful. He desired her not in a brother/sister relationship, but had lustful thoughts. These thoughts continued to build unchecked until they finally came out in a plan and rape of Tamar. He then despised her (possibly guilt feelings) and sent her away.

Prayer: Father, bring my thoughts under Your control. Let me not dwell on evil. Amen.

"...thou shalt not die."

April 24

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 10 – 12

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 7:26 – “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against Jehovah. And Nathan said unto David, Jehovah also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.”

This section shows us that all of God’s Heroes also were human. David – a man after God’s own heart – sins what we would call “big time” in chapter 11. David commits not just one sin in this affair, but both adultery and murder. If you take time, you can see where he breaks all 10 Commandments.

I have sinned greatly in my life (and so have all of us). I recently in rereading this passage saw the greatest point here – even with his sin, David received forgiveness from God. He still had consequences, but he was made right with God because of God’s forgiveness.

You may think you have blown it. God couldn’t love you. Listen closely – confess and hear the words “Jehovah also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.”

Prayer: Thank You Father! Amen.

Humble Bragging on God

April 23

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 7 – 9

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 7:26 – “And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, Jehovah of hosts is God over Israel; and the house of thy servant David shall be established before thee.”

In his prayer, David greatly rejoices in his God. He humbly rejoices over all that God has done for him. He does not understand why God has chosen him, but he recognizes the Hand of God upon him and his life. He prays, worships, and gives thanks to God for these blessings.

David understood that God gave all that he had to him. David did not see himself as a self-made man. We can learn from this humble attitude that all that we have came from God and belongs to God. When we begin to see the blessings of God as something we have done – we are making ourselves god in His place.

Prayer: Majesty, Provider, Redeemer, thank you today for all that You have provided in my life. May I always remember this. Amen. 

Follow the Directions

April 22

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 4 – 6

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 6:15 – “So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Jehovah with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.”

What a grand and glorious day that was. The Ark of the Testimony was brought into Jerusalem to take up its residence. David and the people rejoiced with praise and worship of Yahweh. 

It came, but not without difficulty. David has previously sought to bring the Ark into Jerusalem, but did not follow God’s directions on how to transport His Mercy Seat. Because of this failure, one man – Uzzah – while trying to steady the Ark was struck dead.

We must realize that what God says, He means. Following His directions is not the best way, it is the only way to serve and be blessed by God.

Prayer: Today, Heavenly Father, help me to not only seek to worship You, but to worship You in spirit and truth. Amen.

The Reign of David

April 21

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 1 – 3

Verse of the Day: 2 Samuel 2:7 – “Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be ye valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.”

We now move into the book of 2 Samuel to the end of this month. The book of 2 Samuel traces the history of Israel from the death of Saul to the end of David’s reign. The two books of 1 & 2 Samuel were one in the original Hebrew Scriptures. David is the king that God has in mind for the nation. In 1 Samuel 13:14 (see also Acts 13:22) we read that “Jehovah hath sought him a man after his own heart.” This man was David.

In 2 Samuel we follow the reign of David from his triumphs (chapters 1 – 10), his transgressions (chapter 11), and his troubles (chapter 12 – 24). 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, make me a person after Your heart – willing to live for You and serve You daily. Amen.

A Sad End

April 20

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 30 – 31

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 31:6 – “So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armorbearer, and all his men, that same day together.”

And as we finish reading the book of First Samuel, we see the sad way that the life of the first king of Israel ended. In our last set of readings, Saul after consulting the Medium was totally rejected by God. His end was predicted. 

In the battle against the Philistines, Saul was hit by the archers and mortally wounded. In fear that they would torture him, he commits suicide to hasten his death. In the battle, Jonathan and all of Saul’s sons were killed. The nation fled before the Philistines in fear.

Saul, the first king of Israel is not remembered for any great things – he is remembered in shame and defeat. Sin – continued – will always bring one shame and defeat.

Prayer: Great Savior, I come to You today seeking to renounce my sins and rest in Your power and forgiveness. Amen.

Open the lines of Communication

April 19

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 27 – 29

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 28:6 – “And when Saul inquired of Jehovah, Jehovah answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.”

As we approach the end of First Samuel, we sadly see the results of Saul’s continual sin and disobedience to God. His constant lack of trust in God has brought him to the point of no return. As he is faced with the armies of the Philistines, he seeks word about how to fight the battle. But, the Lord does not communicate with him – he is left on his own. In our reading today, since Saul has lost all touch with God seeks out a medium to get him the information he needs.

Today, let us pause and check our own lives. How is our prayer-connection with the Father? Is there sin garbling the connection? Confess and get right with God today – before it is too late.

Prayer: Father, today I come making sure the line of communication is clear. Amen.

Named a fool, lived like a fool

April 18

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 25 – 26

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 25:3 – “Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail; and the woman was of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.”

“What’s in a name….” Shakespeare wrote that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. However, we notice that names often either describe a person or set the character of a person. In the above verse we see the name Nabal, which means fool. As we read this account today, we see that not only was he named “fool,” he also lived that way.

Jesus means Savior, and we can see in the Scriptures that not only was this His name, it is an avid description of who He is and what He has done. What kind of name are you leaving behind?

Prayer: Father, Your names describe You in so many ways. May I leave a good name when I die. Amen.

Stupid is as Stupid does

April 17

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 22 – 24

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 24:15 – “As saith the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked cometh forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be upon thee.”

David has just had the opportunity to kill Saul who was seeking to kill him. But, he refused to touch the Lord’s anointed. Saul will call David more righteous than himself because of this. David quotes this old proverb they had and says that wicked deeds come out of the wicked heart of a man.

In the movie, Forrest remarks that “Stupid is as stupid does.” It means that an intelligent person who does stupid things is still stupid. In other words, you are what you do. David would not allow himself to respond to the desire for revenge – because he did not want to allow evil to have control of himself.

Today, allow the good fruit to be displayed in your life.

Prayer: Father, allow only that which is good to be displayed in my life. Amen.

Accountability helps

April 16

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 19 – 21

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 17:50 – “And Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul.”

In this reading today, Jonathan and David reaffirm their accountability to each other. Nothing helps one to stay strong and follow God in His ways better, than when we have an accountability partner. 

When faced with temptations, adversity, trials, discouragements, confusion, or lack of courage – having at least one other person that will help you stay the course makes all the difference in the world. 

If you have not already done so, seek out someone who you feel God is leading you to ask to be your friend to hold you accountable in your walk with God. See how much farther you can go with this friend at your side.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to find someone to be along side of me, holding me accountable for You. Amen.

Only a boy named David...

April 15

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 17 – 18

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 17:50 – “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.”

I learned the account of David and Goliath at a very young age. I was taught the story, learned songs about it, and knew that David was quite a hero.

As I grew older, I realized that the true hero in this account was not David, it was God. You see, without God the best we could say about this episode is what a coincidence. David knew it was God, he had placed his trust (and life) on the line of God’s faithfulness. When God is involved, anything can happen.

God is the One who directed the stone out of the sling of David, He divided the Red Sea, and He brought His Son back to life from the dead. God delights in the incredible.

Prayer: Incredible God, I trust You to work in my Life. Amen.

To obey is better

April 14

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 15 – 16

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 15:22 – “And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” 

Sincerity and obedience are of prime importance when one comes to worship God. In the New Testament, Jesus said that we are to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Both the Old and New Testaments are in line with this fact - not what an individual chooses as a means of worship – it is the Who and how as described by God in His Word. We need to realize that our worship is acceptable when we come in the manner He has prescribed.

Today, pause for a while and consider whether your worship is the kind that pleases God – or simply pleases you.

Prayer: Holy God, I come before you humble and seeking Your Presence in my worship. Amen.

I forced myself

April 13

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 13 – 14

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 13:12 – “…therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down upon me to Gilgal, and I have not entreated the favor of Jehovah: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt-offering.” 

Saul had overstepped his bounds. He was King of Israel, but not a prophet or priest. God was going to lead them into battle that day. They were to wait until Samuel came and offered the offering. However, time kept passing, the people were becoming frightened, and so Saul took matters into his own hands. He offered the offering. And because of this (a seemingly good act) Saul would lose his kingdom. Doesn’t seem right? God had given instructions and Saul “forced” himself to disobey them. And in turn, God had to judge and deliver a message via Samuel. We need to learn to wait on God’s timing for total success.

Prayer: Today, Father, as I find myself trying to do things my way instead of Yours, help me to be aware and follow You. Amen. 

Sin against God

April 12

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 10 – 12

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 12:23 – “Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.” 

This is an interesting statement that Samuel makes to the people of Israel. They have pleaded with him to intercede with God on their behalf. The logical response I would expect is – “far be it from me that I should sin against you in ceasing to pray for you….” 

I had pondered this statement of Samuel’s for some time. And then, God gave me some insight into this verse. God wants us to be intercessors praying for those who are in need around us – physically and spiritually. To not come before God on behalf of others would be a sin (see James 4:17), and all sin is basically against God. Wow, when I grasp that sin is always against God, what a difference it will make in the way I live.

Prayer: Father, keep me from sin. Amen.

Everybody else has one

April 11

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 7 – 9

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 4:5 – “…and they said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

God in many of His prophecies had shown that He would be giving the nation of Israel a King. However, they were impatient and had their own reasons for wanting one. In the verse today we see that they are basically saying they want one because everyone else has one. It is like the phrase – “Everybody else is doing it.”

We can see that the results of wanting what everybody else had will not be good. As we continue through First Samuel, we see Saul – the people’s choice – as not being the best of choices. God’s choice would be a young man named David. When we follow God’s plan in God’s time with God’s directions for God’s blessings, we will see the ultimate of our what our desires really are seeking.

Prayer; Almighty King, may we be wise enough to follow You all the time. Amen. 

The Ark of the Covenant

April 10

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 4 – 6

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 4:5 – “And when the ark of the covenant of Jehovah came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.”

The Ark of the Covenant. Sometimes called the Ark of God or the Ark of the Testimony in the Old Testament Scriptures. This was a part of the Tabernacle that Moses constructed under the directions of God. This piece was a very Holy article that the nation of Israel honored very seriously.

The Ark was important because it was the place that God would meet with His people. It was symbolic of the presence of God with His people. Crafted by Bezalel (Exodus 37) and placed in the Holy of Holies it held the Testimony (10 Commandments), the Pentateuch, a jar of Manna, and Aaron’s rod. The nation honored it, but also tended to worship it instead of God Himself.

Prayer: Help me to always seek You instead of Your blessings, O Heavenly Father. Amen.

Speak - Am I listening?

April 9

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1 – 3

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 3:10 – “And Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.”

In First Samuel we see two transitions of leadership – from Eli to Samuel, and then from Samuel to Saul. We find the establishment of the national King who would now rule over a Monarchy rather than a Theocracy. Much takes place as transitions can be very disconcerting.

In today's passage we read about the special circumstances surrounding the birth of Samuel. In the verse listed, God had been fairly silent for a while in dealing with His people. Here He speaks to young Samuel. Not knowing His voice, Samuel was confused until Eli told him to tell God he was listening. Are we often not aware when God is speaking to us? Do we need to do as young Samuel and simply say – “Speak for the servant heareth.” 

Prayer: Speak Father, and may I have ears to hear You. Mosy importantly, may I have a heart to serve you when You speak. Amen.

Contrast in Life

April 8

Daily Bible Reading: Ruth 1 – 4

Verse of the Day: Ruth 3:12 – “And now it is true that I am a near kinsman; howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.”

During the same timeframe as the previous book (Judges), we find a contrast in the story of Ruth. It is a beautiful love story, but more than that it shows the difference between those who choose their own way, and those who seek the kinsman-redeemer (Hebrew ga’al).

The kinsman-redeemer was the relative who acted on behalf of another as a protector of their rights in the family. The Bible teaches that God is the Redeemer of Israel (Isaiah 60:16) and Jesus is the Redeemer of all believers (1 Peter 1:18 – 19).

As you read this book today, stop and consider that we have a kinsman, who at considerable cost has bought us back. We are blessed because while lost and wandering; Jesus paid the price to bring us back.

Prayer: Kinsman-Redeemer thank You for being willing and able to pay the price to buy us back and set us free. Amen.

The Hidden Controller

April 7

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 20 – 21

Verse of the Day: Judges 21:25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

This sums up life without God. You see, Israel was a theocracy – God was the King. Yet they continually disobeyed and sought other ways of life. As we have looked at this book of Judges, this verse sums up all that has taken place.

Without a leader, anarchy reigns. And when anarchy reigns, someone always steps in to run things. In this case, it says that everyone did what was right in their own eyes – a good definition of anarchy. So, who stepped in to run things? He is there. He is hidden in the background. Do you see him? Do you know who it is? It is Satan. The evil that prevailed over and over again in this book was the handiwork of the master deceiver, the accuser, the father of all lies. And he does the same today.

Prayer: King Jesus, open my eyes that I might see the evil one and his work. Amen.

Dark Days

April 6

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 18 – 19

Verse of the Day: Judges 18:24 – “And he said, ye have taken away my gods which I made, and the priest, and are gone away, and what have I more?”

These two chapters start the closing thoughts of this book. They are hard to read and understand how or why they are included. It will all lead up to the final sentence in this book.

This is a very dark period in the history of Israel. God’s chosen people, yet they act as bad or worse than the other nations around them. How could they be God’s CHOSEN people? The answer is in the Sovereignty of God. He chose them. He chose them not because they were good or perfect, He chose them because He had a plan to bring a Redeemer into the world and they would be the vehicle. 

We can be thankful that God doesn’t work through perfect people – because there are none. He works His plan through those He chooses. Allow Him to use you today.

Prayer: Sovereign God, I pray that I might be a vessel used by you in this time. Amen.

The Lord Departed

April 5

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 15 – 17

Verse of the Day: Judges 16:20c – “But he knew not that Jehovah was departed from him.”

Samson. A mighty Judge for the nation of Israel. Yet, he was brought down because of his fleshly desires. The accounts of this great warrior for God are full of his lustful desires. Over and over again he succumbs to his lusts, until finally we read this sad verse – God had departed from him.

God will often use us as His instruments in this fallen world. He will even continue to use us as we submit to the deceptions of Satan, the world, and our flesh. However, realize that there will come a time when He will say – “Enough!” He will take His hand off of us and then we will be exposed to the results of our sin.

Today, search your heart. Is there any sin that you are harboring, holding on to? If so, confess and dispose of it right away. Don’t lose the fellowship with God.

Prayer: Abba, Father, cleanse me, purify me, make me clean for Your use. Amen.

Enigmas

April 4

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 12 – 14

Verse of the Day: Judges 14:12 – “And Samson said unto them, Let me now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can declare it unto me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment…”

A riddle. The Hebrew word chidah means an enigmatic statement. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of enigmatic statements to the wise (Proverbs 1:6). Sampson uses it here as a battle of wits.

Paul may have held this idea in mind when you spoke about someone knowing all mysteries (1 Corinthians 13:2). Many of God’s sayings require us to ponder and muse over what He is saying. His Word contains teachings that are simple enough for a child to understand, yet deep enough to take a lifetime to mine out the treasures. Stay in His Word and seek out the gems of truth He has placed there.

Prayer: Creator God, give me a heart for Your Word, not just to see it or read it, but also to search out the depths of truth. Amen.

The Truth, the Whole Truth!

April 3

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 10 – 11

Verse of the Day: Judges 11:1 – “Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.”

One thing about the Bible that Dr. Harold Willmington always said – “The Bible is not a book man would write if he could; or could write if he would.” The Bible tells us the plain truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. We have the tendency to “sugarcoat” our heroes and “vilify” those we dislike. 

Think about it, if we wanted to paint David as a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), would we include the accounts of Bathsheba and Uriah? Probably not. Yet, time after time the Bible totally discloses all the facts – good or bad. This adds to the credibility and validity of what we read.

Prayer: Father God, as I read Your Word, I am constantly in awe of the truthfulness and fullness that it provides for life. May I read it, heed it, and live it every day. Amen.

Sickening Cycle of Sin

April 2

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 8 – 9

Verse of the Day: Judges 8:34 – “And the children of Israel remembered not Jehovah their God, who had delivered them out of the hand of all their enemies on every side…”

In our readings, we have witnessed how God can bring about victory with just a small amount of people. During the life of Gideon, as he ruled as a Judge in Israel the people found peace and rest (40 years according to verse 28). But following the death of Gideon, it did not take the people long to forget the great blessings of God. They turned to Baal worship and followed the people in their midst.

And so, we see the cycle begin again. Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Savior, and Silence. Seven times this cycle appears in the book. We need to watch our lives – learn from the past – and not follow this cycle. Where do you see yourself in this cycle? Where should you be?

Prayer: Savior God, I seek to live life in worship and rest, keep me from following this deadly cycle in my life. Amen.

April Fool's?

April 1

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 6 – 7

Verse of the Day: Judges 6:12 – “And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him, and said unto him, Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.”

We spend this day in trying to trick others. We make up stories and then say, “April Fools.” 

Today and tomorrow we will read about a Judge named Gideon. This is the fourth of seven cycles of judgment in the book of Judges. Gideon starts his illustrate career by hiding in a wine press and threshing wheat. Not an auspicious beginning of one who is to be the hero.

The Angel of the Lord appears and salutes Gideon as a mighty man of valor. But, He doesn’t say “April Fools.” Why? Because God sees us as He will make us, not as we are. This is a blessed truth for each of us – what we are (or have been) is not final when in the hands of God.

Prayer: Father, I can’t wait to see what You will make of my messed up life. Amen.