I believe in reading Judges we are meant to feel the inadequacy of merely human redeemers. Men fail, they become prideful, they are afraid, they create idols even after being delivered by the one true God. But Christ was perfect in every way, perfectly obeying the will of God and redeeming us to eternal salvation.
Hi, I just ran across your web site via Bing. Your viewpoint is truly pertinent to my life currently, and I’m really pleased I discovered your website.
We’re 1/3 through! Something connecting the 2 passages–Gideon didn’t finish his race well. He became distracted by the wealth & prestige of his successful mission. Let us run with daily resolve to follow and keep our eyes on Jesus, so we aren’t disqualified after we’ve done the work He’s asked us to do. Even the most successful are vulnerable. This is humbling!
I love the way SRT is weaving the gospel of the new testimony together with the old in these readings — we see God using someone small, not mighty, “weakest of his clan” in Gideon. And look what happens! Then Paul tells us to be whatever the people in front of us need – are they weak? Be weak. Are they poor? Be poor. Do whatever it takes to reach them. Become the need.
Is it any wonder the same God who plucked Gideon out of obscurity to use him for His glory is the SAME GOD who longs to use all of us in a unique way for His kingdom & glory? God you are so good and you use us exactly where we are at! Use me today, Lord!
1Corinthians 9:19-23
Love this! Paul meets people where they are and lives as they live in order to teach them the gospel and show God’s love. He does not ask nor demand that they be just as he is and he does not force them with his own ways. Help me to meet people where they are to share God’s love.
Self control has been a hard practice for me to grasp appropriately. At one point I felt so “in control” that it actually hindered my wellbeing by providing a false sense of self sustenance. At another, I’ve been so negligent, that it’s caused the downfall of my health due to my lack of attention in my decisions. Self control in the proper respect, and profitably manner is attained by seeking Jesus first, in all things. Every decision. He wants the best for us in every aspect! Eat healthily, God provided sustenance abundantly in fruit and veggies, they’re so wonderful! Why would we solely depend on man-made processed foods? Want a treat?! Eat it in thanksgiving of the Lord! As long as we are mindful of Him in all things, we don’t need to worry. We mustn’t take comfort in things of this world, I.e. Food, or sleep, or self image, or financial situations, only in Christ. God wants relationship, and to attain a relationship with anybody, you have to actively pursue them! God provides work and rest, food and shelter, He knows every desire of our heart. Lord humble us so that we too may stand witness that You alone are the Great Provider.
my British literature teacher told me today (as referring to studying the bible) “don’t always ask yourself, what can I get from this? instead, ask, where is Jesus in this?” I think it’s a beautiful message in the last passage. the author became like the poor to win them over for Christ- so they can be saved. Christ became like us, wretched and awful, to win us over for the Father. what a beautiful image. Christ, the son of God, the King of all things, made to be like the poor for us- so we could receive God’s gift of grace.
I also think this verse speaks to self care in general…something that is foreign to us in the helping profession! We need to make sure there is enough left of us at the end of the day. 27 …so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
1C 9:27 “But I discipline my body and make it my slave”. I’m just so lazy guys! I don’t discipline my body well. Im a nurse. I know all the good stuff to do. But then I read a book instead of going running. Or I eat ice cream instead of an apple. I give in over and over again. I want to be happy. And I turn to food or sleep for happiness so often! Need to discipline myself. To make new goals and habits. And then to keep doing them!!
That’s the way it is in my life to. You know what to do, what is right but it is so difficult to do it, to really treat our bodys like God’s temple. I think it is only possible to do this through prayer and depending on God’s grace and strength, not relying on our own strength.
I can relate to all of you! One thing that has helped me a little bit is just listening to my favorite upbeat Christian songs while I go to the gym! It keeps me going and has such an inspiration, reminding me that I am pushing myself to be the best I can be for our Lord.
I’ve studied about God choosing Gideon a few times, but I had forgotten about the pursuit of the princes and kings! It was good to read this again.
This phrasing here – teaching them a lesson – made me chuckle:
“he took thorns of the wilderness and briers and with them taught the men of Succoth a lesson.”
Not something I’d want to learn first-hand!
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19For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
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Love Gideon’s story
Serving all
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A good Word!
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God reduces Gideon’s army from 22,000 to 300!!! And they still win! What an awesome display of his power
22To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. -ellie
I believe in reading Judges we are meant to feel the inadequacy of merely human redeemers. Men fail, they become prideful, they are afraid, they create idols even after being delivered by the one true God. But Christ was perfect in every way, perfectly obeying the will of God and redeeming us to eternal salvation.
Hi, I just ran across your web site via Bing. Your viewpoint is truly pertinent to my life currently, and I’m really pleased I discovered your website.
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
We’re 1/3 through! Something connecting the 2 passages–Gideon didn’t finish his race well. He became distracted by the wealth & prestige of his successful mission. Let us run with daily resolve to follow and keep our eyes on Jesus, so we aren’t disqualified after we’ve done the work He’s asked us to do. Even the most successful are vulnerable. This is humbling!
Agreed, I was very touched by that as well.
Wow thank you, I did not connect that but it’s so true!! Thank you!!
Beautifully worded!
I love the way SRT is weaving the gospel of the new testimony together with the old in these readings — we see God using someone small, not mighty, “weakest of his clan” in Gideon. And look what happens! Then Paul tells us to be whatever the people in front of us need – are they weak? Be weak. Are they poor? Be poor. Do whatever it takes to reach them. Become the need.
Is it any wonder the same God who plucked Gideon out of obscurity to use him for His glory is the SAME GOD who longs to use all of us in a unique way for His kingdom & glory? God you are so good and you use us exactly where we are at! Use me today, Lord!
❤❤
Well said!
1Corinthians 9:19-23
Love this! Paul meets people where they are and lives as they live in order to teach them the gospel and show God’s love. He does not ask nor demand that they be just as he is and he does not force them with his own ways. Help me to meet people where they are to share God’s love.
Amen! So should we be to all people – all things, for the gospel of Christ!
Self control has been a hard practice for me to grasp appropriately. At one point I felt so “in control” that it actually hindered my wellbeing by providing a false sense of self sustenance. At another, I’ve been so negligent, that it’s caused the downfall of my health due to my lack of attention in my decisions. Self control in the proper respect, and profitably manner is attained by seeking Jesus first, in all things. Every decision. He wants the best for us in every aspect! Eat healthily, God provided sustenance abundantly in fruit and veggies, they’re so wonderful! Why would we solely depend on man-made processed foods? Want a treat?! Eat it in thanksgiving of the Lord! As long as we are mindful of Him in all things, we don’t need to worry. We mustn’t take comfort in things of this world, I.e. Food, or sleep, or self image, or financial situations, only in Christ. God wants relationship, and to attain a relationship with anybody, you have to actively pursue them! God provides work and rest, food and shelter, He knows every desire of our heart. Lord humble us so that we too may stand witness that You alone are the Great Provider.
I needed this! Thank you. I struggle with self control too.
hubby sqq cw l1lv0. cw cw w w. w bm. VM ll
my British literature teacher told me today (as referring to studying the bible) “don’t always ask yourself, what can I get from this? instead, ask, where is Jesus in this?” I think it’s a beautiful message in the last passage. the author became like the poor to win them over for Christ- so they can be saved. Christ became like us, wretched and awful, to win us over for the Father. what a beautiful image. Christ, the son of God, the King of all things, made to be like the poor for us- so we could receive God’s gift of grace.
Wow – this speaks so much truth!
I also think this verse speaks to self care in general…something that is foreign to us in the helping profession! We need to make sure there is enough left of us at the end of the day. 27 …so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
1C 9:27 “But I discipline my body and make it my slave”. I’m just so lazy guys! I don’t discipline my body well. Im a nurse. I know all the good stuff to do. But then I read a book instead of going running. Or I eat ice cream instead of an apple. I give in over and over again. I want to be happy. And I turn to food or sleep for happiness so often! Need to discipline myself. To make new goals and habits. And then to keep doing them!!
That’s the way it is in my life to. You know what to do, what is right but it is so difficult to do it, to really treat our bodys like God’s temple. I think it is only possible to do this through prayer and depending on God’s grace and strength, not relying on our own strength.
Couldn’t agree with you more!
I am right there with you! Just keep trying, don’t give up!
I can relate to all of you! One thing that has helped me a little bit is just listening to my favorite upbeat Christian songs while I go to the gym! It keeps me going and has such an inspiration, reminding me that I am pushing myself to be the best I can be for our Lord.
Annie, I wonder if “teaching a lesson” in use for a disciplinary action came from this scripture.
I’ve studied about God choosing Gideon a few times, but I had forgotten about the pursuit of the princes and kings! It was good to read this again.
This phrasing here – teaching them a lesson – made me chuckle:
“he took thorns of the wilderness and briers and with them taught the men of Succoth a lesson.”
Not something I’d want to learn first-hand!
1 Cor 9:27
I love that the wreath we run for is imperishable!