The book of Ruth begins, “In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land.” You could say that again. Not only was there a shortage of food, but there was likewise a shortage of justice, kindness, righteousness – you name it. The book of Judges, which describes this time period, is a book of violence, lawlessness, and misguided zeal in the name of the LORD, summed up well by the oft repeated phrase, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 20:25). The atrocities leave one wondering in dismay, “This is the story of God’s people?! Where in the world do we find God in it?” Continue reading Day 19: Finding God in Unexpected Places

The book of Judges is one big mess. Take the story of Jephthah, the Gileadite. The son of a prostitute, Jephthah is initially ostracized by his half-brothers (the current leaders of Israel) until they are in need of his brawn. He strikes a deal with them. He’ll help them if they make him their leader. The problem is that while Jephthah has the brawn to lead, he has neither the temperament nor the spiritual maturity to be a good leader. Continue reading Day 18: The Cost of Immaturity

Cover to Cover: Deuteronomy 22:11-33:23 Key Passage: Deuteronomy 30:11-20 Verse of the Day: Deuteronomy 30:16 Key events in today’s reading: Firstfruits and Tithes (Deuteronomy 26:1-15) Renewal of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 29) The Offer of Life or Death (Deuteronomy 30:11-20) Joshua to Succeed Moses (Deuteronomy 32:48-52) Verse that stood out: Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face … Continue reading Day 15: How to Measure Success