13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall… This applies to so much in our modern lives including food, alcohol, tv shows/movies… As Christians we have different knowledge surrounding these things, but if watching “Breaking Bad” or drinking a glass of wine has a negative effect on our brother/sister, we need to be respectful and realize that our main purpose is not to enjoy the things of life, but to love others and help them grow in Christ. On the flip side, we also need to be careful not to judge those who do have a mimosa at brunch!
What caught my eye this time around was the Lord introducing Himself to Gideon and telling him not to fear, and then Gideon makes an alter and called God “the God of Peace”. How much of a reminder is this, how we first learned what God could do, that becomes our focal point for the way we worship God.
For Gideon, God was peace. For me in my own life it is God is provider.
How awesome the many different facets of who God is. So amazing.
I agree. The most meaningful name to me is The LORD my provider, and I have it in Greek permanently on my wrist as a reminder to myself and a conversation starter with others. I hadn’t connected that we worship God in the way that He mossy manifested Himself to us. I like that, and thank you for pointing that out!
1 …We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.
Such a good reminder that the way we practice our faith should be based on love rather than knowledge. We we put too much emphasis on our religious knowledge we intellectualize our faith and create stumbling blocks for others who are intimidated by our knowledge. The first and second greatest commandments will open the door to evangelism quicker than being prideful in our knowledge. ” Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself” Simply LOVE as a Christian should love.
I was sitting next to my husband while doing my study, and I asked why Deborah was a judge at that time. He explained to me that because there was no man bold enough, or righteous, etc, (I have a certain word I’m trying to remember, I hope my thoughts come across clear) at that time- God used Deborah to judge. He even went as far as saying that Barak wouldn’t have the honor in war. Wow!
As for Gideon, I asked my husband why he needed signs from the LORD, the offering, the fleece. It was to test and see if the Spirit really was from God. I felt I really saw myself in Gideon, as I question much and doubt. Yet God is faithful to prove Himself over and over, by bringing past events in my life that were only from Him, or seeing His providence over our lives as a family.
To quote the Apostle Paul, “yet for us there is one God, the Father , all things are from Him, and we exist for Him, and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, all things are through Him and we exist through Him.”
These readings were full of thought-provoking stories for me today. Both Deborah, as a woman, and Gideon, as the “least” among his family, were considered less than powerful. But God used them to help turn his people in the right direction. I think we can all be reminded that trusting and following God humbly leads to great things. Paul then asks the Corinthians to go one step further–not only to have a clear conscience themselves, but to help their neighbors do the same. What a powerful reminder that our own relationship with God is situated in the larger context of God’s relationship with the world.
Yes, impressed by their courage and faith in the Lord. Even Jael, another bold woman. Although Gideon needed signs it was bold to tear down the alter. I pray I could be so bold even in my society.
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Well said Carly!
13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall… This applies to so much in our modern lives including food, alcohol, tv shows/movies… As Christians we have different knowledge surrounding these things, but if watching “Breaking Bad” or drinking a glass of wine has a negative effect on our brother/sister, we need to be respectful and realize that our main purpose is not to enjoy the things of life, but to love others and help them grow in Christ. On the flip side, we also need to be careful not to judge those who do have a mimosa at brunch!
Thank you for putting that into perspective Carly!! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts behind that verse
What caught my eye this time around was the Lord introducing Himself to Gideon and telling him not to fear, and then Gideon makes an alter and called God “the God of Peace”. How much of a reminder is this, how we first learned what God could do, that becomes our focal point for the way we worship God.
For Gideon, God was peace. For me in my own life it is God is provider.
How awesome the many different facets of who God is. So amazing.
I agree. The most meaningful name to me is The LORD my provider, and I have it in Greek permanently on my wrist as a reminder to myself and a conversation starter with others. I hadn’t connected that we worship God in the way that He mossy manifested Himself to us. I like that, and thank you for pointing that out!
Knowledge puffs up but love edifies. I can be so focused on my liberty that I lose track of the big picture
I need this as a constant reminder! Thanks
1 …We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.
Such a good reminder that the way we practice our faith should be based on love rather than knowledge. We we put too much emphasis on our religious knowledge we intellectualize our faith and create stumbling blocks for others who are intimidated by our knowledge. The first and second greatest commandments will open the door to evangelism quicker than being prideful in our knowledge. ” Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself” Simply LOVE as a Christian should love.
Wow well said ! Thank you !!
Perfectly said!
Practice our faith based on love… Good insight!
I was sitting next to my husband while doing my study, and I asked why Deborah was a judge at that time. He explained to me that because there was no man bold enough, or righteous, etc, (I have a certain word I’m trying to remember, I hope my thoughts come across clear) at that time- God used Deborah to judge. He even went as far as saying that Barak wouldn’t have the honor in war. Wow!
As for Gideon, I asked my husband why he needed signs from the LORD, the offering, the fleece. It was to test and see if the Spirit really was from God. I felt I really saw myself in Gideon, as I question much and doubt. Yet God is faithful to prove Himself over and over, by bringing past events in my life that were only from Him, or seeing His providence over our lives as a family.
To quote the Apostle Paul, “yet for us there is one God, the Father , all things are from Him, and we exist for Him, and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, all things are through Him and we exist through Him.”
Let that be my prayer today and everyday.
I love your observations!
These readings were full of thought-provoking stories for me today. Both Deborah, as a woman, and Gideon, as the “least” among his family, were considered less than powerful. But God used them to help turn his people in the right direction. I think we can all be reminded that trusting and following God humbly leads to great things. Paul then asks the Corinthians to go one step further–not only to have a clear conscience themselves, but to help their neighbors do the same. What a powerful reminder that our own relationship with God is situated in the larger context of God’s relationship with the world.
Yes, impressed by their courage and faith in the Lord. Even Jael, another bold woman. Although Gideon needed signs it was bold to tear down the alter. I pray I could be so bold even in my society.
Love what you said here.
Yes, Stephanie I loved what you said too. Thanks for sharing.