S Judges 3:4 They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
O it seems odd that God would need to test the Israelites to know them since he should know their heart already. I seems, rather, that this test is for the Israelites, so they may see their own heart. They are given the opportunity to follow their own evil heart, or to turn their hearts to God, learn his ways, and follow him. Comparing their lives with God’s word shows a stark contrast and, therefore, their sin.
A Scripture exposes sin. Jesus takes it away. Read God’s word to know the depth of your rebellion. Continue reading to know the depth of your forgiveness. And read still to know God so you may serve him through the grace he has shown you.
P You are the sovereign God. Thank you for showing me my heart and yours. Continue to purify me through your word and your spirit in me. Keep my eyes fixed on you.

S Isaiah 50:11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you shall have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.

O Without guidance we are all lost in the dark. God has given us light in Jesus but many of us want to create our own wisdom (or “torches”) to guide our lives by. This is foolish since none of us humans know the way – we are all in the same darkness. The guidance we create for ourselves leads only to separation from God – it is not true guidance.

A Do not seek out the wisdom of this world, but rather seek the wisdom that comes from the mouth of Christ. Learn God’s word and use it for your guidance.

P You are holy and glorious, above all things and all wisdom! Guide me by the light of your word, forgiving me from the times when I take my own path. Give me purpose in this life that is for you and you alone – lead me, by your light, to yourself.

S Isaiah 38:17 Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness, but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.

O Our trials and difficulties in life are for our benefit. We are better people because of them. We are brought closer to God by the removal of our sin and idols.

A Dealing with life’s hardships is difficult. But we can be joyful knowing that, in spite of the pain, God is working in your life.

P You are to be praised above everything in all creation! Your grace is amazing! You are working in the midst of my trouble, breaking my hold on things of this world so I may be conformed to your son. For this I thank you. Continue to refine me, and always give me this hope of knowing you intimately and perfectly. Keep my eyes fixed on you.

S Psalm 122:9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.

O David is saying that he will seek good for Jerusalem, for that is where the house of God is. He does not abandon the city to focus only on the temple, but strives for the city to flourish so the temple may flourish as well.

A See the welfare of the country, city, district, and church you are in so the God you serve and worship may be glorified in it. Do not abandon the world so you can focus only on “kingdom” work.

P Holy Father, you are majestic, holy, and above all creation. You are sovereign, and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lift up the city of Shanghai – make it prosper and allow your name to settle here. Give me your love, so I may reach out with your hands to serve others. Thank you for the love and life you have given me.