Sunday (5/29)

This week we will conclude our reading of the book of Judges as we continue in the story of Gideon and read Samson’s story as well. This book from the Old Testament includes stories of moral decline as well as the failures of the Israelites and the judges who were their leaders during hundreds of years between Joshua’s death and the beginning of the monarchy in 1050 BC. Throughout the disturbing, violent, and tragic tales of the book the Israelites become more and more like the Canaanites who reside in the Promised Land. If you did not read the previous books of Genesis through Joshua, you are encouraged to watch the Bible Project video about the Old Testament. The video is a summary of the Hebrew scriptures. It is available on YouTube.

TaNaK/Old Testament by the Bible Project:

 

Below are some suggestions and questions to help you as you read scripture this week:

1. Approach scripture with humility. Seek to receive what the Bible reveals without trying to make it say what you want it to say.

2. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak a message to you through the verses you read.

3. What do these verses reveal about God?

4. What do these verses reveal about humanity?

5. What do these verses teach me about myself?

6. How do you see yourself in the story when reading biblical narratives?

Which of these characters would I be?

In what ways is their story similar to my story?

7. Read, study, and discuss scripture with a small group or another person.

8. Are you using a Study Bible?

A Study Bible is a very helpful tool for understanding each book of the Bible. They include information shared by scholars about historical and cultural realities during the time depicted or the era of the document, the author, when the book might have been written, the intended audience of the document, themes and messages within a book or letter, and more.

The NIV, NRSV, ESV, and NLT Study Bibles are worth considering if you do not own one. There are a few available from the AUMC Library in the back of the Chapel. You can also purchase a Study Bible from ChristianBook.com, Cokesbury.com, or Amazon.com.

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online for free.

 

 

Monday (5/30)

Read the verse from Judges 5 that is below to begin your devotional time with God:

“…I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel! – Judges 5:3 NASB

 

As we continue reading the book of Judges this week, if you have not watched it yet, you are strongly encouraged to watch the Overview: Judges video by the Bible Project that is available on Youtube:

Overview: Judges by the Bible Project

 

Read Judges 8:1-21. If you have not read the previous chapters about Gideon, you are encouraged to read Judges 6 & 7 before reading the verses for today. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal a word, phrase, or verse from the biblical text that is specifically for you for today.

 

Pray through your day, including for the people you will be with, or have been with, as well as what you will do, or what you have done.

 

 

Tuesday (5/31)

Read Judges 5:3b to center your heart on the Lord.

 

Say or sing praises to God using the words of your heart, or the lyrics of a hymn or praise song that comes to mind.

 

Read Judges 8:22-35. You are encouraged to use the suggestions and questions on the list from the Sunday portion of this devotional during your study time.

 

Pray for:

• Those closest to you (family members & friends)
• Those who point others towards God (pastors, teachers, mentors, authors, musicians, etc.)
• Leaders (locally, nationally, and globally)
• People in need throughout the world (the hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick, imprisoned, neglected, abused, lost, etc.)
• Yourself (share your needs and invite the Lord to guide you)

 

 

Wednesday (6/1)

Read Judges 5:3b from the Song of Deborah as a reminder to praise God today with your life.

 

Read Judges 13. Which word, phrase, or verse is God using to speak to you today from what you read?

 

Pray however the Spirit of the Lord and Bible verses prompt and guide you to pray.

 

 

Thursday (6/2)

Read Judges 5:3b to focus upon the Lord during this devotional time.

 

Say or sing praises to God using the words of your heart, or the lyrics of a hymn or praise song that comes to mind.

 

Read Judges 14. If you haven’t yet, choose a question or two from the Sunday list of this devotional to wrestle with as part of your study time.

 

Pray in response to God using the ACTS acronym as a guide as you use the same posture from your time of silence:

Adoration (praise the Lord)

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication (share your needs & the needs of others)

 

 

Friday (6/3)

Read Judges 5:3b from the Song of Deborah to center yourself in the Lord.

 

Read Judges 15. You are encouraged to use the suggestions and questions on the list from the Sunday portion of this devotional during your study time.

 

Pray that God guides and empowers you and the people of AUMC to live the virtues revealed in Christ, which includes humility, compassion, forgiveness, and love (Philippians 2:3-11 and Luke 6:27-40). These virtues were not seen nor revealed in Samson.

 

 

Saturday (6/4)

How are you going to remember and observe the Sabbath this weekend? The sabbath is a day each week that is set apart from the others to worship God, rest, and enjoy life-giving recreation to experience restoration. You may need to begin by setting aside an hour on Saturday or Sunday to develop a new habit of observing the Sabbath. It might be helpful for you to incrementally observe the Sabbath by setting aside an increasing portion of a day each weekend until you are eventually able to worship, rest, and engage in living-giving recreation for an entire day each week.

 

Read Psalm 82. According to the NIV Study Bible, “early rabbinic interoperation understood the ‘gods,’ of verse 1 to be unjust rulers and judges in Israel, of whom there were many.” What does this psalm reveal about what rulers and judges were supposed to do?

 

Solitude and Silence. You are encouraged to find a place where you can quietly be alone for at least ten, twenty, or up to thirty minutes, while you remember that Christ is our king and ruler. During your time of solitude and silence with God, you may want to lay down, sit on a comfortable chair, couch, or swing, or go for a walk. Try to shut out the thoughts of to-do-lists, plans for the day, etc. Simply be with God as you let your mind meditate on our Ruler and Judge. Afterwards, read the Bible verses listed below.

 

Read Judges 16, the conclusion of Samson’s story, as well as the final verse from the book, Judges 21:25. Often people who are mighty warriors are considered heroes, so how is Samson’s story different? What does Samson’s story reveal about the abuse of strength and power?

 

Do you believe that we are living in a time similar or different from what is described in Judges 21:15? Why or why not?

 

Pray however the Holy Spirit and Bible verses prompt and guide you to pray.