Why Judges?
Judges is full of people with struggles and insecurities just like you and I. But not only can we relate to the people's stories in Judges but we can draw insightful and helpful principles that relate to us today and give us incredible glimpses of God's heart and character. It has been compared to a Old Testament mirror of the church today. We can learn a lot from seeing how the the Lord interacted and dealt with His people in a society much like ours. But not only is Judges a relate-able book for today, it's full of stories making it incredibly engaging.
The Devotional
You do not need to have the devotional to be in a Growth Group but the Devotional will help you along through the book providing insights and applications you may not have thought of. Laura will be giving a kindle copy of A Devotional Journey through Judges away FREE from Aug. 29-Sept. 2. It is also available in paperback.
Here's what people are saying about the devotional.
"I love how Laura can take such a hard to understand book of the bible and break it down verse by verse to help you get a better understanding of what it all means and how you can apply it into your life. I really love how her books make you ask yourself deep questions about what's going on in your heart, or challenge you think of ways you could apply these things into your everyday life. This devotional is a great asset to studying the book of Judges and also a great devotional for your spiritual growth daily! She is one of my favorite authors and I encourage you to take time to check out this book and her other books as well!" Hope
"This Bible Study is a smart combination of challenging, relatable, and truly life-applicable material. The book of Judges in the Bible can seem overwhelming but Laura's writing and very specific breakdown of the characters and happenings makes everything crystal clear. I have grown so much in my walk with God through her questions, challenges, sharing, and intelligent writing. I look forward to my time in the word with the study as a tool!" Carly
"One of the best devotionals I've read. I've never truly appreciated the Book of Judges before this but have bought it for others to read and would highly recommend it. It has truly touched my heart and life and increased my love of God and His word." Jacki
"I love this devotional! I am not a big fan of devotional books but this one caught my interest and held it. Ms Krokos relates on a real level to issues I didn't realize I had. Who would have though so many golden nuggets could be gleaned from Judges?" Mindy
"Excellent, devotional! Loved the way she shared her most personnel thought about Gods Word! I found myself chewing on each devotional get give meat for the soul!" Pamela
Read more reviews here.
"I love how Laura can take such a hard to understand book of the bible and break it down verse by verse to help you get a better understanding of what it all means and how you can apply it into your life. I really love how her books make you ask yourself deep questions about what's going on in your heart, or challenge you think of ways you could apply these things into your everyday life. This devotional is a great asset to studying the book of Judges and also a great devotional for your spiritual growth daily! She is one of my favorite authors and I encourage you to take time to check out this book and her other books as well!" Hope
"This Bible Study is a smart combination of challenging, relatable, and truly life-applicable material. The book of Judges in the Bible can seem overwhelming but Laura's writing and very specific breakdown of the characters and happenings makes everything crystal clear. I have grown so much in my walk with God through her questions, challenges, sharing, and intelligent writing. I look forward to my time in the word with the study as a tool!" Carly
"One of the best devotionals I've read. I've never truly appreciated the Book of Judges before this but have bought it for others to read and would highly recommend it. It has truly touched my heart and life and increased my love of God and His word." Jacki
"I love this devotional! I am not a big fan of devotional books but this one caught my interest and held it. Ms Krokos relates on a real level to issues I didn't realize I had. Who would have though so many golden nuggets could be gleaned from Judges?" Mindy
"Excellent, devotional! Loved the way she shared her most personnel thought about Gods Word! I found myself chewing on each devotional get give meat for the soul!" Pamela
Read more reviews here.
Chapter Excerpt
Judges 1:1-3
Now it came about after the death of Joshua that the sons of Israel inquired of the LORD, saying, "Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?" And the LORD said, "Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand." Then Judah said to Simeon his brother, "Come up with me into the territory allotted me, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I in turn will go with you into the territory allotted you.” So Simeon went with him. (Judges 1:1-3)
The boundary lines had already been drawn up for each of the tribes to take the land. They just hadn't done it yet. So I love that even though their leader had died, they didn't give up on the mission. And more importantly, they didn't give up on turning to the Lord.
I find it interesting that they asked who should go up and fight. Because before this time, they all had worked together under one leader. Having worked together to fight, it's interesting that they assumed only one of the tribes should go. God had appointed Moses. Just one guy. And then God told Moses to appoint Joshua. Again, just one guy. But the Lord never told Joshua to appoint a successor. And what a gift because it allows us to see that God also uses ordinary people who aren’t appointed to be the head honcho.
So the Lord sends the tribe of Judah, and they ask the Simeonites to go with them. This brings a lot of questions to mind:
* Would you be willing to be the tribe not chosen for this great task?
* How would you react? Would you complain, criticize, or be jealous? Or take the route of self-pity?
* If in the tribe of Simeon, would you be willing to be an accompanist and take joy in helping the chosen tribe?
* Would you root whole-heartedly from the sidelines, knowing you still had a part to play?
The Lord is the One who knows who is best fit for each task. When I am not chosen or picked, Lord, remind me that You had a hand in it. That You have not overlooked or disregarded me; it's just that You have different plans. Lord, how does this relate to my daily life?
Have you been overlooked recently? Not appreciated or disregarded? Has someone else received the thing you were hoping for or was asked to do something you were hoping to be asked to do?
I've been there. Just know the Lord has not overlooked you. He has not disregarded you. He knows exactly what He is doing. So often we have to remind ourselves what's true: If the Lord is for me, who can be against me?
God radically loves you, and He is for you!
It helps to be proactive and give thanks in all things because it changes our attitudes. But having an attitude of thankfulness (such as thanking God for the other person getting _____) is only something that comes by the strength, perspective, and ability of His Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit—love (which is unselfishly choosing for another’s highest good), joy, peace, patience—are not something we can conjure up. They are born in our hearts as we remain connected to the Lord as a branch does to a vine. As we submit and yield to Him, we give Him freedom to allow His heart and perspective to be lived through us.
Lord, we are desperately dependent on You. We want to have a heart that pleases You and not be selfish, but apart from You, we can do nothing. Please produce in us a heart that is able to be grateful for not being chosen right now. A heart that is willing to do whatever You ask. A heart surrendered to You and willing to be aligned to Yours. Lord, You are pretty incredible, knowing everything and being patient even when we get tired of being overlooked. Your knowledge and patience are so comforting, Lord. Thank You for opening our eyes and showing us that about You!
Now it came about after the death of Joshua that the sons of Israel inquired of the LORD, saying, "Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?" And the LORD said, "Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand." Then Judah said to Simeon his brother, "Come up with me into the territory allotted me, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I in turn will go with you into the territory allotted you.” So Simeon went with him. (Judges 1:1-3)
The boundary lines had already been drawn up for each of the tribes to take the land. They just hadn't done it yet. So I love that even though their leader had died, they didn't give up on the mission. And more importantly, they didn't give up on turning to the Lord.
I find it interesting that they asked who should go up and fight. Because before this time, they all had worked together under one leader. Having worked together to fight, it's interesting that they assumed only one of the tribes should go. God had appointed Moses. Just one guy. And then God told Moses to appoint Joshua. Again, just one guy. But the Lord never told Joshua to appoint a successor. And what a gift because it allows us to see that God also uses ordinary people who aren’t appointed to be the head honcho.
So the Lord sends the tribe of Judah, and they ask the Simeonites to go with them. This brings a lot of questions to mind:
* Would you be willing to be the tribe not chosen for this great task?
* How would you react? Would you complain, criticize, or be jealous? Or take the route of self-pity?
* If in the tribe of Simeon, would you be willing to be an accompanist and take joy in helping the chosen tribe?
* Would you root whole-heartedly from the sidelines, knowing you still had a part to play?
The Lord is the One who knows who is best fit for each task. When I am not chosen or picked, Lord, remind me that You had a hand in it. That You have not overlooked or disregarded me; it's just that You have different plans. Lord, how does this relate to my daily life?
Have you been overlooked recently? Not appreciated or disregarded? Has someone else received the thing you were hoping for or was asked to do something you were hoping to be asked to do?
I've been there. Just know the Lord has not overlooked you. He has not disregarded you. He knows exactly what He is doing. So often we have to remind ourselves what's true: If the Lord is for me, who can be against me?
God radically loves you, and He is for you!
It helps to be proactive and give thanks in all things because it changes our attitudes. But having an attitude of thankfulness (such as thanking God for the other person getting _____) is only something that comes by the strength, perspective, and ability of His Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit—love (which is unselfishly choosing for another’s highest good), joy, peace, patience—are not something we can conjure up. They are born in our hearts as we remain connected to the Lord as a branch does to a vine. As we submit and yield to Him, we give Him freedom to allow His heart and perspective to be lived through us.
Lord, we are desperately dependent on You. We want to have a heart that pleases You and not be selfish, but apart from You, we can do nothing. Please produce in us a heart that is able to be grateful for not being chosen right now. A heart that is willing to do whatever You ask. A heart surrendered to You and willing to be aligned to Yours. Lord, You are pretty incredible, knowing everything and being patient even when we get tired of being overlooked. Your knowledge and patience are so comforting, Lord. Thank You for opening our eyes and showing us that about You!