In today’s passage, Israel suffers defeat to the Philistines, and the ark of the Lord's covenant is captured, bringing calamity on the Philistines until they return it.
Before you begin
Ask the Lord to give you a fresh sense of wonder as you read His Word. Pray for understanding and for an open, humble, obedient heart to receive what He wants to say to you.
Read
Review
Write a sentence or two about what you've just read. This could be a summary of the passage or an observation or highlight that stood out to you.
Reflect
The Israelites took the ark of the Lord's covenant into battle, where it was not supposed to go unless commanded by God, hoping it would bring them victory. Often, we do the same thing. Are you treating God’s presence as something to be honored and obeyed or as a means to achieve what you want?
"When we have this sense that we live, breathe, walk, and move in His presence, that awareness will affect every aspect of our lives. It will bring protection, as well as delight and blessing. And as we walk in the fear of the Lord, we will find the greatest joy and freedom possible." —Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth1
Respond
Write a short prayer, based on today’s reading. This could include praise, gratitude, personal confession, agreement with the truth, or a request for yourself or someone else.
1Revive My Heart, p. 323
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Takeaway Thought
What key verse or insight will you take with you into your day?