Friday, September 10 – Judges 2:16-23 – Rosanne Maas

God is in control! He uses every circumstance in our lives to draw us into a closer walk with Him. We can experience God’s grace in our most difficult days. Our pain isn’t purposeless. The time of the judges is very much like our own. As a Christian, I must make certain that I don’t allow myself to be infected by society’s values on a path away from the Lord. As it was for the Israelites as I must decide “who I will follow and serve. Who am I trying to emulate? Jesus or someone else? About thirteen years ago I attended church weekly and thought I’d done my duty. But I didn’t realize I was starving in between. I’ve learned I need God’s word spoken to me and hidden in my heart every day. Reading and applying the Bible to my life helps me filter cultural opinion with God’s truth. Instead of being infected I allow God’s word to affect the way I live my life. Some days are hard and I fight to see the truth but following Jesus’ hasn’t disappointed. He IS the way, the truth and the life!

Gracious and sovereign Lord, thank You for Your word and presence in my life. Increase my faith and commitment to following only You and Your ways, as I seek to learn Your will and then obey it. “Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Amen.