Reading for today: Judges 20:29-48 and 2 Thess. 2:11-12

“And eighteen thousand men of Benjamin fell; and all were men of valor.” Judges 20:44

Men of Valor falling - In this verse and verse 46 – speaks of a large number of men who were fighting men with courage and skill, but what were they fighting for and under whose authority?  If you want to have sure victory, make sure the battle you are fighting is not your own, but Jehovah-Sabaoth - The Lord of Hosts.

Reading for today: Judges 20:18-28 and 2 Thess. 2:9-10

“Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” Judges 20:28b

These were the clear words from our Lord to His children over three thousand years ago, and they stand true today also.  Our Lord will do as He says.  May we purpose to rid the distractions in our lives, and listen for His still quite voice.  We are His children; let’s seek our Abba Father daily, praising Him, and honoring Him in all we do!

Reading for today: Judges 20:1-17 and 2 Thess. 2:6-8

“So all the people arose as one man, saying ‘None of us will go to his tent, nor will any turn back to his house;…’” Judges 20:8

During a time of trial and wickedness, the people of God came together in unity to seek justice in God’s will.  Not taking justice in their own hands, but seeking the Lord’s will and taking action according to His word, not fearing the cost. May we do the same when, according to God’s word, circumstances require it.

Reading for today: Judges 19:22-30 and 2 Thess. 2:3-5

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” 2 Thess. 2:3

Like Eve being deceived by the serpent in the garden, we can be deceived today.  Paul warned the Church of Thessalonica (1Thess. 4:16) that yes; Jesus will return.  Today, even more so, we need to remember Who we are living for.  We are not our own, we were bought with a price.  What is your focus today?  How are you spending your time, money and efforts?  The wood, hay and stubble will one day (soon) be burned up; what will be left when you face your Lord and King?

Reading for today: Judges 19:1-21 and 2 Thess. 2:1-2

“He took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.” Judges 19:1b

A concubine was an accepted part of Israelite society, but was not God’s perfect will for marriage (Genesis 2:24).  We need to let our King, Jesus, lead us into obedience of His word.  When we rationalize circumstances to our benefit, we set standards far below God’s and sin against our Savior.  When this happens, we may shock even ourselves at what we are capable of doing.

Reading for today: Judges 18:27-31 and 2 Thess. 1:11-12

“Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness…” 2 Thess. 1:11

I quite often find myself praying that God would count “ME” worthy of His calling.  Here we see Paul offering up a selfless prayer that God would count “them,” the Thessalonians, worthy of this calling, AND to fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness. 

Reading for today: Judges 18:22-26 and 2 Thess. 1:9-10

“…when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.” 2 Thess. 1:10

Paul said that they believe in Jesus, because his testimony among them was believed.  Our testimony might not seem as “exciting” as Paul’s, but that shouldn’t prevent us from sharing it with others.  God may use our testimony to reach those around us and cause them to believe. 

Reading for today: Judges 18:13-21 and 2 Thess. 1:7-8

“…and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels…” 2 Thess. 1:7

Perhaps, aside from the promise of salvation, one of the greatest promises of the Bible is “to give you who are troubled rest.”  Are you troubled?  Enter into His rest.

Reading for today: Judges 18:7-12 and 2 Thess. 1:6

“…since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those
who trouble you.” 2 Thess. 1:6

Oh how we long to repay (take revenge on) those who have troubled us; but the Bible says it is “a righteous thing” to let God repay with tribulation those who trouble us. Instead, we are commanded to pray for them.

Reading for today: Judges 18:1-6 and 2 Thess. 1:4-5

“…so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your
patience and faith…” 2 Thess. 1:4

Although we should never boast of ourselves, we still should live our lives that if Paul, or anyone else for that matter, wrote a letter to us, he would be able to boast of our patience, faith and endurance.