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"A Heaven Sent Encouragement" by John M. Nielson
Judges 6:25 That very night Adonai said to him, “Take your father’s bull and the other bull, the seven-year-old. Destroy the altar to Ba‘al that belongs to your father, cut down the sacred pole next to it, 26 and build a proper altar to Adonai your God on top of this strong-point. Then take the second bull; and offer it as a burnt offering, using the wood of the sacred pole you cut down.” 27 Gid‘on took ten of his servants and did what Adonai had told him to do. He didn’t do it by day, because he was afraid of the men in his father’s household and those from the city, so he did it at night. 28 When the men of the city got up the next morning, there was the altar of Ba‘al destroyed, the sacred pole cut down, and the second bull a burnt offering on the newly built altar. 29 They asked each other, “Who could have done this?” But after investigating, they concluded that Gid‘on the son of Yo’ash had done it. 30 “Bring out your son,” the men of the city demanded of Yo’ash, “so that he may die, because he destroyed the altar of Ba‘al and cut down the sacred pole next to it!” 31 But Yo’ash said to all those crowding around him, “You’re defending Ba‘al, are you? It’s your job to save him? Anyone who defends Ba‘al will be put to death before morning! If he’s a god, let him defend himself! After all, somebody destroyed his altar!” 32 Therefore on that day Gid‘on was given the name Yeruba‘al [let Ba‘al defend], because they said, “Let Ba‘al defend himself against him, since he destroyed his altar.”
33 Now all Midyan, ‘Amalek and the others from the east joined forces, crossed the Yarden, and set up camp in the Yizre‘el Valley. 34 But the Spirit of Adonai covered Gid‘on. He sounded the call on the shofar, and Avi‘ezer rallied behind him. 35 He sent messengers throughout all M’nasheh, and they too rallied behind him. He also sent messengers to Asher, Z’vulun and Naftali; and they came up to join them.
36 Gid‘on said to God, “If you are going to save Isra’el through me, as you said you would, 37 then, here: I will lay a wool fleece on the threshing-floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, while all the ground stays dry, I will be convinced that you will save Isra’el through me, as you said you would.” 38 And it happened! He got up early in the morning, pressed the fleece together and wrung dew out of it, a bowlful of water. 39 But Gid‘on said to God, “Don’t be angry with me because I am asking one more thing, let me make one more test, please: this time let it be dry only on the fleece, with dew all over the ground.” 40 And that is what God did that night — it was dry only on the fleece, even though there was dew all over the ground.
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We can probably identify with Gideon. We see ourselves as unlikely leaders. We know our weaknesses and fears. We have trouble believing that the nudging voice is from God. There are three insights from Gideon’s story that will help us.
First: God expects our exclusive worship, loyalty, and allegiance. Gideon removed an altar to Baal, used an Asherah pole for firewood, and killed one of his father’s bulls for the sacrifice. If God is going to use us, we must demonstrate loyalty to Him alone.
Second: God understands our fears. Fear is an important part of our personalities; it is the companion of courage. Those without fear need no courage. Those without courage are paralyzed by fear. We see both Gideon’s fear and courage.
Third: God understands our uncertainty and need for reassurance. Gideon asked for signs. God did not reprimand him. God obliged him time and again.
When we long to be obedient but are plagued with uncertainty and fear, let's remember the heaven-sent encouragement that our patient understanding God gave Gideon. Let's dare to believe that God will show the same patience with us. However, we should never play games with the process to get our own way.
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The number one lesson I, Gary Lee Parker, learned from a sermon preached by Pastor Phil Truesdale is that when God gives a vision, God gives a vision that is God-sized and cannot be accomplished by one person. Amen and Amen.
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Hymn for Today: "Teach Me, Thy Way, O Lord" By B. Mansell Ramsey
1. Teach me Thy way, O Lord,
Teach me Thy way;
Thy gracious aid afford,
Teach me Thy way.
Help me to walk aright;
More by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light,
Teach me Thy way.
2. When doubts and fears arise,
Teach me Thy way;
When storms o’erspread the skies,
Teach me Thy way.
Shine through the cloud and rain,
Through sorrow, toil, and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain,
Teach me Thy way.
3. Long as my life shall last,
Teach me Thy way;
Where’er my lot be cast,
Teach me Thy way.
Until the race is run,
Until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won,
Teach me Thy way.
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Thought of the Day: Joshua 1:9 Haven’t I ordered you, ‘Be strong, be bold’? So don’t be afraid or downhearted, because Adonai your God is with you wherever you go.”
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in the Dominican Republic.
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in the Dominican Republic.
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