Although the Holy Spirit had come so powerfully on Gideon, he was still very weak in faith and clearly daunted by the task before him. God often condescends to leaders in order to make His will and His power clear.

Identified by God as a “mighty warrior,” Gideon now begins the process of spiritual preparation. Like Elijah in coming days, Gideon must become in private what he will finally display in public. God develops leaders by strengthening individual character in believers and then expanding influence.

These chapters tell the story of a single event but from different perspectives, the historian (ch.4) and the poet (ch.5). Considered one of the great literary works of the ancient world, Deborah’s song of victory pulses with exultation and ultimately directs praise to God for His mighty works on behalf of His people Israel.

These chapters tell the story of a single event but from different perspectives, the historian (ch.4) and the poet (ch.5). Considered one of the great literary works of the ancient world, Deborah’s song of victory pulses with exultation and ultimately directs praise to God for His mighty works on behalf of His people Israel.

Listen in as Pastor Matthew O'Mealey brings us a word from Paul's letter to the Colossian church about the wonder of Christ and how that affects us.

Judges recounts the history of Israel under thirteen leaders whom God raised up during Israel’s decline and disunion after the death of Joshua. It is the tragic account of seven periods of apostasy, seven periods of slavery to pagan nations, and seven noticeable deliverances. In days of weakened faith, God remains faithful.

In an interesting twist, the author of Hebrews reminds us that even as we look to the faith heroes of the past, they also are watching us—believers bound together in the plan of God throughout eternity. But as strong as their example of faith is to us, there is another…

Spiritual preparation and supernatural courage always go hand in hand. The final two personalities in this listing of heroes displays exactly what the entire chapter was meant to display—a person of faith is a tangible display of the awesome workings of Almighty God!

Apart from Jesus Christ, no person in history has made as deep or lasting impression on the world as Moses, the “bond-servant of God” (Revelation 15:3). The secret of his influence is in his commitment to walk with the invisible God in everyday life. His example is desperately relevant for a world lost in the visible realm only.

A person of faith recognizes that God still works tangibly in the lives of people today. In fact, life makes sense only when the sovereignty of God is considered within the simple and mundane events of everyday life. This recognition animates faith and focuses action daily!