Day two hundred twelve
I am looking forward to today. I have the opportunity to go to Church and worship God, to learn more about Him, to feel the Spirit, to visit with friends, and later today to spend sometime with my family. Today has the potential to refill my spiritual well and I need it! It is with hope and gratitude that I prayed this morning to have the experiences that I need to refill today. I need it to get through the week!
Judges 7
In James 4:13-15, James councils men against the foolishness of making plans without consideration for the will of God in the matter. All James is saying is that we can make any plans we wish to make, but God always has the final say in any matter. When we learn His plans for the situation, and we make our plans based on His plans, we find out that He had the best plan all along!
God's plans are different (vv 2-7).
When Gideon and his army went into battle, they must have had a plan, but before the battle was joined and the victory was won, they found out that God had the best plan. Gideon planned to march into battle with 32,000 soldiers, but God had a different plan!
When we make plans for our lives, we usually try to stack the deck in our favor. That is human nature. However, God will usually have a different plan for our life than we do. There are lots of examples of this in the scriptures:
David was just a shepherd, but God had a different plan.
Job was a wealthy man who just wanted to worship his God, love his family and enjoy his wealth, but God had a different plan.
Joseph and Mary were a young couple who wanted to get married and raise a family, but God had a different plan.
Saul of Tarsus just wanted to destroy Christianity, but God had a different plan!
God Declares His Plans (vv 9-14)
Here is Gideon, he has seen his 32,000-man army reduced to just 300 men. He is getting ready to attack a force that is many times larger than his own (verse 12). God is not asking for a leap in the dark, he is asking for a clear step of faith.
The Lord expects us to walk in obedience to His will, but He never asks for a blind leap in the dark. He always asks His children to respond to His plans by taking a clear step of faith. He has many ways of sharing His plans with us:
He speaks through His Word (Rom. 10:17).
He speaks through the Spirit (Acts 13:2; 16:6-8).
He speaks through other believers (Acts 9:17-18).
He even speaks through the circumstances of life (Gen. 24:12-16).
Knowing His plan requires prayer, holiness and patience, but be sure, in His time, He will reveal His plan. The surest path to knowing His plan is to practice Rom. 12:1-2.The bottom line is this; God will always direct our feet plainly. He will not leave us in doubt!
God's Plans are Distinct (vv 15-23)
Gideon’s men were to surround the enemy, 300 against thousands! They were to sounds their trumpets, shout for the battle and break a little clay pitcher containing an oil lamp. God said that this would give them the victory, and it did! What a distinct plan! Who else could come up with a plan like that!
Had Gideon and his men not been willing to follow God’s plan, they would have missed out on the victory. So it is with the plans of God. There are times when the Lord will lead us in directions we never imagined. He can come up with plans for our lives that are very distinct. Yet, when we go His way, we find out that He always has the best plan!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Reputation
Day two hundred eleven
The other day I heard a quote that has stuck with me. I have been pondering it for a couple of days now and every time I think about it I find another facet to it. I have shared this quote with others and they all look at me with this look of wow that is a lot to think about. It has affected the way I pray, my thoughts, may actions and the way I interact with others. I want to share it with you:
We need to uphold the reputation of our God.
He has an amazing reputation, spotless, completely trustworthy, and full of love. As a Christian I am supposed to be His representative here on Earth. This is personal, yet universal for all believers. It is filled with power!
I love the impact that this quote has had on me and others. We have been talking about it for days at work. I hope you will take some time to stop and think about what type of reputation you present to others about God. What can you personally do to maintain the reputation of our God? It is awesome. Something to think about...
The other day I heard a quote that has stuck with me. I have been pondering it for a couple of days now and every time I think about it I find another facet to it. I have shared this quote with others and they all look at me with this look of wow that is a lot to think about. It has affected the way I pray, my thoughts, may actions and the way I interact with others. I want to share it with you:
We need to uphold the reputation of our God.
He has an amazing reputation, spotless, completely trustworthy, and full of love. As a Christian I am supposed to be His representative here on Earth. This is personal, yet universal for all believers. It is filled with power!
I love the impact that this quote has had on me and others. We have been talking about it for days at work. I hope you will take some time to stop and think about what type of reputation you present to others about God. What can you personally do to maintain the reputation of our God? It is awesome. Something to think about...
Friday, July 29, 2011
Public vs Private
Day two hundred ten
It's been a long week and my family is showing it. There's been a little more complaining , a little more grouchiness, and a lot more tiredness. We will get through it, it's just the enduring part that's rough. My prayer this morning was focused on my family and our need to work through the tiredness and to remember all the blessings we have. We need to get reconnected and laugh and have some fun. I asked the Lord to bless us with those opportunities and to hold us up a little longer. I have no doubt that He will come through for us, He always does!
Judges 6:33-40
After the very public test of destroying the altar of Baal and the grove of trees, there came a time of private testing for Gideon. This second test was not instigated by God, but by Gideon. He had demonstrated great bravery in his public testing, but he shows a lack of faith in this time of private testing. Sometimes it is easier to put on a public face and appear to be one person when we are someone totally different in private.
Sometimes we feel like we need to be brave for others, when inside we are still feeling doubt and fear. There have been times in history when a President or military leader has rallied the troops to war, but inside they question what they are doing. As I read these verses in Judges 6, I wondered if that was the case with Gideon.
When Gideon destroyed the altar to Baal, it was a step of great faith. But in these verses, removed from the public eye, we will see that Gideon is still afraid and unsure. Although his family and those living in his village have witnessed his courage in public; God will witness his fear in private.
Public
As the scene opens, we see a Gideon energized and excited from his recent victory, calling Israel to prepare for war. This is the Gideon the Lord saw when He first called Gideon for the task of delivering God’s people (v 12).
It is harvest time in Israel (v 11) and the crops are being gathered. For the past seven years (v 1), the Midianites and their allies have used Israel as their own private pantry. They would come in and take the harvest for themselves, leaving the people of Israel destitute and broken (vv 3-7). This is what is taking place in verse 33. The invaders were significant in number. Judges 7:12 gives us some idea of the size of this vast army. According to Judges 8:10 their army numbered around 135,000 men.
When the enemy comes, Gideon has the courage to do what no man has done in over seven years. Until that moment, the war trumpets of Israel had been silent. No one in the land had possessed the courage to pick up that trumpet and call the people to war. Gideon appears ready for the task he has been assigned. He places his hand on the trumpet, lifts it to his lips and calls Israel to gather for battle (v 34). When Gideon sounds the war trumpet the people begin to rally around him. Judges 7:3 tells us that Gideon now has an army of 32,000 men.
Private
It is the word 'if' in verse 36 that leads me to believe that Gideon has some doubts concerning what the Lord is calling him to do. God had already told Gideon repeatedly what He wanted him to do (vv 12, 14, 16) and He has shown him signs. But Gideon seems to have difficulty simply trusting the Lord and taking Him at his word. He wants some kind of tangible proof that he can see with his own eyes that this is God’s will. In other words, Gideon is not willing to walk by faith alone; he wants to walk by sight too.
Gideon comes up with a test to determine God’s will. In verse 37, he places a piece of sheepskin on the ground and asks the Lord to make the fleece wet and the ground around it dry. God does exactly what Gideon asks him to do (v 38).
However, this does not satisfy Gideon. So, even though he was able to wring a bowl full of water from the fleece, he is still not convinced. The next night he asks God to reverse the conditions of the test. Make the ground wet and the fleece dry. God does this too (vv 39-40). Apparently, this satisfies Gideon because he does not question God’s call again.
I am not condemning Gideon for his choice to seek a sign. There have been times in my life when I have sought a sign from God, although it was nothing quite as impressive as the fleece test. Over the years I have learned that you are never really sure when you ask for a sign that it really came from God. Instead, I have leaned on what I have learned from the scriptures about how God guides His people:
Through His Spirit – John 16:13; D&C 8:3
Through His word – Psalm 119:105; Alma 37:44
Through His peace – Col. 3:15; Mosiah 4:3
Through the desires He gives us – Proverbs 11:23; D&C 11:8
Through the godly counsel of His people – Pro. 11:14; Amos 3:7
We know that something truly comes from God when ALL of these areas are in agreement. This is the only sure way I know that God is the one guiding me. When we know that it is truly God leading us it gives us the confidence to be the same person publicly that we are privately.
Take a minute to think about what could be accomplished for God in this world if every believer simply did what God wanted him or her to do with confidence. Far more would be accomplished than we could ever imagine! We just need to learn to take Him at His word and step out in faith!
It's been a long week and my family is showing it. There's been a little more complaining , a little more grouchiness, and a lot more tiredness. We will get through it, it's just the enduring part that's rough. My prayer this morning was focused on my family and our need to work through the tiredness and to remember all the blessings we have. We need to get reconnected and laugh and have some fun. I asked the Lord to bless us with those opportunities and to hold us up a little longer. I have no doubt that He will come through for us, He always does!
Judges 6:33-40
After the very public test of destroying the altar of Baal and the grove of trees, there came a time of private testing for Gideon. This second test was not instigated by God, but by Gideon. He had demonstrated great bravery in his public testing, but he shows a lack of faith in this time of private testing. Sometimes it is easier to put on a public face and appear to be one person when we are someone totally different in private.
Sometimes we feel like we need to be brave for others, when inside we are still feeling doubt and fear. There have been times in history when a President or military leader has rallied the troops to war, but inside they question what they are doing. As I read these verses in Judges 6, I wondered if that was the case with Gideon.
When Gideon destroyed the altar to Baal, it was a step of great faith. But in these verses, removed from the public eye, we will see that Gideon is still afraid and unsure. Although his family and those living in his village have witnessed his courage in public; God will witness his fear in private.
Public
As the scene opens, we see a Gideon energized and excited from his recent victory, calling Israel to prepare for war. This is the Gideon the Lord saw when He first called Gideon for the task of delivering God’s people (v 12).
It is harvest time in Israel (v 11) and the crops are being gathered. For the past seven years (v 1), the Midianites and their allies have used Israel as their own private pantry. They would come in and take the harvest for themselves, leaving the people of Israel destitute and broken (vv 3-7). This is what is taking place in verse 33. The invaders were significant in number. Judges 7:12 gives us some idea of the size of this vast army. According to Judges 8:10 their army numbered around 135,000 men.
When the enemy comes, Gideon has the courage to do what no man has done in over seven years. Until that moment, the war trumpets of Israel had been silent. No one in the land had possessed the courage to pick up that trumpet and call the people to war. Gideon appears ready for the task he has been assigned. He places his hand on the trumpet, lifts it to his lips and calls Israel to gather for battle (v 34). When Gideon sounds the war trumpet the people begin to rally around him. Judges 7:3 tells us that Gideon now has an army of 32,000 men.
Private
It is the word 'if' in verse 36 that leads me to believe that Gideon has some doubts concerning what the Lord is calling him to do. God had already told Gideon repeatedly what He wanted him to do (vv 12, 14, 16) and He has shown him signs. But Gideon seems to have difficulty simply trusting the Lord and taking Him at his word. He wants some kind of tangible proof that he can see with his own eyes that this is God’s will. In other words, Gideon is not willing to walk by faith alone; he wants to walk by sight too.
Gideon comes up with a test to determine God’s will. In verse 37, he places a piece of sheepskin on the ground and asks the Lord to make the fleece wet and the ground around it dry. God does exactly what Gideon asks him to do (v 38).
However, this does not satisfy Gideon. So, even though he was able to wring a bowl full of water from the fleece, he is still not convinced. The next night he asks God to reverse the conditions of the test. Make the ground wet and the fleece dry. God does this too (vv 39-40). Apparently, this satisfies Gideon because he does not question God’s call again.
I am not condemning Gideon for his choice to seek a sign. There have been times in my life when I have sought a sign from God, although it was nothing quite as impressive as the fleece test. Over the years I have learned that you are never really sure when you ask for a sign that it really came from God. Instead, I have leaned on what I have learned from the scriptures about how God guides His people:
Through His Spirit – John 16:13; D&C 8:3
Through His word – Psalm 119:105; Alma 37:44
Through His peace – Col. 3:15; Mosiah 4:3
Through the desires He gives us – Proverbs 11:23; D&C 11:8
Through the godly counsel of His people – Pro. 11:14; Amos 3:7
We know that something truly comes from God when ALL of these areas are in agreement. This is the only sure way I know that God is the one guiding me. When we know that it is truly God leading us it gives us the confidence to be the same person publicly that we are privately.
Take a minute to think about what could be accomplished for God in this world if every believer simply did what God wanted him or her to do with confidence. Far more would be accomplished than we could ever imagine! We just need to learn to take Him at His word and step out in faith!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
It Happens in Steps
Day two hundred nine
There are times when I question the need to blog about my prayers and my scripture study. Although I love communicating with my Father in Heaven and thoroughly enjoy studying the scriptures, it takes time to organize my thoughts and type up my blog. Some days I just think it would be nice to not have to think so much! But then I pray about my lack of motivation and the Lord reminds me of why I started this in the first place and I get up from my prayers knowing what I need to do. I am very grateful for the gentle nudges that He gives me to keep me going, He knows me so well!
Judges 6:25-32
In my last post, we met a man named Gideon who God chose to deliver Israel from the bondage of their enemies. At first, Gideon does not appear to be a likely candidate to be the deliverer of the nation. We found him hiding from the Midianites to prevent them from taking the small amount of grain he possesses.
Then an angel of the Lord comes to Gideon and tells him that the Lord has chosen him to be the deliverer of Israel. Gideon, like most people, immediately tells God why He is wrong. After losing the argument, Gideon finds himself worshiping the Lord and waiting for his orders.
Now we will watch as the Lord prepares Gideon for the mission that lies ahead. God brings Gideon along in a series of small, specific steps that will lead to Gideon achieving big things. As we consider how God develops Gideon, take a moment to consider our own lives. The Lord is in the business of developing us as well. How is the Lord preparing you?
Have Faith
Sadly, Gideon's father was an idol worshiper who had his own altar built in order to worship Baal. The Lord commanded Gideon to destroy his father's Baal-worshiping altar and also the grove of trees that surrounded it. (Note: Groves of trees played a prominent part in ancient heathen worship. Within the groves the immoral rites of the heathen religions were performed. Old Testament Student Manual, p 255).
Gideon follows the Lords instructions and takes 10 men with him and carries out this assignment during the night.
There are two main purposes that I see for God issuing this command to Gideon. First, God intended to demonstrate His superiority over Baal. Gideon would topple Baal’s altar and Baal would be powerless to stop it from happening. Second, God wanted Gideon to know that He would be with him, regardless of the opposition he faced. This was a small step for Gideon, but it proved to him that God would never forsake him when he was doing the Lord’s will.
There are times when God will place a specific call in your life. When He does, He will let you know. He will speak through the scriptures, through His Spirit and through His church to reveal His will. When this happens it is an opportunity for you to build faith, an important step in your preparation. Will you be like Gideon and in faith follow what the Lord calls you to do?
Do the Small Things
There is something in the simplicity of this task. This was a command for Gideon to do something that he could do. This was a baby step to prepare him for what he could not do. Gideon had everything he needed to do what God was telling him to do; he merely had to do it. All he had to do was follow God by faith. God was using this simple command to prepare Gideon for something far more difficult. God was preparing Gideon to do things that were impossible. Gideon would have never believed God for the impossible, had he not seen the Lord first work in the possible.
As we prove faithful in the small things, God assigns us greater tasks. When we do those things, He leads us to do even greater things. That is how He works in each of our lives. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10)
Our problem is often that we do not do the small things He asks us to do, so we are never used by the Lord to do the greater things. When we will not pray, read the scriptures, go to church, pay tithes, or serve Him in all the many ways that are available, why should we expect Him to use us in great ways? He will never use us in great ways, until we first prove trustworthy in the small things of life.
Recognize that Actions Have Consequences
Gideon’s actions caused uproar in the community. God was pleased by what Gideon did, but He was the only one! When the men of the village saw that the altar had been destroyed, they demanded to know who had done it. It wasn’t long until they knew that Gideon had destroyed the altar and the grove. When they found out that Gideon had done this, they went to Gideon’s father and demanded that Gideon be put to death for daring to defy Baal.
We need to understand that not everyone is pleased when we obediently serve the Lord. There will be people all around us who will not understand. Family will feel left out. Unspiritual people will feel threatened. Lost people will accuse us of promoting ourselves. When we serve the Lord faithfully and obediently, He will be glorified, but those around us may not understand what we are doing. Instead of giving in to those who oppose us, we must obediently follow the Lord in spite of all that some would do to stop us. Understanding this ahead of time allows us to prepare for the repercussions and lean on the Lord for support.
See the Blessings
When the men come to Joash (Gideon's father) to seek the life of Gideon, his response says something about how his son's actions have affected him. I love his response to these men. He basically says, “Will you intercede for Baal? Will you be his savior? If you think Baal cannot take care of himself, you should be put to death right now! If Baal is really a god, let him come to his own defense." (Judges 6:31) I like the word 'if' in his statement it implies that maybe there is a change of heart going on. Sometimes God uses our actions to change the hearts of those around us, and that is a great gift and blessing.
One of the greatest benefits of this entire event was in the life of Gideon. All Gideon knew was that the Lord was calling him to do a great work. He was afraid and he was unsure how things would work out. As Gideon followed the Lord in this matter, he learned that God would walk with him, protect him and give him victory. That information would serve him well as the tasks he would be called to do grew larger.
Gideon learned on that day that God was able. He learned that God was more powerful than the false gods of the pagans. He learned that God was greater than the enemy. He learned that God would keep His word and that He would protect His servants. That was valuable information for a future deliverer like Gideon. It is a valuable lesson for any servant of the Lord to learn!
Everything that God allows into our lives is a teaching experience. He uses all the events of our lives to teach us about His grace and His power. He uses the valleys and the mountains to train us for greater things. If we learn the lessons and walk in faith, He will use us in ways we never imagined. How will you let the Lord teach you today?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Questions and Availability
Day two hundred eight
On my drive to work I listen to the radio, a Christian music station, and they usually have these short news breaks. Yesterday, they were discussing a recent poll's results on marriage. The conclusion was that 40% of Americans believe that marriage is outdated. I was surprised by that number and saddened that something that can bring so much joy into our lives is being laid aside. I kept thinking about the reasons that could cause such a large number of people to feel this way like divorce, media, lack of religion, etc. Then I started to think about what I could do to help them understand the importance of marriage. The best thing I could come up with is to be an example to them. So I prayed that the Lord would bless my marriage, that we would continue to put the effort and love into that it needs to grow, and that we might be aware that our example might affect others, may it always be in a positive way!
Judges 6:13-16
After the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and made the statement that the Lord was with him and that he was a mighty man of valour, Gideon is amazed by what he hears. He cannot see how the angel could possibly be talking to him. So, he reacts to what is said by questioning the Lord’s word.
Gideon wants to know where the proof of God’s presence can be found. If God was really with His people, shouldn’t they be experiencing victory instead of defeat?
Gideon wants to know where all the miracles have gone. It had been hundreds of years since God delivered Israel from Egypt through the devastating plagues. It had been awhile since the Jordan parted and Israel crossed over on dry ground into the Promised Land. Gideon wants to know where the God who performed all those miracles has gone.
It is the questioning part of this story that reminds me of myself. A lot of us are just like Gideon. We know the Lord wants us to serve Him, but we are so filled with fear and a sense of our own inability that we refuse to trust Him.
Gideon did exactly what Moses did when the Lord called him from the burning bush. Both these men came up with excuses as to why they could not do what the Lord said they could do. Both men felt like the job was over their heads. Both felt like they were inadequate to the task at hand.
We do the same things don’t we? The real problem with both Gideon and Moses, and with us as well, is that we tend to focus on what we are and not on who He is! We focus on the weaknesses instead of remembering that with God we are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds (Phil 4:13; Alma 26:12) We need to learn to be God-conscious! (Is that a real word?) If we can come to the place where we understand that He is able, even if we are not, we will be a better servant of the Lord!
Gideon isn’t there yet, so he makes excuses for why he can’t do what the Lord is calling him to do. Gideon’s excuses are two-fold. He tells the Lord that he did not have Fortune or Fame. He tells him that he cannot afford to do the Lord’s work, and he tells him that nobody knows him.
It's interesting that we do the same thing. We can come up with all kinds of excuses as to why we are not good enough to do what God calls us to do. The truth is, God uses those that make themselves available to Him regardless of their weaknesses. He sees beyond that!
My challenge is to stop making excuses about why I can't do what the Lord wants me to do, and just get about doing it. When Gideon finally makes himself available to God he will become a great leader. What does God have in store for you and me? I'm not sure, but it sure seems worth the try!
On my drive to work I listen to the radio, a Christian music station, and they usually have these short news breaks. Yesterday, they were discussing a recent poll's results on marriage. The conclusion was that 40% of Americans believe that marriage is outdated. I was surprised by that number and saddened that something that can bring so much joy into our lives is being laid aside. I kept thinking about the reasons that could cause such a large number of people to feel this way like divorce, media, lack of religion, etc. Then I started to think about what I could do to help them understand the importance of marriage. The best thing I could come up with is to be an example to them. So I prayed that the Lord would bless my marriage, that we would continue to put the effort and love into that it needs to grow, and that we might be aware that our example might affect others, may it always be in a positive way!
Judges 6:13-16
After the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and made the statement that the Lord was with him and that he was a mighty man of valour, Gideon is amazed by what he hears. He cannot see how the angel could possibly be talking to him. So, he reacts to what is said by questioning the Lord’s word.
Gideon wants to know where the proof of God’s presence can be found. If God was really with His people, shouldn’t they be experiencing victory instead of defeat?
Gideon wants to know where all the miracles have gone. It had been hundreds of years since God delivered Israel from Egypt through the devastating plagues. It had been awhile since the Jordan parted and Israel crossed over on dry ground into the Promised Land. Gideon wants to know where the God who performed all those miracles has gone.
It is the questioning part of this story that reminds me of myself. A lot of us are just like Gideon. We know the Lord wants us to serve Him, but we are so filled with fear and a sense of our own inability that we refuse to trust Him.
Gideon did exactly what Moses did when the Lord called him from the burning bush. Both these men came up with excuses as to why they could not do what the Lord said they could do. Both men felt like the job was over their heads. Both felt like they were inadequate to the task at hand.
We do the same things don’t we? The real problem with both Gideon and Moses, and with us as well, is that we tend to focus on what we are and not on who He is! We focus on the weaknesses instead of remembering that with God we are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds (Phil 4:13; Alma 26:12) We need to learn to be God-conscious! (Is that a real word?) If we can come to the place where we understand that He is able, even if we are not, we will be a better servant of the Lord!
Gideon isn’t there yet, so he makes excuses for why he can’t do what the Lord is calling him to do. Gideon’s excuses are two-fold. He tells the Lord that he did not have Fortune or Fame. He tells him that he cannot afford to do the Lord’s work, and he tells him that nobody knows him.
It's interesting that we do the same thing. We can come up with all kinds of excuses as to why we are not good enough to do what God calls us to do. The truth is, God uses those that make themselves available to Him regardless of their weaknesses. He sees beyond that!
My challenge is to stop making excuses about why I can't do what the Lord wants me to do, and just get about doing it. When Gideon finally makes himself available to God he will become a great leader. What does God have in store for you and me? I'm not sure, but it sure seems worth the try!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
God's Perception
Day two hundred seven
"Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. " ~Arnold Bennett
I've been thinking about this quote lately. It seems to be the motto of my family. There are lots of changes going on, mostly for the better, and we are feeling some of the drawbacks and discomforts of these changes. We are experiencing growing pains. We are plodding our way through, trying to re-balance our lives and family with each new change. Change was the topic of discussion in our Family Home Evening lesson last night. Right now we are all about change!
In our discussion some good points came up:
We need to invite the Lord into our lives more to help us during these transitions.
We need to be diligent in our prayers and scripture reading.
We need to be open with each other about how we are feeling and ask for help.
We need to feel comfortable asking for a blessing when needed.
We need to trust the Lord more and try to see things through His eyes.
So this morning in my prayer I shared with the Lord my feelings about the changes that are taking place and I asked Him to bless my family with the ability to work through the drawbacks and discomforts, that we might stay focused on what He sees in us and less on what we lack. I also thanked Him for the fact that my family has the gospel in our lives to guide us through these times. I am so grateful for the fact that as a family we can sit down and have a discussion on something and it leads to gospel principles. What a great blessing!
Judges 6
Yesterday I talked about the message that the angel of the Lord delivered to Gideon. The angel told him that the Lord was with him, then he says something that is truly amazing. He looks at Gideon and calls him “a mighty man of valor”. Here is a man who is so afraid of the enemy that he is hiding behind a winepress threshing wheat. He is full of fear, but the Lord saw what Gideon would be when he got though with him. God intended to take Gideon and use him in a great way. The phrase the Lord used refers to “a man who is charging right into the face of the enemy.” It doesn’t make sense, but that is who the Lord saw when he looked at Gideon.
What does the Lord see when He looks at you and me? He knows us far better than we even know ourselves (Psa. 139; Heb. 4:13). If you are like me, you often look at your life and see mistakes, failures and problems. You see a person who consistently fails to live up to God’s high calling for your life. You see a person who loses far more than wins. You see a person who, from all appearances, is always coming up short.
While that is what we might see, God sees beyond these things. Think of the story of David. When Jesse looked at David, he saw his youngest son. When God looked at David, He saw a king (1 Sam. 16:12). When Gideon looked at himself, he may have seen the weaknesses. When the Lord looked at him, He saw a warrior.
The Lord looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7.) He knows what we will be when He gets through with us. The best thing we can do is to take our life, with all its problems, its failures and its shortcomings and place all that in the hands of the Lord. He is able to take us like we are and transform us into something powerful and amazing!
When I was younger people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had answers like a ballerina, a doctor, a teacher, etc. It usually had something to do with what was interesting to me at the time. As I matured the responses did lean towards choices that would benefit others, but it was still about what I liked.
What if the question was: Spiritually what would you like to be when you are done with your time here on earth? What would your answer be? After studying about God's perception I think my answer would have to be, whatever God needs me to be! It isn't about my wants at all, it is about His needs and my willingness to let Him mold me into what is needed. Maybe He needs another Paul or Deborah or Gideon, or maybe His plans are more simple and we will be like the many that fight for the cause, but don't receive a lot of notice. Either way the possibilities are exciting because God chooses us to work through, and when that happens we are both powerful and amazing!
"Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. " ~Arnold Bennett
I've been thinking about this quote lately. It seems to be the motto of my family. There are lots of changes going on, mostly for the better, and we are feeling some of the drawbacks and discomforts of these changes. We are experiencing growing pains. We are plodding our way through, trying to re-balance our lives and family with each new change. Change was the topic of discussion in our Family Home Evening lesson last night. Right now we are all about change!
In our discussion some good points came up:
We need to invite the Lord into our lives more to help us during these transitions.
We need to be diligent in our prayers and scripture reading.
We need to be open with each other about how we are feeling and ask for help.
We need to feel comfortable asking for a blessing when needed.
We need to trust the Lord more and try to see things through His eyes.
So this morning in my prayer I shared with the Lord my feelings about the changes that are taking place and I asked Him to bless my family with the ability to work through the drawbacks and discomforts, that we might stay focused on what He sees in us and less on what we lack. I also thanked Him for the fact that my family has the gospel in our lives to guide us through these times. I am so grateful for the fact that as a family we can sit down and have a discussion on something and it leads to gospel principles. What a great blessing!
Judges 6
Yesterday I talked about the message that the angel of the Lord delivered to Gideon. The angel told him that the Lord was with him, then he says something that is truly amazing. He looks at Gideon and calls him “a mighty man of valor”. Here is a man who is so afraid of the enemy that he is hiding behind a winepress threshing wheat. He is full of fear, but the Lord saw what Gideon would be when he got though with him. God intended to take Gideon and use him in a great way. The phrase the Lord used refers to “a man who is charging right into the face of the enemy.” It doesn’t make sense, but that is who the Lord saw when he looked at Gideon.
What does the Lord see when He looks at you and me? He knows us far better than we even know ourselves (Psa. 139; Heb. 4:13). If you are like me, you often look at your life and see mistakes, failures and problems. You see a person who consistently fails to live up to God’s high calling for your life. You see a person who loses far more than wins. You see a person who, from all appearances, is always coming up short.
While that is what we might see, God sees beyond these things. Think of the story of David. When Jesse looked at David, he saw his youngest son. When God looked at David, He saw a king (1 Sam. 16:12). When Gideon looked at himself, he may have seen the weaknesses. When the Lord looked at him, He saw a warrior.
The Lord looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7.) He knows what we will be when He gets through with us. The best thing we can do is to take our life, with all its problems, its failures and its shortcomings and place all that in the hands of the Lord. He is able to take us like we are and transform us into something powerful and amazing!
When I was younger people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had answers like a ballerina, a doctor, a teacher, etc. It usually had something to do with what was interesting to me at the time. As I matured the responses did lean towards choices that would benefit others, but it was still about what I liked.
What if the question was: Spiritually what would you like to be when you are done with your time here on earth? What would your answer be? After studying about God's perception I think my answer would have to be, whatever God needs me to be! It isn't about my wants at all, it is about His needs and my willingness to let Him mold me into what is needed. Maybe He needs another Paul or Deborah or Gideon, or maybe His plans are more simple and we will be like the many that fight for the cause, but don't receive a lot of notice. Either way the possibilities are exciting because God chooses us to work through, and when that happens we are both powerful and amazing!
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Lord is With Thee
Day two hundred six
There are days when things are going on around you and you are standing in the middle of it thinking, "What is happening?" I had one of those moments yesterday and I am still trying to figure it out. It is difficult to know how to react or what action needs to take place when you don't even understand what is happening. So my prayer focused on seeking understanding and trying to figure out what my part is in the situation. My goal is to improve the situation, not add to it, and in order to do that I need a little help from above. It is my hope that the Lord will bless all those involved so that we can move forward in a positive direction.
Judges 6:11-24
In this post I would like to introduce a remarkable judge by the name of Gideon. Gideon is a study in contrasts. On the one hand he was a man who led a handful of warriors against a far larger army and won a great victory. On the other hand, Gideon was filled with doubts, fears and questions. He was a man who questioned God’s plan, yet he did God’s will. Because of this he is someone that many can relate to (including myself) and deserves some quality research time. Here are some thoughts from this story.
Gideon
Conditions
Gideon was called to be a judge during a time of intense trouble in Israel. The nation was suffering under the grip of Midianite oppression. They watched helplessly as their land was stripped, their homes and villages were destroyed, and their lives endangered. Their condition is summed up in verse 6 where the scriptures say they were “impoverished”. They were at the “end of their rope”. The people of Israel felt as though their nation was destroyed and their lives were over.
In verses 4-6 we learn that this was a time of poverty. Israel did not have a lot during these dark, desperate days. Evidently, Gideon and his family had been able to hide away a small amount of wheat, and he was threshing that wheat behind a wine press to hide it from the Midianites (v 11).
Why was Gideon hiding? This was a time of persecution. Gideon was hiding while he threshed because he knew the Midianites would take the small amount of grain he had if they knew about it. Gideon and his people were suffering intense persecution.
There is a sense that the Israelites felt powerless against this enemy. This is seen in the fact that Gideon is hiding from the enemy. He is just as defeated and just as frightened as the rest of the nation. It was a difficult time for God’s people.
We are also living in difficult times. We are living in days when economic uncertainty has many people fearing that they will be forced into poverty. We are living in days when the government, and society in general, are growing increasingly hostile to the things of the Lord. We are living in days when it seems that there is little spiritual power among God’s people. In some ways, we are living through times that strongly resemble those that Gideon and Israel faced in their day.
Commission
The Midianites did not know where Gideon was hiding, but the Lord did! He had His eye on Gideon the whole time. Even when Gideon was unaware of it, God was with Him, watching him and planning for his future. We know this because in verse 12 an angel of the Lord appears to Gideon with a message of hope and assurance.
The angel's message is this: "The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour."
What a great message! This truth should comfort our hearts as well. We have the same promise (Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20.) We have an even better promise in John 14:17-18. "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." The Lord is with us, in every situation, through every valley, across every mountain!
Gideon could not see it, nor could he sense it, and it sure didn’t look like it, but he was about to be used by the Lord in a powerful way! The same is true in our lives. If we ever really grasp the truth that we are indwelt* by the Spirit of God and that His limitless power is available to use, it would change our walk and it would change our lives! What would I do differently? Would I have more courage? How would I treat others? These are thought provoking questions, that I would like to find the answers to. Today the challenge is to walk as if the Lord is with me!
*Indwelt - this is a new word for me and I love it already. It means: Be permanently present in (someone's soul or mind); possess spiritually. I love the word permanently. What a great blessing to be indwelt by the Spirit of God!
There are days when things are going on around you and you are standing in the middle of it thinking, "What is happening?" I had one of those moments yesterday and I am still trying to figure it out. It is difficult to know how to react or what action needs to take place when you don't even understand what is happening. So my prayer focused on seeking understanding and trying to figure out what my part is in the situation. My goal is to improve the situation, not add to it, and in order to do that I need a little help from above. It is my hope that the Lord will bless all those involved so that we can move forward in a positive direction.
Judges 6:11-24
In this post I would like to introduce a remarkable judge by the name of Gideon. Gideon is a study in contrasts. On the one hand he was a man who led a handful of warriors against a far larger army and won a great victory. On the other hand, Gideon was filled with doubts, fears and questions. He was a man who questioned God’s plan, yet he did God’s will. Because of this he is someone that many can relate to (including myself) and deserves some quality research time. Here are some thoughts from this story.
Gideon
Conditions
Gideon was called to be a judge during a time of intense trouble in Israel. The nation was suffering under the grip of Midianite oppression. They watched helplessly as their land was stripped, their homes and villages were destroyed, and their lives endangered. Their condition is summed up in verse 6 where the scriptures say they were “impoverished”. They were at the “end of their rope”. The people of Israel felt as though their nation was destroyed and their lives were over.
In verses 4-6 we learn that this was a time of poverty. Israel did not have a lot during these dark, desperate days. Evidently, Gideon and his family had been able to hide away a small amount of wheat, and he was threshing that wheat behind a wine press to hide it from the Midianites (v 11).
Why was Gideon hiding? This was a time of persecution. Gideon was hiding while he threshed because he knew the Midianites would take the small amount of grain he had if they knew about it. Gideon and his people were suffering intense persecution.
There is a sense that the Israelites felt powerless against this enemy. This is seen in the fact that Gideon is hiding from the enemy. He is just as defeated and just as frightened as the rest of the nation. It was a difficult time for God’s people.
We are also living in difficult times. We are living in days when economic uncertainty has many people fearing that they will be forced into poverty. We are living in days when the government, and society in general, are growing increasingly hostile to the things of the Lord. We are living in days when it seems that there is little spiritual power among God’s people. In some ways, we are living through times that strongly resemble those that Gideon and Israel faced in their day.
Commission
The Midianites did not know where Gideon was hiding, but the Lord did! He had His eye on Gideon the whole time. Even when Gideon was unaware of it, God was with Him, watching him and planning for his future. We know this because in verse 12 an angel of the Lord appears to Gideon with a message of hope and assurance.
The angel's message is this: "The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour."
What a great message! This truth should comfort our hearts as well. We have the same promise (Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20.) We have an even better promise in John 14:17-18. "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." The Lord is with us, in every situation, through every valley, across every mountain!
Gideon could not see it, nor could he sense it, and it sure didn’t look like it, but he was about to be used by the Lord in a powerful way! The same is true in our lives. If we ever really grasp the truth that we are indwelt* by the Spirit of God and that His limitless power is available to use, it would change our walk and it would change our lives! What would I do differently? Would I have more courage? How would I treat others? These are thought provoking questions, that I would like to find the answers to. Today the challenge is to walk as if the Lord is with me!
*Indwelt - this is a new word for me and I love it already. It means: Be permanently present in (someone's soul or mind); possess spiritually. I love the word permanently. What a great blessing to be indwelt by the Spirit of God!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Low Living
Day two hundred five
I am looking forward to this Sabbath day. I left a busy week behind me and I have a busy week ahead of me, so I could really use an opportunity to be edified, take the sacrament, and get myself centered on what is really important. My prayer was filled with gratitude for these opportunities and the joy that they bring in my life. What a great gift from a God who loves us!
Judges 6:1-10
The time of ‘rest’ after the activities of Barak and Deborah was now over, for in their passing Israel once more slipped back into their old ways. The same pattern we have seen throughout the Book of Judges:
The children of Israel would serve the Lord as long as they had a strong leader. When that leader passed from the scene, they fell back into their sins.
When they sinned, God used the pagan nations living around them to chastise Israel. He allowed their enemies to afflict and oppress Israel to show them the high price of low living.
Then when the people are at the end of their rope, they cry to the Lord and He sends a deliverer. This deliverer leads the Israelites to conquer their enemies and there is a time of rest.
In chapter 6 we are introduced to a man named Gideon. When Gideon appears, he is an unlikely choice to be a deliverer. He is hiding out of fear for Israel’s enemies (v 11). Gideon was guilty of fear and a little faithlessness, but he was God’s choice to be the next judge of Israel, and God used him in a wonderful way.
This is another chapter that requires more than one post to cover some of the great lessons the Lord is teaching His people, so I will break it down into a few posts. This post will focus on low living.
Verses 1-10. These verses serve as a parable that speaks about the high cost of low living. They teach us the truth that disobedience to the will of the Lord in our lives carries a price higher than we would ever want to pay.
The Bible simply says that “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord.” We do not know what their sin was, but we can assume that it was the same sin they had been guilty of in the past (Judges 2:19; 3:5-7). They were prone to walking the same foolish pathway. They were guilty of falling into the same trap.
All of us have those areas of life that cause us trouble. Some have problems with their language. Some have problems with stubbornness and submission. Some have problems with gossip. Some have issues with sexual sin. Some have a pull toward alcohol and drugs. People struggle in many different areas.
We know our weaknesses and we know that given the right circumstances, we will have trouble overcoming temptation. My thoughts drifted to how do we successfully fight this battle and what do the scriptures tell us about this?
Here are a few definite steps we can take:
· Do not play near the trap. If you know there is an area of danger in your life, stay away from that danger (Gen. 39:12; 2 Tim. 2:22; Eph. 4:27.) Keep your distance (1 Pet. 5:8.)
· Look for the avenue of escape (1 Cor. 10:13.) God will make a way out of our temptations, but it is up to us to use it!
· Reckon yourself to be dead to sin and its influences (Rom. 6:11; Col. 3:3-5.)
· Determine in your heart to serve God and Him only (Rom. 6:13; 1 Cor. 6:19-20.)
· Remember this is a lifetime pursuit, but with God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27.)
It always impresses me that all the temptations and sin in the world are talked about in the scriptures, the Lord has seen it all, but the focus isn't on the problems it is on the solutions, we just have to look for them. This is a good area for me to focus on: Solutions, not the problem. I have wasted way too much time fretting over the problem, when the wiser use of my time and efforts would be to focus on the solution! Once again the Israelites have helped guide me to a lesson I needed to be reminded of. I am growing to appreciate them more and more.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Women Waging War
Day two hundred four
Somedays I am just grateful that the day has no big items to deal with, just several small ones. Today is one of those days. My prayer today focused on the small stuff and finding joy in work. Joy for the blessings that come with work and joy because I have such great helpers. It is going to be a good day!
Judges 4-5
The book of Judges is a gritty book. It is filled with sin, violence and the judgment of God. It is an action book. A modern counterpart would be an action and war movie. While this book contains certain qualities that might appeal to men more than women, the book of Judges is a book that actually elevates the position of women in Israelite society.
"And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh"
We learn here that God intends to use a woman to defeat the enemy of Israel. Barak, the great general, will not get the glory for what occurs, as God has decided to use a woman to defeat the powerful enemy.
Jael proves to be a strong and determined woman. She takes the initiative not only without her husband's consent, but against her husband's wishes, to slay an enemy of Israel. We know Heber (her husband) would not have appreciated Jael pegging Sisera as Judges 4:17 tells us:
"Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite."
The Bible praises Jael, calling her most blessed, then goes on to laud not her submissive, gentle virtues, but her rather gory actions (5:24-27). Jael's actions might strike us today as bloodthirsty, but by the standards of ancient warfare, she was a hero. She was decisive and courageous, and her actions helped God's people at a critical moment in history.
Jael may seem to be in contrast to Deborah's more materanl approach with Israel, but remember that she is fulfilling a prophesy that Deborah made, and the Lord often works in ways that we do not fully understand. We are not told Jael's reasons for her actions, but we do know that the Lord was behind it so that should be enough.
I hope that if I am ever in a position to do the Lord's work and what I am asked to do seems unusual, that I will have the stength and courage to follow through like Jael did. Her strength impresses me.
It was an interesting study session looking at the women's point of view in waging war. There are characteristics in these women that I need to improve on in my own life so that I can be a more effective servant in the war of today. A mother and a warrior, what a great combination, somehow it seems to fit my personality!
Somedays I am just grateful that the day has no big items to deal with, just several small ones. Today is one of those days. My prayer today focused on the small stuff and finding joy in work. Joy for the blessings that come with work and joy because I have such great helpers. It is going to be a good day!
Judges 4-5
The book of Judges is a gritty book. It is filled with sin, violence and the judgment of God. It is an action book. A modern counterpart would be an action and war movie. While this book contains certain qualities that might appeal to men more than women, the book of Judges is a book that actually elevates the position of women in Israelite society.
In chapters 4-5 , we are introduced to two women who were used by God in great ways. Those women are Deborah and Jael. One was a respected leader in the nation; the other was a simple housewife. They came from different walks of life, but they were both used by God in remarkable ways.
Deborah
Deborah is a remarkable person. She is like a torch that enlightens everything else around her. Note the description given of her in chapter 4 verse 4. People are most often identified by their families. She is the wife of Lappidoth. They may also be identified by their tribe or region. But in Deborah's case, the first thing highlighted about her is that she was a prophetess. She knew God and His purposes.
Deborah's role was to lead Israel back to God. She told people repeatedly: "God is in charge. Don't just look at your inadequate weapons. Don't just look at the iron chariots. Don't just look at the difficulties. Our Lord loves us, and He will act."
In verse 7 of chapter 5 she describes herself as "a mother in Israel." This is not because she had children of her own, we don't know if she had any children of her own, it is because she saw herself in the role of a mother guiding God's children of Israel back to Him. Israel needed a strong, faithful mother figure to get them back on track and she stepped up to take the job.
Her vision of the world was shaped not by the political situation of her day, but by her realationship with God. Because of this, Deborah was just the leader Israel needed. She was an example to them. When she heard God she beleived him, her courage gave them courage, and her strong faith gave Israel hope which led them to their freedom and a peace that lasted for forty years.
Deborah is someone that the women of the world can look to emulate. She has strong characteristics that if taught and actively pursued could change the world today. We may not be a leader of nations, but we can be a mother in our own sphere, big or small, influencing others far beyond our little group. We too can be a mother in Israel.
Jael
Before Jael is introduced by name, a prophecy is given by the Judge of Israel. Judges 4:9:
"And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh"
We learn here that God intends to use a woman to defeat the enemy of Israel. Barak, the great general, will not get the glory for what occurs, as God has decided to use a woman to defeat the powerful enemy.
Jael proves to be a strong and determined woman. She takes the initiative not only without her husband's consent, but against her husband's wishes, to slay an enemy of Israel. We know Heber (her husband) would not have appreciated Jael pegging Sisera as Judges 4:17 tells us:
"Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite."
The Bible praises Jael, calling her most blessed, then goes on to laud not her submissive, gentle virtues, but her rather gory actions (5:24-27). Jael's actions might strike us today as bloodthirsty, but by the standards of ancient warfare, she was a hero. She was decisive and courageous, and her actions helped God's people at a critical moment in history.
Jael may seem to be in contrast to Deborah's more materanl approach with Israel, but remember that she is fulfilling a prophesy that Deborah made, and the Lord often works in ways that we do not fully understand. We are not told Jael's reasons for her actions, but we do know that the Lord was behind it so that should be enough.
I hope that if I am ever in a position to do the Lord's work and what I am asked to do seems unusual, that I will have the stength and courage to follow through like Jael did. Her strength impresses me.
It was an interesting study session looking at the women's point of view in waging war. There are characteristics in these women that I need to improve on in my own life so that I can be a more effective servant in the war of today. A mother and a warrior, what a great combination, somehow it seems to fit my personality!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Fighting Our Battles part three
Day two hundred three
Sometimes change comes and goes and you barely know that it was there, other times it comes on strong and the effects seem to linger, building up until you feel overwhelmed. My family has had a lot of changes lately that seem to be on the lingering side. And since not everyone deals with change in the same way, it has been a little bit of a challenge. I am extremely grateful for the relationships my family members have, we are the type of family that sticks together during difficult times. We support each other and we rely on the Lord when it gets overwhelming. My prayer this morning included thoughts on the changes in my life and the challenges that these changes have brought to my family. My family is not completely overwhelmed, but I think that with so many changes at once we need all the help we can get! I can't think of a better person to ask!
Judges 3:27-30
As I was researching information on these verses I came across one authors saying of: "How Lefty Killed Hefty". I don't know why, but it tickled me and I had to read it! I thought it was actually quite brilliant and wished that I would have thought of that! It would have been the perfect title for my post yesterday. Anyways, on to what I have learned.
Yesterday I focused on the actions of Ehud, today I would like to focus on Israel's deliverance. What did it take for Israel to win the battle?
Following (vv 27-28)
When Ehud returned from killing Eglon, He sounded a ram’s horn and called Israel to arms (vv 27-28).
Trumpets were sounded for several reasons in Israel.
· They were blown to announce a feast.
· They were blown to signal a change of location.
· They were blown to demonstrate joy and to praise the Lord.
· They were blown to call the people to war. That is the purpose here.
God had heard Israel’s prayers and had raised up a deliverer. Ehud had taken the first step toward giving them victory over their enemies. By killing Eglon, he had severed the head of the serpent, now Israel needed to destroy the body. The test now was to see whether they would follow God’s man or not. They did and they achieved a great victory.
Lesson: God has given us everything we need to enable us to have spiritual victories. He has given us the Scriptures, the Spirit, Prayer, Leaders, and His presence in our lives. If we fail to yield to Him and do His will, we can never have victory. But, if we will follow Him, humbly and faithfully, He can and will help us overcome our weaknesses and sin!
Fighting (v 28-29)
Israel cut off the avenues of escape and the means whereby reinforcements could get in. Then, they killed about 10,000 men. The men they killed were “lusty”. That means they were “fat or hardy”. They were “men of valor”. This means that they were men of great "physical strength”. Regardless of their power and military ability, they were defeated by Israel because God gave them the victory.
Lesson: We need not fear the size or the power of our enemies. We are to fight them with everything God has given us. We are to cut off every avenue of escape and every place where the enemy might send reinforcements. We are to fight until every last ounce of the enemy’s strength is gone. We are to fight until the day He calls us home!
Finishing (v 29)
“There escaped not a man”. Israel did not back off until every last one of the Moabites, the Ammonites and the Amalekites in their country had been put to the sword. It was a total victory over the enemy.
Lesson: We are not to tolerate even the tiniest bit of unrighteousness in our lives. Every vestige of unrighteousness must be put to death. We are to live every day, “hating even the garment spotted by the flesh,” (Jude 1:23.)
We all have problems. The message from these verses is a call for us to take the battle. Our problems do not have to carry the day. They do not have to win the victory over us. We can fight and win the battle!
Sometimes change comes and goes and you barely know that it was there, other times it comes on strong and the effects seem to linger, building up until you feel overwhelmed. My family has had a lot of changes lately that seem to be on the lingering side. And since not everyone deals with change in the same way, it has been a little bit of a challenge. I am extremely grateful for the relationships my family members have, we are the type of family that sticks together during difficult times. We support each other and we rely on the Lord when it gets overwhelming. My prayer this morning included thoughts on the changes in my life and the challenges that these changes have brought to my family. My family is not completely overwhelmed, but I think that with so many changes at once we need all the help we can get! I can't think of a better person to ask!
Judges 3:27-30
As I was researching information on these verses I came across one authors saying of: "How Lefty Killed Hefty". I don't know why, but it tickled me and I had to read it! I thought it was actually quite brilliant and wished that I would have thought of that! It would have been the perfect title for my post yesterday. Anyways, on to what I have learned.
Yesterday I focused on the actions of Ehud, today I would like to focus on Israel's deliverance. What did it take for Israel to win the battle?
Following (vv 27-28)
When Ehud returned from killing Eglon, He sounded a ram’s horn and called Israel to arms (vv 27-28).
Trumpets were sounded for several reasons in Israel.
· They were blown to announce a feast.
· They were blown to signal a change of location.
· They were blown to demonstrate joy and to praise the Lord.
· They were blown to call the people to war. That is the purpose here.
God had heard Israel’s prayers and had raised up a deliverer. Ehud had taken the first step toward giving them victory over their enemies. By killing Eglon, he had severed the head of the serpent, now Israel needed to destroy the body. The test now was to see whether they would follow God’s man or not. They did and they achieved a great victory.
Lesson: God has given us everything we need to enable us to have spiritual victories. He has given us the Scriptures, the Spirit, Prayer, Leaders, and His presence in our lives. If we fail to yield to Him and do His will, we can never have victory. But, if we will follow Him, humbly and faithfully, He can and will help us overcome our weaknesses and sin!
Fighting (v 28-29)
Israel cut off the avenues of escape and the means whereby reinforcements could get in. Then, they killed about 10,000 men. The men they killed were “lusty”. That means they were “fat or hardy”. They were “men of valor”. This means that they were men of great "physical strength”. Regardless of their power and military ability, they were defeated by Israel because God gave them the victory.
Lesson: We need not fear the size or the power of our enemies. We are to fight them with everything God has given us. We are to cut off every avenue of escape and every place where the enemy might send reinforcements. We are to fight until every last ounce of the enemy’s strength is gone. We are to fight until the day He calls us home!
Finishing (v 29)
“There escaped not a man”. Israel did not back off until every last one of the Moabites, the Ammonites and the Amalekites in their country had been put to the sword. It was a total victory over the enemy.
Lesson: We are not to tolerate even the tiniest bit of unrighteousness in our lives. Every vestige of unrighteousness must be put to death. We are to live every day, “hating even the garment spotted by the flesh,” (Jude 1:23.)
We all have problems. The message from these verses is a call for us to take the battle. Our problems do not have to carry the day. They do not have to win the victory over us. We can fight and win the battle!
We are lot like Ehud. We are all unlikely conquerors. We are all weak in some way. We are all prone to spiritual failure. But, like Ehud, we can walk in victory. We need to take the word of God, our dagger, hide it away in our hearts (Psa. 119:11), and assassinate the weaknesses in a sneak attack. (Okay, can you tell that I really got into this story!)
I am feeling pumped up and ready to take on the issues in my life. I love that the scriptures can do that! That's what happens when I hide it away in my heart!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Fighting Our Battles part two
Day two hundred two
My prayer was filled with gratitude that we arrived home safely from our trip to Utah and that we had the opportunity to be "companions" to my son before he left. It was an eye opener to live life for three days as a missionary. No television, restricted music, and always having someone with you. I really appreciate the fact that missionaries sacrifice things to do the work of the Lord. They are a great example to me!
Judges 3 Ehud Israel's Deliverer
Ehud's Problem (v 15)
The city of Jericho was the enemy stronghold that God had miraculously conquered for Israel at the time of the conquest. Jericho's strong walls blocked the way into the land of blessing that God had promised to His people. The defeat of Jericho opened up the whole central portion of the Promised Land for Israel.
But in Ehud's day, Jericho (of all places!) had fallen into enemy hands again. The pagan king of Moab had established his throne in the very place where God had brought such a tremendous victory to His people!
Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin’s allotment of land included the area around Jericho. Thus, they would have suffered the most under Eglon’s reign. Ehud, and the men of Benjamin, had plenty of reasons for wanting Eglon and his armies gone.
Do you ever feel surrounded by unrighteousness? It sometimes feels as though we cannot turn a corner without running into something that tempts us and causes the battle to begin within us. There are plenty of reasons for us to fight.
Ehud's Difference (v 15)
We are told that Eglon was “a man lefthanded” (Judges 3:15). Ehud was "different." Ehud was left-handed. Left-handed people are different--they're not the "norm." In any case, God used Ehud's "difference" in a positive way. A right-handed person would have strapped the dagger on his left thigh in order to grab it with his right hand at the opportune moment, and Eglon would have been on guard when seeing a man's right hand go under his cloak. But left-handed Ehud was not suspected when he slipped his left hand beneath his cloak to grab his short sword!
I realize that some of that was probably more information than you wanted to know, but those details, while they are disgusting, plainly illustrate the nature of the fight we find ourselves in every day. If we are going to enjoy victory over our weaknesses and sin, we are going to have to go to battle with it. We are going to have to get close to it and deal it a death blow. It is going to be gritty, dirty work. It isn’t for the squeamish, but it is the only way to enjoy victory. Jesus described it this way in Mark 9:43-48:
"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
No step is too great. No price it too high. We must take whatever steps are necessary to see the victory over our weaknesses and sin. If we don’t, we will remain its servant as long as we live!
Good lessons in part two! They leave me feeling like I am a little more prepared for the battles. I am looking forward to seeing what I learn from finishing up this chapter!
My prayer was filled with gratitude that we arrived home safely from our trip to Utah and that we had the opportunity to be "companions" to my son before he left. It was an eye opener to live life for three days as a missionary. No television, restricted music, and always having someone with you. I really appreciate the fact that missionaries sacrifice things to do the work of the Lord. They are a great example to me!
Judges 3 Ehud Israel's Deliverer
Ehud's Problem (v 15)
The city of Jericho was the enemy stronghold that God had miraculously conquered for Israel at the time of the conquest. Jericho's strong walls blocked the way into the land of blessing that God had promised to His people. The defeat of Jericho opened up the whole central portion of the Promised Land for Israel.
But in Ehud's day, Jericho (of all places!) had fallen into enemy hands again. The pagan king of Moab had established his throne in the very place where God had brought such a tremendous victory to His people!
Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin’s allotment of land included the area around Jericho. Thus, they would have suffered the most under Eglon’s reign. Ehud, and the men of Benjamin, had plenty of reasons for wanting Eglon and his armies gone.
Do you ever feel surrounded by unrighteousness? It sometimes feels as though we cannot turn a corner without running into something that tempts us and causes the battle to begin within us. There are plenty of reasons for us to fight.
Ehud's Difference (v 15)
We are told that Eglon was “a man lefthanded” (Judges 3:15). Ehud was "different." Ehud was left-handed. Left-handed people are different--they're not the "norm." In any case, God used Ehud's "difference" in a positive way. A right-handed person would have strapped the dagger on his left thigh in order to grab it with his right hand at the opportune moment, and Eglon would have been on guard when seeing a man's right hand go under his cloak. But left-handed Ehud was not suspected when he slipped his left hand beneath his cloak to grab his short sword!
Do you feel that you are "different" from the normal person? We're all different in one way or another, but God can use these differences to further His work. What seems like a disadvantage, from our limited perspective, can become a unique advantage when dedicated to the Lord! Don't ever think that you're too shy or too tongue-tied, too young or too old, too dumb or too slow, too unpopular or too "whatever" to be used by God. What you see as a "difference" can be used to make a difference in the kingdom of God!
Ehud's Plan (vv 16-19)
Every so often, the people of Israel were required to pay tribute to Eglon. So, they sent their gift to Eglon with a delegation led by Ehud. Ehud took the liberty of making himself a double-edged dagger. He strapped this dagger to his right thigh, under his cloak, and went to take the tribute to the king. His plan is to get Eglon alone, and when he does, he is going to assassinate the king. It was a daring plan! If Ehud had been caught with that dagger, he would have been killed on the spot.
After delivering the tribute to Eglon, the delegation departed. After they had gone a short distance, Ehud came back and told Eglon that he had a secret message for him. The king, supposing that he was about to hear some great secret, tells Ehud to keep silent until they are alone. Eglon dismisses all of his servants.
Do you have a plan to fight the battles? What strategies to you use? Ehud knew his enemies weaknesses and used them against him. Christ knew Satan's weaknesses and used them against him when He was being tempted. Know your enemy!
Ehud's Performance (vv 20-26)
When Ehud gets Eglon alone, Ehud tells the king that he has a message for the king from God. Eglon stands up to hear this message, for even a king must honor a word from God! Ehud reaches under his cloak, draws the dagger and thrusts it through Eglon’s body. The blade sinks so deep into the king’s body that the fat closes around the handle and Ehud cannot retrieve the dagger. This is gross, but the phrase “the dirt came out” in v 22, means that Eglon’s bowels emptied themselves when he died. Gross!
Ehud locks the doors to the rooftop room where they are and he makes his escape. Eglon’s servants find the doors locked and think the king is in the restroom, which is what the phrase “covereth his feet” in v 24 means. The servants wait until they are literally embarrassed (v 25). Then they retrieve a key and enter the chamber and find the king dead upon the floor. By this time. Ehud is long gone.
Ehud locks the doors to the rooftop room where they are and he makes his escape. Eglon’s servants find the doors locked and think the king is in the restroom, which is what the phrase “covereth his feet” in v 24 means. The servants wait until they are literally embarrassed (v 25). Then they retrieve a key and enter the chamber and find the king dead upon the floor. By this time. Ehud is long gone.
"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
No step is too great. No price it too high. We must take whatever steps are necessary to see the victory over our weaknesses and sin. If we don’t, we will remain its servant as long as we live!
Good lessons in part two! They leave me feeling like I am a little more prepared for the battles. I am looking forward to seeing what I learn from finishing up this chapter!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Prayer for My Son
Day two hundred one
I am taking a break today from the normal post to share some thoughts about sending my missionary out. He is a great young man and will be a great missionary! I am very proud of him for dedicating two years of his life to the Lord. Through him God will change people's lives, what a great gift for him and for those he will teach.
As we drop him off at the MTC today this is the prayer I want to leave with my him:
A Prayer for My Son
Lord, please mold my son into a man who will measure his power and greatness not by his fortune but by his virtue.
Lord, let him walk on earth lightly, but firmly. Let him not carry any excess baggage of guilt, greed, and fear, but only the wisdom of his experience.
Lord, bless my son that he will know you and give him strength to endure what will come.
Lord, remind him often that through you all things are possible.
Lord, please hold him in your arms tightly when I can't and protect him from harm.
Lord, be with him always to lift him when he is down, to carry him when he can go no further, and to deliver him back to me safely.
I love you Ryan! Don't ever forget it!!
Mom
I am taking a break today from the normal post to share some thoughts about sending my missionary out. He is a great young man and will be a great missionary! I am very proud of him for dedicating two years of his life to the Lord. Through him God will change people's lives, what a great gift for him and for those he will teach.
As we drop him off at the MTC today this is the prayer I want to leave with my him:
A Prayer for My Son
Lord, please mold my son into a man who will measure his power and greatness not by his fortune but by his virtue.
Lord, let him walk on earth lightly, but firmly. Let him not carry any excess baggage of guilt, greed, and fear, but only the wisdom of his experience.
Lord, bless my son that he will know you and give him strength to endure what will come.
Lord, remind him often that through you all things are possible.
Lord, please hold him in your arms tightly when I can't and protect him from harm.
Lord, be with him always to lift him when he is down, to carry him when he can go no further, and to deliver him back to me safely.
I love you Ryan! Don't ever forget it!!
Mom
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Fighting our Battles part one
Day two hundred
Yesterday in my prayer I had asked the Lord to bless my family with the opportunity to serve others. My prayer was answered in a remarkable way. While we were driving on the highway we came across a crash scene where a man had been ejected from his truck after it had rolled a couple of times. The man was lying on the side of the road bleeding, so we jumped out to help. My husband ran to the man and begin to help. I was so impressed by the example that my husband set for my sons and me. He is cool as a cucumber in these situations and ready to help when needed. It was great for my sons to see. Then when we got back in the car my youngest sons commented on even though the accident was horrible, it is always nice to see people come together in these types of situations and work together. He is absolutely right!
So in my prayer this morning I thanked Heavenly Father for putting these moments in our lives. Moments that reaffirm our faith in people and give us a chance to serve another in a meaningful way. Moments that bring out the best in us and give us the opportunity to reflect some Christ like qualities. Moments that will stay with us forever and become a part of you so that you can draw on them when necessary. Moments that show that He listens to our prayers!
Judges 3:12-30
All during the 400 years covered in the book of Judges, the nation of Israel followed a predictable pattern. They would serve God faithfully while they followed the strong leadership of their judges. When a judge died, they had no leader, and they would desert God, and began to live in disobedience to His Law, giving themselves to the worship of the pagan gods of the Canaanites. When they rebelled against the Lord, He would send His judgment upon them, by allowing Israel to be oppressed by their enemies. After a time, Israel would repent of their sins and God would raise up a deliverer. God would use this person to defeat Israel’s enemies and set them free.
That is exactly the pattern we see at work in these verses. Israel sinned against God and the Lord caused Eglon, the king of Moab, to become strong. Eglon invaded Israel, with the help of the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and together they oppressed Israel for 18 years. When they repented, God raised up a man named Ehud to be their deliverer. Ehud assassinated Eglon and led Israel to victory and freedom.
Like Israel, we often follow the same pattern of disobedience, chastisement and restoration. Our problem is not the Moabites, the Ammonites or the Amalekites. Our problem is our weaknesses and sin.
As the story unfolds, we will see that Israel’s enemies are a clear type of our own enemy. Eglon is the perfect picture of our weaknesses and sin. He is out of control. He is self-indulgent. He is fat, lazy and evil. He is full of pride. He is also assassinated by Ehud.
In Israel’s defeat of Eglon, we can see a picture of the battle we are supposed to be fighting every day. Every one of us has problems, no one is exempt. Sometimes we win our battles; sometimes we lose our battles; and sometimes we don’t fight against our weaknesses at all. We are literally in a fight for our very spiritual lives every day. It is a fight we must win. This story gives us the help we need to fight and win our battles. If Israel can overcome and conquer its enemies so can we!
ISRAEL’S DILEMMA (vv 12-14)
These verses describe the horrible oppression Israel suffered because of her rebellion against the Lord. Their problems stand as a warning to all of us. Let’s see what we can learn from these verses:
Their Foes (vv 12-13)
Israel faced three nations because of their rebellion against God. They faced the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Amalekites. All three of these nations were a continual problem for Israel, and all three were connected to Israel by blood.
The Amalekites, some believe, were descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. The Moabites and the Ammonites were descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew.
All three of these nations worshipped false gods. The Moabites served a god called Chemosh. The Ammonites worshiped a god called Moloch. Both of these gods were worshipped through vile, sexual practices as well as child sacrifice. The Amalekites were a nomadic, warlike people that worshipped a variety of pagan gods.
All three of these nations were a continual thorn in the side of Israel. They were constantly attacking, hindering and seeking to enslave the people of Israel.
Moab represents the power they can have to enslave us.
Ammon represents the passions and desires that are unrighteous.
Amalek represents the persistence of Satan to tempt us through our weaknesses.
Just like these tribes were a constant pain in the neck for Israel, our sins and weaknesses are the same for us. It is a constant battle, but it is a battle we can win! There are some great lessons in this chapter, too many to post in one blog, so I will talk more about how to win our battles in the next few blog posts. Stay tuned!
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