JUDGES 18-19:In Judges yesterday, we heard the famous and tragic story of Samson and Delilah. Victory, in that case, was not 'sweet'. Then we heard the start of the story about Micah and the not so nice background of his personal idols and shrine. This is the first time so far in Judges where we have heard the repeated theme sentence of this book, "In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." (17:6)

PSALM 87:This is a prophetic psalm. The writer gives a picture of what is foretold in Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation about the glory of the New Jerusalem. Every tribe, tongue, and nation will be found there because they will have come to know the Lord.

1TIMOTHY 3:In chapter 2, Paul began his discussion of what Timothy should teach the congregation with the topic of prayer. We pray according to God's will if we pray for the salvation of others. God is always pleased with this prayer because we mirror his own heart. However the words of this chapter should not be twisted to say that every single person will be saved, or that the saving sacrifice that Jesus made will cover people who refuse to believe the Gospel. Chapter 2 also contains a part of Paul's teaching about women, including that they should place high importance on being clothed with good deeds, and should dress and act sensibly and modestly. They are not to seek to take authority over men.

NLT Translation notes:Ps. 87:4 [God says, "] I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me—also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia.They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!====1Tim. 3:9 They must be committed to the mystery of the [beliefs/faith] now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their [belief/faith] in Christ Jesus.16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our [way of believing//faith]:Christ was revealed in a human bodyand vindicated by the Spirit.He was seen by angelsand announced to the nations.[He has been taken up to heaven in glory,And people throughout the world have believed in Him.///He was believed in throughout the worldand taken to heaven in glory.]

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.