Robin D

God is forever, unseen, The Only One. God is to get all the honor and glory. I do not have any of these doxologies memorized, although I do include portions of these words in my personal prayer. I think that speaking out a doxology reminds me that without God, I am nothing. Also, that I should give God thanks for everything and honor Him in all I do. For me, it is very humbling. I will try and commit some of these doxologies to memory. It is always comforting to be able to quote scripture.

Paul perhaps comments on his own life to demonstrate an example. He shares this information to show that even though we can get off track from doing what God wants us to do, we can correct the situation, and turn away from the wrong.

Some results of false doctrine were controversies, pursuit of genealogy and meaningless talk instead of teaching. Doctrinal controversy hurts the spirit of a church because there isn't unity. Not being united effects growth and keeps the church from accomplishing its mission because the focus moves away from God, and instead people begin trying to stress their point of view or side, and lose sight of what they should be doing.

The Israelites were able to conquer the Midianites. Israel enjoyed peace for 40 years.

A snare is a trap and a pitfall. Gidoen's ephod ensnares his family and the people of Israel because they worshipped the ephod. Something can become a sin the minute it turns our focus away from God. The essence of the sin Israel committed was worshipping the ephod. The essence of Gideon's sin was building and placing the golden ephod in Ophrah.

The Bible tells us that we are married unto the Lord. We are the bride of Christ. Anything we put before God would be spiritual adultry. I find myself getting caught up in my busy life, and don't attend church as much as I should. We go camping and attend a lot of bluegrass festivals in the summer. Also, I let work keep me from studying God's word like I should.

Gideon asks for the earrings from the Midianites' spoil. It was customary to share what was taken from the enemy. The sin was in the Israelites worshipping this ephod, and the fact that an ephod such as this should have been reserved for a high priest.

Gideon refuses to be king over Israel because he says the Lord should rule the nation. The Isrealites had promised to follow the covenant God made with Moses. God was to be the sovereign ruler. It seems that the Israelites continue to forget Gpd. The Isrealites saw the victory as Gideon's, not God's.

Gideon slays Zebah and Zalmunna for killing his brothers. This always gets very confusing for me. According to the times, it appeared justifiable to seek revenge if a family member was wrongfully killed. But then there is the commandment Thou shalt not kill, and there a numerous examples throughout the Bible of killing. Is it justified sometimes, and not others? I have more questions than answers for this one. At least I'm clear about the application for my life today. Christians are prohibited from vengeance becuase it is up to the Lord to repay. How difficult it is at times to wait patiently for Him.

The cities are refusing to aid because they fear that the Midianites have not been completely wiped out. Gideon punishes these cities to teach them a lesson. Their sin is being selfish, and breaking their covenant with God and their fellow Israelites. I don't always understand the harsh punishment that we find examples of in the Bible. It appears that Gideon was just in what he had done, based upon instructions God gave other chosen leaders in the Old Testament. I think there are numerous examples of Christians sitting back and not helping others, or being charitable when we should be.

Gideon needs to eliminate the remaining Midianites in order for the Israelites to be protected against further attacks. When we deal with problems half way, the unfinished part will recur, causing more problems.

Gideon asks the Ephraimites to come down against the Midianites and block their escape routes by the water. They are angry because Gideon had not called them before to be part of his army. Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites is very complimentary. He praises the Ephraimites for what they have done.

Gideon divides his army into three companies to make it appear to the Midianites as if they were being surrounded. The strategy with the trumpets, the empy jars, and the torches was to cause panic for the enemy. The strategy worked because God caused the Midianites to turn on each other with their swords.

The rolling loaf represents Gideon's sword and him overtaking the Midianites. The Lord allows Gideon to hear the interpretation of the dream to give him encouragement and the opportunity to worship God.

I'm not sure I get the significance. I know it was God's instructions, so there must be a purpose. Perhaps God wanted the army's size so small that there wouldn't be any question as to who was responsible for overtaking the Midianites. They would have to give God the glory.

We want to know the hows and whys of everything. Demanding anything from God is dangerous. We need to submit to his will. He can only use us when we are humble. It is not our duty to question God. It is our duty to fear God and keep his commandments. We can help keep our balance by praying and having discussions with other faith believers.

God was worried Israel would brag and believe they had saved themselves. Shrinking the army would solidify the army and cause them to trust in God. Gideon might be pressured by the others saying they need a lot of men in their army to fight. Gideon trusted in what God had to say. I think his "fleece sign" helped fortify his faith in God.

Gideon puts out fleece to make certain God will use him as a tool to save Israel. He puts out fleece again for added assurance. I think Gideon believes, but doubts himself. This could be lack of faith on Gideon's part. It doesn't appear he is trying to test God since he pleads with the Lord to not be angry with him. I feel this is different from sinful testing, because he is not tempting God. I don't think we should ask God for a sign. I believe God wants us to move ahead, faith believing. The danger of demanding a sign is we might possibly be punished by God, or God will not comply with our wishes. We are not being a strong Christian influence to others when we ask for a sign.

Gideon is inspired by the Spirit of the Lord. Gideon, like these other judges and leaders is filled with the Spirit of the Lord.

Joash had been a leader that was negatively influenced by others. He couldn't decide who he was going to worship. Gideon's actions have forced his father to choose between Baal and God. Gideon followed the will of God, regardless of the consequences to his family. Gideon was right in putting God first. Joash has become a follower of Yahweh because he left Baal to defend himself, and also threatened those who would take revenge.

God wants the Baal altar and Asherah pole torn down because he has given commandments, and they are being broken. Gideon is to erect an altar in their place, use a bullock as a sacrifice, and use the wood from the pole that he cut down to burn it. The risks could involve death, or problems for his family. Gideon does this at night because he is afraid of what the men might do. It is possible that Gideon would have been unable to do all this during the day. Imagine the impact this made as the men of the town woke up and saw this new altar!

God saw Gideon as a man of strenghth and a deliverer. Gideon saw himself as poor and weak. Of course, God is always right. Our own self-perception can keep us from what God wants us to be because we think we can't do things good enough, or we don't possess the abilities. God's answer to Gideon is that He would be with Gideon. A prayer might be: Lord, with you I can do anything. Use my talents as you see fit, and to glorify you.

The most meaningful promises to me currently are that God will restore and support me. This is the affrimation I need as a reminder that I am not alone in my daily struggles!!

Peter instructs us to be watchful, disciplined, and strong in our faith. These instructions are similar because the message is to stand against the devil. Peter's teaching is on how to be alert, or on-guard. Paul's teaching is how to use protection against the devil.

We need to be aware of satan's existence so we are not ignorant of the devices he uses to keep us from doing God's work. This verse teaches us to be watching out for the devil. This teaching is important so that we can resist the devil's tempations.