Jesus Follower

Seize the fords of the Jordan River to attack the fleeing Midianites. They wanted to participate in the whole battle, not just the final operation. I suspect to share in the spoils and glory. He complimented their success, and that it was great er than his and his tribe's. He didn't let their arrogant and sinful response determine his response.

To be able to attack from multiple different directions. The trumpets usually were used to direct a large group of soldiers. So 300 trumpets sounding made it seem like a big army. The empty jars disguised the torches until the right time, and made a tremendous noise when broken. Causing lots of confusion. The torches suddenly in the night made it seem like the Midianites were surrounded. Because God made it. It worked perfectly because God caused them to be confused and terrified and turn on themselves.

Gideon will overthrow the Midianites. To help him because he is so fearful of attacking the Midianites. To increase his faith.

Only as a way to separate the people. To make sure just a few remain to fight.

Because we want it to work out so that we are successful. Pride. Prayer, for discernment. Staying in God's word, ask for counsel. However, when sure have to be willing to obey, like Gideon.

Because God knew Israel and Gideon might take credit for the victory if they won the victory with a larger army. They have history of forsaking God. Have spent 7 years under oppression because they stopped properly worshipping God. Pressure of feeling that he might lose respect and allegiance of his army. Also, everyone will know he didn't lead army to victory. Only God could accomplish what was going to happen. Faith. He believed what God told him and obeyed it.

Danger is looking for a sign to meet your own design, not to know, obey and love Jesus.

The Holy Spirit came upon Him. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit.

One with divided loyalties. It makes him choose between Gideon and Yahweh God, the community and Baal. No. He needs to obey God first and let God take care of the consequences. He chose Gideon and God and there is no turning back.

It will be a sign to the people of who the real God is. A public display of God's power. A proper altar to God. Expulsion from his family, community, maybe even violence or death. He was afraid of the people. Not sure. Doing it at night ensures no one will interfere. So maybe faith. Or he could have just been scared.

He blames God by saying God abandoned them and put them in the hands of the Midianites. No. The Israelites forsook God by worshipping idols and God kept His Word by punishing them when they did. We blame God because we know He is sovereign. We want Him to filter out all the bad things and give us only things we like. The danger is we forget. We forget that sin has consequences. We forget God's holiness and our sinfulness. We forget that God causes all things to work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We forget His people suffer. Even Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered. We stop short by remembering. His goodness. His word. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will provide for us.

They have not listened to the LORD. The worshipped the Gods of the Amorites. They didn't listen because they heard God's word but wouldn't obey Him. Today we hear God's word in church & read His word but often don't obey Him.

It means It all worked! God's plan, Jesus' obedience, sacrifice, resurrection, and keeping His saints has been effective. We are made holy and able to sit and enjoy our Lord's presence without fear of anything, even of the glorious privilege coming to an end. God's word had been fulfilled. Complete comfort, joy and intimacy. Pray and pour out my heart to God. I am offering more of myself to God the last few months. I think the disruption and fear of the Covid 19 situation has made me more honest with God @ my hopes, fears, and sin. Made me confess more openly and fully where I've let fear rule the day, instead of fear of God

Straight from God's throne. Pure, powerful, accomplishing all He desires. Through my prayers for others, words, and actions.

Because we know His light exposes our sinfulness. We are ashamed of our sins and waywardness. We walk and live in His glory. His light leads and regulates everything. No sin no sorrow, no sickness, and no dying. I need to repent of fear and unbelief, especially with current worldwide crisis going on.

The courtyard, curtains, made certain only the few qualified could enter into God's presence. That served as a physical, emotional, relational separation. We can fix our eyes on the songs, pastor, message or whether it was "a good service" instead of fixing our eyes on Jesus. Makes us feel better, but danger of not following Jesus closely if not focused on Him. We will be in the presence of the One we worship. Anything else will be distracting, not enhancing our relationship and worship of God.

Marriage delayed until fullness of number of believers is added to the kingdom. Fullness of intimacy, knowing, and dwelling together. He will be our light. Nothing will cause separation or sadness, for all eternity.

Remember that Jesus actively opposes all work of the devil and we should too. He is not passive even when we can't see His work. First, submit to God in obedience. Then resist the devil through praying, sharing, and correcting when needed. I too often shy away, but God is calling me to more faithful prayer and obedience.

Celebrates God's great deliverance of his people through amazing, miraculous works. Also celebrates the destruction of His enemies, and speaks of His special names & attributes. It uses our minds, voices, and bodies and gifts to glorify Him. Obedience and prayer. Cooperation with the Holy Spirit.

Washed, pure and spotless in the blood of Jesus. Follow Him to physical place(work, church, gathering s, etc) but also spiritual elements of my thoughts, words and attitudes. Fear and love God more than to fear men and this world system.

He is standing completely victorious in 100% fulfillment of all prophecy and God's word. With all His people. The ultimate show of His faithfulness and character. God's people redeemed by Jesus. Seal shows eternal security in salvation, and protection from the evil one.

The one whose name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life is eternally saved! Written before the foundations of the world were laid. Before creation. My salvation is not dependent on what I do or don't do, but on God's choice of me. I am reassured because God has saved me! I haven't saved myself! He is strong, perfect and capable' I am not.

Christ's blood cleanses us from sin. When freed from sin, we are free from guilt, shame , fear of death, and the power of Satan. Our faithful and obedient loving testimony shows the devil doesn't control us. We have to make a conscious decision to daily obey, resisting sin, our flesh and the devil.

Leads me beside still waters. Even through the valley of the shadow of death. With protection and abundance. This will require obedience. Springs represent joy, endurance, peace and favor to experience His love and ability to follow Him No. When I get discouraged it is because i"ve strayed from the waters' edge. Tears of discouragement, loss of loved ones, regret at unbelief and sin. Missed opportunities.