Arise and Abide

Reading Judges 8:4-21 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Gideon continues to pursue the Midianite kings and what is left of their army but gets no support from Succoth and Peniel. They were afraid of the Midianites who were closer to their borders. The danger of losing focus on God in our anger. The Israelites internal tension not supporting Gideon or taking part in what the LORD is doing through Gideon. We are called to follow Jesus, to love God and love people, walking in forgiveness.

Reading Psalms 63:1-11 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. I earnestly search for you, Matt. 7:7 seek, and you will find. While things get lost and are never found, God is faithfully there for you. God is the one who satisfies, God’s unfailing love is better than life. The very thing we think gives us joy was giving by God. Meditate on the living God who is always there and loves you.

Reading Judges 7:16-8:3 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Gideon and the 300 men take the Midianite camp by surprise. They followed the instructions and watched as the LORD threw the army into a panic, turning on themselves. The warriors of Ephraim offended for not being called on earlier. Gideon’s humble response was an encouragement to the people of Ephraim and pointed them to what God has done for them. Proverbs 15:1. Gideon of the tribe Manasseh, Ephraim being Manasseh’s younger brother but who received the blessing from Israel in Genesis 48. Psalms 60:2 Ephraim my helmet will produce my warriors.   

Reading Judges 7:1-15 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Asking God for help and then failing to praise the LORD when He brings success. Gideon’s faith journey. The process of showing Israel that God is going to rescue them, tests Gideon’s faith. God meets us in our unbelief and is faithful to answer. Help me overcome my unbelief reference, Mark 9:14-29. God wants to give Gideon encouragement that God will bring the victory. Shifting our mindset to confidence in God and not self. God is our best resource.

Reading Judges 6:33-40 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. When Gideon sends out a call to arms the people respond. Gideon was “clothed” with power by the Holy Spirit. Colossians 10:3, 12, and 14. Clothing yourself in your new nature, tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, patience, and love. Clothed in power but still needing to grow out of his imposter syndrome and into confidence in the LORD. God gives signs and allows us to ask for a sign or two. Signs increase our faith and build our confidence. God is patient and loving.

Reading Judges 6:25-32 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people didn’t want to respond to the message God sent through the prophet and their response to witnessing what repentance looked like was violence. Gideon needing help and doing it under the cover of night. God still moving for the peoples rescue and salvation even though they are not yet at a place of repentance. The contrast between Baal and gods that do not show up and the One True God who again and again shows up for His people.

Reading Judges 6:1-24 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people of Israel turning away from God, then calling out to God asking why, and God sends a prophet to tell them why, and they still are not listening. The Angel of the LORD speaks to Gideon who doesn’t see himself as able to save anyone. God calls us to lead others as God leads us. God showing Gideon that Gideon’s life is in the LORD’s hands. Being in God’s presence.  

Reading Judges 4:1-24 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Deborah calls for Barak, and Barak’s response being less than full of faith. The story starts again with the odds against Israel, they would need God to give the victory. The LORD is marching ahead, the LORD’s victory over Sisera will come from the hands of a woman. Jael being used by God to bring His justice. Learning lessons on walking in faith.

Reading Psalms 62:1-12 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The Psalm starts in a quiet place waiting for God to rescue him from his enemies. Waiting quietly, listening for God, waiting for God to move. Psalms 46:10&11, David trusts the LORD at His Word. David recognizes his strength is from the LORD. Waiting quietly, clearing our mind of all the thoughts and worries, meditating and listening.  The equality of people, all our value should be in God. Not putting your hope in stealing, and not making money the center of your life. Repayment, punishment, and reimbursement. Power and unfailing Love, the Lion and the Lamb.

Reading Judges 3:1-11 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The LORD leaving the other nations in place to continue the relationship with the future generations so they can learn to trust and obey. The test is the opportunity for God to prove His faithfulness. The Israelites abandoned God and served images of Baal and Asherah poles.  Looking at problems as something I must solve vs the opportunity to see how God is going to move next.