Podcasts about in judges

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Lloyd Pulley Question Timestamps: Theresa, Facebook (3:32) - Can I have demonic sin? Charles, NY (6:47) - If we are present with the Lord after we die, then who will rise from the dead when the dead in Christ rise? Anonymous, email (8:39) - How would you advise someone having trouble with involuntary thoughts of taking the Lord's name in vain? Carl, email (10:10) - In Judges 11 verse 31, does the word "as" mean a comparison? Matt, Instagram (13:24) - Is it a sin to not want to have kids? Rose, email (16:25) - Who was Cain afraid of, if Adam and Eve were the only other people on Earth? Where did Cain get his wife? Enriquez, HI (18:51) - Are some born again into immortality without the influence of Satan? Bella, email (23:06) - Who is allowed to speak in tongues and when? Isaac, GA (25:48, continued after break at 33:30) - What was Adam to God? Debbie, email (34:50) - Would it have been possible for Hannah to have purchased Samuel back from the temple? Johnny, email (36:33) - Why was Isaac limited to only blessing one son? Rich, email (39:14) - Can you explain why Jesus cursed the fig tree? Jackie, NJ (41:56) - In Kings, how could the king have gathered all the people together for announcements or decrees? Kirk, MA (46:01) - Didn't Esau give away his birthright for soup? Didn't God predict the older would serve the younger? Joshua, MA (51:10) - Was Eve surprised to have a man child? Ask Your Questions: Call: 888-712-7434 Email: Answers@bbtlive.org

God empowers those who are willing to hear and obey His Word to accomplish great things. In Judges 4, He used unlikely people like Deborah, Barak, and Jael to bring victory to His people in a time of oppression. Deborah's courage came from trusting what God had said, and Barak experienced victory as he stepped out in obedience. As we listen to God, trust that He goes before us, and take the next step in faith, He can work powerfully through us too.

God empowers those who are willing to hear and obey His Word to accomplish great things. In Judges 4, He used unlikely people like Deborah, Barak, and Jael to bring victory to His people in a time of oppression. Deborah's courage came from trusting what God had said, and Barak experienced victory as he stepped out in obedience. As we listen to God, trust that He goes before us, and take the next step in faith, He can work powerfully through us too.

Are you making major decisions based solely on what's efficient, logical, or profitable?When things get tough, it is incredibly easy to look around at what is working for everyone else and try to copy it. In Judges 2, the Israelites got into trouble because they stopped trusting God and started copying the religious practices of the surrounding culture. Today, creators do the exact same thing: we follow the algorithms, the hustle culture, and the financial advice of the secular world without ever stopping to ask God for wisdom.Life and content creation become exponentially harder when we rely purely on secular thinking. If you only look at your problems through a physical, biological, or financial lens, you are missing out on the spiritual reality of how God operates. The secular mindset thrives on fear, telling you to panic, go into debt, and work yourself into burnout. But the biblical approach often looks like taking a Sabbath, waiting patiently, and making small, faithful steps of obedience—even if it means making less money.

The letter of James is full of challenging spiritual statements.  Many are applicable to the world which surrounds us. James was writing at the time when Jerusalem was about to be destroyed as his half-brother (our Lord) had warned.  The great majority had rejected the divine message, it is evident that, 30+ years after their Lord ascended to heaven the convictions and commitment of believers was in serious decline.What James writes is also appropriate for the world today and the spirit among many who consider themselves believers, “You ask and do not receive,” he declares, “because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions…. Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? [4 v.3,4] What he writes next reminds us of what Paul said to the people of Athens – about the unseen presence of the only real God, encouraging them to “feel their way toward him and find him.  Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being'”  [Acts 17 v.27,28] Compare this with what James told believers in Jerusalem about God, “'He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?'” [Ch. 4 v.5]   The Creator of all things, it is clear, sees and knows all. In Judges we read about Gideon; in his days the people had largely forgotten their history, especially the faith that Moses and Joshua inspired in them as they started to possess the promised land. The nation was in deep trouble, Gideon had an astonishing encounter with an angel of the LORD and asked him, “if the LORD is with us why has all this happened …” [6 v.13]  We know the reason, few in our world will know the reason when our world starts to really fall apart.   Finally, what Isaiah writes in todays' ch. 33 is a sort of prayer, an inspiration that we can and should take to heart, “O LORD , be gracious to us,; we wait for you.  Be our arm every morning, our salvation in time of trouble.” [v.2] We all need to experience “friendship” How do we find ours? Does it sustain us spiritually?  Above all, how real in our divine relationship?   Is it “our arm every morning.”? 

In Judges 5, Deborah and Barak respond to God's mighty deliverance with a song of praise, celebrating the Lord's victory over the Canaanite oppressors. In this message, Pastor Jim Schultz walks through this powerful chapter, showing how the song highlights both God's sovereign power and the willing obedience of those who answered His call.Along the way, we see the contrast between those who stepped forward in faith and those who stayed on the sidelines, offering timely lessons for believers today. What keeps us from obeying God? Fear, inconvenience, distraction, or something else?This sermon also explores how Christians should understand themes of battle and victory in light of the New Testament. Drawing from Ephesians 6, Pastor Jim explains how believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare through faith, prayer, standing firm in God's truth, and boldly sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.Join us as we learn to praise God for His victories, trust His leadership, and faithfully follow His call.

Today's Promise: Judges 6:12 Have you ever felt inadequate, overlooked, or incapable of being used by God? If so, today's episode is for you. In Judges 6:12, an angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, a frightened man hiding in a winepress, and calls him a "valiant warrior." Gideon certainly did not see himself that way, but God did.   Join us as we explore this promise to discover how God sees beyond our fears, failures, and limitations. While we often define ourselves by our past mistakes and present struggles, God sees our potential through His power at work within us. Just as He transformed Gideon from a fearful farmer into a mighty deliverer, He can transform your life as well.   If you feel stuck in your own "winepress" today, this episode will encourage you to trust God's perspective over your own and step confidently into the purpose He has prepared for you.

In Judges 16:28, Samson discovered that even after failure, compromise, and spiritual defeat, God was still willing to restore, strengthen, and use him again, so cry out to Jesus today and ask, "Lord, one more time," and let Him restore what has been lost.

In Judges, we see gifted, but flawed leaders living through cycles of compromise, rescue, and rebellion. When Israel drifts away from God, we witness the consequences of only using strength and influence without tempering it with surrender and integrity. Even though it seems like chaos, God continues to work through imperfect people. As we look at Judges, we will see why character matters more than giftedness.

We hear a lot about the prophets, but what about prophetesses? Women worked alongside men in the Old Testament, even as prophetesses of the Lord. Although the Old Testament text has a lot less to say about these women, we read that they were respected and sought after for their specific wisdom. The history in the Bible would surely not be the same without unity between these women and the men they served with and for. Why don't we see these stories as powerful movements for the kingdom of God? We have examined the unity God created men and women in and the unity of work he created us for. And we also examined how sin broke this sacred unity. This is the underlying why. Culture and sin both play an unintentional and sometimes intentional role in us not hearing more about these female prophets. You could probably tell me a lot about Moses and Aaron, but what about their sister? Her name was Miriam, and she was also a prophet of the Lord. If I think about this trio more, I wish I could have heard more about their unity and the dynamics of their work together! Miriam is one of the earliest leaders of worship! In Exodus 15:20-21 we see her leading other women in song and dance after they crossed the Red Sea. The timing of the text suggests she may have been the first to lead a victory celebration of the exodus from Egypt! Miriam was noted as one of God's chosen leaders of the exodus in Micah 6:4. I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam (Micah 6:4). She was “joined as a whole” in unity with her brothers in this work. Deborah, too, was a powerful prophetess. She is described in Scripture as a judge, military strategist, warrior, and mother in Israel. No, she was not an actual mom, but rather she was a leader of Israel. In Judges, we see Deborah working, first as a judge and then as the one who leads Israel to war. Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided (Judges 4:4-5). Men and women sought her counsel. In the next verse we see Deborah sends for and summons Barak. Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go” (Judges 4:8). You can read more about this in Judges chapters 4 and 5, but again we see God using men and women—in unity— to complete work. How do you see examples of Miriam and Deborah and their unity with the men around them in your work today?

Abimelech's story is a tragic mess. Driven by selfish ambition, he conspires to seize power by murdering his seventy brothers. He is godless, ruthless, and self-serving—and that dangerous combination brings destruction to everyone under his leadership.In Judges 9, Pastor Andy uses the story of Abimelech to show how godless leaders become dangerous leaders. What happens when a leader has ambition without character, power without love, or courage without restraint? The result is always ruin.Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--We lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:

In Judges 6, the Lord meets Gideon and calls him a “valiant warrior.” Yet Gideon doesn't look the part—he appears fearful and uncertain. While Gideon is focused on changing his circumstances, God is focused on changing his identity.Today, we'll explore how the Lord is still at work within us, transforming our hearts and shaping us into valiant warriors who live on mission with Him.Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--We lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:

In Judges 6, Israel's disobedience opened the door to oppression—and the Midianites devastated the land year after year, leaving God's people harassed, hiding, and hopeless (Judges 6:3, 5). It took seven long years before Israel humbled itself and cried out to the Lord (Judges 6:6). In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef draws a sobering parallel to our own time: when adults fail to model faithful obedience, the next generation often learns to retreat—running and hiding from the “Midianites” of their day rather than standing firm in God's strength. But God's pattern with Gideon still holds: before He delivers His people from external threats, He must deliver them from internal unbelief. Dr. Youssef calls believers to welcome God's gift of revival through confession and repentance, then to cling to the Lord, rest in His strength, and show the next generation what it looks like to “stand up and be counted.” If you're burdened for the future of your family, your community, or your nation, this devotional will re-center your hope: God can still rescue, but He begins by reshaping hearts. Prayer: God, forgive us for the poor example we have set for the next generation. I pray that my generation would humble itself before You before it's too late. Help us show our children what it means to stand up for Truth instead of being overrun by our culture. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Beware of Spiritual Amnesia, Part 3: LISTEN NOW Scripture Focus: Judges 6:1-6 The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What if your biggest obstacle is not fear — but the choice to hold back? In Judges 6, God calls Gideon a mighty hero while he is literally hiding in a wine press. That disconnect is the whole point. In Why You Keep Holding Back, Pastor Mike O'Connell unpacks the Greek word deilía from 2 Timothy 1:7 — often translated "timidity" — and reveals that it is not describing an emotion. It is describing a posture: the decision to shrink back when courage is already available to you.God did not just call Gideon out of hiding. He stripped away every safety net — shrinking an army of 32,000 down to 300 — so there would be no question about who deserved the credit. If there is a decision you keep deferring, a conversation you keep avoiding, or a calling you keep softening to make it more comfortable, this message will challenge you. What God sees in you is not what your circumstances are telling you. And the step He is asking you to take might be the very thing that unlocks everything else.

What if your biggest obstacle is not fear — but the choice to hold back? In Judges 6, God calls Gideon a mighty hero while he is literally hiding in a wine press. That disconnect is the whole point. In Why You Keep Holding Back, Pastor Mike O'Connell unpacks the Greek word deilía from 2 Timothy 1:7 — often translated "timidity" — and reveals that it is not describing an emotion. It is describing a posture: the decision to shrink back when courage is already available to you.God did not just call Gideon out of hiding. He stripped away every safety net — shrinking an army of 32,000 down to 300 — so there would be no question about who deserved the credit. If there is a decision you keep deferring, a conversation you keep avoiding, or a calling you keep softening to make it more comfortable, this message will challenge you. What God sees in you is not what your circumstances are telling you. And the step He is asking you to take might be the very thing that unlocks everything else.

The third stop in our names of God study brings us to Elohim, and it's actually where it all begins. Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The Hebrew word used here for God is “Elohim”. This is how we meet God, and before he asks absolutely anything of us, he reveals who he is. Who is he? He is Elohim, meaning he is the Supreme One, the Mighty One, the Creator. The name Elohim tells us our God is all power and absolutely zero limitation. Nothing and no one is above him and everything begins with him. Nothing exists without the Creator. To understand our Elohim, look at his creation. Look at the magnificent universe and its perfect balance to sustain life. Look at the intricate details of life. Nothing is by accident, everything is the intentional thought and spoken word of Elohim, the Creator. But you know that, right? You know he created all of this and holds all of this, but do you realize, Elohim doesn't stop there. A creator doesn't create once and never create again. He continues to create. He continues to make things new … for you! Not only for you, but IN YOU. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a NEW person. The old life is gone; a NEW LIFE has begun!” This is the work of Elohim, the Creator who is still creating new things in you. As long as you're alive, he's still creating in you. New things are growing and developing because of his continued work of creation in you. Question – Where do you need Elohim to create something new in you? God is working in you, and he's working all around you. Elohim can work in anything and everything because it was all his original work anyway. The one who created it can change it or redesign it in any way he wishes. He alone holds that power. Maybe what you need doesn't even exist right now. Do you honestly think that's a problem for Elohim, the Supreme One, the Mighty One, the Creator? Girl, he can create the solution for your problem. He can design the pathway through your impossible. He can make a brand new, never been seen before creation to meet your need. He is not limited to what has been before. He is not limited to what makes sense. He's not limited to what you know or what you understand. He can make a new cure. He can make a new way. He can make a new solution. Our God is a CREATOR. He creates things that have never existed before. Did you know you can call on him to create for you now? Think about this – when Moses and the Israelites stood before an impassable Red Sea with their enemies closing in from behind, there was no way. There were no solutions. This was hopeless. So Elohim, our God the Creator, created a new way that had never been seen or imagined before. He created a dry path through the Red Sea by splitting the waters and making them stand on their ends. And let me tell you something you need to know – If God can do that then for them, God can do something radically new for you now! Call on your Elohim. God, create a way for me. Maybe what you need is a new opportunity. You're at a dead end with no viable options and you feel desperate. You've looked for a different opportunity and found absolutely none. Well – LOOK AGAIN, Sis. For real, God can create a new opportunity for you that simply wasn't there before … but it can be now. In my journey of faith I've found this simple truth – God loves to show up for the one who is looking for him. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:7, “Seek and you will find.” I believe Jesus really meant that and I believe Elohim can really back it up. If you look for him, you will find him … and you'll find him doing new things for you all the time! Creating ways where there were no ways before. Creating new opportunities where old opportunities spoiled. Creating new solutions to impossible problems and letting you stumble right into them as you seek his hand. Question – Where do you need Elohim to create something new for you? You can trust God's unlimited hand over your limitations. You can trust God's power over your problems. He can speak into existence absolutely ANYTHING NEEDED HERE. Elohim is the creator of all things, including YOU. Nothing in your life is beyond his power. He can create in you what you cannot create on your own. He can align for you in one day what you couldn't possibly make come together in a hundred lifetimes. Get a glimpse of how big your God, Elohim, really is … now know that anything you can dare to imagine is the tiniest proportion of who he really is and what he can really do. Elohim doesn't just create worlds with mountains and valleys, rivers and oceans, the sun and moon and stars – he creates moments – he creates solutions – he creates connections – he creates paths that lead to eternal destinations. Elohim creates abundance where there was lack, order where there was chaos, and life where there was death. In Exodus, we see God create manna out of absolutely nothing and make this dewy food substance just appear on the wilderness ground every morning for his people. It had never been there before and likely has never been there again since – but he made it new for the Israelites just when they needed it. This shows us Elohim doesn't need resources – HE CREATES THEM. Maybe you're standing here today empty handed feeling like you have nothing to even start with. Okay, that's not a problem for our God. He can create the resources you need. He can create the job. He can create the opportunity. He can create the connection. He can create the need and then allow YOU to be the one to meet the need in a perfect way. How many times in scripture do we see God create new life in a womb that was declared barren and broken? That's not a limitation for the Creator. He can create in impossible places and grow miracles. I'm literally watching him do that right now in one of my friend's lives. Elohim is still working! In 2 Chronicles 20, God gives a new battle plan for Jehoshaphat against a mighty army he didn't have a chance winning against. The new battle plan God gave was to go out and sing praises the next morning and this would send the enemy armies into a frenzy and fight against one another. As Jehoshaphat and his tiny army of men sang praises to the Lord, this massive army slaughtered each other until not a single enemy remained. I need a battle plan like that for some battles I'm facing. A new plan straight from Elohim! How about you? He creates solutions we would never think of, and even when they sound crazy, God's solutions will NOT FAIL! Elohim spoke a new identity over Gideon. In Judges 6 Gideon felt like the smallest nobody of a whole tribe of nobodies. But Elohim speaks a new identity into Gideon as a mighty warrior. That mighty warrior went on and did mighty things with his new identity. Question – Do you need Elohim to speak a new identity over you? Remember, he's already doing the work in you! Going back to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a NEW person. The old life is gone; a NEW LIFE has begun!” Let him create a new identity in you and do a new work through you leading you to a radically new life! Elohim – our God the Creator is all power and zero limitation … and he's still creating today! Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Samson's story is not what we expect from a hero. In Judges 16, we meet a man of incredible strength, yet repeated weakness. He is a judge set apart by God, yet constantly drawn toward compromise. Samson defeats enemies, breaks chains, and topples gates, but he cannot seem to master his own desires. His life is a pattern of calling and carelessness, of divine purpose tangled with personal failure. By the time we reach the end of his story, Samson is no longer standing in power, but sitting in darkness blinded, bound, and broken. And yet, it is there, in that place of humiliation, that something changes. For the first time in a long time, Samson does not rely on his own strength. He calls out to God. His final act is not just one of physical power, but of surrendered dependence. It is in weakness that he becomes, paradoxically, a victor. In this weakness leading to strength, Samson's life points beyond itself. It reminds us that God's purposes are not defeated by human failure, and that true strength is found in reliance on Him. Ultimately, Samson directs our eyes to Jesus who, through apparent weakness, brought the greatest victory of all.SERIES: Judges: The Flawed and the Faithful SCRIPTURE: Judges 16:1-31 SPEAKER: Pastor David Hallett

What if the version of you that God sees… is nothing like the version you see?In Judges 6, Gideon is hiding—afraid, intimidated, and just trying to survive. But in that very moment, God shows up and calls him something completely different: “Mighty man of valor.”God doesn't speak to where you are—He speaks to who He's called you to be. And too many believers are living beneath that calling… hiding, staying quiet, and allowing fear, culture, and distraction to keep them from stepping into what God has already put inside them.Gideon went from hiding in a pit… to tearing down idols… to stepping into purpose. And it started with one moment—when he chose to believe what God said about him.The same call is going out today: Mighty man. Mighty woman. The Lord is with you. Support the show

The book of Judges is the “wild west” of the Bible—a messy, dark season in Israel's history. After settling in the land, the people of Israel failed to continue the fight God had called them to, leaving work unfinished and ground unconquered.In Judges 3, we're introduced to Othniel, the first judge, who shows us what it looks like when God raises up a faithful leader to step into the battle. His story reminds us that God is still calling His people to engage, not retreat.Just like Israel, we're called into a daily spiritual battle. There is still ground to take in our lives—areas where God wants to bring growth, freedom, and victory. The question is: will we step forward in obedience, or settle where we are?Welcome to Antioch Georgetown! We are a church in Georgetown, TX, and our mission is simple--We lead people to follow Christ in a life-changing way.Get Connected:

In Judges chapters 10–21 and Ruth chapters 1–4, Israel repeatedly turns away from God and experiences oppression, and though God raises up judges like Jephthah and Samson to deliver them, the nation falls deeper into moral and spiritual chaos, ending with civil war and the statement that everyone did what was right in their own eyes. In contrast, the book of Ruth shows a story of faithfulness and redemption, as Ruth remains loyal to Naomi, marries Boaz, and becomes part of the family line that would lead to King David.Read the WHOLE Bible with me! Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. If you appreciate what is happening on this channel, please like, comment and most importantly, share this everywhere you can so we can bring as many people as possible with us on this Bible reading journey. GOD IS SO GOOD!Here is a link to all of the worship songs I have finished the Bible readings with. Worship with me!https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0l3ExigVUcMr6ja88bC607BoR1EaQuF&si=e1HfJdRXr4LSdU7WHere is the link to read the WHOLE Bible with me on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0l3ExigVUdyHEiJ2X2tFvXNINmLMs7O&si=FM_Od_qVefeWU1kYDo you want a Bald Headed Country Boy t-shirt? You can find them on my website with the link below.https://baldheadedcountryboy.com/

In Judges 6 through 8, we meet a leader who begins his journey hiding in fear and insecurity. Gideon's story is not simply about victory over an enemy. It is about the process God uses to reshape a person's dependence. Before God gives Gideon influence, He removes his confidence. Before God brings victory, He reduces... The post Judges: When God Reduces You Before He Uses You first appeared on The Nomad Pastor.

Sin always costs more than we want to pay. In Judges 10, Israel's rebellion led to crushing discipline, but God also showed them the path back: honest confession, real acknowledgement of sin, and a turning away from false gods. This episode is a sober warning not to test God's patience—and a hopeful reminder that restoration begins when we finally take sin seriously.

In Judges 1, Israel steps into the Promised Land ready to move forward. They actually begin in a good place, they seek the Lord and ask what they should do next. There's direction. Over and over again, we see the same phrase: "they did not drive them out." Instead of fully obeying what God had asked, they begin to compromise. They allow certain people to stay, put them to forced labor, and learn to live alongside what God had clearly told them to remove. But what starts as partial obedience slowly turns into a pattern of compromise, and eventually, confusion. There's a moment in Judges 1:19 where it says Judah couldn't drive out the inhabitants because they had iron chariots. And you can almost hear the justification in that. This is too hard. This is too much. This isn't realistic. It's an invitation to take an honest look at our lives and ask: Where have I stopped short? What have I allowed to stay that God has asked me to remove? Where have I chosen what feels easier over what God has said? Because obedience isn't just about starting well, it's about finishing faithfully. Click SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes with Pastor David Maestas. 

In Judges chapters 6–9, God calls Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites, giving Israel victory with a small army, but later Gideon's son Abimelech seizes power and brings conflict and destruction.Read the WHOLE Bible with me! Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. If you appreciate what is happening on this channel, please like, comment and most importantly, share this everywhere you can so we can bring as many people as possible with us on this Bible reading journey. GOD IS SO GOOD!Here is a link to all of the worship songs I have finished the Bible readings with. Worship with me!https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0l3ExigVUcMr6ja88bC607BoR1EaQuF&si=e1HfJdRXr4LSdU7WHere is the link to read the WHOLE Bible with me on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0l3ExigVUdyHEiJ2X2tFvXNINmLMs7O&si=FM_Od_qVefeWU1kYDo you want a Bald Headed Country Boy t-shirt? You can find them on my website with the link below.https://baldheadedcountryboy.com/

In Judges chapters 2–5, Israel repeatedly turns away from God, but He raises up judges to deliver them from their enemies, including Deborah and Barak, who lead Israel to victory and praise God in song.Read the WHOLE Bible with me! Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. If you appreciate what is happening on this channel, please like, comment and most importantly, share this everywhere you can so we can bring as many people as possible with us on this Bible reading journey. GOD IS SO GOOD!Here is a link to all of the worship songs I have finished the Bible readings with. Worship with me!https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0l3ExigVUcMr6ja88bC607BoR1EaQuF&si=e1HfJdRXr4LSdU7WHere is the link to read the WHOLE Bible with me on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv0l3ExigVUdyHEiJ2X2tFvXNINmLMs7O&si=FM_Od_qVefeWU1kYDo you want a Bald Headed Country Boy t-shirt? You can find them on my website with the link below.https://baldheadedcountryboy.com/

Hiding in a winepress. Questions in the heart. A life shaped by fear, weakness, and small beginnings. Then God speaks. In Judges 6, Gideon is seen before he feels strong, called a mighty warrior before he believes it, and sent forward with the strength he already has. What follows is more than a moment of encouragement; it is the beginning of inner transformation—where God meets weakness, speaks identity, and reveals His might through surrendered people. Alan reminds us that purpose can be knocking while fear is still answering, and that God's strength often begins to rise in the places we've tried to hide. If you've been shrinking back, disqualifying yourself, or waiting to feel stronger first, this message is your invitation into a new day: Step out of hiding. Step into the strength God declares over you.

Leadership hesitation creates spiritual vulnerability. In Judges 4 and 5, Israel is living under fear and oppression because those called to lead have grown passive and uncertain. Into that moment, God raises Deborah. Not because she campaigned for influence, but because she was faithful when others hesitated. This episode explores what happens when courage becomes... The post Judges: When God Raises Leaders the Culture Refuses to See first appeared on The Nomad Pastor.

Before the victory came, Gideon gave. Throughout the Bible, breakthrough follows surrender. Guest Pastor Bil Cornelius walks us through the levels of giving and the principle that changes everything. It isn't strategy. It's surrender.   In Judges 6, Gideon didn't wait for proof. He didn't wait for the miracle. He laid down an offering first. And only after the sacrifice was placed on the rock did the fire fall.  The early church gave themselves first to the Lord before explosive growth. And Jesus gave first. Offering precedes outpouring. Sacrifice precedes supernatural. Generosity precedes breakthrough 

When evil seems to win, and God feels silent, where is justice? In Judges 9, Abimelech murders his 69 brothers, gets crowned king, and rules for three years while his one surviving brother waits in exile. But God was working the entire time—through unexpected people, mysterious methods, and even the mess itself. This dark story reveals crucial truths about God's sovereignty and justice: He sees every evil, He will make all things right, but He does it in His timing and His way. When you're waiting for justice, remember—God is still in control.This week, our hosts continue their discussion on the book of Judges, some of the talking points were, Gideon's judgeship, God sending the evil spirit, and how God uses something evil for good. Oh and tune into the beginning to hear our hosts talk about freedom, the freedom they had to make some decisions in their younger years that sadly backfired.If you would like to watch the video podcast, find us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhDfGn0zfzi6XjcKkSVcFAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertbcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/topekabiblechurchWebsite: https://www.discovertbc.com/

In Judges 6 we are introduced to the fearful, hiding, Gideon.  An unlikely warrior who will be used powerfully by God.

When we think of heroes of faith, we often imagine bold confidence and fearless action. Gideon does not fit that picture at first glance. In Judges 6 and 7, we meet a man hiding from his enemies, doubting his own ability, and repeatedly asking God for reassurance. By human standards, Gideon appears weak and hesitant. Yet God chooses him to deliver Israel from the oppressive hand of the Midianites.The story of Gideon reminds us that God does not wait for fearless people before He acts. Instead, He patiently works through fearful people who are willing to listen and obey. Again and again, God meets Gideon in his anxiety, confirms His calling, and gently leads him forward step by step. God reduces Gideon's army, not to embarrass him, but to teach him that victory depends on the Lord and not on human strength.In this passage, we are invited to see the faithfulness of God more than the flaws of Gideon. The focus is not on a gutless judge becoming brave by his own effort, but on a gracious God who guides, reassures, and empowers His servant. This same God still works through weakness to accomplish His saving purposes today.Series: Judges: The Flawed and the FaithfulScripture: Judges 6-7Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

He WorshipedJudges 7: 15-18 “When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped; and he returned to the camp of Israel, and said, “Get up; for the Lord has given the army of Midian into your hand.” After he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and put trumpets into the hands of all of them, and empty jars, with torches inside the jars, he said to them, “Look at me, and do the same; when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the trumpets around the whole camp, and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!'”We have been talking about times when praise and worship have won battles, broken chains, and set captives free. This is no exception. In Judges 6, Gideon is introduced as a reluctant and fearful man, threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. When the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and called him a mighty warrior, Gideon doubted the message, pointing out that his clan was the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh and that he was the least in his family. Despite Gideon's doubts, God assured him of His presence and called him to deliver Israel from its enemies.Chapter 7 begins by discussing a battle where Gideon went into battle with thousands of troops and yet was still outnumbered. Then God told Gideon that he had too many troops and he should send home any who were scared. A good majority of them went home. I think there were 3,000 left. Then God told him there were still too many and how to decide who else should leave. Now Gideon was down to 300 soldiers, and God was pleased. However, Gideon was not sure how this was going to work out. They were vastly outnumbered. It says in Judges 7:12 “The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the east lay along the valley as thick as locusts; and their camels were without number, countless as the sand on the seashore. And Gideon had 300 and God on his side.One thing I love about this story is that it shows us that God knows us. He knows our weaknesses, and He loves us anyway. God knew that Gideon would be scared and would need some reassurance before going into battle. Judges 7:9-12 says, “That same night the Lord said to him, 'Get up, attack the camp; for I have given it into your hand. But if you fear to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah; and you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to attack the camp.” Then he went down with his servant Purah to the outposts of the armed men that were in the camp. While he was there, he overheard one of the enemy soldiers explaining a dream he had and talking about how great Gideon was. This gave Gideon all the confidence he needed to go into war trusting the Lord.Do you see how God knew Gideon would be scared? Do you see how God didn't discount Gideon because he was afraid to trust God and enter this seemingly unfair battle with just 300 men? God didn't walk away and find someone else who was more qualified, or someone who would trust him without fail or without question. God saw Gideon's fear and gave him what he needed to push past it. God is so good. He will do the same for you. God isn't asking you to never be afraid of what He is calling you to do. He is asking you to trust Him and to do it anyway. If you feel you need confirmation or some sort of sign to know God is asking you to do it, then ask Him for that. He is faithful to answer when we ask.I thought this story was great for our praise series because of the verses I picked for today. “When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped;” When Gideon heard the enemy talking about how powerful he was, He got the courage to push past his fear. However, before waking the army to tell them to go into battle, it says two very powerful words. He worshiped. You might even just gloss over those two words in the grand scheme of the whole story. However, the Lord highlighted them for me. He wanted me to not only see them, but to point them out to you. He doesn't want us to miss it. Gideon knew where his strength came from. He knew who was going to win this battle for him, and it wasn't those 300 soldiers. It was the Lord our God.Gideon worshiped the Lord. Did this change the outcome of the war? I have no idea. Did it change how God won the war for them? Again, I have no idea. What I do know is that nothing is put in the Bible accidentally. Every word in the Bible has a meaning. There is a reason God wants us to know that before going into a war where he was incredibly outnumbered, Gideon worshiped. How about you? Are you in a war that seems unfair? Are you in a war where you seem outnumbered? Have you worshiped yet? Have you come to the Lord and asked for his help and then worshiped Him even though you might not have seen that help yet? If you are in a battle, whether it is medical, physical, financial, or some other kind of battle, and you don't know what else to do, might I suggest worship? It seemed to work for Gideon; it could work for you, too!I am not sure if you know this story, so let me go on to explain what happened.  The verse says, “After he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and put trumpets into the hands of all of them, and empty jars, with torches inside the jars, he said to them, “Look at me, and do the same; when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then you also blow the trumpets around the whole camp, and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!'”These 300 soldiers were going into battle against an enemy with so many soldiers they couldn't be counted, and instead of putting swords and shields in their hands, Gideon put trumpets and jars with torches in them. This is the amazing thing about letting God fight your battles: He rarely does what you think He will do. When they blew the trumpets and shouted, God threw the Midianite army into confusion, and the enemy turned on itself. Israel won the battle without fighting by strength.God is not asking you to fight your battle alone. He is not asking you to figure out how to win the battle on your own. God is calling you to trust Him. He is calling you to invite Him into your struggle and then to listen to Him when He asks you to do something. God will solve your problem in ways you can't even imagine. I know you can't see a way out, and that is ok, you don't have to. God can make a way out. Do you think those soldiers had any idea that all they had to do to win the war was to blow on a trumpet, smash a jar, and shout “For the Lord and for Gideon!” I am sure they probably thought the plan was crazy, and yet this plan saved them from having to fight at all.God can do the same in your life. He can cure your disease without you doing anything. He can solve your problem in ways you can't even conceive. God is calling us to praise and worship, and he will do the rest. If you are like me, you have been trying to solve your own problems and those of everyone around you for far too long. How has that been going? Why not give God a shot? I guarantee he can do better than we can.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today.  Lord, we want to trust you. We want to push past our fear and do the thing you are calling us to do. Please help us. Lord, help us trust you and help us turn our battles over to you. Your plan is better than our plan. Please help us release all the control and hand it over to you. We love you, and we ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. AmenThank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus! I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I. God is on your side, and we are both rooting for you—always. Have a blessed day.Today's Word from the Lord was received in September 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “I have chosen you. I have anointed each one of you. Never, never forget that. You did not just wander here. You were led here. You are my children, my anointed children, my chosen children. Always, we will be together. We will walk together. We will decide together. Remain in my love.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

In Judges 20 & 21, the nation of Israel has turned pagan, and they have stopped asking God for advice. This week we'll find out what happens when a nation turns from God and starts doing whatever sounds good or seems right.

This Sunday, Pastor Keithen Schwahn continued our sermon series, God Comes Where He's Wanted, with a teaching on the altar of the home, drawing from the story of Gideon in Judges 6 and the words of Jesus in Matthew 18. We need to confront the brokenness of the altar of the home in our culture and take responsibility for the next generation. In Judges 6, we see the great danger of generational drift when vision is not matched with action, reminding us that renewal begins with tearing down the idols that compete for our devotion. As God restores Gideon's identity and calls him into partnership, we are urged to pursue fully integrated lives marked by obedience and faithfulness to remove idols. In Matthew 18, we are reminded of Jesus' deep care for children, and we are all invited to fight for the future of the church by blessing young people, breaking generational cycles, and intentionally passing on faith.

Every generation faces the temptation to compromise. Small concessions often seem harmless, even practical, but Scripture shows how easily they can reshape a people's hearts. In Judges 1 through 3, Israel stands at a critical moment. God had brought them into the land and commanded them to drive out the Canaanites completely. Instead of full obedience, they settled for partial victory. At first, the compromises looked reasonable. The enemies were strong. The task was difficult. Living alongside the Canaanites seemed easier than trusting God fully. Yet those choices slowly changed Israel. What began as tolerance became influence. What seemed manageable became destructive. Israel adopted pagan practices, forgot the Lord, and turned to the gods of the very people they were meant to remove. The result was a downward spiral into apostacy that affected every part of their life as a nation. In His mercy, God did not abandon His people. Again and again, He raised up judges to rescue them from the consequences of their sin. Each deliverance was an act of grace. Yet even after being rescued, the people did not truly return to the Lord. Their hearts remained divided, and the cycle of compromise and rebellion continued. This passage warns us of the danger of half obedience and points us to our deep need for God's faithful grace.Series: Judges: The Flawed and the Faithful Scripture: Judges 1:1-3:6 Speaker: Pastor David Hallett

Some battles cannot be won with strength, talent, or effort alone. They require a different weapon.In Judges 15, Samson defeats 1,000 enemies not with a sword or spear but with the unimpressive jawbone of a donkey. What looked weak became powerful in God's hands. In this message, we discover how Samson's jawbone is a powerful picture of fasting and spiritual warfare.Fasting is more than skipping meals. It is a spiritual discipline that humbles us, sharpens our hunger for God, and positions us for breakthrough. Just as the jawbone was meant for eating but became a weapon, fasting turns a physical discipline into a spiritual advantage.In this message, you'll learn-  Why fasting is a humble weapon God uses to defeat strongholds-  Why some victories only come through prayer and fasting-  How fasting breaks bondage, restores closeness, and builds spiritual momentum-  How fasting impacts not only you but the next generation-  Why revival often comes after the battle, not beforeKey Scriptures-  Judges 15:14–19-  Matthew 6-  Isaiah 58

Gideon was hiding, afraid, and convinced he was the weakest person in the weakest family. But Jesus came to him, spoke identity over him, and called him into what He would empower him to become. In Judges 6, the eternal Son of God pursues Gideon, names him, strengthens him, and reveals Himself as “The LORD is Peace.”

In Judges 13 and 14, Samson will make decisions based on what he sees and what he desires. His course of action will disobey God's instructions, and it will be the start of his spiritual decline. But we will also see how God can work through our poor choices to accomplish His higher purposes.

In Judges 10, the Israelites fell into this pattern—worshiping false gods until trouble came, then crying out to the Lord as a last resort. God's response? 'Go and cry out to the gods you've chosen.' (Judges 10:14)The truth resonates through the ages: God wants to be the Lord of our lives, not the last resort in our lives.

In Judges – 10-12 we see the patterns repeat of leaders coming in and out and God becoming angry at His people turning away from Him, and then showing mercy on them when they repent and come back. Much like our own lives.

When the story you're living in feels stuck, broken, or chaotic—what if you're telling the wrong story? In Judges 4, God interrupts Israel’s cycle of oppression with a powerful narrative shift led by unexpected heroes. We’ll explore how Deborah, Barak, and Jael reframe their reality—and how your story can be reframed too. Join us as we rediscover the God who goes ahead of us, breaks destructive cycles, and opens the way out.

We all have cycles—patterns we repeat, even when we know they’re destructive. In Judges 3, Israel breaks free from oppression, but without real change, the cycle just starts again. This week, we’ll explore how settling for a break from negative circumstances can keep us trapped in the same old struggles. Discover how God wants to interrupt the cycle and bring lasting transformation.

In Judges 4-5, we meet Deborah, Barak, and Jael - three individuals who didn't wish for different circumstances but faithfully served God in their current roles. The result? God worked through their faithfulness to bring victory and 40 years of peace to Israel. Pastor Louis encouraged us to commit to faithfulness in the places God has planted us, not because our roles define us, but because we serve a faithful God who redeemed us through Christ.

Five years ago, style and image consultant Kevin Samuels became an internet sensation for his advice on relationships, dating, fashion, and success in life. He was controversial—brash, often chiding people for their looks and what he regarded as unrealistic dating expectations, and not hesitant to put people down in the process. One of his most well-known concepts was the “high-value man,” defined by qualities like making at least $10K per month for several years, having group acceptance, belonging to a network of other high-value men, being visible in one's profession, and being in high demand. Samuels also emphasized appearance— height, build, and dress. Critics have rightly pointed out that his view reduces a man's worth to his salary and status, ignoring character, integrity, responsibility, and spirituality. The Bible says, “Man looks at the outer appearance, but God looks at the heart.” Being a high-value man is not about cars, clothes, and cash, but about character, consciousness, and conviction. It's about who has the man, not what the man has. In Judges 3:31, we meet Shamgar, an often overlooked judge of Israel, whose one- verse story shows us what it truly means to be a high-value man.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen We hear a lot about the prophets, but what about prophetesses? Women worked alongside men in the Old Testament, even as prophetesses of the Lord. Although the Old Testament text has a lot less to say about these women, we read that they were respected and sought after for their specific wisdom. The history in the Bible would surely not be the same without unity between these women and the men they served with and for. Why don't we see these stories as powerful movements for the kingdom of God? We have examined the unity God created men and women in and the unity of work he created us for. And we also examined how sin broke this sacred unity. This is the underlying why. Culture and sin both play an unintentional and sometimes intentional role in us not hearing more about these female prophets. You could probably tell me a lot about Moses and Aaron, but what about their sister? Her name was Miriam, and she was also a prophet of the Lord. If I think about this trio more, I wish I could have heard more about their unity and the dynamics of their work together! Miriam is one of the earliest leaders of worship! In Exodus 15:20-21 we see her leading other women in song and dance after they crossed the Red Sea. The timing of the text suggests she may have been the first to lead a victory celebration of the exodus from Egypt! Miriam was noted as one of God's chosen leaders of the exodus in Micah 6:4. I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam (Micah 6:4). She was “joined as a whole” in unity with her brothers in this work. Deborah, too, was a powerful prophetess. She is described in Scripture as a judge, military strategist, warrior, and mother in Israel. No, she was not an actual mom, but rather she was a leader of Israel. In Judges, we see Deborah working, first as a judge and then as the one who leads Israel to war. Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided (Judges 4:4-5). Men and women sought her counsel. In the next verse we see Deborah sends for and summons Barak. Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go” (Judges 4:8). You can read more about this in Judges chapters 4 and 5, but again we see God using men and women—in unity— to complete work. How do you see examples of Miriam and Deborah and their unity with the men around them in your work today?

Hi, I'm John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, and you're listening to Share Life Today. Christianity has always been just one generation from extinction. I mean — think about it. All it takes is for one generation to drop the ball for the next generation to miss the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. They cannot pass along what they do not have. And it can happen in just one generation. In Judges 2, an entire generation grew up not knowing the Lord and what He had done for nation of Israel, because the previous generation did not pass it along. So what do we do? How can we engage the younger generation with the Gospel in a way that's real and personal? Well firstly, we can start by giving children and young adults a strong foundation in the Gospel. And secondly, we can allow them be an integral part in building God's Kingdom right now by helping them share the most exciting gift that they have: their faith. For more on discipling the next generation, visit sharelife.today.

The function ש־ו־ב (shin–waw–bet) is not the sigh of remorse in a cloistered heart, but the pivot of a sword's edge; the turn God commands into the place where his name has been denied. Abraham returns from the valley of kings; Moses returns to the mountain, still breathing the smoke of the calf's golden stench; Gideon returns to the camp with the dream of victory burning in his ears. None turns to hide—all turn to face him.And ח־נ־ן (ḥet–nun–nun), to plead, is no bowing before the courts of men. The human reference vanishes. Job's feeble plea to his servant falls into the void. Malachi mocks the lips that beg for favor while the hands bring defilement. Proper pleading is stripped of flattery and calculation, bare as incense in the wind, carrying no name but his.In Luke's Gerasene plain, the return is marked by absence. The swine are gone, the crowd is gone, the man's former companions erased. He stands alone, clothed and found, with no community left to shield him, no filth left to hide him, no power left to reference but the one who sent him. This is the Day when the disbeliever is given back his own deed, when tribe and city and oath are dust, and a man stands naked before the Face that made him. This is the Day that the Lord has made. To return is to step into that bareness now, ahead of the Hour, with only obedience in your hands.“Return to your house, habibi, and describe what great things God has done for you.”This week, I discuss Luke 8:39.Show Notesδέομαι (deomai) / ח־נ־ן (ḥet–nun–nun) / ح–ن–ن (ḥāʾ–nūn–nūn)BEGGING IN VAINThe itinerary of ח־נ־ן (ḥet–nun–nun) / ح–ن–ن (ḥāʾ–nūn–nūn) opens with righteous entreaty to God in Deuteronomy 3:23 — “I pleaded [וָאֶתְחַנַּ֖ן (waʾetḥannan)] with the Lord at that time” — and proceeds to submission before his prophet in 2 Kings 1:13 — “he bowed down on his knees before Elijah and begged [וַיִּתְחַנֵּ֗ן (wayyiṭḥannēn)] him.” It is upheld as the correct course in Job 8:5 — “if you will search for God and implore [תִּתְחַנָּֽן (titḥannan)] the compassion of the Almighty” — but falters in Job 19:16, when Job seeks compassion from a human servant: “I called to my servant, but he gave me no answer; I pleaded [חִנַּ֖נְתִּי (ḥinnantī)] with him with my mouth.”Here, the root meets the same fork in the road as מ־צ־א (mem–ṣade–aleph) / و–ج–د (wāw–jīm–dāl) “to find.” To plead in the wrong direction is the verbal equivalent of being found in the wrong place—misoriented, exposed, and powerless. Job is “found out” in his misdirected appeal.The itinerary returns to proper alignment in Psalm 141:2 — “may my prayer be counted as incense before you” — where the supplication is again oriented toward God, the one who truly “finds” his slave. But the arc terminates with Malachi 1:9 — “will you not plead [חִנַּנְאֵל (ḥinnū-ʾēl)] for God's favor…with such an offering…will he receive any of you kindly?” Here, the prophet exposes the futility of petition without obedience. Even the correct address is worthless if the one who pleads is “found” corrupt.In Luke, δέομαι (deomai) follows the same itinerary. As with מ־צ־א, the point is not the act itself — searching, pleading, finding — but the reference. Mercy is not secured by human initiative, whether in seeking or in supplication, but by being found by God in faithful submission. To plead wrongly is to be found wrongly; to plead rightly is to be found rightly. Luke's use aligns with Malachi's charge: misplaced faith or hypocritical worship is no more effective than Job's appeal to his unresponsive servant.Deuteronomy 3:23 – וָאֶתְחַנַּ֖ן (waʾetḥannan) – I also pleaded with the Lord at that time, saying, – Moses petitions the Lord to let him cross the Jordan and view the promised land.2 Kings 1:13 – וַיִּתְחַנֵּ֗ן (wayyiṭḥannēn) – So the king again sent the captain of a third fifty with his fifty. When the third captain of fifty went up, he came and bowed down on his knees before Elijah, and begged him and said to him, “O man of God, please let my life and the lives of these fifty servants of yours be precious in your sight.” – A third captain approaches Elijah after the first two captains were destroyed. He kneels and requests preservation for himself and his men.Job 8:5 – וְאֶל־שַׁדַּ֥י תִּתְחַנָּֽן (weʾel-shadday titḥannan) – If you will search for God And implore the compassion of the Almighty, – Bildad advises Job to seek God and appeal for compassion.Job 19:16 – חִנַּ֖נְתִּי (ḥinnantī) – I called to my servant, but he did not answer; I implored him with my mouth. – Job recounts calling his servant and receiving no reply, even after pleading directly.Psalm 141:2 – תִּתְחַנָּֽה (titḥannah) – May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The raising of my hands as the evening offering. – The psalmist compares his prayer to incense and the lifting of hands to the evening offering.Malachi 1:9 – חִנַּנְאֵל (ḥinnū-ʾēl) – But now will you not plead for God's favor, so that He will be gracious to us? With such an offering on your part, will He receive any of you kindly?” says the Lord of armies. – The prophet challenges the priests to request God's favor despite their unacceptable offerings.ὑποστρέφω (hypostrephō) / ש־ו־ב (shin–waw–bet) / ث-و-ب (thāʾ–wāw–bāʾ)Finding, Pleading, Returning: Three Arcs Toward ConfrontationIn Luke 8, the healed man's commission to return [שׁוּב (shub)] to his city cannot be read in isolation. It is the culmination of three interwoven prophetic itineraries — מ־צ־א (mem–ṣade–aleph) “to find,” ח־נ־ן (ḥet–nun–nun) “to plead,” and ש־ו־ב (shin–waw–bet) “to return” — each carrying its own history of confrontation, exposure, and the tearing down of human constructs.The root מ־צ־א moves through Scripture as a pivot between encounter and judgment. To “find” is not neutral; it is to be located, exposed, or confronted by what is found. In Luke 8:35, the townspeople find the formerly demon-possessed man “clothed and in his right mind” — an exposure that drives them to fear. Their response aligns them not with Abraham's trust (Genesis 14:17), but with those who resist God's presence. “Then after his return [בְּשׁוּבוֹ (bə·shū·bō)] from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). (Genesis 14:17)The root ש־ו־ב is typically mistranslated as repentance in a theological sense. Still, in the prophetic arc, it signals a strategic pivot, a “turn” toward confrontation, often in the face of danger. In Genesis 14:17, Abraham's ש־ו־ב [בְּשׁוּבוֹ (bə·shū·bō)] from victory leads directly into confrontation with the king of Sodom. In Judges 3:19, Ehud turns back [שָׁב (shab)] to assassinate Eglon. But he himself turned back [שָׁב (shab)] from the idols which were at Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he said, “Silence!” And all who were attending him left him.” (Judges 3:19)In Exodus 32:31, Moses' return [וַיָּשָׁב (way·yā·shab)] to God comes after shattering the tablets, standing be...

Stephanie Rousselle welcomes back author and speaker Katie Reid. They dive into practical faith lessons rooted in Katie's Bible study, God, What Do I Do?, which explores the first five chapters of Judges—a book that surprisingly offers deep insights for navigating life's uncertainties. Transitions—graduations, moves, empty nesting—often prompt us to ask, “God, what do I do?” Katie Reid begins with the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness. Just as God's people in Scripture set up literal memorial stones to help future generations recall His mighty works, we're called to do the same in our own way. When facing the unknown, look back: Has God ever provided when you couldn't see the way forward? Remembering builds faith for the present and the future. Katie offers a practical tip: Share stories of God's provision with your family or community. This strengthens everyone's faith and creates a culture of expectation for God's continued faithfulness. A common misconception is that God's rules are restrictive. However, the Book of Judges and Katie's personal example remind us that God's guidance is meant for our protection and ultimate freedom. Just as parents warn children out of love, God sets boundaries to spare us unnecessary pain and lead us to fuller life. Katie invites us: Consider a time you resisted God's leading, only to discover later that His way was truly for your good. In Judges 1, the Israelites start out strong in obeying God, but falter when they encounter intimidating obstacles (“iron chariots”). Katie shares from her own experience—facing a daunting move to Florida without knowing all the details—that sometimes God asks us to walk forward in faith before providing the full picture. Partial obedience or giving in to intimidation can rob us of experiencing God's best. Katie suggests, Ask yourself: What are your “iron chariots”—those fears or obstacles tempting you to stop short? Where might God be inviting you to complete, not just partial, obedience? Prayer is our lifeline, especially in confusing times. The Israelites often forgot to inquire of the Lord, leading to trouble. Katie urges that “SOS prayers” (“God, help!”) are not only acceptable, but powerful. Lean into God honestly—He delights in our dependence, not our performance. So, in moments of overwhelm, pause and simply pray. No fancy words needed. Dependence is what God desires. Both obedience and disobedience set ripples in motion for generations. Testifying—sharing what God has done—points others to His ongoing goodness. Judges 5 models this with a “testimony song,” celebrating God's victories. Here's an idea: Write down or verbally share a recent “God moment” with a friend or family member. The Book of Judges isn't just a cautionary tale; it's an invitation to deeper trust and practical obedience. Remember what God has done, trust His commands, move forward in faith—even without all the answers—and don't be afraid to cry out honestly in prayer. Celebrate small wins, and share what God is doing. This is how uncertain times become seasons of spiritual growth and fresh clarity. Throughout the study, Katie invites us to apply these lessons in our transitions, decisions, and daily walk, trusting that God leads, remembers, and is always faithful. Stephanie mentions the Gospel Spice course “In the Footsteps of Jesus” which take you right into First-Century Israel to experience Jesus like never before. More here: https://www.gospelspice.com/footsteps - make sure to sign up to receive the first lesson for free!  MORE ABOUT KATIE REID Katie M. Reid is a Bible teacher, author, and podcaster. Trained in education, Katie teaches around her kitchen table, in the classroom, and around the country. She cohosts The Martha + Mary Show and runs the Martha + Mary Show Sisterhood group on Facebook. Katie is a pastor's wife and worship leader. Following Jesus, marrying her husband, and being a mom to five are the best decisions she's made. Find Katie at http://katiemreid.com/   MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE STUDY “GOD, WHAT DO I DO?”  Uncertainty about the future--even the very next step--can keep you from making important decisions and cause you to second-guess every decision you do make. You may feel pressured by others to act before you're ready. You just want to be sure that each choice is the right one. But how do you know? And what if you're wrong? Drawing from the story of the Israelites during the time of Deborah and other early judges, Bible teacher Katie M. Reid shows you how to move forward in times of transition and trial when you don't know what to do and God's voice seems silent. Through timeless truths mined from Scripture, personal stories, and accessible study questions, you'll learn six simple guiding principles to help you make good decisions with confidence and clear-headed focus. As you journey through this study, you'll find a sense of peace in decision-making you never thought possible--even when the stakes are high and life feels overwhelming. You seek to know God more in Christ through every aspect of your life. Keeping our gaze fixed on Christ is essential as we go through each day, but it is not easy! Have you ever desired to keep Jesus at the center of your life, but busyness, hardships and afflictions made you forget how to do that? Have you ever wished you could grow closer to Christ through it all? You are not alone. God is with you, and Gospel Spice exists to support you. Everything here aims to invite you towards deeper intimacy with God, through Christ-centered, Scriptural ways. Take the next step today! Place Jesus at the center of your life in fresh ways. Every Bible Study and Course offered here is a truly original, exclusive, refreshing content by Gospel Spice. All our content is deeply biblical, highly Christocentric, and doctrinally orthodox. You are invited to taste new flavors in Scripture, and to discover that God is truly good. Scroll to choose from our extensive catalog. Start today! (re)Awaken your delight in God through Christ today! visit https://www.gospelspice.com/store for more! OUR GIFT TO YOU! We offer free access to the FIRST lesson of every paid course. So, choose your course and sign up to receive the first video lesson for free! Enjoy!   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

In Judges 6–7, God chooses Gideon—a fearful man hiding in a winepress—to demonstrate that He uses the humble to accomplish His purposes. By reducing Gideon's army from thousands to just 300, God makes it unmistakably clear that victory belongs to Him alone. Through Gideon's obedience and faith, we see that God conquers not by strength, but through trust in His power and presence. God chooses to use the humbleGod makes it clear who gets the creditGod conquers through faith Life Group Discussion:In what areas of your life might God be asking you to trust Him despite feeling inadequate?When was a time in your life when God did something big, and you knew it had to be Him?What risks did Gideon take in obeying God's instructions? How did faith play a role?

In Judges 6–7, God chooses Gideon—a fearful man hiding in a winepress—to demonstrate that He uses the humble to accomplish His purposes. By reducing Gideon's army from thousands to just 300, God makes it unmistakably clear that victory belongs to Him alone. Through Gideon's obedience and faith, we see that God conquers not by strength, but through trust in His power and presence. God chooses to use the humbleGod makes it clear who gets the creditGod conquers through faith Life Group Discussion:In what areas of your life might God be asking you to trust Him despite feeling inadequate?When was a time in your life when God did something big, and you knew it had to be Him?What risks did Gideon take in obeying God's instructions? How did faith play a role?