Judges 12

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

How did the men of Ephraim threaten Jephthah? What happened as a result?

Application

Do I act with wisdom after careful consideration of possible consequences, or do I act hastily and rashly in anger?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Father God, Help me not to sin in my anger and not to act rashly, and so avoid difficulties I need not have faced. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Mike & Jamie Haberkorn (Hannah, Sean)
• Deborah Halkola
• David & MaryBeth Hollander (Cole, Marcus)
• Bob & Peggy Hoover

Ministry:

• Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Housing

CLF:

• Pray that we would be a church that is dedicated to the breaking of bread, both in the sense of being devoted to observing the Lord’s Supper, and in meeting together for meals to fellowship, to deepen bonds, to heal offenses, and to end disputes.

Community: Pray for young children in our community

• For Godly influences
• For safety and protection from accidents, abuse, and predators
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For a heart to learn and to know God from a young age
• That they will not be prodigals, but remain true to God all the days of their lives

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB)

Judges 11

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

Why was Jephthah driven out of his home? What What happened when the Ammonites attacked Israel?

*NOTE: For years, people have debated whether Jephthah actually killed his daughter or if she was merely given over to a celibate life of service. This is not an essential tenet of the faith, and therefore not something over which we should divide; there are godly, Spirit-filled, Bible-believing Christians on both sides of the debate. However, if in fact he did kill her, it was his foolishness and not God’s instruction that was the cause. If you are interested in further reading, I suggest the blog article here.

Application

Do I look down on and disassociate with people because of their heritage? Do I believe that God can use anyone to accomplish great victories?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
LORD God, Keep me from dismissing people or worse simply because they have a heritage that is not what I think it should be. Thank you that Jesus died for sinners, including me, and that You can use anyone You choose for whatever purpose You choose. Please keep me from a proud, critical, judgmental spirit, and from making rash decisions and vows like Jephthah. I praise You in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Brandon & Lindsey Dockins
• Ken & Twilla Eden (Mattea, Joshua, Jonathan, Sophia)
• Gil & Lois Estes
• Gary Friend
• Scott & Kristi Guinn (Josiah)

Missionaries:

• J & G Simon, missionaries to Austria

CLF:

• Ask that we would be a church that is devoted to true fellowship: Pray that we would be encouraged from being united with Christ, comforted by His love, bonded with His Spirit, tender and compassionate with one another. Pray that we would be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Ask that we would do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider one another better than ourselves, looking not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of each other. Pray that we would all have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.

Community: Pray for Teachers & Administrators & School Boards

• Godly curriculum
• God’s wisdom in teaching and leading
• Salvation for unbelievers
• Ability to inspire a love of truth and learning

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB)

Judges 10

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

Why did God’s anger burn against Israel, and what did He do (6-7)? After being oppressed a while, what did Israel do (10)? How did God respond (11-14)? What did Israel do next?

Application

Do I keep committing the same sins and falling into the same patterns over and over again? Have I removed all false gods in my life, and am I worshiping the Lord?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Lord, Keep me from being like the Israelites in the book of Judges, falling away from You and having to face severe discipline and persecution before calling out to You to be delivered, to the point where You became weary of them. Help me to be constant, and to have a steady, growing relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Mike Daniels
• Theresa Daniels
• Travis & Hali Davidson (Andrew)
• Brian & Eileen Davis
• Patti Doty

Missionaries:

• Tim & Miranda Penn (Samid, Sarah), missionaries to Albania

CLF:

• That Christian Life Fellowship would be a church that is devoted to the Word of God, and that we would be doers of it and not just hearers; that we would study the Word and so always be prepared to give everyone an answer–in season and out of season–and be approved workers who do not need to be ashamed, able to accurately understand and explain it.

Community: Pray for Media Industries (TV/Movies, Radio/Music, Print/Internet)

• Godly themes/influences
• Christian workers at all levels sensitive to God’s leading
• Salvation for influential media leaders
• Courage to share God’s message
• Financial rewards for wholesome media

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 (HCSB)

Judges 9

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

What plot did Abimelech carry out (1-6)? How did Jotham respond? How did God intervene?

Application

Do I plot and scheme to get my way? Do I give in to others who do? Do I speak out against such things among God’s people, even it may be dangerous? Do I trust God to avenge His people?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:

Dear Father in heaven, Keep me from the sin of Abilemech, who was blinded by greed and power and plotted to have his own brothers killed. Keep me from the sin of his mother’s relatives, who listened to him and carried out his plans. Give me courage like Jotham, who spoke out against unrighteousness even though it was not safe for him to do so. And help me to trust in You to make things right. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

SATURDAY

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.

• Chris & DeAnn Smith (Sasha, Noah, Gavin, Natalie)
• James Williams
• Danielle Youngblood (Kayla, Kendra)

Ministry:

• Chapel Mission India

CLF:

• That we would be devoted to thanksgiving and praise to our Lord–for what He has done, for what He is doing, for what He will do, and for who He is–in good times and bad.

Community: Pray for Outreach Ministries

• God’s creative provision
• For sound financial management and strategies
• Salvation and spiritual growth for those to whom they minister
• God’s anointing and leading for projects and programs
• Volunteers and workers

SUNDAY

• Jenn Austring
• Sher Brodoski
• Debbie & Amy Brueggemann
• Brook & Erica Butts (Brooklyn, Boston)
• Chris Carlton

Missionary:

• Lito Dictican

CLF:

• That we will be devoted to evangelism and growth; that the Lord will add to our numbers those who are being saved.

Community: Pray for business professionals providing goods and services

• God to be glorified by excellent work
• Ministry to occur in the workplace
• Godly employers and employees
• Salvation for unbelievers
• Sound financial strategies
• Strong, God-honoring relationships

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:3 (HCSB)

Judges 8

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

After the victory God gave Israel, what did the people want of Gideon (22)? What was his response (23)? What error did he make (27 – an ephod is a priestly vest used to inquire of God)?

Application

Do I allow the focus to be on me when it should be on God? Do I try to circumvent God’s instructions even in an attempt to hear from God?

Prayer

Dear Father, Help me to follow Gideon’s example in resisting the people and giving glory to You, but keep me from his error of trying to hear from You in ways of my own invention instead of the ways You require. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.

• Moy & Janeth Ortiz
• Doug & Pam Patchin
• Jared & Amanda Patchin (Alex, Luke)
• Keith Rast
• Andrea Rodriguez (Willie, Yulieta)

Ministry:

• Boise Rescue Mission

CLF:

• That we will be people who are devoted to giving to the Lord’s work and to anyone who has a need.

Community: Pray for Public Service Professionals (Firefighters, law enforcement, and medical personnel)…

• Strength to serve well
• Safety/health
• Salvation for lost & ministry opportunities for saved
• Strong family/marriage relationships
• Strong, God-honoring friendships

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:3 (HCSB)

Judges 7

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

Why did God want to pare down Israel’s army? What did God promise Gideon (7)? What happened when Gideon followed God’s instructions (19-21)?

Application

Do I trust in things I can see more than in God? Do I believe God keeps His promises? Do I believe it enough to be obedient even when the odds are overwhelmingly against me from an earthly perspective?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:

Dear God, Thank You for the way You used Gideon! That 300 men with just trumpets, pitchers and torches could defeat such a huge host is impossible without Your intervention. Thank you for promising victory and for delivering it. help me to walk in obedience and faith! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Pat & Hannah Kelley
• Joe & Sheala Lehosit
• Fred & Shirley Leonard
• Mark & Michelle Morgan (Cody, Kyle)
• Michael Morgan

Ministries:

• Provenance
• Genesis World Mission

CLF:

• That we will devote ourselves to prayer, individually, in small groups, and as a church.

Community: Rural towns in Treasure Valley – Emmett, Greenleaf, Homedale, Marsing, Middleton, New Plymouth, Parma, Payette, Wilder, Weiser, etc…

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:3 (HCSB)

Judges 6

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

Why did Israel become enslaved and oppressed by Midian (1-2)? What did they do (6)? Who did God raise up to deliver them (11-12), and what special traits did he have that qualified him for the job (15)?

Application

Do I do what is evil in the sight of the Lord as the exception or as the rule? Do I cry out to God when I am in need of deliverance? Do I believe God can use anyone He wants for anything He wants at any time He wants–even me?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Father God, Keep me faithful to You! Please keep me from what is evil in Your sight. When I am facing trials, whether of my own making or not, help me to remember to cry out to You right away, not as a last resort. Give me faith to obey You and serve You in whatever ways You choose, trusting You to equip and empower me for the task. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Mike & Jamie Haberkorn (Hannah, Sean)
• Deborah Halkola
• David & MaryBeth Hollander (Cole, Marcus)
• Bob & Peggy Hoover

Ministry:

• Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Housing

CLF:

• Pray that we would be a church that is dedicated to the breaking of bread, both in the sense of being devoted to observing the Lord’s Supper, and in meeting together for meals to fellowship, to deepen bonds, to heal offenses, and to end disputes.

Community: Pray for Ontario…

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:3 (HCSB)

Judges 5

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

How did Deborah and Barak respond to the victory God gave? What prayer closes this chapter?

Application

Do I give God the praise, thanks, and glory due Him? Do I pray for His people to flourish and be vindicated?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
LORD God, I praise You for who You are and for Your mighty deeds throughout history and throughout my own life. I thank You and praise You for the wonderful things You will do in the future! May all your enemies perish, but may those who love You be like the rising of the sun in its strength. I praise You in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Brandon & Lindsey Dockins
• Ken & Twilla Eden (Mattea, Joshua, Jonathan, Sophia)
• Gil & Lois Estes
• Gary Friend
• Scott & Kristi Guinn (Josiah)

Missionaries:

• J & G Simon, missionaries to Austria

CLF:

• Ask that we would be a church that is devoted to true fellowship: Pray that we would be encouraged from being united with Christ, comforted by His love, bonded with His Spirit, tender and compassionate with one another. Pray that we would be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Ask that we would do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider one another better than ourselves, looking not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of each other. Pray that we would all have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.

Community: Pray for Star and Eagle

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:3 (HCSB)

Judges 4

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

What pattern is repeated in this chapter?

Application

Is my relationship with God like a seesaw?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Lord, Keep me from being like the Israelites in the book of Judges, falling away from You and having to face severe discipline and persecution before calling out to You to be delivered. Help me to be constant, and to have a steady, growing relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Mike Daniels
• Theresa Daniels
• Travis & Hali Davidson (Andrew)
• Brian & Eileen Davis
• Patti Doty

Missionaries:

• Tim & Miranda Penn (Samid, Sarah), missionaries to Albania

CLF:

• That Christian Life Fellowship would be a church that is devoted to the Word of God, and that we would be doers of it and not just hearers; that we would study the Word and so always be prepared to give everyone an answer–in season and out of season–and be approved workers who do not need to be ashamed, able to accurately understand and explain it.

Community: Pray for Nampa

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:3 (HCSB)

Judges 3

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

What terrible mistake did the Israelites make (5-7)? How did God punish them? How and why did He deliver them? Then what happened?

Application

Do I give in to the lure of the world around me and “practice evil in full view of the LORD”? Do I repent and cry out to God? Do I keep repeating the pattern?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:

Dear Father in heaven, I admit that I fall sway to the enticement of this sinful world and my own desires, and I commit evil before You. I thank You that You hear when I call and You have delivered me many times. I ask that You would empower me to break the pattern of falling back in to sin time and time again, and that I would follow You faithfully. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

SATURDAY

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.

• Chris & DeAnn Smith (Sasha, Noah, Gavin, Natalie)
• James Williams
• Danielle Youngblood (Kayla, Kendra)

Ministry:

• Chapel Mission India

CLF:

• That we would be devoted to thanksgiving and praise to our Lord–for what He has done, for what He is doing, for what He will do, and for who He is–in good times and bad.

Community: Pray for Meridian

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

SUNDAY

• Jenn Austring
• Sher Brodoski
• Debbie & Amy Brueggemann
• Brook & Erica Butts (Brooklyn, Boston)
• Chris Carlton

Missionary:

• Lito Dictican

CLF:

• That we will be devoted to evangelism and growth; that the Lord will add to our numbers those who are being saved.

Community: Pray for Caldwell

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring you quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy. – Zephaniah 3:17 (HCSB)