Judges 3

What stood out today: 

1 These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan 

2 (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience)

 7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD; they forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 

8 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 

9 But when they cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them.

12 Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. 

13 Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms.

14 The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years.

15 Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab.

My response:  Lord God, You are so faithful and good.  You orchestrate battles that You might show Yourself strong, in fact, Almighty!  Even our enemies, even our disobedience you use for our good and Your glory.  You alone are wise in all your ways.  Lord Jesus, You are the ultimate deliverer.  I am so grateful that You are just a prayer away.  When anyone cries out - be they lost or saved - You move to rescue.  You raise up a deliverer.  You send “the Spirit of the Lord” to a leader.  When that leader steps out in your anointing we all see amazing things.  Mostly You displaying Your great power and love toward those whom You have placed Your favor.  Father God, would You give me more grace, would You fill me with Your Holy Spirit?  I am weak, I am dust, I am only a man.  You alone are my strength.  Jesus, you say “ask, seek, knock” and “how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?”  Father I am asking in Jesus’ name; fill me, anoint me.  Lord Jesus, I can do nothing apart from You…