Jo621

I believe that Gideon put out a fleece 2 different times due to his feeling inadequate in himself, and to be reassured that he was hearing right from the Lord. So often our flesh can hinder our actions and being sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Gideon exhibited great respect and awe towards God, in that he sought God to not be angry, but he was needing a confirmation that this was what God wanted him to do. He was not arrogant in any manner, but very humble. Those who tested God did so irregardless of the sovereignty of God. They failed to remember who God was and is, seeking to fulfill their lusts of the flesh. These people preferred to indulge themselves in rituals that made them feel good, even though they knew to do so was against all that God stood for. Sometimes we may feel God talking to us, leading us into a ministry or of service to Him. The first thing that happens is the enemy will come and try to demean what God has been talking to you about. At those times, it is important to take this matter back to the Lord, asking Him to confirm His leading, even if just to give us reassurance. Our Lord is a loving God, and under- stands how weak we are, and that we often need to be encouraged.

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, who empowered him to blow the trumpet calling the people to follow him into battle. Just as the Spirit of God came upon other leaders and judges, Gideon was filled with the spirit of wisdom, stirring him, and came upon him mightily to fulfill God's purpose. We too need to follow closely and listen to the Holy Spirit's leading, so that we may be used of God in these last days.

Joash had clearly compromised his walk with the Lord. He was trying to serve both God and baal. Gideon's actions forced him to make a choice, whether to remain faithful to Baal, or to force him to go back to Yahweh. Gideon's actions had stirred up the people, and it caused Joash to side with his son and God. Sometimes it takes a crisis to get our attention, and make us evaluate our lives. This confrontation forced Joash to take a stand and defend his son, even against the majority. I believe his eyes were opened once more, and God moved in his heart convicting him that he had to choose whom to serve.

Tearing down the Baal altar and Asherah pole was an outward denunciation of these foreign gods, as well as taking a stand to obey the one true God. Using the pole to burn and the wood of the grove to burn a sacrificial offering to God was truly something. Gideon showed his courage in obeying God as any attack against any god was believed to be an attack against the local government. Even though Gideon did this at night, it still took courage, and avoided any interference from anyone trying to stop him.

Gideon saw himself as very weak and of little use. But God saw him as a mighty warrior. It's amazing what we can become if we would only allow ourselves to see us through His eyes. Once he got his eyes off of himself, and focused on God, he was encouraged enough to believe he could do whatever God chose him to do, for it would only be in God's strength that victory would come. Lord, I know that I am nothing in myself. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and lead and guide me in what You would have me to do. I offer myself to You to be a vessel of honor, knowing that only as you enable and equip me can I be what You have called me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Gideon had been raised hearing all the stories of how God had delivered his people so many numerous times, but had not seen any miracles himself. He believed that God had forsaken them due to all the problems and adversity they were dealing with. Yet he failed to take into account that it was his own people who had brought this upon themselves due to their neglect of serving God and Him only. It's easy to give God praise when things are going well, but it's another thing when we are faced with difficulties. It's much easier to think that God doesn't care and blame Him. Yet if we would just examine ourselves and see if we have messed up and have sinned in our walk with the Lord, then we need to ask God for His forgiveness. Then we are at liberty to bring our needs before the Lord, and know that He will intercede on our behalf.

The Israelites no longer worshipped only one God... they also worshipped the god of the Amorites, and quickly forgot the commandment of the Lord "Thou shalt have no other gods before me". Instead of remaining faithful to the God who delivered them from bondage, they quickly fell prey to the other gods of those around them. You can't compromise and serve God. When we put anyone or anything ahead of God, we are doing the same thing. God deserves our total love and dedication.

Q2. (1 John 2:12-14) John encourages "children," "young men," and "fathers." Why do you think he takes time to encourage them? In what ways does he encourage them? New believers in Christ are full of so much excitement in knowing their sins have been forgiven. Yet it doesn't take long for the enemy of our souls to throw doubt and condemnation at us, once we are not around other believers. It takes constant tending to, and feeding on God's Word and fellowship with others to encourage one in their new walk with Christ. When one is young, they are full of strength, ready to fight the good fight of faith, and able to endure. Yet they too need to be encouraged to continue to fight, and not let down their guard. Oftentimes they are more apt to be the ones ready to step out, full of vigor and enthusiasm and work for the Lord. The enemy thrives on trying to tear down one who is seeking to follow and serve the Lord, causing them to doubt themselves, so they will eventually just give up. The mature saints or believers are those who are "seasoned" in the service of the Lord, having walked many hard places. Yet they need to be encouraged that they are still needed, and that what they have gone through can and will be of value to others, who have yet to face those challenges. They have much wisdom and knowledge to share to those who are young in the Lord, and those who are just joining the family of God.

Q1. (1 John 2:7-11) How does hate and unforgiveness blind us spiritually? If we have been darkened by hurt and hate, how do we come into the light? When one is full of hate and unforgiveness, it affects everything about them. It carries over into whatever they do in life, and with whom they associate with. That hate eats away at them, causing such resentment and bitterness to be reflected in all they do and say. It has a tendency to warp a person so much, causing them to become so cynical and bitter, and comes across in all conversation and action. One who has been in that place of darkness of hurt and hate has to finally come to the place where they must recognize their need of God to help them in this place. God can completely heal and restore that which has been eating at a person's soul, making them completely whole again. He can fill them with His divine love, grace and mercy, and heal them of that hate and bitterness, if they are willing to first of all ask for forgiveness of those awful feelings, and asking God to fill them with His love and compassion instead. God will do what no man can do, and make whole again.

Q5. (1 John 2:3-6) How can we be serious about obeying Christ without become legalistic and judgmental, with a self-righteous attitude like the Pharisees had? How do love and legalism differ? How can we be serious about obedience and make love our center? When we remember where Christ has brought us from, the life we used to live when we were in the world, and where we are now, it will make all the difference. It is Christ's keeping power in us that keeps us, guiding and directing our steps daily. We can't do anything outside of Christ that we can be assured that we won't slip up again. When you truly love someone, you will do whatever you can for them willingly. You don't mind that it is not always easy, but it's worth it. Knowing how much Jesus loved me enough to die on the cross for my sins is unreal. I can never even begin to repay Him, but all I know is that I love Him, and want to be with Him for all eternity. Being legalistic and judgmental means trying to obey the laws and rules, sticking to a form of godliness. There is no way one can follow every single part of the law. It's so important to keep in mind and remember where God has brought you from, the kind of life you once lived, and remember that it is only by God's grace and mercy that you are now saved. Forgetting those things will cause you to think you are better than others, looking down your nose at those you feel are less worthy, and your actions can cause much harm to be done to one who is truly seeking Christ.

Q4. (1 John 2:1-2) What assurance does John give us if we do sin? How does this comfort us? How does it make us want to avoid sin? We are told that we have an advocate with the Father...that is one who will intercede on our behalf. It's like having an older brother who will step in and fight for us when we mess up and find ourselves having to face the consequences of what we have done or failed to do. Thus knowing that Jesus Christ is our mediator between us and His Father is such a comfort, especially knowing that we are weak in ourselves. Even though we may strive to live as Christlike as possible, our flesh is weak, and we are apt to still make mistakes. To know that Jesus is with us and is there to stand in the gap for us means everything to me. Knowing how much Jesus loves us, willing to lay down His life for each one of us, and then is there to "stand in our place" before His Father is so awesome. It is truly precious to me, and it makes me want to draw even closer to Him, so that my life will reflect more of Him, thus enabling me to become what He has called me to be.

Q3. (1 John 1:9) How would you define "confession"? Why is confessing our sins so important? What happens to us if we stop confessing our sins? What are the promises given to us if we do confess our sins? How is forgiveness of sins different from cleansing? Confession is to acknowledge and admit your wrongs and failures. Confession has a way of humbling a person, revealing their sincerity in asking forgiveness, and their desire to lay those things down that have gripped their lives and tripped them up. Somehow that weight that has laid on their soul is lifted and there is a freedom and joy again in knowing their sins have been forgiven. When we fail to confess our sins, we will become so hardhearted, cynical, bitter, and resentful to those who love you and are reaching out to you in love. A wall goes up between other believers and yourself, and you eventually stop associating with them. When we confess our sins, God's Word says He is faithful to forgive us, our sins are no more to be remembered, as they are covered under the blood of Jesus Christ. Our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life, and we are restored to complete fellowship with Christ. "Forgiveness of sins" is being excused, or forgetting of mistakes and failures, and is not thrown back up in your face. "Cleansing" is an inner work that comes from the Holy Spirit who does this work in us. It is not our strength that will do the work, but the strength of the Holy Spirit in us.