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December 11th, 2024
1 Samuel 5: 1-6
The Covenant Box among the Philistines
1After the Philistines captured the Covenant Box, they carried it from Ebenezer to their city of Ashdod, 2took it into the temple of their god Dagon, and set it up beside his statue. 3Early the next morning the people of Ashdod saw that the statue of Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground in front of the Lord's Covenant Box. So they lifted it up and put it back in its place. 4Early the following morning they saw that the statue had again fallen down in front of the Covenant Box. This time its head and both its arms were broken off and were lying in the doorway; only the body was left. ( 5That is why even today the priests of Dagon and all his worshipers in Ashdod step over that place and do not walk on it.)
6The Lord punished the people of Ashdod severely and terrified them. He punished them and the people in the surrounding territory by causing them to have tumors.
1After the Philistines captured the Covenant Box, they carried it from Ebenezer to their city of Ashdod, 2took it into the temple of their god Dagon, and set it up beside his statue. 3Early the next morning the people of Ashdod saw that the statue of Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground in front of the Lord's Covenant Box. So they lifted it up and put it back in its place. 4Early the following morning they saw that the statue had again fallen down in front of the Covenant Box. This time its head and both its arms were broken off and were lying in the doorway; only the body was left. ( 5That is why even today the priests of Dagon and all his worshipers in Ashdod step over that place and do not walk on it.)
6The Lord punished the people of Ashdod severely and terrified them. He punished them and the people in the surrounding territory by causing them to have tumors.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.5.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, you were angry that the Philistines had your covenant box because they worshiped another god, and the covenant box was yours. Lord the covenant box was sacred to you and the Israelites. Lord may we only do things that are pleasing to you. Lord, we believe that you are the one and only true God. Lord, we thank you for all things. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 10th, 2024
1 Samuel 4: 19-22
The Death of the Widow of Phinehas
19Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, and it was almost time for her baby to be born. When she heard that God's Covenant Box had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she suddenly went into labor and gave birth. 20As she was dying, the women helping her said to her, “Be brave! You have a son!” But she paid no attention and did not answer. 21She named the boy Ichabod, explaining, “God's glory has left Israel”—referring to the capture of the Covenant Box and the death of her father-in-law and her husband. 22“God's glory has left Israel,” she said, “because God's Covenant Box has been captured.”
19Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, and it was almost time for her baby to be born. When she heard that God's Covenant Box had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she suddenly went into labor and gave birth. 20As she was dying, the women helping her said to her, “Be brave! You have a son!” But she paid no attention and did not answer. 21She named the boy Ichabod, explaining, “God's glory has left Israel”—referring to the capture of the Covenant Box and the death of her father-in-law and her husband. 22“God's glory has left Israel,” she said, “because God's Covenant Box has been captured.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.4.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, it seems that Eli's daughter in law died of a broken heart because she found out that her father in law and husband were dead and that the covenant box had been captured. Lord, be with those who mourn and grieve the loss of loved ones, especially during this holiday season. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 9th, 2024
1 Samuel 4: 12-18
The Death of Eli
12A man from the tribe of Benjamin ran all the way from the battlefield to Shiloh and arrived there the same day. To show his grief, he had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head. 13Eli, who was very worried about the Covenant Box, was sitting in his seat beside the road, staring. The man spread the news throughout the town, and everyone cried out in fear. 14Eli heard the noise and asked, “What is all this noise about?” The man hurried to Eli to tell him the news. ( 15Eli was now ninety-eight years old and almost completely blind.) 16The man said, “I have escaped from the battle and have run all the way here today.”
Eli asked him, “What happened, my son?”
17The messenger answered, “Israel ran away from the Philistines; it was a terrible defeat for us! Besides that, your sons Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and God's Covenant Box was captured!”
18When the man mentioned the Covenant Box, Eli fell backward from his seat beside the gate. He was so old and fat that the fall broke his neck, and he died. He had been a leader in Israel for forty years.
12A man from the tribe of Benjamin ran all the way from the battlefield to Shiloh and arrived there the same day. To show his grief, he had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head. 13Eli, who was very worried about the Covenant Box, was sitting in his seat beside the road, staring. The man spread the news throughout the town, and everyone cried out in fear. 14Eli heard the noise and asked, “What is all this noise about?” The man hurried to Eli to tell him the news. ( 15Eli was now ninety-eight years old and almost completely blind.) 16The man said, “I have escaped from the battle and have run all the way here today.”
Eli asked him, “What happened, my son?”
17The messenger answered, “Israel ran away from the Philistines; it was a terrible defeat for us! Besides that, your sons Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and God's Covenant Box was captured!”
18When the man mentioned the Covenant Box, Eli fell backward from his seat beside the gate. He was so old and fat that the fall broke his neck, and he died. He had been a leader in Israel for forty years.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.4.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, it's never fun to be the messenger of bad news. Lord, help us to keep our anxiety in check, even when bad things happen to us. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 8th, 2024
1 Samuel 4: 1-4
The Capture of the Covenant Box
1At that time the Philistines gathered to go to war against Israel, so the Israelites set out to fight them. The Israelites set up their camp at Ebenezer and the Philistines at Aphek. 2The Philistines attacked, and after fierce fighting they defeated the Israelites and killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. 3When the survivors came back to camp, the leaders of Israel said, “Why did the Lord let the Philistines defeat us today? Let's go and bring the Lord's Covenant Box from Shiloh, so that he will go with us and save us from our enemies.” 4 So they sent messengers to Shiloh and got the Covenant Box of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned above the winged creatures. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, came along with the Covenant Box.
1At that time the Philistines gathered to go to war against Israel, so the Israelites set out to fight them. The Israelites set up their camp at Ebenezer and the Philistines at Aphek. 2The Philistines attacked, and after fierce fighting they defeated the Israelites and killed about four thousand men on the battlefield. 3When the survivors came back to camp, the leaders of Israel said, “Why did the Lord let the Philistines defeat us today? Let's go and bring the Lord's Covenant Box from Shiloh, so that he will go with us and save us from our enemies.” 4 So they sent messengers to Shiloh and got the Covenant Box of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned above the winged creatures. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, came along with the Covenant Box.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.4.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, the Israelites thought that they could get a free pass from your punishment for them disrespecting you by bringing your covenant box with them. Lord, you always stay true to your word, even if it's something we may not like. Lord, may we always treat you with respect, so you will be slow to anger, and you will be quick to forgive us. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 7th, 2024
1 Samuel 3: 15-21
15Samuel stayed in bed until morning; then he got up and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. He was afraid to tell Eli about the vision. 16Eli called him, “Samuel, my boy!”
“Yes, sir,” answered Samuel.
17“What did the Lord tell you?” Eli asked. “Don't keep anything from me. God will punish you severely if you don't tell me everything he said.” 18So Samuel told him everything; he did not keep anything back. Eli said, “He is the Lord; he will do whatever seems best to him.”
19As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and made come true everything that Samuel said. 20So all the people of Israel, from one end of the country to the other, knew that Samuel was indeed a prophet of the Lord. 21The Lord continued to reveal himself at Shiloh, where he had appeared to Samuel and had spoken to him. And when Samuel spoke, all Israel listened.
“Yes, sir,” answered Samuel.
17“What did the Lord tell you?” Eli asked. “Don't keep anything from me. God will punish you severely if you don't tell me everything he said.” 18So Samuel told him everything; he did not keep anything back. Eli said, “He is the Lord; he will do whatever seems best to him.”
19As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and made come true everything that Samuel said. 20So all the people of Israel, from one end of the country to the other, knew that Samuel was indeed a prophet of the Lord. 21The Lord continued to reveal himself at Shiloh, where he had appeared to Samuel and had spoken to him. And when Samuel spoke, all Israel listened.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.3.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being with Samuel throughout his life. Lord, we thank you for Eli's strength and belief in you that you would do whatever you thought best, even if it meant future troubles for his family because of their evil actions against you. Lord, this would be a hard pill for most of us to swallow. Lord, we also thank you for the people of Israel realizing Samuel's dedication to you and that he was definitely one of your prophets, so they listened to him when he spoke. We give honor, glory, and praise to his holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 6th, 2024
Psalm 14: 1-3
Human Wickedness
(Psalm 53)
1 Fools say to themselves,
“There is no God!”
They are all corrupt,
and they have done terrible things;
there is no one who does what is right.
2The Lord looks down from heaven at us humans
to see if there are any who are wise,
any who worship him.
3But they have all gone wrong;
they are all equally bad.
Not one of them does what is right,
not a single one.
(Psalm 53)
1 Fools say to themselves,
“There is no God!”
They are all corrupt,
and they have done terrible things;
there is no one who does what is right.
2The Lord looks down from heaven at us humans
to see if there are any who are wise,
any who worship him.
3But they have all gone wrong;
they are all equally bad.
Not one of them does what is right,
not a single one.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/PSA.14.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, it seems that human wickedness is everywhere that we look. Lord, sometimes it is tempting to lose faith in humanity, but we cling to hope because Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins so we may have eternal life one day. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 5th, 2024
1 Samuel 3: 1-9
The Lord Appears to Samuel
1In those days, when the boy Samuel was serving the Lord under the direction of Eli, there were very few messages from the Lord, and visions from him were quite rare. 2One night Eli, who was now almost blind, was sleeping in his own room; 3Samuel was sleeping in the sanctuary, where the sacred Covenant Box was. Before dawn, while the lamp was still burning, 4the Lord called Samuel. He answered, “Yes, sir!” 5and ran to Eli and said, “You called me, and here I am.”
But Eli answered, “I didn't call you; go back to bed.” So Samuel went back to bed.
6-7The Lord called Samuel again. The boy did not know that it was the Lord, because the Lord had never spoken to him before. So he got up, went to Eli, and said, “You called me, and here I am.”
But Eli answered, “My son, I didn't call you; go back to bed.”
8The Lord called Samuel a third time; he got up, went to Eli, and said, “You called me, and here I am.”
Then Eli realized that it was the Lord who was calling the boy, 9so he said to him, “Go back to bed; and if he calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.
1In those days, when the boy Samuel was serving the Lord under the direction of Eli, there were very few messages from the Lord, and visions from him were quite rare. 2One night Eli, who was now almost blind, was sleeping in his own room; 3Samuel was sleeping in the sanctuary, where the sacred Covenant Box was. Before dawn, while the lamp was still burning, 4the Lord called Samuel. He answered, “Yes, sir!” 5and ran to Eli and said, “You called me, and here I am.”
But Eli answered, “I didn't call you; go back to bed.” So Samuel went back to bed.
6-7The Lord called Samuel again. The boy did not know that it was the Lord, because the Lord had never spoken to him before. So he got up, went to Eli, and said, “You called me, and here I am.”
But Eli answered, “My son, I didn't call you; go back to bed.”
8The Lord called Samuel a third time; he got up, went to Eli, and said, “You called me, and here I am.”
Then Eli realized that it was the Lord who was calling the boy, 9so he said to him, “Go back to bed; and if he calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.3.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, may we listen to you when you speak to us. Lord, may the holy spirit let us know that it's you when you speak to us. Lord, thank you for all things. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 4th, 2024
1 Samuel 2: 22-26
Eli and His Sons
22Eli was now very old. He kept hearing about everything his sons were doing to the Israelites and that they were even sleeping with the women who worked at the entrance to the Tent of the Lord's presence. 23So he said to them, “Why are you doing these things? Everybody tells me about the evil you are doing. 24Stop it, my sons! This is an awful thing the people of the Lord are talking about! 25If anyone sins against someone else, God can defend the one who is wrong; but who can defend someone who sins against the Lord?”
But they would not listen to their father, for the Lord had decided to kill them.
26 The boy Samuel continued to grow and to gain favor both with the Lord and with people.
22Eli was now very old. He kept hearing about everything his sons were doing to the Israelites and that they were even sleeping with the women who worked at the entrance to the Tent of the Lord's presence. 23So he said to them, “Why are you doing these things? Everybody tells me about the evil you are doing. 24Stop it, my sons! This is an awful thing the people of the Lord are talking about! 25If anyone sins against someone else, God can defend the one who is wrong; but who can defend someone who sins against the Lord?”
But they would not listen to their father, for the Lord had decided to kill them.
26 The boy Samuel continued to grow and to gain favor both with the Lord and with people.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.2.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, it brings great sorrow to a parent when their children's actions are less than honorable towards you and others in general. Lord, we pray that our children will honor and serve you and that they will be kind to others throughout their lives. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 2nd, 2024
1 Samuel 2: 18-21
Samuel at Shiloh
18In the meantime the boy Samuel continued to serve the Lord, wearing a sacred linen apron. 19Each year his mother would make a little robe and take it to him when she accompanied her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say to Elkanah, “May the Lord give you other children by this woman to take the place of the one you dedicated to him.”
After that they would go back home.
21The Lord did bless Hannah, and she had three more sons and two daughters. The boy Samuel grew up in the service of the Lord.
18In the meantime the boy Samuel continued to serve the Lord, wearing a sacred linen apron. 19Each year his mother would make a little robe and take it to him when she accompanied her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say to Elkanah, “May the Lord give you other children by this woman to take the place of the one you dedicated to him.”
After that they would go back home.
21The Lord did bless Hannah, and she had three more sons and two daughters. The boy Samuel grew up in the service of the Lord.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.2.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we come to you thanking you for blessing us when we fully dedicate our lives to you. Lord, we are thankful that Hannah was blessed with other children because she dedicated Samuel to a life of service to you. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
December 1st, 2024
1 Samuel 2: 12-17
The Sons of Eli
12The sons of Eli were scoundrels. They paid no attention to the Lord 13or to the regulations concerning what the priests could demand from the people. Instead, when someone was offering a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fork. While the meat was still cooking, 14he would stick the fork into the cooking pot, and whatever the fork brought out belonged to the priest. All the Israelites who came to Shiloh to offer sacrifices were treated like this. 15In addition, even before the fat was taken off and burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the one offering the sacrifice, “Give me some meat for the priest to roast; he won't accept boiled meat from you, only raw meat.”
16If the person answered, “Let us do what is right and burn the fat first; then take what you want,” the priest's servant would say, “No! Give it to me now! If you don't, I will have to take it by force!”
17This sin of the sons of Eli was extremely serious in the Lord's sight, because they treated the offerings to the Lord with such disrespect.
12The sons of Eli were scoundrels. They paid no attention to the Lord 13or to the regulations concerning what the priests could demand from the people. Instead, when someone was offering a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fork. While the meat was still cooking, 14he would stick the fork into the cooking pot, and whatever the fork brought out belonged to the priest. All the Israelites who came to Shiloh to offer sacrifices were treated like this. 15In addition, even before the fat was taken off and burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the one offering the sacrifice, “Give me some meat for the priest to roast; he won't accept boiled meat from you, only raw meat.”
16If the person answered, “Let us do what is right and burn the fat first; then take what you want,” the priest's servant would say, “No! Give it to me now! If you don't, I will have to take it by force!”
17This sin of the sons of Eli was extremely serious in the Lord's sight, because they treated the offerings to the Lord with such disrespect.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.2.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, may we always treat you with respect for you are, the lord our God, who saved us from our sins through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 30th, 2024
1 Samuel 2: 1-3
Hannah’s Prayer
1Then Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2“There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3“Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.
1Then Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2“There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3“Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.2.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we come to you thanking you for the times that you have answered our prayers, and the times that you have filled our hearts with joy. Lord, we are grateful beyond measure for the blessings that you have bestowed upon us. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 28th,2024
Psalm 66: 1-4
A Song of Praise and Thanksgiving
1Praise God with shouts of joy, all people!
2Sing to the glory of his name;
offer him glorious praise!
3Say to God, “How wonderful are the things you do!
Your power is so great
that your enemies bow down in fear before you.
4Everyone on earth worships you;
they sing praises to you,
they sing praises to your name.”
1Praise God with shouts of joy, all people!
2Sing to the glory of his name;
offer him glorious praise!
3Say to God, “How wonderful are the things you do!
Your power is so great
that your enemies bow down in fear before you.
4Everyone on earth worships you;
they sing praises to you,
they sing praises to your name.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/PSA.66.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we come to you thanking you for all that you have done for us. Lord, thank you for creating animals, nature, and many other things for us to enjoy. Lord, we are grateful and thankful for all the blessings that you have bestowed upon us. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 27th,2024
1 Samuel 1: 24-28
4After she had weaned him, she took him to Shiloh, taking along a three-year-old bull, a bushel of flour, and a leather bag full of wine. She took Samuel, young as he was, to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 25After they had killed the bull, they took the child to Eli. 26Hannah said to him, “Excuse me, sir. Do you remember me? I am the woman you saw standing here, praying to the Lord. 27I asked him for this child, and he gave me what I asked for. 28So I am dedicating him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he will belong to the Lord.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.1.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God. it's very impressive that Hannah wanted Samuel to live in your house forever because most moms would want their children to be raised by them in their own home. Lord, we thank you for Hannah's selflessness and her desire to serve you in this way. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 26th, 2024
1 Samuel 1: 19-23
Samuel's Birth and Dedication
19The next morning Elkanah and his family got up early, and after worshiping the Lord, they went back home to Ramah. Elkanah had intercourse with his wife Hannah, and the Lord answered her prayer. 20So it was that she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, and explained, “I asked the Lord for him.”
21The time came again for Elkanah and his family to go to Shiloh and offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and the special sacrifice he had promised. 22But this time Hannah did not go. She told her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will take him to the house of the Lord, where he will stay all his life.”
23Elkanah answered, “All right, do whatever you think best; stay at home until you have weaned him. And may the Lord make your promise come true.” So Hannah stayed at home and nursed her child.
19The next morning Elkanah and his family got up early, and after worshiping the Lord, they went back home to Ramah. Elkanah had intercourse with his wife Hannah, and the Lord answered her prayer. 20So it was that she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, and explained, “I asked the Lord for him.”
21The time came again for Elkanah and his family to go to Shiloh and offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and the special sacrifice he had promised. 22But this time Hannah did not go. She told her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will take him to the house of the Lord, where he will stay all his life.”
23Elkanah answered, “All right, do whatever you think best; stay at home until you have weaned him. And may the Lord make your promise come true.” So Hannah stayed at home and nursed her child.
Morning Prayer
Dear God, How wonderful it is that Hannah was finally able to give birth to a son! Lord, may we do our best to raise our children to believe in and to serve you with whatever gifts that you have given them. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 23rd, 2024
1 Samuel 1: 9-18
Hannah and Eli
9-10One time, after they had finished their meal in the house of the Lord at Shiloh, Hannah got up. She was deeply distressed, and she cried bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. Meanwhile, Eli the priest was sitting in his place by the door. 11 Hannah made a solemn promise: “Lord Almighty, look at me, your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don't forget me! If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will never have his hair cut.”
12Hannah continued to pray to the Lord for a long time, and Eli watched her lips. 13She was praying silently; her lips were moving, but she made no sound. So Eli thought that she was drunk, 14and he said to her, “Stop making a drunken show of yourself! Stop your drinking and sober up!”
15“No, I'm not drunk, sir,” she answered. “I haven't been drinking! I am desperate, and I have been praying, pouring out my troubles to the Lord. 16Don't think I am a worthless woman. I have been praying like this because I'm so miserable.”
17“Go in peace,” Eli said, “and may the God of Israel give you what you have asked him for.”
18“May you always think kindly of me,” she replied. Then she went away, ate some food, and was no longer sad.
9-10One time, after they had finished their meal in the house of the Lord at Shiloh, Hannah got up. She was deeply distressed, and she cried bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. Meanwhile, Eli the priest was sitting in his place by the door. 11 Hannah made a solemn promise: “Lord Almighty, look at me, your servant! See my trouble and remember me! Don't forget me! If you give me a son, I promise that I will dedicate him to you for his whole life and that he will never have his hair cut.”
12Hannah continued to pray to the Lord for a long time, and Eli watched her lips. 13She was praying silently; her lips were moving, but she made no sound. So Eli thought that she was drunk, 14and he said to her, “Stop making a drunken show of yourself! Stop your drinking and sober up!”
15“No, I'm not drunk, sir,” she answered. “I haven't been drinking! I am desperate, and I have been praying, pouring out my troubles to the Lord. 16Don't think I am a worthless woman. I have been praying like this because I'm so miserable.”
17“Go in peace,” Eli said, “and may the God of Israel give you what you have asked him for.”
18“May you always think kindly of me,” she replied. Then she went away, ate some food, and was no longer sad.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.1.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, may we pour our hearts out to you in prayer at all times, but we especially need you in our hour of distress. Lord, thank you for being with us and for holding us at all times. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 22nd, 2024
Samuel 1: 1-8
Elkanah and His Family at Shiloh
1There was a man named Elkanah, from the tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham and grandson of Elihu, and belonged to the family of Tohu, a part of the clan of Zuph. 2Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. 3Every year Elkanah went from Ramah to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. 4Each time Elkanah offered his sacrifice, he would give one share of the meat to Peninnah and one share to each of her children. 5And even though he loved Hannah very much he would give her only one share, because the Lord had kept her from having children. 6Peninnah, her rival, would torment and humiliate her, because the Lord had kept her childless. 7This went on year after year; whenever they went to the house of the Lord, Peninnah would upset Hannah so much that she would cry and refuse to eat anything. 8Her husband Elkanah would ask her, “Hannah, why are you crying? Why won't you eat? Why are you always so sad? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?”
1There was a man named Elkanah, from the tribe of Ephraim, who lived in the town of Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham and grandson of Elihu, and belonged to the family of Tohu, a part of the clan of Zuph. 2Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not. 3Every year Elkanah went from Ramah to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. 4Each time Elkanah offered his sacrifice, he would give one share of the meat to Peninnah and one share to each of her children. 5And even though he loved Hannah very much he would give her only one share, because the Lord had kept her from having children. 6Peninnah, her rival, would torment and humiliate her, because the Lord had kept her childless. 7This went on year after year; whenever they went to the house of the Lord, Peninnah would upset Hannah so much that she would cry and refuse to eat anything. 8Her husband Elkanah would ask her, “Hannah, why are you crying? Why won't you eat? Why are you always so sad? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?”
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/1SA.1.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, it had to have been very tough to be childless back in biblical times because women who couldn't bear children were considered a disgrace to society. Lord, we are thankful that in modern times that women who cannot bear children or women who decide to not have children are just as accepted in society as women who can have children. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
November 21st, 2024
Joshua 24: 29-31
Joshua and Eleazar Die
29After that, the Lord's servant Joshua son of Nun died at the age of a hundred and ten. 30 They buried him on his own land at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim north of Mount Gaash.
31As long as Joshua lived, the people of Israel served the Lord, and after his death they continued to do so as long as those leaders were alive who had seen for themselves everything that the Lord had done for Israel.
29After that, the Lord's servant Joshua son of Nun died at the age of a hundred and ten. 30 They buried him on his own land at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim north of Mount Gaash.
31As long as Joshua lived, the people of Israel served the Lord, and after his death they continued to do so as long as those leaders were alive who had seen for themselves everything that the Lord had done for Israel.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.24.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, may we leave a legacy to our children when our time comes to be with you where they have seen us serve you faithfully. Lord, we thank you for all things. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 20th, 2024
Psalm 91: 1-4
God Our Protector
1Whoever goes to the Lord for safety,
whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,
2can say to him,
“You are my defender and protector.
You are my God; in you I trust.”
3He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers
and from all deadly diseases.
4He will cover you with his wings;
you will be safe in his care;
his faithfulness will protect and defend you.
1Whoever goes to the Lord for safety,
whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,
2can say to him,
“You are my defender and protector.
You are my God; in you I trust.”
3He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers
and from all deadly diseases.
4He will cover you with his wings;
you will be safe in his care;
his faithfulness will protect and defend you.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/PSA.91.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we come to you thanking you for protecting and keeping our loved ones safe from harm's way. Lord, may you give them comfort in their times of distress. Lord, we put our faith and trust in you. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 19th, 2024
Joshua 24: 14-15
14“Now then,” Joshua continued, “honor the Lord and serve him sincerely and faithfully. Get rid of the gods which your ancestors used to worship in Mesopotamia and in Egypt, and serve only the Lord. 15If you are not willing to serve him, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors worshiped in Mesopotamia or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living. As for my family and me, we will serve the Lord.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.24.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, may we never worship false gods, for you are the one and only true God. Lord, we will only serve you. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 18th, 2024
Joshua 23: 14-16
14“Now my time has come to die. Every one of you knows in his heart and soul that the Lord your God has given you all the good things that he promised. Every promise he made has been kept; not one has failed. 15But just as he kept every promise that he made to you, so he will carry out every threat. 16If you do not keep the covenant which the Lord your God commanded you to keep and if you serve and worship other gods, then in his anger he will punish you, and soon none of you will be left in this good land that he has given you.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.23.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we come to you thanking you for all the good things that you have done for us. Lord, we thank you for keeping your promises to us. Lord, may we worship and praise you all the days of our lives. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 17th, 2024
Joshua 22: 26-31
22“The Mighty One is God! He is the Lord! The Mighty One is God! He is the Lord! He knows why we did this, and we want you to know too! If we rebelled and did not keep faith with the Lord, do not let us live any longer! 23If we disobeyed the Lord and built our own altar to burn sacrifices on or to use for grain offerings or fellowship offerings, let the Lord himself punish us. 24No! We did it because we were afraid that in the future your descendants would say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel? 25He made the Jordan a boundary between us and you people of Reuben and Gad. You have nothing to do with the Lord.’ Then your descendants might make our descendants stop worshiping the Lord. 26So we built an altar, not to burn sacrifices or make offerings, 27but instead, as a sign for our people and yours, and for the generations after us, that we do indeed worship the Lord before his sacred Tent with our offerings to be burned and with sacrifices and fellowship offerings. This was to keep your descendants from saying that ours have nothing to do with the Lord. 28It was our idea that, if this should ever happen, our descendants could say, ‘Look! Our ancestors made an altar just like the Lord's altar. It was not for burning offerings or for sacrifice, but as a sign for our people and yours.’ 29We would certainly not rebel against the Lord or stop following him now by building an altar to burn offerings on or for grain offerings or sacrifices. We would not build any other altar than the altar of the Lord our God that stands in front of the Tent of his presence.”
30Phinehas the priest and the ten leading men of the community who were with him, the heads of families of the western tribes, heard what the people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh had to say, and they were satisfied. 31Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, said to them, “Now we know that the Lord is with us. You have not rebelled against him, and so you have saved the people of Israel from the Lord's punishment.”
30Phinehas the priest and the ten leading men of the community who were with him, the heads of families of the western tribes, heard what the people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh had to say, and they were satisfied. 31Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, said to them, “Now we know that the Lord is with us. You have not rebelled against him, and so you have saved the people of Israel from the Lord's punishment.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.22.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we come to you thanking you that the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Mannasseh were still worshiping and believing in you, and that the altar was built to honor you. Lord, may we always honor and believe in you. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 16th, 2024
Joshua 22: 1-8
Joshua Sends the Eastern Tribes Home
1Then Joshua called together the people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh. 2 He said to them, “You have done everything that Moses the Lord's servant ordered you to do, and you have obeyed all my commands. 3All this time you have never once deserted the other Israelites. You have been careful to obey the commands of the Lord your God. 4Now, as he promised, the Lord your God has given the other Israelites peace. So go back home to the land which you claimed for your own, the land on the east side of the Jordan, that Moses, the Lord's servant, gave you. 5Make sure you obey the law that Moses commanded you: love the Lord your God, do his will, obey his commandments, be faithful to him, and serve him with all your heart and soul.” 6-8Joshua sent them home with his blessing and with these words: “You are going back home very rich, with a lot of livestock, silver, gold, bronze, iron, and many clothes. Share with your fellow tribesmen what you took from your enemies.” Then they left for home.
Moses had given land east of the Jordan to one half of the tribe of Manasseh, but to the other half Joshua had given land west of the Jordan, along with the other tribes.
1Then Joshua called together the people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh. 2 He said to them, “You have done everything that Moses the Lord's servant ordered you to do, and you have obeyed all my commands. 3All this time you have never once deserted the other Israelites. You have been careful to obey the commands of the Lord your God. 4Now, as he promised, the Lord your God has given the other Israelites peace. So go back home to the land which you claimed for your own, the land on the east side of the Jordan, that Moses, the Lord's servant, gave you. 5Make sure you obey the law that Moses commanded you: love the Lord your God, do his will, obey his commandments, be faithful to him, and serve him with all your heart and soul.” 6-8Joshua sent them home with his blessing and with these words: “You are going back home very rich, with a lot of livestock, silver, gold, bronze, iron, and many clothes. Share with your fellow tribesmen what you took from your enemies.” Then they left for home.
Moses had given land east of the Jordan to one half of the tribe of Manasseh, but to the other half Joshua had given land west of the Jordan, along with the other tribes.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.22.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, thank you for all the times you've given us peace of mind. Lord, may we serve and love you with all of our heart and soul. Lord, thank you for remembering and blessing us when we obey your commands and when we love you with all of our heart and soul. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 15th,2024
Joshua 21: 43-45
Israel Takes Possession of the Land
43So the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he had solemnly promised their ancestors he would give them. When they had taken possession of it, they settled down there. 44The Lord gave them peace throughout the land, just as he had promised their ancestors. Not one of all their enemies had been able to stand against them, because the Lord gave the Israelites the victory over all their enemies. 45The Lord kept every one of the promises that he had made to the people of Israel.
43So the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he had solemnly promised their ancestors he would give them. When they had taken possession of it, they settled down there. 44The Lord gave them peace throughout the land, just as he had promised their ancestors. Not one of all their enemies had been able to stand against them, because the Lord gave the Israelites the victory over all their enemies. 45The Lord kept every one of the promises that he had made to the people of Israel.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.21.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, thank you for keeping your promise to the Israelites ancestors about giving their descendants the land that was promised to them. Lord, thank you for always keeping your promises to us. Lord, we thank you for the peaceful communities in this world. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 13th, 2024
Joshua: 20: 1-4
The Cities of Refuge
1 Then the Lord told Joshua 2to say to the people of Israel, “Choose the cities of refuge that I had Moses tell you about. 3If any of you accidentally kills someone, you can go there and escape the one who is looking for revenge. 4You can run away to one of these cities, go to the place of judgment at the entrance to the city, and explain to the leaders what happened. Then they will let you into the city and give you a place to live in, so that you can stay there
1 Then the Lord told Joshua 2to say to the people of Israel, “Choose the cities of refuge that I had Moses tell you about. 3If any of you accidentally kills someone, you can go there and escape the one who is looking for revenge. 4You can run away to one of these cities, go to the place of judgment at the entrance to the city, and explain to the leaders what happened. Then they will let you into the city and give you a place to live in, so that you can stay there
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.20.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we thank you for all of the times that you have given us refuge from the storms of life. Lord, we feel thankful and blessed that you're always on our side. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 12th, 2024
Joshua 13: 1-7
The Land Still to Be Taken
1Joshua was now very old. The Lord said to him, “You are very old, but there is still much land to be taken: 2all the territory of Philistia and Geshur, 3as well as all the territory of the Avvim to the south. (The land from the stream Shihor, at the Egyptian border, as far north as the border of Ekron was considered Canaanite; the kings of the Philistines lived at Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.) 4There is still all the Canaanite country, and Mearah (which belonged to the Sidonians), as far as Aphek, at the Amorite border; 5the land of the Gebalites; all of Lebanon to the east, from Baalgad, which is south of Mount Hermon, to Hamath Pass. 6 This includes all the territory of the Sidonians, who live in the hill country between the Lebanon Mountains and Misrephoth Maim. I will drive all these peoples out as the people of Israel advance. You must divide the land among the Israelites, just as I have commanded you to do. 7Now then, divide this land among the other nine tribes and half of the tribe of Manasseh, for them to possess as their own.”
1Joshua was now very old. The Lord said to him, “You are very old, but there is still much land to be taken: 2all the territory of Philistia and Geshur, 3as well as all the territory of the Avvim to the south. (The land from the stream Shihor, at the Egyptian border, as far north as the border of Ekron was considered Canaanite; the kings of the Philistines lived at Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.) 4There is still all the Canaanite country, and Mearah (which belonged to the Sidonians), as far as Aphek, at the Amorite border; 5the land of the Gebalites; all of Lebanon to the east, from Baalgad, which is south of Mount Hermon, to Hamath Pass. 6 This includes all the territory of the Sidonians, who live in the hill country between the Lebanon Mountains and Misrephoth Maim. I will drive all these peoples out as the people of Israel advance. You must divide the land among the Israelites, just as I have commanded you to do. 7Now then, divide this land among the other nine tribes and half of the tribe of Manasseh, for them to possess as their own.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.13.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we come to you thanking you for the times you have blessed us with plenty of what we have needed. Lord, we are thankful for all things. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 11th, 2024
Joshua 12: 1-6
The Kings Defeated by Moses
1 The people of Israel had already conquered and occupied the land east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley up the Jordan Valley and as far north as Mount Hermon. They defeated two kings. 2One was Sihon, the Amorite king who ruled at Heshbon. His kingdom included half of Gilead: from Aroer (on the edge of the Arnon Valley) and from the city in the middle of that valley, as far as the Jabbok River, the border of Ammon; 3it included the Jordan Valley from Lake Galilee south to Beth Jeshimoth (east of the Dead Sea) and on toward the foot of Mount Pisgah.
4They also defeated King Og of Bashan, who was one of the last of the Rephaim; he ruled at Ashtaroth and Edrei. 5His kingdom included Mount Hermon, Salecah, and all of Bashan as far as the boundaries of Geshur and Maacah, as well as half of Gilead, as far as the territory of King Sihon of Heshbon.
6 These two kings were defeated by Moses and the people of Israel. Moses, the Lord's servant, gave their land to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and to half the tribe of Manasseh, to be their possession.
1 The people of Israel had already conquered and occupied the land east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley up the Jordan Valley and as far north as Mount Hermon. They defeated two kings. 2One was Sihon, the Amorite king who ruled at Heshbon. His kingdom included half of Gilead: from Aroer (on the edge of the Arnon Valley) and from the city in the middle of that valley, as far as the Jabbok River, the border of Ammon; 3it included the Jordan Valley from Lake Galilee south to Beth Jeshimoth (east of the Dead Sea) and on toward the foot of Mount Pisgah.
4They also defeated King Og of Bashan, who was one of the last of the Rephaim; he ruled at Ashtaroth and Edrei. 5His kingdom included Mount Hermon, Salecah, and all of Bashan as far as the boundaries of Geshur and Maacah, as well as half of Gilead, as far as the territory of King Sihon of Heshbon.
6 These two kings were defeated by Moses and the people of Israel. Moses, the Lord's servant, gave their land to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and to half the tribe of Manasseh, to be their possession.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.12.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, thank you for Moses and the Israelites for defeating King Sihon and King Og. Lord, with you on our side, we can accomplish anything. Lord, may we always turn to you for guidance. Lord, we are grateful for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 10th, 2024
Joshua 11: 21-23
21At this time Joshua went and destroyed the race of giants called the Anakim who lived in the hill country—in Hebron, Debir, Anab, and in all the hill country of Judah and Israel. Joshua completely destroyed them and their cities. 22None of the Anakim were left in the land of Israel; a few, however, were left in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod.
23Joshua captured the whole land, as the Lord had commanded Moses. Joshua gave it to the Israelites as their own and divided it into portions, one for each tribe.
So the people rested from war.
23Joshua captured the whole land, as the Lord had commanded Moses. Joshua gave it to the Israelites as their own and divided it into portions, one for each tribe.
So the people rested from war.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.11.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, thank goodness the Israelites rested from being in wars. Lord, we thank you for providing the Israelites with their own land because of Joshua capturing the whole land. Lord, thank you for the times that you have provided us with the things that we have needed. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 9th, 2024
Joshua 10: 16-21
Joshua Captures the Five Amorite Kings
16The five Amorite kings, however, had escaped and were hiding in the cave at Makkedah. 17Someone found them, and Joshua was told where they were hiding. 18He said, “Roll some big stones in front of the entrance to the cave. Place some guards there, 19but don't stay there yourselves. Keep on after the enemy and attack them from the rear; don't let them get to their cities! The Lord your God has given you victory over them.” 20Joshua and the men of Israel slaughtered them, although some managed to find safety inside their city walls and were not killed. 21Then all of Joshua's men came back safe to him at the camp at Makkedah.
No one in the land dared even to speak against the Israelites.
16The five Amorite kings, however, had escaped and were hiding in the cave at Makkedah. 17Someone found them, and Joshua was told where they were hiding. 18He said, “Roll some big stones in front of the entrance to the cave. Place some guards there, 19but don't stay there yourselves. Keep on after the enemy and attack them from the rear; don't let them get to their cities! The Lord your God has given you victory over them.” 20Joshua and the men of Israel slaughtered them, although some managed to find safety inside their city walls and were not killed. 21Then all of Joshua's men came back safe to him at the camp at Makkedah.
No one in the land dared even to speak against the Israelites.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.10.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, sometimes when we are fearful of something or someone we dare not speak a word against them for fear of retaliation. Lord, give us the gift of tactfulness so we will be safe. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 8th, 2024
Joshua 10: 6-12
6The men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal: “Do not abandon us, sir! Come at once and help us! Save us! All the Amorite kings in the hill country have joined forces and have attacked us!”
7So Joshua and his whole army, including the best troops, started out from Gilgal. 8The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them. I have already given you the victory. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.” 9All night Joshua and his army marched from Gilgal to Gibeon, and they made a surprise attack on the Amorites. 10The Lord made the Amorites panic at the sight of Israel's army. The Israelites slaughtered them at Gibeon and pursued them down the mountain pass at Beth Horon, keeping up the attack as far south as Azekah and Makkedah. 11While the Amorites were running down the pass from the Israelite army, the Lord made large hailstones fall down on them all the way to Azekah. More were killed by the hailstones than by the Israelites.
12On the day that the Lord gave the men of Israel victory over the Amorites, Joshua spoke to the Lord. In the presence of the Israelites he said,
7So Joshua and his whole army, including the best troops, started out from Gilgal. 8The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them. I have already given you the victory. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.” 9All night Joshua and his army marched from Gilgal to Gibeon, and they made a surprise attack on the Amorites. 10The Lord made the Amorites panic at the sight of Israel's army. The Israelites slaughtered them at Gibeon and pursued them down the mountain pass at Beth Horon, keeping up the attack as far south as Azekah and Makkedah. 11While the Amorites were running down the pass from the Israelite army, the Lord made large hailstones fall down on them all the way to Azekah. More were killed by the hailstones than by the Israelites.
12On the day that the Lord gave the men of Israel victory over the Amorites, Joshua spoke to the Lord. In the presence of the Israelites he said,
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.10.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we come to you thanking you for always being by our sides during the good times and during the bad times. Lord, thank you for the times that you have watched over us, and for the times that you have protected us from our enemies. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 7th, 2024
Joshua 10: 1-5
The Amorites Are Defeated
1Adonizedek, the king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had captured and totally destroyed Ai and had killed its king, just as he had done to Jericho and its king. He also heard that the people of Gibeon had made peace with the Israelites and were living among them. 2The people of Jerusalem were greatly alarmed at this because Gibeon was as large as any of the cities that had a king; it was larger than Ai, and its men were good fighters. 3So Adonizedek sent the following message to King Hoham of Hebron, King Piram of Jarmuth, King Japhia of Lachish, and to King Debir of Eglon: 4“Come and help me attack Gibeon, because its people have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.” 5These five Amorite kings, the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon, joined forces, surrounded Gibeon, and attacked it.
1Adonizedek, the king of Jerusalem, heard that Joshua had captured and totally destroyed Ai and had killed its king, just as he had done to Jericho and its king. He also heard that the people of Gibeon had made peace with the Israelites and were living among them. 2The people of Jerusalem were greatly alarmed at this because Gibeon was as large as any of the cities that had a king; it was larger than Ai, and its men were good fighters. 3So Adonizedek sent the following message to King Hoham of Hebron, King Piram of Jarmuth, King Japhia of Lachish, and to King Debir of Eglon: 4“Come and help me attack Gibeon, because its people have made peace with Joshua and the Israelites.” 5These five Amorite kings, the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon, joined forces, surrounded Gibeon, and attacked it.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.10.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, when we feel threatened by others, may we turn to you for guidance on how to handle the situation in the right way. Lord, help us to think things through before we act on our thoughts and feelings. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 6th, 2024
Joshua 9: 22-27
22Joshua ordered the people of Gibeon to be brought to him, and he asked them, “Why did you deceive us and tell us that you were from far away, when you live right here? 23Because you did this, God has condemned you. Your people will always be slaves, cutting wood and carrying water for the sanctuary of my God.”
24They answered, “We did it, sir, because we learned that it was really true that the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to kill the people living in it as you advanced. We did it because we were terrified of you; we were in fear of our lives. 25Now we are in your power; do with us what you think is right.” 26So this is what Joshua did: he protected them and did not allow the people of Israel to kill them. 27But at the same time he made them slaves, to cut wood and carry water for the people of Israel and for the Lord's altar. To this day they have continued to do this work in the place where the Lord has chosen to be worshiped.
24They answered, “We did it, sir, because we learned that it was really true that the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to kill the people living in it as you advanced. We did it because we were terrified of you; we were in fear of our lives. 25Now we are in your power; do with us what you think is right.” 26So this is what Joshua did: he protected them and did not allow the people of Israel to kill them. 27But at the same time he made them slaves, to cut wood and carry water for the people of Israel and for the Lord's altar. To this day they have continued to do this work in the place where the Lord has chosen to be worshiped.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.9.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, we thank you for the times that you have put people in our path to protect us from harm's way. Lord, we thank you for all things. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 5th, 2024
Joshua 9: 16-21
16Three days after the treaty had been made, the Israelites learned that these people did indeed live nearby. 17So the people of Israel started out and three days later arrived at the cities where these people lived: Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim. 18But the Israelites could not kill them, because their leaders had made a solemn promise to them in the name of the Lord, Israel's God. All the people complained to the leaders about this, 19but they answered, “We have made our solemn promise to them in the name of the Lord God of Israel. Now we cannot harm them. 20We must let them live because of our promise; if we don't, God will punish us. 21Let them live, but they will have to cut wood and carry water for us.” This was what the leaders suggested.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.9.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, what can the Israelites do? A promise in your name is a promise in your name. Lord, the people of Gibeon are lucky that the promise the Israelites made to them allowed them to live, even if they became their slaves. Lord, thank you for the times you have had mercy on us. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
November 4th, 2024
Joshua 9: 14-15
14The Israelites accepted some food from them, but did not consult the Lord about it. 15Joshua made a treaty of friendship with the people of Gibeon and allowed them to live. The leaders of the community of Israel gave their solemn promise to keep the treaty.
https://www.bible.com/bible/69/JOS.9.GNTD
Morning Prayer
Dear God, may we always consult you before we make big decisions or we may end up being deceived. We give honor, glory, and praise to your holy name. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
