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Come As You Are: GideonJudges 6:12-16 “The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior.” Gideon answered him, “But sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our ancestors recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has cast us off, and given us into the hand of Midian.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; I hereby commission you.” He responded, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike down the Midianites, every one of them.”I really like this story because it is one that most of us can relate to. Well, not the first verse probably. I doubt too many of us have been visited by an angel. The verse starts off by telling us that an angel appeared to Gideon and told him the Lord was with him, and then called him a mighty warrior. I find it interesting how Gideon answered the angel. I feel that I would be in shock and probably speechless if the angel of God were to speak to me. If he told me that God was with me, I think I would say thank you or be in awe. Gideon is not speechless, and it doesn't sound like he is in awe. He questions the angel. He says, “But sir, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our ancestors recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has cast us off, and given us into the hand of Midian.” Those are some pretty gutsy things to say to an angel. The angel said The Lord is with you and Gideon basically said, “Oh yeah, how? We don't see it. What has He done for us lately?” With this being written text, we don't know the tone or volume this was said with. I picture Gideon being angry and almost yelling it at the angel. However, I could be wrong; he could have matter-of-factly stated it to him. Either way, Gideon did not believe what the angel said, and he wanted an explanation, or some sort of proof that God was for them.Next the angel says, “Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; I hereby commission you.” The angel does not answer his question as to where God has been. The angel looks at Gideon and then tells him to go and lead the fight with Midian to deliver his people. Gideon's response is a response that I think most of us have when God commissions us for a task. We question it, we tell Him we aren't ready, we aren't good enough, we don't know how, we aren't strong enough. We question God as if He, the one who created us, did not know all these things about us when he commissioned us for that task. When Gideon was told that he was commissioned to defeat Midian, he said, “But sir, how can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”Gideon was counting himself out before he even got started. He looked at his family and his place in that family and judged his abilities on that. He felt God must have made a mistake. How could he be a mighty warrior when his family was the weakest and he was the least in his family? Does this sound familiar? Do you ever count yourself out of things because of your family or your history with your family? I can understand a bit of what Gideon was feeling. I am from a large family, and we didn't have a lot of money growing up. When I was in school, if there was a big field trip, I immediately counted myself out. There was no way my parents could afford the cost of the trip when they could barely afford their bills. In seventh grade, my French class was taking a trip to Quebec for a few days. I think the cost was $450 or something like that. I knew I wouldn't be able to go. I am not even sure if I asked my parents or if I just counted myself out. One day after school, the French teacher talked with me and asked if I wanted to go on the trip. I explained I did, but my parents couldn't afford it. She said there was a scholarship, and so if my parents could afford some of it, the school could pay the rest. Somehow, my parents were able to pay whatever part they had to pay, and I was able to go. Another way I can relate to Gideon is when he said he was the least of his family. I don't think I was the least of my family, and yet, having a large family, you are bound to be compared to your siblings. Others are bound to compare you as well. I remember one Christmas Eve party at my aunt's house, one of my uncles saw me and was trying to figure out which child I was. My mom is one of 10 children, and I am one of 11, so you can imagine how many kids were at this Christmas Eve party. He said Oh, you are the smart one who is going to Yale, right? Nope, that is Virginia. Oh, you are the one who just got that cheerleading award, nope, that is Elizabeth. Got it, you are the one that is having open heart surgery, nope, that is Theresa, Oh, who are you then? He said. I wasn't really sure how to respond to that one. I didn't know which distinguishing characteristic might have been used to describe me. We can all get stuck thinking we are who our family says we are. We can get stuck thinking we can't do certain things because of our history. We know God is calling us to something, and yet we don't answer that call because we don't think we can do it. Instead of giving God our whole-hearted yes, we give Him a list of reasons why we are not the right person for the job. In the very beginning of this verse, the angel of God addresses Gideon as a mighty warrior, and yet he questions that. What name is God calling you that you are dismissing? Is it son/daughter of the one true King? Is it Beloved? Is it Mighty Warrior? Is it Gifted Healer? Is it Disciple? Is it Preacher/Teacher? Is it Worthy or Enough? What name do you hear God calling you, and yet you struggle to accept? God does not make mistakes. He is the Lord God Almighty. If He calls you something, it is because that is your name to Him. That is who you are in His eyes!What task is God commissioning you for that you are resisting? Is there something you feel called to do, and instead of telling God yes, you are giving him a whole host of reasons why you cannot do it? Is he asking you to do something, and you are explaining to him why anyone else would be better for the job? I get it, I do the same, and yet God is telling us here in this story of Gideon that we need to believe what the Lord says about it and just go out and do it. Stop trying to tell God who you are; He knows who you are better than you do. Stop trying to find all these excuses why you can't do the thing God is telling you to do. Start trying to figure out how to do the thing God is leading you to do. Stop and ask God, What would you like me to do today? If you don't know how to do what He is calling you to do, then ask Him how He would like you to do it. Our God is a wonderful God, and He will answer us when we ask. Answer the call God is placing on your life today with a resounding Yes! Trust that if He gave it to you, He will help you fulfill it!Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode. Lord, we are so grateful that you know us better than we know ourselves. Thank you for loving us so much and being the best dad out there. Thank you for calling us by our true identity, even when we struggle to see it. Lord, help us to see ourselves and the world through your eyes. Father, thank you for commissioning us to certain tasks. We are sorry we don't always say yes. It is not because we don't want to, it is because we are afraid. Please replace that fear with courage and strength. Make us bold so we can say yes to whatever you ask. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I am starting a new series for the next 31 days. It is called “Come As You Are” and we will take a look at 31 different characters in the Bible who did not look like anything special to the rest of the world, and yet the Lord used them powerfully. I keep telling you, at the end of almost every episode, that Jesus loves you, just as you are. Yet, if you are like me, it can still be hard to believe that at times. Often we feel we have to change first before Jesus loves us. I am hoping that after this series, you will be able to believe me more when I say that each day. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in May 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, “My word, Jesus, is my power, a power of grace, of goodness, of forgiveness, of mercy, and of great peace. Call upon my power in the name of my son Jesus.” 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
Welcome to Day 2705 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2705 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 83:9-18 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2705 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2705 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: A Prayer for Judgment – That They May Know Your Name - Concluding Our Trek Through Psalm 83:9-18 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome back to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we reach the powerful and climactic conclusion of our trek through Psalm 83 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its final verses, 9 through 18. In our last conversation, we plunged into the heart of a national crisis described in Psalm 83:1-8. We heard Asaph, the psalmist, plead with a seemingly silent God: "O God, do not remain silent!" He revealed a malicious conspiracy of nations with "a single purpose: to enter into a treaty against you" and a chilling goal to "wipe out Israel as a nation." He presented to God a coalition of Israel's historical enemies, allied with the powerful Assyria, a threat so formidable that human intervention seemed utterly futile. It was a desperate prayer for God, the ultimate Judge, to break His silence and act. Now, in this concluding section, Asaph moves from a description of the conspiracy to a fervent, imprecatory prayer for God to act decisively against these enemies. He appeals to God to perform a new act of salvation that is as legendary and devastating as His great victories of the past. The goal of this prayer is not just for Israel's survival, but for God's name to be universally known and glorified as a result of His righteous judgment. So, let's listen to this powerful and passionate prayer for a divine repeat of history, leading to an ultimate revelation of God's sovereignty. A Prayer for History to Repeat Itself (Reads Psalm 83:9-12 NLT) Do to them as you did to the Midianites, or to Sisera and Jabin at the Kishon River. They were destroyed at Endor, and their bodies were left to fertilize the ground. Let their princes die as Oreb and Zeeb did. Let all their rulers die like Zebah and Zalmunna. For they said, "Let us seize for ourselves the pasturelands of God!" Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins his imprecation with a specific, historical plea, asking God to act as He has in the past: "Do to them as you did to the Midianites, or to Sisera and Jabin at the Kishon River." This is a powerful and theologically sound strategy in prayer. When we face a new crisis, we can look to God's past acts of faithfulness and power as a basis for our present requests. Asaph is not asking God to do something new; he's asking Him to be the same God He has always been. The Midianites were defeated by God through the leadership of Gideon, a victory so decisive that it became a standard for divine...
Ever feel like life's hardships have you hiding away, just trying to survive? In this episode, Dr. Mike Decker, Lead Pastor of Palm Harvest Church in Costa Mesa, California, dives into the biblical story of Gideon from Judges 6. For seven long years, the Israelites endured oppression from the Midianites, reduced to starvation and secrecy—threshing crops in hidden winepresses to avoid raids. Pastor Mike unpacks how sin led to this season of suffering, the two perspectives we often take (ours vs. God's), and the powerful choice to confess, step in, and rely on God's strength instead of our own. Drawing from Psalm 32 and Gideon's fleece test, you'll get practical insights on overcoming the seven deadly sins, shifting your worldview, and thriving amid trials. Whether you're in a tough spot or preparing for one, this message will encourage you to call out to God today. For more resources and to join us in person or online, visit http://www.palmharvest.com. Subscribe for weekly biblical encouragement!
Today, we're going to look at the moment of truth in Gideon's life:Judges 6:12-16 NLTThe angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn't they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt'? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you! “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you.”Gideon had the opposite mindset of David, our Bible story from yesterday. But while two different men had two different perspectives of what they could accomplish, one factor was same: God had called them.Gideon even named himself the least man, in the weakest clan, of all the people. In today's language, he would say: “Lord, I'm the last guy you want to pick for this job.” But the Lord said, “I will be with you.” That truth is exactly what gave David and Gideon the courage and the confidence they needed to face their enemies.Do you feel like David today, ready for your big moment, or more like Gideon, “I'm the last person you want to pick, God.”Listen again to what the Lord said to Gideon this time from the Message Bible: ““God is with you, O mighty warrior!” … “God faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven't I just sent you?” … God said to him, “I'll be with you. Believe me, you'll defeat Midian as one man.” (Judges 6:12, 14, 16 ).What if God appeared to you right now and called you a hero? How do you know He isn't? Maybe he looks upon you and what you are pushing through right now in your life and sees your courage? Regardless of how you may feel or see your life, this much is true: He is telling you to go at your life with the strength you have because He is with you. And He is most definitely saying today: “I will be with you.”Declare this after me: “Lord, I know You are with me.”Let's pray: “Dear Lord, thank You for examples like David but also those like Gideon, so we can see that the Source of our courage and victories are You. Help me live today knowing, believing, that You are with me. As above, so below.”
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 In the name of Jesus, I come before You with a heart full of thanksgiving. I am grateful for Your unwavering grace that sustains me in my moments of weakness. Your Word reminds me in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that Your power is made perfect in my frailty. Thank You for the assurance that I do not have to face my struggles alone. Lord, I declare that today is a day of victory! Just as You used Gideon, a fearful man, to lead Israel against the Midianites, I trust that You can transform my fears into faith. I ask that You embolden me, just as You did with Gideon, giving me the courage to confront the challenges ahead. May Your Spirit fill me with strength and confidence. 1 Corinthians 1:25 says, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." Father, help me to lean on Your promises. When doubt creeps in, remind me of the times You have delivered me and those around me. Just as Gideon gathered an army, let me surround myself with fellow believers who uplift and support me in my journey. Together, may we reflect Your glory through our actions and words. As I step into this day, may Your grace be my foundation. I surrender my weaknesses to You, knowing that they are opportunities for Your strength to shine through. Help me to see each challenge as a chance to experience Your power in my life. With every step I take, may I walk in faith and not in fear. Finally, Lord, I thank You for the victories that are yet to come. I trust that You are working all things for my good. As I face each moment today, let Your grace be sufficient for me. In every circumstance, may I proclaim Your goodness and share the testimony of Your faithfulness. Amen. Jeremiah 31:25 says, "For I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak.”
Distraction is one of the enemy's greatest weapons against the church. Instead of standing united and focused on advancing the Kingdom, too often believers get caught fighting each other—or consumed by circumstances and even the “good” things in life. In this message, Pastor Shelby shares from Nehemiah 6:1-14 and Ephesians 6, reminding us that we must stay faithful, focused, and prepared for the real battle. Drawing from the story of Gideon's 300, he challenges us to avoid the trap of distraction that cost the Midianites their victory. It's time to rise up, stay on guard, and get busy doing the work of the Father.
Israel was hiding in fear, oppressed by the Midianites, when God called Gideon—an ordinary man threshing wheat in secret. Gideon doubted himself, asking, “How can I save Israel? I am the least.” But God answered, “I will be with you.” Through signs and patience, God turned Gideon's weakness into strength. Centuries later, Peter reminded believers that this same divine power gives us everything we need for life and godliness. He urged us to grow in faith, adding goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, and love. Together these passages declare: God calls the weak, equips the ordinary, and transforms doubt into bold faith so we can live fruitful lives and fulfill His purpose.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.
August 8, 2025Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 24:1-22; 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Remember Gideon? God sends him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. He tells twenty-two thousand Israelites to take a hike back home, leaving only ten thousand. Still too many. God tells Gideon's men to go down to the creek for a drink. The ones who drink like dogs, lapping the water—those are the ones who are staying. All three hundred of them matched up against the hordes of Midianites. And if that isn't wild enough, they head out to battle with torches and clay jars and not a sword in sight. How weak. How foolish. And yet, the Lord brings victory and delivers Israel. God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise.Remember Elijah? God sends him up to the top of Mt. Carmel to engage in a little prophetic duel with the prophets of Baal. Once again, God's people are in a jam. Wicked Ahab and the infamous Jezebel are making an idolatrous mess of Israel. So, God does what he does best: he delivers his people, but he does it in a rather strange way. Elijah digs trenches. Baptizes the entire place, soaks the whole thing. Not once. Not twice. Three times. You can imagine the prophets of Baal having a good laugh. Look at Elijah. So weak. Such a fool. And yet, Yahweh sent fire down on the altar, and the prophets of Baal came to a brutal end. And once again, God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. Remember Jesus' life? God chooses what is foolish in the world—an unwed, Virgin, a backwater little town, a lowly manger, a life of itinerant preaching, and a ragtag bunch of fishermen, a zealot, and a tax collector—to deliver and declare his salvation. And then, in the greatest of all displays of weakness and foolishness, God in the flesh goes and suffers a shameful death on the cursed tree of the cross. Once again, God delivers, rescues, and saves in the most unlikely way. God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. Why does God work this way? So that our hope and confidence rest in his outrageous grace and not in our own strength or wisdom. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Here we have a firm foundation, Here the refuge of the lost: Christ, the Rock of our salvation, Is the name by which we boast; Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt! None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built. (LSB 451:4)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.
In this Abounding Love episode, I continue a six (6) part series on "Steps to Your Ministry." Step #1 was on "Dedication, " and Step #2 on "Your Purpose," along with five goals to get results. In this "Steps to Your Ministry #3," I share on "The Leadership of the Holy Spirit." He empowers us to reach the lost, defeat the devil and equip people for ministry [Mark 16:15-18]. In the book of Judges, we find the story of Gideon, ". . . the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, 'The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor'" (Judges 6:12, NKJV). The Angel tells Gideon that the LORD is with him. But Gideon question this; if the LORD is with him, then why are there no miracles and no deliverance, like in the past when God saved Israel from Egypt. Gideon states that the LORD has "forsaken Israel." "Then the LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you" (Judges 6:13-14, NKJV). God empowered Gideon to defeat the enemies of Israel. Likewise, Jesus has sent us, saying, "Go preach the gospel" and defeat the enemy! Unlike Gideon, we have the Holy Spirit living in us as born-again believers (1 Peter 1:23). Jesus, our example, being led by the Spirit, overcame the temptation of the devil [Luke 4:1-15]; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life [Genesis 3:1-7; 1 John 2:15-17]. Join me as we cover these subjects and explore the leadership role of the Holy Spirit in your ministry. Selah! [For more: Copy and Paste or Enter into ChatGPT.com, "Create a Study Guide for episode #116A Steps to Your Ministry #3 from Abounding Love Ministries" ]. Let me hear from you - Charles https://www.aboundinglove.org/ Subscribe and share with someone you love.
In this message by Matthew Craig, we dive into the story of Gideon and the Midianites, a powerful reminder that victory doesn't come from our strength, but God's. When the odds are stacked against you, God often shows up in unexpected ways to prove His power. Your weakness might just be the setup for His glory.
“The Lord told Gideon, ‘With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.’” (Judges 7:7 NLT) Gideon was the person God chose to lead the Israelites against the Midianites. Gideon had a fairly large army of 32,000 soldiers. But it paled in comparison to the forces of the Midianites and their allies, who were so numerous that Judges 7:12 describes them as a “swarm of locusts” (NLT). Even so, God told Gideon that his army was too big. God knew that if the Israelites defeated the Midianites, they would chalk it up to their superior military skills. And God wanted to leave no doubt as to who deserved credit for the victory. He told Gideon to call his men together and say, “Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home” (Judges 7:3 NLT). Gideon obeyed the Lord, and 22,000 of his soldiers said, “We’re out of here.” That left 10,000, still too many. God thinned the ranks once more, this time based on the way the soldiers drank water from a stream. Gideon was left with 300 men. They routed the Midianites and their allies. If you’re new to the Christian faith, or if you’ve recently recommitted yourself to the Lord, you’ll find an important takeaway in Gideon’s story. There will be times when you feel hopelessly outnumbered. Godlessness seems to surround us. Social media has made it easier for enemies of the Christian faith to mock, accuse, and humiliate believers. I remember how my life changed when I became a follower of Jesus Christ. I was harassed and mocked by friends whom I had known for many years. I recognized immediately that if I followed Christ, I would lose some so-called friends, and it would not always be easy. You may experience similar reactions from family members, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. Your job is to stay faithful through it all. To study and apply God’s truths in Scripture. To live in a way that honors Christ. To resist temptation. To confess and turn from your sin. To communicate continuously with the Lord in prayer. To worship Him. And to tell others about Him. If you prioritize those things and commit yourself to spiritual battle, you won’t have to worry about the size of the opposition. God will take care of the numbers. On the night Jesus was arrested, He warned His disciples that all of them would desert Him before the night was over. That came as a shock to Peter, who declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you” (Matthew 26:33 NLT). That’s a warrior’s mentality. In the short term, Peter was unable to back up his claim. A few hours later, he denied even knowing Jesus on three separate occasions. In the long term, however, Peter was a force to be reckoned with. After Jesus restored him to ministry, Peter helped establish the church and spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire—all in the face of overwhelming opposition. If you’re willing to echo Peter’s words and to endure in your faith no matter how overwhelming the opposition seems, you’re in for the greatest adventure imaginable in serving the Lord. God is looking for men and women to enlist in His army for His divine Delta Force. Reflection question: What kind of opposition do you face in your faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Israelites had turned away from the Lord, doing evil in His sight. Then the Midianites invaded Israel. They were cruel to the Israelites, leaving them no food, taking their cattle, goats and sheep. When the Israelites were close to starvation, they turned to their God, Jehovah, for help.So the Lord said to Gideon, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I Am sending you!” God is Jehovah M'Kaddesh, the Lord God Almighty Who Sanctifies. “I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” Exodus 31:13 NLT#kids, #storiesforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #christiankids, #jehovahm'kaddesh, #thelordwhosanctifies, #thelordgodalmighty, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb
Join as we discuss the spiritual and physical battles between Bnei Yisrael and the Midianites.Send any questions, comments, or critiques to podcasts@torahinmotion.orgIf you would like to partner with us to create more thoughtful and accessible jewish content, visit torahinmotion.org/donate, or email us at info@torahinmotion.org.You can find more thoughtful Jewish content at torahinmotion.org
Sefer Bamidbar | Matot - Masei | 5785 | War of Midian, War of Vengeance, by Rav Ezra Bick What is the difference between the vengeance of Israel and the vengeance of God? What does it actually mean to avenge the Midianites? Why did the people go out to do this in the name of Moses?
The Israelites had turned away from the Lord, doing evil in His sight. Then the Midianites invaded Israel. They were cruel to the Israelites, leaving them no food, taking their cattle, goats and sheep. When the Israelites were close to starvation, they turned to their God, Jehovah, for help. So the Lord said to Gideon, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I Am sending you!” God is Jehovah M'Kaddesh, the Lord God Almighty Who Sanctifies. “I am the Lord, who makes you holy.” Exodus 31:13 NLT #kids, #storiesforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #christiankids, #jehovahm'kaddesh, #thelordwhosanctifies, #thelordgodalmighty, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb
This episode of The History of the Bible walks through the conclusion of Gideon's journey—starting with his unconventional 300-man battle plan, through the chaotic defeat of the Midianites, to the personal vengeance that followed. Listeners will explore how Gideon's symbolic use of trumpets, torches, and jars sowed confusion in the Midianite camp, leading to their retreat across the Jordan River. But the battle didn't end there. Gideon pursued the fleeing kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, demanding justice for the death of his brothers. If you'd like to support The History of the Bible, visit our Patreon Page. Your feedback is valuable to us! Share your thoughts and insights via our feedback form. Let us know how our podcast has impacted you or someone you know by filling out our impact form. If you have concerns about any information presented, please inform us via our correction form. #Gideon #Judges7 #Judges8 #MidianiteWar #ZebahAndZalmunna #AncientIsrael #BiblePodcast #FaithAndPower #SpiritualLeadership #BiblicalHistory #BattleOfFaith #TribalIsrael #GodsJustice #GideonsEphod #FalseReligion #IsraeliteHistory #BibleTeaching #OldTestamentStudy #HistoryOfTheBible
Gideon, a heroic judge from Judges 8-9, goes bad. After defeating the Midianites, Gideon becomes prideful, ignores God, and leads Israel astray with an ephod. His son Abimelech murders his brothers to become king, only to die violently. Warning signs of “going bad” include infrequent prayer, isolation, resentment, materialism, and self-focus. Some lessons we can learn from Gideon are God's judgment is certain, sin curses us, and we need Jesus to transform our hearts. Despite Israel's failures, God pursues them with love.
התוכן 1) אסור ליהודי ליפול ברוחו מחושך הגלות! עליו לזכור תמיד אשר "בני בכורי ישראל"! ומה שרואה דבר בלתי-רצוי, הרי זה גופא מדגיש גודל חיבתן של ישראל אצל ה', "כמשל מלך גדול ונורא הרוחץ בכבודו ובעצמו צואת בנו יחידו מרוב אהבתו". אף שטוב נעלה זה צריך לבוא גם בגילוי לעיני בשר, ע"י שמתגלית גם בחי' "החסיד" (תואר שאא"פ לתאר אפי' ביחס לה' כאשר מעניש וכו'), עד שבנ"י מהללים ומשבחים את ה' על היותו "חסיד", כי הרי [כמ"ש בספר "נעים זמירות ישראל" של דוד מלך ישראל" אשר "חי וקיים"] "מגיד דבריו ליעקב חוקיו ומשפטיו לישראל", ש"מה שהוא עושה אומר לישראל לעשות", ובמזמור שלאח"ז נאמר "וירם קרן לעמו תהילה לכל חסידיו", שאצל בנ"י בחי "חסיד" הוא בגילוי. 2) בשם פ' "פינחס" מודגש הקשר עם הגאולה העתידה, שהרי "פינחס זה אלי'" מבשר הגאולה. והוראה נוספת ממ"ש בראשון פ' פינחס שצ"ל "צרור את המדינים וגו'", ללחום בכל התוקף נגד "ריב ומדון", שנאת חינם – סיבת החורבן. וישנה ההבטחה ש"לא נפקד ממנו איש"! ב' חלקים משיחת יום א' פ' פינחס, ח"י תמוז, צום שבעה עשר בתמוז (נדחה) ה'תשמ"ה ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=14-07-2025 Synopsis (1) A Jew must never lose heart because of the darkness of exile; he must always remember that the Jewish people are “My firstborn son,” and when he sees something undesirable, this itself emphasizes how great Hashem's love of the Jewish people is, “like the analogy of a great and awesome king who personally in his glory washes the filth of his only son out of his great love.” However, this lofty goodness must also be revealed to the physical eye, by revealing the level of “Chasid” (a title which cannot really be used even regarding Hashem when He exacts punishment etc.), to the point that the Jewish people praise Hashem for being “Chasid,” because (as it says in Tehillim, written by Dovid Hamelech, the Sweet Singer of Israel, who “lives and endures”), “He tells His word to Yaakov, His statutes and His judgments to the Jewish people” – “What He does, He tells the Jewish people to do,” and the following kapitel states, “He raised up a horn for His people, praise to all His pious ones,” meaning the quality of “Chasid” is openly revealed among the Jewish people. (2) The name of parashah “Pinchas” emphasizes the connection to the future Redemption, for “Pinchas is Eliyahu,” who will herald the Redemption. And an additional lesson is derived from the verse (in rishon of parashas Pinchas), “Distress the Midianites, etc.” – to fight with the utmost force against all “strife and discord,” baseless hatred, which was the cause of the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. And we are promised that “not a man among us will be missing.”2 excerpts from sichah of Sunday, parashas Pinchas, 18 Tammuz (17 Tammuz nidche) 5745. For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=14-07-2025
Subject: Gideon Speaker or Performer: Pastor Grover Cleveland Scripture Passage(s): Judges 6: 11-16 Date of Delivery: July 13, 2025 11Now the Angel of theLordcame and sat under the terebinth tree whichwasin Ophrah, whichbelongedto Joashthe Abiezrite, while his sonGideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hideitfrom the Midianites.12And theAngel of theLordappeared to him, and said to him, “TheLordiswith you, you mighty man of valor!”13Gideon said to Him, “Omy lord, if theLordis with us, why then has all this happened to us? Andwhereareall His miracleswhich our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not theLordbring us up from Egypt?’ But now theLordhasforsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”14Then theLordturned to him and said,“Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites.Have I not sent you?”15So he said to Him, “Omy Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeedmy clanisthe weakest in Manasseh, and Iamthe least in my father’s house.”16And theLordsaid to him,“Surely I will be with you, and you shalldefeat the Midianites as one man.”
Worship Leader Desi Whorton highlights how God repeatedly chooses unlikely underdogs—from Gideon's 300 men to Mary's humble setting—to accomplish his purposes and display his unmatched glory.
Most of us see ourselves inadequately and God inaccurately. From Weakness to Warrior Judges 6:11-16 Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” 13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.” 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” 15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” 16 The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” (NLT) 2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT) God knows who you really are Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT) God calls us based on our potential, not our performance! God knows what you are facing Don't wait for a “perfect moment” to make a difference! Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV) God knows what you can become 2 Corinthians 12:10 “When I am weak, then I am strong” (NIV) God calls you a WARRIOR even when you feel weak!! Our breakthroughs are oftentimes tied to our obedience. Your weakness is not your disqualification — it’s your invitation.
Midianites compromise Israel, under Balaam's guidance. A plague comes on Israel, stopped by Phinehas. Second census, as a new Israel has emerged. Joshua to succeed Moses. Midian slaughtered.
Today we get back to our study verse by verse through the Old Testament book of Judges. Gideon is preparing for battle against the Midianites, but the Lord still has some work to do in Gideon's life before he is ready for war. Spiritually speaking, all followers of Jesus need to be prepared for spiritual warfare. It is all around us. We need to become discipled warriors. Scripture text for today is Judges 7:1-25.
Send us a textIn todays episode we look at all of Judges Chapter 8 and follow Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, after his initial victory. As Gideon and his men chase the remaining enemy forces, he requests food from the people of Succoth and Penuel, but they refuse, fearing Midianite retaliation. Gideon promises to return and punish them for their refusal.After capturing Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon executes them, avenging his brothers' deaths. The Israelites then ask Gideon to rule over them, but he declines, stating that the Lord alone should reign. However, hypocritically he makes an ephod from the gold collected from the defeated Midianites, which becomes an object of idolatry.Because of this following Gideon's death, Israel quickly returns to worshiping Baal, forgetting the deliverance God provided through Gideon. The chapter highlights themes of leadership, the dangers of idolatry, and Israel's cycle of faithfulness and rebellion.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
In this powerful episode, we explore the rich biblical and historical context of Gideon's calling in Judges 6, diving into the oppression of Israel by the Midianites and the spiritual decline of the tribes. Listeners will discover how Gideon—once the weakest man from the weakest clan—was chosen by God to lead a nation through divine encounter and unexpected valor. Through historical insights, archaeological context, and deep theological reflection, this teaching sheds light on God's personal involvement with His people and the cost of disobedience and spiritual compromise. If you'd like to support "The History of the Bible", visit our Patreon Page at https://patreon.com/TheHistoryoftheBible. Your feedback is valuable to us! Share your thoughts and insights via our feedback form at https://forms.gle/AtzUReJ8gLuFYPaP8. Let us know how our podcast has impacted you or someone you know by filling out our impact form at https://forms.gle/jr4EdGsqCaFk4qZm8. If you have concerns about any information presented, please inform us via our correction form at https://forms.gle/PiMMkPnJFaa4j5p37. #Gideon #Judges6 #BiblicalLeadership #Midianites #AngelOfTheLord #OldTestamentHeroes #BiblePodcast #FaithInAction #ChristianLeadership #BiblicalHistory #IsraeliteHistory #SpiritualWarfare #GodOfPeace #BibleStudyPodcast #AncientIsrael #BibleTeaching #CourageAndCalling #DivineEncounters #OldTestamentFaith #ArchaeologyAndTheBible
Send us a textGideon's story in Judges 7 illustrates how God strengthens faith by reducing reliance on human resources, teaching trust in His provision. Facing overwhelming odds, Gideon's army was reduced from 32,000 to 300 men, showing that victory comes through God, not human strength. God built Gideon's faith through His Word and unexpected encouragement. The lesson emphasizes trusting God fully, staying courageous, focused, and giving Him glory, while relying on Scripture and support from fellow believers.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
BOOK OF JUDGES Part 2: The Weak Made Strong Judges 6:1-10 (ESV) 1 The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. 2 And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. 3 For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them… 6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord. 7 When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord on account of the Midianites, 8 the Lord sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery. 9 And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10 And I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.' But you have not obeyed my voice.” The book of Judges is so much more than just a sin cycle; it is also a redemption cycle. Judges 6:11-16 (ESV) 11 Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13 And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14 And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” 15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” Your identity comes before your activity. Are you a critic or a servant? Judges 7:2-8 (ESV) 2 The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.' 3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. 4 And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,' shall not go.” 5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” 6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. 7 And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” 8 So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley. In the process of salvation, the only thing that you and I bring to God is our sin. God supplies all the rest. God cuts down the army twice; once for a good reason, once for a reason that is never explained. Judges 8:22-31 (ESV) 22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” 23 Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” 24 And Gideon said to them, “Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil.” (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) 25 And they answered, “We will willingly give them.” And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil. 26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian, and besides the collars that were around the necks of their camels. 27 And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. 28 So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel, and they raised their heads no more. And the land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon. 29 Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and lived in his own house. 30 Now Gideon had seventy sons, his own offspring, for he had many wives. 31 And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he called his name Abimelech. Gideon's story is one of hope, the faithfulness of God, but also a cautionary tale about finishing well.
When it was time for Gideon to lead his army into battle against the Midianites, the Lord pared his forces down from 32,000 men to just 300! The Lord can save by many or by few and wants our trust to be in Him and Him alone, as Pastor Cameron shares today.
Please note that the 1st part is in English, and the 2nd part is in Malayalam starting a 19:25 mark.Genesis 12:2,3 – God said, “And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you. And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” ഞാൻ നിന്നെവലിയോരു ജാതിയാക്കും; നിന്നെ അനുഗ്രഹിച്ചു നിന്റെ പേർ വലുതാക്കും; നീ ഒരുഅനുഗ്രഹമായിരിക്കും. നിന്നെ അനുഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നവരെ ഞാൻ അനുഗ്രഹിക്കും. നിന്നെശപിക്കുന്നവരെ ഞാൻ ശപിക്കും; നിന്നിൽ ഭൂമിയിലെ സകല വംശങ്ങളും അനുഗ്രഹിക്കപ്പെടും.Abraham is one of the most important figures in the Bible. Abraham is recognized as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. The life of Abraham is a testament to the power of faith, obedience, and trust in God. Abraham had a long and challenging journey. Throughout this journey, he worked hard and experienced grief and blessings. We know through Abraham that God always keeps His promises. We may not have all the answers but God surely does. The life and legacy of Abraham continues to influence the world today. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained steadfast in his commitment to God. Additionally, his covenant with God is seen as a precursor to the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Abraham is mentioned many times throughout the books of the Old Testament and New Testament. When we commit to obey God, we will be blessed through generations.My name... Cicilysunny@gmail.com
Gideon is chasing the Midianites and stops to ask for help. He is refused. No one will give him bread. And this is after being fussed at for not letting a certain tribe come to the battle. We see here that everyone is after their own interests. No one is thinking about how to help one another or how to pull together. They are all only thinking about themselves. We see that remains true in the New Testament, and we see it remains true, even today. Working together is often one of the hardest things we can do. But it is also the only way forward. Shameless plug: here's a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%208%3A%201-21&version=NRSVUEYou can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
People choose personal relationships and personal fulfillment over duty. Most often, they place the latter ahead of the former, which is why you see all these ridiculous posts on social media about “toxic relationships.”It's a big joke.I live among people who do not inhabit the same reality as I do.It used to frustrate me, but now I smile and move on, knowing that most people are not willing to make hard choices. They—and those who enable them—form Caesar's political base.The blind leading the blind.Scripture has taught me, the hard way, that I have no right to judge.Neither do others, yet we all persist in doing so.All of you should watch the Star Wars series Andor in full—it's just two seasons—and then watch Rogue One, and you'll understand what the writers of the New Testament were doing in the shadows of “empire.”Unlike the arrogant cowards sitting on the Rebel Council at Yavin IV, the biblical writers weren't building anything new to replace Rome or Jerusalem. They had no secret plans for a “new” Republic. The gospel was not a hero's journey or a strategy for institution-building under the protection of a solipsistic Jedi order, nor was it fighting for “freedom.” It was, however, about hope, against all hope.Rehear Galatians.The New Testament ends where it begins—with the sword of instruction wandering the earth in God's broad encampment, moving from place to place with an urgent message of permanent, perpetual rebellion:“Caesar is not the king!”Long before Paul, Jeremiah, too, had joined the Rebellion. He understood the price. Jeremiah was not James Dean. You cannot be a rebel unless you have a cause. Unless, of course, you, like most Americans I know, want to remain a teenager for the rest of your life.Adults, however, have to make a choice:“Cursed be the day when I was born; Let the day not be blessed when my mother bore me! Cursed be the man who brought the news to my father, saying, ‘A baby boy has been born to you,' and made him very happy.”(Jeremiah 20:14-15)This much I know:“Everything I do, I do for the Rebellion.”This week, I discuss Luke 8:28.Show Notesἀνακράζω (anakrazō) / ק-ר-א (qof–resh–aleph) / ق-ر-أ (qāf–rāʾ–hamza)Cry out. Read aloud.“When the three units blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers, they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing, and shouted, ‘A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!'” (Judges 7:20)Gideon's story is part of the cyclical narrative structure that characterizes the Book of Judges. In this recurring pattern, Israel turns away from God and does evil, prompting God to give them into the hands of their enemies. In their suffering, the people cry out to God, who then raises up a deliverer—a judge—to rescue them. This deliverance brings a period of temporary peace until the cycle begins again. In the case of Gideon, Israel is oppressed by the Midianites. God chooses Gideon to lead a small and unlikely force, emphasizing that the victory is not the result of human strength but a demonstration of the Lord's power and faithfulness.“Then he cried out in my hearing with a loud voice, saying, ‘Come forward, you executioners of the city, each with his weapon of destruction in his hand!'” (Ezekiel 9:1 )In Ezekiel 8–11, the prophet is shown a vision of the abominations taking place in the Jerusalem temple, including idolatry, injustice, and ritual defilement. As a result of this widespread corruption, the glory of God departs from the temple. In chapter 9, the vision shifts from exposing sin to executing judgment. God summons six angelic executioners, each carrying a weapon and a seventh figure dressed in linen holding a writing kit. This scribe is instructed to mark the foreheads of those who mourn over the city's sins, while the others are commanded to kill the rest without mercy, beginning at the defiled sanctuary.“So the angel who was speaking with me said to me, “Proclaim, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of armies says: ‘I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.'” (Zechariah 1:14 )προσπίπτω (prospiptō) / נ-פ-ל (nun-fe-lamed) / ن-ف-ل (nun-fa-lam)Fall upon, at, against; become known.“Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell (יִּפֹּ֥ל yiffōlʹ) on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.” (Genesis 33:4)“And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell (תִּפֹּ֖ל tiffōl) down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.” (Esther 8:3)Esau suffered the consequences of tribal betrayal and familial treachery; Esther and her people faced annihilation under a lawfully decreed genocide. These parallels—illuminated by Luke's deliberate lexical choices—frame the demon-possessed man as a victim of Greco-Roman imperial oppression.In each case, the act of falling appears directed toward a human being when, in fact, it is the acceptance of Providence.This is the core teaching of the Abrahamic scrolls.Esther does not confront the king as a preacher or moral authority; she pleads with him, fully aware that she holds no power. You might say Esther was, in this instance, a functional Muslim.To fall is ultimately submission to divine authority—Esther, by entrusting herself to God's hidden providence, accepts that there is no King but God.Her only weapon against oppression, along with Esau and the demonic, was to fall prostrate, hoping against all hope in God's promise (in his absence), that:“Caesar is not the king!”نَفَّلَ (naffala) “he fell to his share” or “assigned as a share.”الْأَنْفَالُ لِلَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ(al-anfālu lillāhi wa-l-rasūli)“The spoils are for God and the Apostle.”Surat al-Anfal 8:1(see also: κατεκλίθη)δέομαι (deomai) / ח-נ-ן (ḥet–nun–nun) / ح-ن-ن (ḥāʼ–nūn–nūn)Ask; pray; beg. Grace. Compassion, mercy, tenderness.“I also pleaded (אֶתְחַנַּ֖ן ʾěṯḥǎnnǎnʹ) with the Lord at that time, saying, ‘O Lord God, You have begun to show your servant your greatness and your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours? (Deuteronomy 3:23–24)“If you would seek God and implore (תִּתְחַנָּֽן tiṯḥǎnnānʹ) the compassion of the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, surely now he would rouse himself for you and restore your righteous estate.” (Job 8:5–6)The triliteral root ح-ن-ن (
In Judges 6–8, Gideon goes from hiding in fear to leading a miraculous victory over the Midianites, but not because he was strong, confident, or capable. In fact, he was the opposite. When God called him, Gideon saw himself as the least in the weakest clan. Yet God responded, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” The story shows how God gradually increased Gideon's faith, highlighting His strength rather than Gideon's abilities. In the end, Gideon's victory highlights a foundational truth: when we move in faith and obedience, God handles the outcome. We don't need to be strong when the One who fights for us is.Scriptures ReferencedJudges 6:12, 8:22-23; Isaiah 55:8; Romans 8:31; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11:6Key InsightsWe often try to fix symptoms. God wants to fix the root cause.God has an uncanny knack of picking the most likely candidates.It is never about your ability. It is always about your faith.The starting place of your faith is acknowledging the existence of God.Anything that takes the place of the Lord is an idol.God first asks us to remove the thing that has taken His rightful place.You cannot defeat your demons if you're enjoying their company.God's way will require very little of you and a whole lot of HIm.Faith requires us to go against our natural instincts.God will always do the heavy lifting if you'll let Him.Prayer TargetsPlease join us in prayer for:A hunger for the Word.Tears for the lost.Testimonies to share.Get sermons delivered automatically: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Your Favorite Podcast AppWe would love it if you would consider joining us in person for one of our Sunday gatherings.Gathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMThursdays, 6:00 PMContact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421 Additional ResourcesConnect online: Download our appVisit our website at SpringhouseSmryna.com.Subscribe on YouTubeGiving: Online tithes and offeringsJoin us online: LivestreamLearn what we believe.Find out what ministries we support.Discover Springhouse Theatre CompanyCCLI License 2070006
Our reading today begins by wrapping up the account of Deborah and Barak after Sisera's defeat. It's not long, however, before Israel turns, once again, to worship idols. The false gods of Baal and Asherah were meant to bring fertile crops and prosperity, but they only bring despair and a fractured relationship with the One True God. During a period of oppression by the Midianites, the Lord speaks to a young man named Gideon and calls upon him to destroy his father's idolatrous altars. Later, the spirit of the Lord envelops Gideon as he gathers troops for battle. The Lord then reduces the number of men who will go to battle to just 300 so that Israel will not forget the power of God and His merciful deliverance.Judges 5 - 1:01 . Judges 6 - 7:28 . Judges 7 - 16:49 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Judges 8:10—11:40 Gibeon Destroys the Midianites through Jephthah as Judge
Our reading today begins by wrapping up the account of Deborah and Barak after Sisera's defeat. It's not long, however, before Israel turns, once again, to worship idols. The false gods of Baal and Asherah were meant to bring fertile crops and prosperity, but they only bring despair and a fractured relationship with the One True God. During a period of oppression by the Midianites, the Lord speaks to a young man named Gideon and calls upon him to destroy his father's idolatrous altars. Later, the spirit of the Lord envelops Gideon as he gathers troops for battle. The Lord then reduces the number of men who will go to battle to just 300 so that Israel will not forget the power of God and His merciful deliverance.Judges 5 – 1:13 . Judges 6 – 7:22 . Judges 7 – 16:49 . Psalm 72 – 23:15 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Today's chapter in Numbers (31) tells us about the death of Balaam and of those who accepted his counsel that the only way to combat the Israelites – was not by force – but by seducing them into immorality. They took his advice and put it into practice and it had worked! But now God acted!Our chapter starts, “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Avenge the people of Israel….” Leading Moses to say, ‘Arm men from among you for war, that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD's vengeance” [v.1-3] The result is the kings of Midian are slain “and they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword”We then read that it was “on Balaam's advice” [v.16] that the Midianites had sent in women that “caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the LORD … and so the plague came among the congregation …” So Balaam is killed and all those immoral leaders as Moses acted to “execute the Lord's vengeance.”This “vengeance” is seen many times in the Old Testament both against Israel's enemies and against Israel itself when they themselves lapsed into immorality. The same applies to spiritual Israel. that is, those who claim to follow Christ but whose way of life brings dishonour to Christ's name, just as unfaithfulness by natural Israel brought dishonour to the LORD's name.How easy it seems to be for both Jews and Christians to deceive themselves into thinking God will not deal with them when they slip into immoral ways of living. Balaam of all people, who had had such contact with God, as we read in chapters 22 to 24 should have had a fear of God! But ‘No'!Sadly the history of Christianity shows too many examples of similar failures. Look back at some blunt words of Paul we read last week in Galatians! “Do not be deceived God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” [6 v7-9]Balaam sowed the seeds of his own destruction although he had had so much contact with the true God. A lesson to us – what are we sowing? What will we reap?
In Judges chapter 6, Gideon is found threshing wheat in a winepress because of the years of oppression at the hand of the Midianites. In this powerful message, Ps. Jurgen encourages us not to co-exist with idols and to find the warrior in the winepress.
In this sermon, Pastor Dorrell explores Judges chapter 8, recounting Gideon's victory over the Midianites with just 300 men and the complex contradictions in his leadership. Despite triumphing in battle, Gideon's actions reveal the dangers of complacency, pride, and situational ethics. Pastor Dorrell emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith, dependence on God, and the consequences of withholding support. This message challenges us to remain vigilant, grateful, and aligned with God's purposes, even in times of success.Eastland is a Place to Belong Eastland Baptist Church is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We are a welcoming and close-knit family community that loves to care for each other through the Church. We strongly believe in loving and supporting each other and our neighbors. Our members don't just attend our Church; they feel a strong sense of belonging. Join Us Find service times and our location at https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/join. Connect with Us Website: https://www.eastlandbaptist.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastlandbaptisttulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlandbaptist To support the ministry of Eastland Baptist Church, tap here: https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/give.
Israel has just defeated Midian and they entire community is getting ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land and begin their military campaign against the inhabitants of the land. When the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manassah, see that the land of the Midianites is good for cattle, they ask if they can settle there. Moses wrongly assumes that they are trying to avoid going to war with their brothers, opting instead to settle outside of the Promised Land and break rank from the others. By the end of the conversation, they cut a deal with Moses, assuring him that they, too, will go to war with the rest of Israel before coming back to settle in the land. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
In today's reading from Judges, Fr. Mike talk about Gideon's story, and points out how the people began to worship the object Gideon had created to glorify God, instead of worshipping the living God. In Ruth, he highlights the role of kinsman-redeemer and how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of that role. Today's readings are Judges 6-8, Ruth 3, and Psalm 135. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
God is giving Moses final instructions to hand down to the Israelites because Moses is about to die at the Lord's hand. Our reading opens with instructions on three festivals which are to be held in the seventh month. This is followed by instructions on how one should consider the validity of vows made to the Lord under different conditions. Finally, God instructs Moses to go to war with Midianites as retribution for the Peor incident, when the women incited the men of Israel to sleep with them in worship to their fertility god, Baal. Turns out that was led by Balaam, the same Balaam who spoke oracles from the Lord against Moab. Balaam is slaughtered along with the Midianites, and after defeating Midian, Israel begins to divide the spoils of war. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
In Judges chapter 6, Gideon is found threshing wheat in a winepress because of the years of oppression at the hand of the Midianites. In this powerful message, Ps. Jurgen uses this story to show us that we can easily settle for far less than God's best if we allow our circumstances and life experiences to shape & determine our belief systems.
Learn more & support the our work at www.arbelministries.com - - - In this episode of the podcast, we explore the powerful and often difficult themes of judgment, purification, and obedience found in Numbers 31. As we examine the Israelites' battle against the Midianites and the subsequent purification process, we wrestle with the harsh realities of divine justice and the complexity of God's commands. What can we learn from these challenging passages about holiness, purity, and the cost of disobedience? Join us as we reflect on the painful yet necessary process of spiritual purification, both for the Israelites and for us today. This thought-provoking episode invites us to engage deeply with Scripture, challenge our perceptions, and seek understanding in the midst of uncomfortable truths. - - - Intro/Outro Music "Raga Dance Of Music" by Aakash Gandhi - https://soundcloud.com/user-363764097/raga-dance-of-music | Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this Bible Story, Gideon leads Israel's people into victory over the Midianites with only 300 men. Peace then reigns in the land for over forty years. This story is inspired by Judges 7-8. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Judges 7:7 from the King James Version.Episode 63: The once cowardly Gideon is now commander of a rather large Israelite army. So large in fact, that God refuses to use the whole army, lest they think it was their might that saved the day. Soon God had whittled down the army to a mere 300 men and with that 300 men we see a reminder that it is not by our might but by God's that rescue and salvation happen.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.This episode is sponsored by Medi-Share, an innovative health care solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this Bible Story, Gideon, a cowardly and weak man, finds strength in God. He is filled with enough bravery to summon an army against the Midianite horde and go into battle. This story is inspired by Judges 6. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Judges 6:37 from the King James Version.Episode 62: Israel lived in peace for a time, worshiping God for his rescue of their lives but slowly the worship of idols again invaded their worship and as it did, so did the darkness of oppression. Midianites soon began pillaging and plaguing the Israelites, so much so that they needed to hide their food under tents and in wine presses. In one of these wine presses stood the man who God would use to save Israel, Gideon, a man who teaches us that God can use the weakest and most self-doubting person to accomplish His will and save His people.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Lloyd Pulley Question Timestamps: Wendy, Facebook (2:48) - What happened to the spoils that God commanded the Israelites to take from the Midianites in Numbers 31? David, NY (4:21) - Is Revelation 9 a description of demonic activity being let loose on the Earth, or is it a description of something that has always been? Notta, Facebook (7:41) - What is the message I should be taking away from Judges 19-20 about the Levite and his concubine? Catherine, HI (11:27) - Where does it say in the Bible, that you are supposed to give your child back to the Lord after he grows up? Brian, email (13:36) - Why am I struggling with the same old sins? Will being baptized bring me closer to Christ and free me from my struggles with these sins? Jesse, email (16:56) - How can I deal with someone in my workplace that says they do not believe in God? Michael, Facebook (18:39) - Can you explain Isaiah 43:11? Carmen, YouTube (19:55) - How and why did the Catholic Church add purgatory to their beliefs? Stacey, email (24:57) - Can you suggest a good app for Bible studies for boys or kids aged ten and over? Also what books would you recommend for Bible study for this age group? Isaiah, YouTube (27:27) - What would you recommend for someone that has generalized anxiety disorder? Ally, NJ (36:54) - How can or does God empower you? Ronnie, FL (40:39) - Do we need to repent before we can have faith in the cross? Mike, Facebook (45:34) - What is your take on the Charismatic Catholic Church? Are they saved and do they preach the Bible? Anthony, NY (49:13) - Is sleep paralysis demonic? How soon will they build the third temple? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org
Can the simple act of watching cartoons with a child transform your life? Discover the profound ways faith adds depth to everyday moments, as we explore personal stories of growth and presence in our relationships with family and community. As we share insights from "Mighty Like Gideon," you'll learn the significance of being spiritually prepared to navigate the challenges that can arise, even within the walls of the church, and how embracing spiritual disciplines can lead to vivid transformations.Join us as we highlight the often-overlooked strength that comes from collective spiritual warfare. By drawing parallels to Gideon's biblical triumph over the Midianites, we argue that true success in spiritual battles lies not in solitary efforts but in unity and shared faith practices. This episode challenges prevailing cultural norms of individualism, underscoring the power of community in achieving victory over spiritual adversities. Kathy and I reveal how learning from the unity of forces of evil can inspire us to foster stronger connections within faith-driven groups.Key Takeaways:Harness the Power of Group Dynamics: Spiritual warfare is best confronted collectively, as it involves forces that operate in groups.Ephesians 6:12 is Key: This scripture reveals the importance of collective struggle in defeating dark powers, often overlooked by individuals.Gideon's Example: The story of Gideon exemplifies the effectiveness of group action and the necessity of unified faith to achieve divine victories.Individualism vs. Collectivism: The struggle of modern believers often stems from an overemphasis on individual faith at the expense of community.Leadership and Community: Embrace community leadership and collective faith to experience the full promise of more life and more faith.Looking for more? Join our More Faith More Life community: https://morefaithmorelife.comAbout the host: Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990's as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he led the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, If You Only Knew, and Mighty Like Gideon.
Pastor Jeremy | BFBC-Glendive | Sunday 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. ● Calmness, quietness, tranquility ● Lack of fighting or war ● Well-being and fullness of life. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (NLT) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (MSG) I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. John 14:27 (Amp C) Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] Judges 6:24 - Gideon - The Lord is Peace ● Gideon was cowardly, unsettled, intimidated, and fearful before the presence of God showed up. ● After peace came...Gideon was still oppressed by the Midianites and his family still worshiping false gods...but he was no longer cowardly, unsettled, intimidated, or fearful. Peter ● John 13 Peter says he'll never deny Jesus ● John 18 Peter denies Jesus ● John 21:19 Peter is restored and told “follow me” ● Acts 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, etc. Peter not moved by crowds, the call, persecution, ignorance...he is no longer cowardly, unsettled, intimidated, or fearful. ● Gal 2 we see Peter has slipped back into a little bit of his old self and Paul calls him out.
Still in the Nation Era, we dive into the time of the Judges, a period marked by a cycle of rebellion and deliverance. We explore the significance of the judges and their role as leaders and deliverers of the nation, empowered by God. The episode delves into the consequences of Israel's disobedience, their abandonment of God, and the worship of false gods. We also focus on the story of Gideon, a notable judge who experienced God's miraculous intervention in defeating the Midianites through just 300 men. Despite judges raised up by God to deliver the people, the cycle of rebellion and deliverance continues.Bible ReadingsJudges 1:27-36Judges 2:1-23Judges 7:1-23Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgOur sessions use various translations including the ESV, BSB, CSB, NASB,...
The Mountain E5 — Moses has a complicated identity. He's an Israelite, but he was raised in the house of Pharaoh. He was born in Egypt, but he flees to live in the wilderness with the Midianites. And there in the wilderness, he meets God on two separate occasions on Mount Sinai. The first time, God commissions Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery. And the second time, while Moses is up on the mountain with God, the recently freed people down below are already breaking the covenant by worshiping a gold calf. Will Moses stand in the gap for the people in this moment of crisis? In this episode, Jon and Tim discuss Moses as a successful mountaintop intercessor, showing what can happen when a human trusts God on the cosmic mountain.View more resources on our website →Timestamps Chapter 1: Recap of the Mountain Theme So Far (0:00-13:37)Chapter 2: Moses' Identity and Commissioning on Mount Sinai (13:37-35:34)Chapter 3: Moses Rescues Israel and Intercedes for them on Mount Sinai (35:34-1:02:08)Official Episode TranscriptView this episode's official transcript.Referenced ResourcesCheck out Tim's library here.You can experience our entire library of resources in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show Music“Sum Sum” by Ben Bada Boom“Garden Trees” by T.Check & Kofi AnonymousBibleProject theme song by TENTS Show CreditsProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer. Aaron Olsen edited today's episode and also provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.