Podcasts about gideons

Donald Clinger and James Foust, Southwest Area Vice President, join us from The Gideons International to share how their mission goes far beyond placing Bibles in hotels. The Gideons are an evangelical association dedicated to equipping and mobilizing Christian business and professional men—and their wives—to... The post Donald Clinger appeared first on ABQ Connect.

We are at a historical juncture. This is not a matter of gradual reform. It all has to go. Our financial system is a tool of slavery by the Jewish banking cabal. There is no MAGA without Jesus Christ.  This will not be a comfortable ride -- we need Gideons and Samuels and Elijahs and Joshuas. Fritz Berggren, PhD www.bloodandfaith.com  

Our scripture passage is about two types of wisdom, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some advice I found on the internet that I will get you into trouble if you do follow it: Carry a fork with you. If someone tries to rob you, pull it out of your pocket and say, thank you Lord for this meal Im about to have and charge at them with the fork. Always say what you're thinking out loud. "Don't breathe, 100% of people who breathe die at some point." "Dont go to the doctors office if you only have one problem. Wait until you have four or five; thats how you get the most bang for your buck." If life gives you lemons, squeeze the juice into a water gun and shoot other people in the eyes. "When confronted by a bear, give it a hug and tell him it'll be alright." We laugh at these bits of wisdom I found on the internet because they are so foolish they are comical. In James 3:13-18, we are reminded of two sources of wisdom, and of the two, we as a species gravitate to one over the other. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. According to James 3:13-18, not all wisdom is good. The Source of Worldly Wisdom What is worldly wisdom? James says that it is, earthly, natural, and demonic (v. 15). Well that sounds a bit harsh does it not? Lets dive a bit deeper into what James means here before we judge whether or not he said too much. The kind of wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic is the kind that is motivated and driven by, bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (v. 14). So what is bitter jealousy and what does it look like? The Greek word for jealousy is... are you ready for it? The Greek word is zēlos. Do you think there may a better way to translate this word? Of course you do, a better translation for this word is our English word zeal! Zeal can be positive or negative. The prophet Elijah was zealous for God is a good way, and that zeal was demonstrated on multiple occasions by standing against evil and speaking on behalf of God, even when it was not safe for him to do so; when his life was threatened by Queen Jezebel, Elijah prayed: I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life (1 Kin. 19:10). Zeal can also become a bad thing. Zeal can turn into bitterness, rivalry, and even pride. In the case of James 3:14, it is a harsh zeal that places the individual at the center of his universe at whatever cost may come to those around him. The kind of bitter Jealousy (harsh zeal) James is talking about is self-centered. The person with this kind of mindset is one whose glory and mission in this world is his own. The other source for worldly wisdom is selfish ambition. There is not much I need to say to make sure you understand what selfish ambition is. It is the kind of thing we see every four years in America: How do I make sure I get what I want. There is only one Greek word that is used here for selfish ambition, and it is eritheia. In ancient Greek it means strife, contentiousness, and selfishness. It is a word that was also used by the Greek Philosopher Aristotle to describe a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means.[1] It is used in the New Testament to describe the jealous or angry leader who, forms a group which emotionally or physically withdraws from the rest of the church.[2]These are the kinds of people Paul described in Philippians 1:15-17, Some... proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment. There are varying degrees that bitter jealousy and selfish ambition can come into the life of a person, but none of it is from God. Even the best of us can cave to the kinds of vices that lead to worldly wisdom. Consider some of the people from the Bible such as Abraham, David, and Solomon. God told Abraham that he would father a child with Sarah, but because pregnancy seemed impossible to the couple, Sarah came up with another plan that was culturally acceptable. Sarah said to her husband: See now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please have relations with my slave woman; perhaps I will obtain children through her. And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai (Gen. 16:2). So, the slave woman got pregnant and had a son and what Abraham got in return was one big giant mess that we are still dealing with today. David wrote much of the Psalms that are in our Bible, and he knew his Bible pretty well! He understood what Gods word said of Israels kings in Deuteronomy and most likely had memorized it. He knew that as king, he was not to acquire the kinds of properties the kings of the other nations collected to measure their glory and strength such as many horses or many wives, nor was he to hoard silver and gold (see Deut. 17:16-20). We know David knew this because he even wrote a song about it that included the verse: Some praise their chariots and some their horses, but we will praise the name of the Lord, our God (Ps. 20:7). Yet at the height of his reign as king, he conducted a census to measure the strength of his nation instead of trusting the God who told Him that his power did not come from numbers but from God alone. Can you see what Abraham and Davids stories all have in common? They followed after the wisdom of the world instead of trusting the word of God as their source of wisdom. Abraham wanted a son so badly and for his legacy to go on, so he took matters into his own hands and got his female slave pregnant. David conducted a census just like the other kings did because he needed to know how he and his nation compared to other nations. If you listen closely to the pages of scripture you can hear the serpents question with these men: Has God really said...? The wisdom of the world would lead you to an easier and wider road rather than a narrow and more difficult one. The wisdom of the world would have you erect a house on sand instead of spending the time necessary to lay a good foundation. Heavenly Wisdom Unlike worldly wisdom, the kind of wisdom that leads to the thriving life God created us to know and enjoy does not come from within, or from this world, or beneath; it comes from above where God is seated. The wisdom from above is pure, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, impartial, free of hypocrisy, and full of good fruits (v. 17). From where does heavenly wisdom come from? It comes from God! Where can I gain this kind of wisdom? From the counsel God has already given, which is His word. We already saw in the first chapter that those of us who lack wisdom, are to ask God for it without doubting (1:5-6); the source of the kind of wisdom we need comes from the word of God. We gain wisdom from above when we first listen to what God has said through His word and then become a doer of it by putting what we read into practice (see 1:21-25). But here is the thing... there is no wisdom from above if you do not have the kind of faith that moves you to really trust the truth of Gods word. It is one thing to say you believe the Bible to be true and another to act upon that belief. Think for a moment about what we say we believe at Meadowbrooke; this is what we state on our webpage about the Bible: We believe the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments, is the divine revelation, the original autographs of which were verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit, thus rendering them trustworthy and solely authoritative in faith and practice (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:20-21). The Scriptures reveal the mind of God concerning the need and the method of human redemption, the character and destiny of mankind, and are useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (Jn. 5:39, 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The more important question is not if we are okay with that statement, but do we really believe it? The Bible testifies of itself: All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). In the book of Hebrews, we are told, For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (4:12). But do you really believe it to be what it claims? If you believe the Bible to be the word of God and that it is beneficial for teaching, for correcting, and training in righteousness, then how is it shaping your choices in life, what kind of influence is it having on your relationships, how does it affect how you behave and function at work? Do you believe the Bible to be the word of God even if what it tells you to do with your life makes no sense to those around you and the rest of the world? Think about some of the things that God told His people to do. God told Abraham to leave his home in Ur and promised him a child, even though he and his wife Sarah were quickly advancing in age to the point that fathering a child would be highly improbable. The conventional wisdom of Abrahams day suggested that he father a child through one of his servants, but that was not the promise God made to Abraham. God promised a son that would be both his and Sarahs, and in their old age God provided an heir. God used men who acted upon the word of God when others thought they were nuts. Men like Moses who God commissioned to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Men like Joshua who God told to march around Jericho a bunch of times while blowing seven trumpets and then on the seventh day after the seventh time around the city to shout to bring down the walls of the city. Men like Gideon who God ordered to cut his army of 32,000 soldiers down to 300 to face an army of at least 135,000; each of Gideons soldiers were to carrying a torch, a clay pot, and a trumpet that they would blow after breaking the clay pot at night while surround the 135,000 Midianite army and then shout: A sword for the Lord and for Gideon! and this would be the way they would defeat an army that outnumbered them by 440 to 1 (see Judges 7:1-8:10). God raised a shepherd boy whose own father and brothers did not think much of to be a king over Israel, and it would be through his descendants a savior would be born who would rule the nations. God spoke through unlikely prophets of old, and choose an unassuming and impoverished virgin girl and her fianc to raise up the promised Messiah that she alone would be the biological parent of, and the child would grow up and live the life we could never live in a little country about the size of New Jersey for the purpose of suffering on a cross and dying under the wrath of God a death we all deserved. This is why the apostle Paul wrote, For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). Gods wisdom is different! Not only is the wisdom of God different, but it is in a whole different category than the wisdom of the world. In what way is it different? We are told in verse 17, But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. Gods words and His ways rub against the grain of the worlds conventional wisdom and is the reason the prophet Isaiah wrote of God, For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord (55:8). The question for you, dear brothers and sisters, is what are you doing with it, or maybe a better question for some of you is, What will you do with His word? Conclusion What wisdom is guiding you? What wisdom is shaping your decisions? What wisdom are you applying to your marriage, your children, and your friendships? James is not offering us an option here, for what the Holy Spirit is showing us in James is that if you belong to Jesus, then you have no business with the kind of wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic. Why, because we are kingdom people! I told you that I believe what James is doing is simply applying Jesus sermon on the mount to everyday life. I have shared with you repeatedly that the way you come to Jesus is as one who is poor in spirit, one who mourns over sin, and one who is meek enough to lay you pride before the cross of Christ. These are the first three of Jesus beatitudes and are what theologians call, the beatitudes of need. The fourth beatitude is the fruit of the first three: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). How can I be satisfied? By finding my satisfaction in the One who is infinitely righteous and from whom true wisdom is found. What does a hunger and thirst for righteousness produce when that hunger and thirst is satisfied in Jesus? It produces what theologians call the beatitudes of action. I will pick up on this next Sunday, but for now I think it is enough for you to see what James is doing with wisdom and our Lords beatitudes. What kind of fruit does wisdom from above produce? It is pure, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, impartial, free of hypocrisy. Pure: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will receive mercy (Matt. 5:8). Peace-loving: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God (Matt. 5:9). Gentle (meek): Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). Reasonable (compliant): Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3). Full of mercy: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy (Matt. 5:7). Impartial / free of hypocrisy: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matt. 4). Full of good fruit: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). My question for you is what are you doing with the wisdom that comes from above? It is the wisdom from above that calls those who follow Jesus through the narrow gate instead of the broad gate (Matt. 7:13-14). The wisdom from above calls the Christian to build upon the rock instead of sand (Matt. 7:24-29). The wisdom from above calls us to action in such a way that we do not only call Jesus Lord but live in subjection to His lordship (Matt. 7:22-21). The wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic will lead to death. The wisdom from above will lead to the kind of living where you can truly thrive as a child of God. Some of you may need to turn from whatever wisdom that has been guiding you, by humbling yourself before God Almighty. I will leave you with James 4:3-4 and you can do with it what seems best in light of what we have considered today: You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures. You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. [1] Peter H. Davids, The Epistle of James: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1982), 151. [2] Ibid.

Our scripture passage is about two types of wisdom, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some advice I found on the internet that I will get you into trouble if you do follow it: Carry a fork with you. If someone tries to rob you, pull it out of your pocket and say, thank you Lord for this meal Im about to have and charge at them with the fork. Always say what you're thinking out loud. "Don't breathe, 100% of people who breathe die at some point." "Dont go to the doctors office if you only have one problem. Wait until you have four or five; thats how you get the most bang for your buck." If life gives you lemons, squeeze the juice into a water gun and shoot other people in the eyes. "When confronted by a bear, give it a hug and tell him it'll be alright." We laugh at these bits of wisdom I found on the internet because they are so foolish they are comical. In James 3:13-18, we are reminded of two sources of wisdom, and of the two, we as a species gravitate to one over the other. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. According to James 3:13-18, not all wisdom is good. The Source of Worldly Wisdom What is worldly wisdom? James says that it is, earthly, natural, and demonic (v. 15). Well that sounds a bit harsh does it not? Lets dive a bit deeper into what James means here before we judge whether or not he said too much. The kind of wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic is the kind that is motivated and driven by, bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (v. 14). So what is bitter jealousy and what does it look like? The Greek word for jealousy is... are you ready for it? The Greek word is zēlos. Do you think there may a better way to translate this word? Of course you do, a better translation for this word is our English word zeal! Zeal can be positive or negative. The prophet Elijah was zealous for God is a good way, and that zeal was demonstrated on multiple occasions by standing against evil and speaking on behalf of God, even when it was not safe for him to do so; when his life was threatened by Queen Jezebel, Elijah prayed: I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life (1 Kin. 19:10). Zeal can also become a bad thing. Zeal can turn into bitterness, rivalry, and even pride. In the case of James 3:14, it is a harsh zeal that places the individual at the center of his universe at whatever cost may come to those around him. The kind of bitter Jealousy (harsh zeal) James is talking about is self-centered. The person with this kind of mindset is one whose glory and mission in this world is his own. The other source for worldly wisdom is selfish ambition. There is not much I need to say to make sure you understand what selfish ambition is. It is the kind of thing we see every four years in America: How do I make sure I get what I want. There is only one Greek word that is used here for selfish ambition, and it is eritheia. In ancient Greek it means strife, contentiousness, and selfishness. It is a word that was also used by the Greek Philosopher Aristotle to describe a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means.[1] It is used in the New Testament to describe the jealous or angry leader who, forms a group which emotionally or physically withdraws from the rest of the church.[2]These are the kinds of people Paul described in Philippians 1:15-17, Some... proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment. There are varying degrees that bitter jealousy and selfish ambition can come into the life of a person, but none of it is from God. Even the best of us can cave to the kinds of vices that lead to worldly wisdom. Consider some of the people from the Bible such as Abraham, David, and Solomon. God told Abraham that he would father a child with Sarah, but because pregnancy seemed impossible to the couple, Sarah came up with another plan that was culturally acceptable. Sarah said to her husband: See now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please have relations with my slave woman; perhaps I will obtain children through her. And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai (Gen. 16:2). So, the slave woman got pregnant and had a son and what Abraham got in return was one big giant mess that we are still dealing with today. David wrote much of the Psalms that are in our Bible, and he knew his Bible pretty well! He understood what Gods word said of Israels kings in Deuteronomy and most likely had memorized it. He knew that as king, he was not to acquire the kinds of properties the kings of the other nations collected to measure their glory and strength such as many horses or many wives, nor was he to hoard silver and gold (see Deut. 17:16-20). We know David knew this because he even wrote a song about it that included the verse: Some praise their chariots and some their horses, but we will praise the name of the Lord, our God (Ps. 20:7). Yet at the height of his reign as king, he conducted a census to measure the strength of his nation instead of trusting the God who told Him that his power did not come from numbers but from God alone. Can you see what Abraham and Davids stories all have in common? They followed after the wisdom of the world instead of trusting the word of God as their source of wisdom. Abraham wanted a son so badly and for his legacy to go on, so he took matters into his own hands and got his female slave pregnant. David conducted a census just like the other kings did because he needed to know how he and his nation compared to other nations. If you listen closely to the pages of scripture you can hear the serpents question with these men: Has God really said...? The wisdom of the world would lead you to an easier and wider road rather than a narrow and more difficult one. The wisdom of the world would have you erect a house on sand instead of spending the time necessary to lay a good foundation. Heavenly Wisdom Unlike worldly wisdom, the kind of wisdom that leads to the thriving life God created us to know and enjoy does not come from within, or from this world, or beneath; it comes from above where God is seated. The wisdom from above is pure, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, impartial, free of hypocrisy, and full of good fruits (v. 17). From where does heavenly wisdom come from? It comes from God! Where can I gain this kind of wisdom? From the counsel God has already given, which is His word. We already saw in the first chapter that those of us who lack wisdom, are to ask God for it without doubting (1:5-6); the source of the kind of wisdom we need comes from the word of God. We gain wisdom from above when we first listen to what God has said through His word and then become a doer of it by putting what we read into practice (see 1:21-25). But here is the thing... there is no wisdom from above if you do not have the kind of faith that moves you to really trust the truth of Gods word. It is one thing to say you believe the Bible to be true and another to act upon that belief. Think for a moment about what we say we believe at Meadowbrooke; this is what we state on our webpage about the Bible: We believe the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments, is the divine revelation, the original autographs of which were verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit, thus rendering them trustworthy and solely authoritative in faith and practice (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:20-21). The Scriptures reveal the mind of God concerning the need and the method of human redemption, the character and destiny of mankind, and are useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (Jn. 5:39, 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The more important question is not if we are okay with that statement, but do we really believe it? The Bible testifies of itself: All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). In the book of Hebrews, we are told, For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (4:12). But do you really believe it to be what it claims? If you believe the Bible to be the word of God and that it is beneficial for teaching, for correcting, and training in righteousness, then how is it shaping your choices in life, what kind of influence is it having on your relationships, how does it affect how you behave and function at work? Do you believe the Bible to be the word of God even if what it tells you to do with your life makes no sense to those around you and the rest of the world? Think about some of the things that God told His people to do. God told Abraham to leave his home in Ur and promised him a child, even though he and his wife Sarah were quickly advancing in age to the point that fathering a child would be highly improbable. The conventional wisdom of Abrahams day suggested that he father a child through one of his servants, but that was not the promise God made to Abraham. God promised a son that would be both his and Sarahs, and in their old age God provided an heir. God used men who acted upon the word of God when others thought they were nuts. Men like Moses who God commissioned to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Men like Joshua who God told to march around Jericho a bunch of times while blowing seven trumpets and then on the seventh day after the seventh time around the city to shout to bring down the walls of the city. Men like Gideon who God ordered to cut his army of 32,000 soldiers down to 300 to face an army of at least 135,000; each of Gideons soldiers were to carrying a torch, a clay pot, and a trumpet that they would blow after breaking the clay pot at night while surround the 135,000 Midianite army and then shout: A sword for the Lord and for Gideon! and this would be the way they would defeat an army that outnumbered them by 440 to 1 (see Judges 7:1-8:10). God raised a shepherd boy whose own father and brothers did not think much of to be a king over Israel, and it would be through his descendants a savior would be born who would rule the nations. God spoke through unlikely prophets of old, and choose an unassuming and impoverished virgin girl and her fianc to raise up the promised Messiah that she alone would be the biological parent of, and the child would grow up and live the life we could never live in a little country about the size of New Jersey for the purpose of suffering on a cross and dying under the wrath of God a death we all deserved. This is why the apostle Paul wrote, For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). Gods wisdom is different! Not only is the wisdom of God different, but it is in a whole different category than the wisdom of the world. In what way is it different? We are told in verse 17, But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. Gods words and His ways rub against the grain of the worlds conventional wisdom and is the reason the prophet Isaiah wrote of God, For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord (55:8). The question for you, dear brothers and sisters, is what are you doing with it, or maybe a better question for some of you is, What will you do with His word? Conclusion What wisdom is guiding you? What wisdom is shaping your decisions? What wisdom are you applying to your marriage, your children, and your friendships? James is not offering us an option here, for what the Holy Spirit is showing us in James is that if you belong to Jesus, then you have no business with the kind of wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic. Why, because we are kingdom people! I told you that I believe what James is doing is simply applying Jesus sermon on the mount to everyday life. I have shared with you repeatedly that the way you come to Jesus is as one who is poor in spirit, one who mourns over sin, and one who is meek enough to lay you pride before the cross of Christ. These are the first three of Jesus beatitudes and are what theologians call, the beatitudes of need. The fourth beatitude is the fruit of the first three: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). How can I be satisfied? By finding my satisfaction in the One who is infinitely righteous and from whom true wisdom is found. What does a hunger and thirst for righteousness produce when that hunger and thirst is satisfied in Jesus? It produces what theologians call the beatitudes of action. I will pick up on this next Sunday, but for now I think it is enough for you to see what James is doing with wisdom and our Lords beatitudes. What kind of fruit does wisdom from above produce? It is pure, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, impartial, free of hypocrisy. Pure: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will receive mercy (Matt. 5:8). Peace-loving: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God (Matt. 5:9). Gentle (meek): Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). Reasonable (compliant): Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3). Full of mercy: Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy (Matt. 5:7). Impartial / free of hypocrisy: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matt. 4). Full of good fruit: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). My question for you is what are you doing with the wisdom that comes from above? It is the wisdom from above that calls those who follow Jesus through the narrow gate instead of the broad gate (Matt. 7:13-14). The wisdom from above calls the Christian to build upon the rock instead of sand (Matt. 7:24-29). The wisdom from above calls us to action in such a way that we do not only call Jesus Lord but live in subjection to His lordship (Matt. 7:22-21). The wisdom that is earthly, natural, and demonic will lead to death. The wisdom from above will lead to the kind of living where you can truly thrive as a child of God. Some of you may need to turn from whatever wisdom that has been guiding you, by humbling yourself before God Almighty. I will leave you with James 4:3-4 and you can do with it what seems best in light of what we have considered today: You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures. You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. [1] Peter H. Davids, The Epistle of James: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1982), 151. [2] Ibid.

God reduced Gideons army to 300, proving to Israel that it is he who would win the battle. God is in control, despite how desperate the situation.

Message from Sunday 10 AM Worship Service on August 3, 2025

The Gideons International has reached over 2.6 billion people with hope of the Gospel. With more than 240,000 Gideons and Auxiliary members dedicated to this mission, we know that it is not merely about placing a book into someone's hands—it is about seeing God's Word take root in hearts and transform lives.Visit our website at www.givinglight.org.Download the Giving Light App available for free on iOS and Android.

The Scrap Iron Quartet takes the lead in worship this morning, followed by exciting testimonies of how God has used the Gideons International Ministry worldwide to bring people to Himself.

An old hotel, a small town, and the birthplace of the Gideons in Boscobel, Wisconsin The narrative recounts the serendipitous encounter of two businessmen who, through a shared practice of nightly Bible reading, initiate a global ministry dedicated to distributing God's Word. Drawing from a historical anecdote originating in Boscobel, Wisconsin, the story highlights the power of simple acts of faith and fellowship to spark movements of significant impact. It emphasizes the widespread availability of Scripture through the Gideons' ministry, demonstrating a commitment to providing access to the Bible in hotels and communities worldwide. The account serves as an encouragement to recognize the potential for faith-inspired initiatives to flourish from humble beginnings and bear fruit on a grand scale. Ultimately, the story underscores the enduring importance of Scripture and its accessibility to all.

An old hotel, a small town, and the birthplace of the Gideons in Boscobel, Wisconsin The narrative recounts the serendipitous encounter of two businessmen who, through a shared practice of nightly Bible reading, initiate a global ministry dedicated to distributing God's Word. Drawing from a historical anecdote originating in Boscobel, Wisconsin, the story highlights the power of simple acts of faith and fellowship to spark movements of significant impact. It emphasizes the widespread availability of Scripture through the Gideons' ministry, demonstrating a commitment to providing access to the Bible in hotels and communities worldwide. The account serves as an encouragement to recognize the potential for faith-inspired initiatives to flourish from humble beginnings and bear fruit on a grand scale. Ultimately, the story underscores the enduring importance of Scripture and its accessibility to all.

Ever been in a hotel and see a Gideons' Bible? Who are these people? Why are they everywhere in hotels, Doctors' Offices, or even coming home with your kids from school at times? John Swan, a local Gideon presented this Sunday at Woodland Friends Church.

Predikan av Mikael Öhman Tema: Gideons strid, Som din dag blir ska din kraft vara harnosand.pingst.se

A new MP3 sermon from VCY America is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Birthplace of the Gideons Subtitle: Our Christian Heritage Speaker: Various Speakers Broadcaster: VCY America Event: TV Broadcast Date: 7/28/2025 Length: 2 min.

Waymond Hampton teaches through part 3 of the life of Gideon found in the end of Judges 7 through Judges 9. In this story we see God's invitation for Gideon to break generational cycles of sin and Gideons refusal to do so. The extraordinary victory that God's people had over the enemy armies of Midian was not enough for Gideon. He turns from God's ways and wisdom and leads himself, his family, and his people into greater depths of sin, and rejects God's offer of a new way. Through Jesus, we have the opportunity each day to say no to the continuation of generational sin and to say yes to Jesus' victory and to following him as new creations.

The name of Jesus holds transformative power, as demonstrated through the work of the Gideons International. This organization of business and professional men, along with their wives, distributes Bibles in strategic locations like hospitals, prisons, hotels, and schools. They've distributed 2.4 billion copies of God's Word in 110 languages and offer a Bible app available in 2,289 languages. Their mission is driven by the belief that God's Word changes lives, as illustrated by the story of a Hindu woman who found salvation through reading Romans. The Gideons' work continues through financial support and prayer.

Zander van der Westhuizen gesels oor die werk van die Gideons , Leon van der Merwe - Uitvoerende direkteur van Die Gideons Internasionaal in Suid-Afrika - hulle gesels oor die werk van die Gideons

Israel hat mit einer neuen Grossoffensive im Gazastreifen begonnen. Allein in den letzten Tagen sollen Hunderte Menschen getötet worden sein. Was plant die Regierung Netanjahu im Gazastreifen? Die neue Grossoffensive bedeute eine neue Dimension im Krieg, sagt unser Experte. Es gehe um eine Neubesiedelung des Gazastreifens, auch sei die Befreiung der Geiseln an zweite Stelle gerückt, es gehe der Regierung in erster Linie um den Sieg über die Terrororganisation Hamas. Derweil wird die Kritik an der Regierung Netanjahu immer lauter. Was bedeutet die Grossoffensive für die Menschen im Gazastreifen? Was sagen Kritikerinnen und Kritiker in Israel und weltweit? Und gibt es – trotz allem – auch Hoffnung? ____________________ Habt Ihr Fragen oder Themen-Inputs? Schreibt uns gerne per Mail an newsplus@srf.ch oder sendet uns eine Sprachnachricht an 076 320 10 37. ____________________ In dieser Episode zu hören - Ofer Waldman, Autor und Journalist und ab Sommer Leiter des Büros in Tel Aviv der Heinrich Böll Stiftung. ____________________ Team: - Moderation: Reena Thelly - Produktion: Peter Hanselmann - Redaktion: Vanessa Ledergerber ____________________ Das ist «News Plus»: In einer Viertelstunde die Welt besser verstehen – ein Thema, neue Perspektiven und Antworten auf eure Fragen. Unsere Korrespondenten und Expertinnen aus der Schweiz und der Welt erklären, analysieren und erzählen, was sie bewegt. «News Plus» von SRF erscheint immer von Montag bis Freitag um 16 Uhr rechtzeitig zum Feierabend.

Israel hat im Gazastreifen eine neue Offensive gestartet. │ Die Arabische Liga erhebt schwere Vorwürfe gegen Israel. │ Politikwissenschaftler Nico Lange ordnet das erste direkte Treffen zwischen Russland und der Ukraine seit über drei Jahren ein. │ Bei einem russischen Drohnen-Angriff auf einen Kleinbus sind in der Ukraine mindestens neun Menschen getötet worden.

11.05.25 J. Martens - Gideon (2) allein. Gottes Größe zählt https://www.bibleserver.com/NLB/Richter7,1-8Gott hat kein Problem damit, uns Schwäche Menschen zu berufen. 132 Tausend Medianiter und nur 32 Tausend bei Gideon als israelitisches Heer. Trotzdem  sagt Gott : ihr seid zu viel! Gott will seine Kraft mit einem kleinen Heer darstellen, so dass sich Iareal  nicht selbst rühmt. Gott ist größer - er möchte kein Beiwerk sein : Gott möchte nicht nur in unserer Schwäche helfen, er will auch der Herr unserer Erfolge sein. Die Herausforderung, Gott allein alles zuzutrauen. Mit dem großen Gott zu unseren Problemen gehen. Gott groß machen, nicht die Probleme. Das Vertrauen auf Gott soll wachsen. Gott kennt unsere Ängst und schenkt Ermutigungszeichen.Richter7,9-11Got schenkt den Sieg,  Richter7,19-22: der Sieg Israels und Gideons.  Unser Ermutigungszeichen ist das Kreuz Jesu. Das Hoffnungszeichen. Gott ist größer: als unsere Schuld, als unsere Misserfolge. Gott will unsere Stärke sein. 

"De proporties lijken in Israël volledig zoekgeraakt." Het zijn de woorden van minister Veldkamp van Buitenlandse Zaken. Hij vindt dat Israël met de voortdurende humanitaire blokkade van Gaza de mensenrechten en democratische principes niet meer respecteert. Deze week kwam Israël met een nieuw militair plan voor de Gazastrook, met de naam 'Gideons strijdwagens'. Ministers hebben het over het permanent bezetten van de Gazastrook, en het verplaatsen van Palestijnen. Journalist en oud-correspondent Inez Polak vertelt wat dit nieuwste plan inhoudt. En hoogleraar aan de Universiteit van Amsterdam André Nollkaemper bespreekt hoe het zich verhoudt tot het internationaal recht.  Reageren? Mail dedag@nos.nl Presentatie en montage: Dieuwke Teertstra Redactie: Ivo Talsma

4/27/25 Charles Goodman Sr. – Gideons International Message Gideons Message Direct Link https://gideons.org/donate The post Gideons International Message appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

Natalie is back from her first ever trip to Walt Disney World! Find out the mantra that kept her family happy, and how she managed kids of different ages. Also, an east coast/west coast mistake, they made on their day at Universal. Plus, all the latest on Free Dining, and what you can expect at Hollywood Studios on May 4th...Star Wars Day! Rides/attractions/hotels/restaurants mentioned: Flight of Passage/Ogas Cantina/Rodeo Round-up/Ohana/Spaceship Earth/Grand Floridian

The Bible - Kameel's Gideons Testimony - Part 11Your support sends the gospel to every corner of Australia through broadcast, online and print media: https://www.vision.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textDiscover the extraordinary world of the Gideons, where a simple Bible can change a life forever. Join Nathan Sack, John Losh and guest Dale Knudsen as they unpack the powerful mission of an organization that has distributed over 70 million scriptures worldwide. From hotel rooms to war zones, learn how these everyday professionals are spreading hope, one testament at a time. Hear incredible stories of transformation, unexpected encounters, and the ripple effect of sharing God's word. This isn't just a podcast episode - it's a testament to faith in action. Websitehttps://www.gideons.orgBible App:https://www.gideons.org/read-the-bibleShare Jesus Without Fear Bookhttps://www.lifeway.com/en/product-family/share-jesus-without-fearMusicIntro and Outro Music by Jerry Abahhttps://youtu.be/NJFQvXk36oMSupport the showhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/faithhorizons. Help us discover more of what God is doing in Kansas City.

The Gideons International.

Step into the profound journey of faith as we sit down with Dr. Troy Bostick, my father-in-law and trusted dentist, to unravel the incredible story behind the Gideons. Originating from a simple idea to counter the saloon culture of the late 19th century, this evangelistic association has blossomed into a monumental force for spreading the Christian faith across the globe. Discover how two determined businessmen from Wisconsin ignited a mission that now operates in over 200 countries, distributing Bibles in 196 languages, with a staggering 95 million Bibles shared just last year. We'll uncover the unique color-coding system that helps direct Bibles to groups like military personnel and medical staff, and dive into the biblical inspiration for the name "Gideons," drawn from a figure known for his steadfast obedience to God's will.Our conversation takes a personal turn as we explore the impact of becoming a Gideon, emphasizing its non-denominational nature and the heartfelt commitment involved. Dr. Bostick sheds light on the various roles within the organization, from speaking engagements at churches to the distribution of Bibles in hotels and hospitals. We also highlight the innovative Gideon card program, a meaningful way to honor loved ones by donating Bibles in their name. With personal stories and gospel narratives at the heart of this endeavor, we discuss how these tales of faith can connect and empower. Join us for an episode brimming with inspiring stories, and learn how the Gideons continue to make a difference worldwide.gideons.orgupfromthemuck.comSend us a textSupport the showClick HERE for access to extra content through my Patreon Account.

Ron Estes presents a message about the Gideons, International ministry around the world on February 9, 2025.

Butch and Steve reflect on the power of taking time to carefully walk through Scripture, as seen in a story with the Gideons where a simple question revealed deeper insights. Steve highlights the effectiveness of STS for equipping laypeople, including tradesmen, especially in a post-COVID world where church ministry must extend beyond traditional walls. They both emphasize that STS is a powerful tool for pastors to equip their congregations. Links: Simply the Story … Upcoming workshops … God's Story: From Creation to Eternity …  Moment for Eternity - Training for Evangelism Follow us on Twitter ~ Feedback ~ Facebook ~ iTunes Podcast ~ Vimeo ~ STS Youtube ~ God's Story Youtube

Podcast Recorded Live From The Worship Services Of The Stanton First Church of God in Stanton, Kentucky. If You Need Prayer, You Can Submit Your Request Via Our Website At www.stantonfcog.com/prayer.  For More Information, Visit Our Website www.stantonfcog.com or Visit Us On Facebook www.facebook.com/StantonFCOG

THE ULTIMATE GUEST FOLLOW UP BOX https://www.patreon.com/hybridministry/shop/ultimate-first-time-guest-box-579557?source=storefront DESCRIPTION New Visitor to your Youth Group? Yay! Now what? How do you follow-up in a way that doesn't feel weird or creepy? Good question! Let's explore it together! SHOWNOTES http://www.hybridministry.xyz/122 //THE ULTIMATE GUEST FOLLOW UP BOX https://www.patreon.com/hybridministry/shop/ultimate-first-time-guest-box-579557?source=storefront //OUR WELCOME VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neb34eYasCY //EPISODE 100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0L-Dxhs7cI

Send us a textI just want to hold on to this season for jus a little bit longer! Is that possible?Well, to make it even better, it coincides with our 100th podcast episode! Churning out a new show every Friday for the last 4 seasons has been an incredible and validating experience.My goal has always to bring words and sentences from my blog and create real life conversations with the humans of our society that bring a positive aspect that can create an inspiring spark inside of anyone that is listening.With that said, thank you to all of you that are listening each week, that are sharing our stories, our guests that open up their heart and speak their truth, and to our amazing team that puts it all together for everyone to listen. Adrian from Solid Ice Media is the man and I am so grateful! And lastly, to our amazing family of sponsors. Without each and every one of our amazing businesses partnering with us, the NolaPapa Podcast would not be possible. Thank you from the bottom of Papa's heart!Here is to 200 more!Before I begin, I would like to send our thoughts, prayers, good vibes and NOLA LOVE and light to all that has been effected by the Hurricanes in Florida and throughout, this year. As a New Orleanian, your papa knows just how hard it can be. Now with that said, Let's get to our Halloween Special! If you have ever been to Walt Disney World, specifically, Disney Springs, then you are bound to have come across this wickedly insane cookie coming from an eerie bakery called GIDEONS BAKEHOUSE. But for this month only, owner, Steve Lewis has coined the new GIDEONS SPOOKHOUSE for Halloween. You guys, listen. I am as picky as the next person. It is not just about the cookie. It is the entire experience. From the gothic look on the exterior, with gargoyles on the rooftop, to the giant doors that open to reveal a spooky and immersive interior. The attention to detail is staggering and is nothing less that what you would expect inside of a Disney World property. Steve has always leaned to the dark and weird side of life, which personally, we all need sometimes. We take ourselves to seriously and for just a few minutes, Steve Lewis wants to transport you to a  mysterious place, that gives off an old library with cobwebs vibe. The lore coming from the bookshelves with animations of his iconic mascots that change throughout the seasons. However, For Halloween Steve takes it to the next level with cookies and cakes and merch that you can only find this time of year! I am always blown away by creative artists that have such an exquisitely eye to detail. Steve's take on life and what he offers to it is absolutely inspirational and I am honored to welcome him BACK.  Thank you brother. You may like black, but the light you bring to our world is blinding. Next up, AUDUBON ZOO!!!Y'all, you know our family loves the Audubon Institute. Campus to campus, it is so much fun to take my 3 kids all over Audubon. From Monkey Hill to the Stingrays! There is so much to explore at Audubon. This week, we are celebrating our 100th episode Thank you to our family of amazing sponsors! Ochsner Hospital for ChildrenWww.ochsner.orgRouses MarkersWww.rousesmarkets.comSandpiper VacationsWww..sandpipervacations.comZak George's Dog Revolution! The Law Firm of Forrest Cressy & James Www.forrestcressyjames.comComfort Cases Www.comfortcases.orgNew Orleans Ice Cream CompanyWww.neworleansicecream.comReal Estate with Steph & Berkshire Hathaway www.realestatewithsteph.comAudubon Institute www.auduboninstitute.orgThe Gift of Adoption FundGiftofAdoption.org

Sunday Sermons

Jack LaBarr with The Gideons International.Connect with us: crosslakechristian.com/connectGive online: crosslakechristian.com/giveWatch Live Sundays @ 10:45 - live.crosslakechristian.com

Pastor Marie Myers   To learn more about becoming a partner with our international ministry, joining us on our next missions trip, or visiting one of our weekly services; please visit: LifeFamilyChurch.net

Often, when you check out of a hotel, you might feel like you're getting a little extra value by taking home those complimentary shampoos and conditioners. I'm definitely guilty of stocking up! But there's something else you might not realize you can take: the Gideon Bible. Unlike towels and robes, these Bibles are meant to be taken if they can be of use. The Gideons place them in rooms exactly for that purpose: to spread the word, and they'll replace any that are taken. So, grabbing one on your way out isn't stealing - it's encouraged if it helps share the message!

Key topics in today's conversation include:John's background in Trucking and Work with Good News Distribution (2:58)The ministry of GND (4:47)Distribution of needed materials to Truckers (5:54)Distribution Networks and Partnerships (7:26)The impact of Bible distribution on Truckers (9:34)Collaboration with Cry Mission (11:05)Partnership with Gideons and Bible App Cards (14:06)Supporting Good News Distribution (15:54)Challenges in Material Distribution (17:33)Evolution of Trucker Communication (20:19)John's personal impact in the distribution work (21:31)Offering prayers and support for Truckers (23:03)Connecting with Good News Distributors and Final Takeaways (23:35)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.

MBC | Gideons Sunday

Pastor Joe & Kirsten fill us in on their Spring Break adventures. Pastor Joe took a father/son cruise with Brock, and Kirsten and her mom spent the week giving their kitchen a makeover. Then, they launch into a Judges chapter 8 discussion. Gideon was a drastically different man than he was in chapters 6 & 7. They also research the history of The Gideons, the bible donating group that's been around for decades. Pastor Joe 'calls his shot' for his Easter sermon length, and we're holding him to it! Plus, a surprise gift leaves everyone laughing! Let's pop the hood! Email: underthehood@newlifenwa.com Show Notes: https://www.newlifenwa.com/underthehood/

The US has hit an all-time low. We're 23rd on the Happiness Report. We discuss the relationship between the economy and the meltdown of a young woman on social media who's working four jobs and taking college courses. The Gideons are unable to distribute free Bibles in Georgia because of the DEI policies. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.toddhuffshow.com Stack of Stuff: https://www.toddhuffshow.com/stack-of-stuff Email: todd@toddhuffshow.comPhone: 317.210.2830Follow us on…Instagram: @toddhuffshowFacebook: The Todd Huff ShowTwitter: @toddhuffshowLinkedIn: The Todd Huff ShowTikTok: @toddhuffshowSupport Our Partners:https://www.toddhuffshow.com/partners Links:https://www.mypillow.com/todd Promo Code: TODDhttps://mystore.com/toddhttps://4patriots.com/huffhttps://faith-lit.com Promo Code: TODD for 15% offhttps://getthetea.com Promo Code: HUFF for 10%https://www.patriotshave.com Promo Code: TODD for 10%https://harvardgoldgroup.com Promo Code: TODD for $250 credithttps://www.nicnac.com - Promo Code TODD for 15% off your first purchase

The US has hit an all-time low. We're 23rd on the Happiness Report. We discuss the relationship between the economy and the meltdown of a young woman on social media who's working four jobs and taking college courses. The Gideons are unable to distribute free Bibles in Georgia because of the DEI policies. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.toddhuffshow.com Stack of Stuff: https://www.toddhuffshow.com/stack-of-stuff Email: todd@toddhuffshow.comPhone: 317.210.2830Follow us on…Instagram: @toddhuffshowFacebook: The Todd Huff ShowTwitter: @toddhuffshowLinkedIn: The Todd Huff ShowTikTok: @toddhuffshowSupport Our Partners:https://www.toddhuffshow.com/partners Links:https://www.mypillow.com/todd Promo Code: TODDhttps://mystore.com/toddhttps://4patriots.com/huffhttps://faith-lit.com Promo Code: TODD for 15% offhttps://getthetea.com Promo Code: HUFF for 10%https://www.patriotshave.com Promo Code: TODD for 10%https://harvardgoldgroup.com Promo Code: TODD for $250 credithttps://www.nicnac.com - Promo Code TODD for 15% off your first purchase

How does an accountability group of three salesmen turn into an international ministry that distributes billions of Bibles worldwide? Author Jeff Pack shares the inspiring stories! The Word of God is powerful, and through accountability and “Bibling,” Gideons International has impacted millions worldwide! Jeff Pack shares special stories and inspiring history and reveals yet again how God's truth brings hope to a hurting world. Witness to History

On this day in 1908, the first Gideons Bibles were placed at the Superior Hotel in Montana. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.