How To Gain Victory In Christ

Insight Into Scriptures - Judges 20-22

In today's story they refer to "Left handed slingers" (20:16) for battle. This may have been a special group of ambidextrous warriors. Today, we finish with Judges. The last verse of Judges states that "Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." Thus explaining the violence and death through the book. There was a cry for hope for peace in the land

Good Morning

This picture is the pass that was close to Gibeah, the town that the Isralites camped near. (20:19).

Scripture Reading

18 The Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God. They said, "Who of us shall go first to fight against the Benjamites?"The LORD replied, "Judah shall go first."

19 The next morning the Israelites got up and pitched camp near Gibeah. 20 The men of Israel went out to fight the Benjamites and took up battle positions against them at Gibeah. 21 The Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down twenty-two thousand Israelites on the battlefield that day. 22 But the men of Israel encouraged one another and again took up their positions where they had stationed themselves the first day.

23 The Israelites went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and they inquired of the LORD. They said, "Shall we go up again to battle against the Benjamites, our brothers?"The LORD answered, "Go up against them."

24 Then the Israelites drew near to Benjamin the second day. 25 This time, when the Benjamites came out from Gibeah to oppose them, they cut down another eighteen thousand Israelites, all of them armed with swords.

26 Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the LORD. 27 And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. They asked, "Shall we go up again to battle with Benjamin our brother, or not?"The LORD responded, "Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands."

Think n Grow

As I finished this story I was confused. The men of Israel decided to go against the Benjamites, they asked YAHWEH who should go first; YAHWEH responded, then they proceeded and lost. They went through the process again, and lost again. Then on the third time YAHWEH said "Now I am going to hand them over to you." Why did YAHWEH allow them to lose badly 2 times, when HE gave them an answer to the questions they asked?

I went back and read the story a few more times, then two principles became evident. During the entire period of Judges, the Israelites had no king, they did as they wanted. (21:25) They were not living a Holy Life before YAHWEH. Something bad would happen, they would cry out to HIM, HE would save them, then they would go back to the same behavior.

The other principle I saw, they gathered before YAHWEH, but they never asked YAHWEH IF they should attack. The Israelites made up their minds of action, THEN asked YAHWEH. Totally backwards, they should of prayed, fasted, and waited for YAHWEH's decision, then asked how to complete the task. Maybe YAHWEH would of given them victory the first time.

Our Christian life is a 24/7 process. It is not a life where we do as we see fit, then when we have a problem, ask GOD and expect HIM to solve all our problems. What kind of a Christian life are you living? 24/3 or maybe 12/7?

Closing Prayer

Father thank you for the rays of sunshine and warmth. I pray Father that I will always seek You first, let You lead the way, not me. I pray Father that I am strong in trusting You and knowing that Your way is always the best.

I love You, and I pray in Your great Name,

Amen

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Why Would a Loving God Let Bad Things Happen?

Insight into Scripture Judges 18-19

A concubine is a secondary wife who has probably come into the marriage without dowry. Her children may only receive a portion of their father's estate if he chooses to publicly acknowledge them as his heirs. In this story the Levite may have simply contracted her for a sexual partner.

This story sounds similar to what Lot experienced in Genesis 19 and 1 Samuel 11:7.

Dan (18:29) is located at the foot of Mount Hermon. It is watered by a number of springs. This picture is the largest of four sources of the Jordan River, the Dan Spring emerges at the base of Mt. Hermon next to Tel Dan. Click on the picture to view more interesting photos of Dan. Pictures were used from Bibleplaces.com.

Scripture Reading

27 When her master got up in the morning and opened the door of the house and stepped out to continue on his way, there lay his concubine, fallen in the doorway of the house, with her hands on the threshold. 28 He said to her, "Get up; let's go." But there was no answer. Then the man put her on his donkey and set out for home.

29 When he reached home, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, limb by limb, into twelve parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. 30 Everyone who saw it said, "Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!" - Judges 19:27-30

Think n Grow

If you have just read the scripture above, I would suggest reading all of the story in Judges 19, it will make more sense. But, after reading the above scripture it sounds like it was taken from modern day society. We would most likely hear about the story on CNN and gasp, and think "How could GOD let this happen?"

I know that I have said that may times, "How could a good and loving GOD let these terrible things happen?" I wish that I had the answer, but I do not. I do know, we never know the entire story or the outcome. As in this story, you will find out what happens in chapter 20.

One thing that our family has experienced firsthand, is for every terrible thing that has happened, there has always been good things that have come forth. This holds true to alot of the stories you hear and see. The floods that happened in India opened the door for missionaries when they asked for help, thus saving more lives eternally and spreading HIS word.

If you are experiencing a bad time or have experienced a bad time I know that it can be a time of anger and confusion. You must hang onto the ONE that will not change or let you down.

Closing Prayer

Father thank You for never changing! As this world continues to change, and quickly, it is so nice to rest knowing that You do not change. Father I pray that You open my eyes in every situation, help me to see where You are moving and to move with You. Father I pray that I will know that deep in my heart eventually everything WILL be ok and will be the BEST that I could ever have imagined. And that hope is what You give me and allows me to press on.

Thank You and I love You,

In Your Name

Amen

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Did God Leave You Hanging?

Insight into Scripture - Judges 12-14

It was a custom in ancient times, when a stranger approached your dwelling, they were to be offered the opportunity to rest, refresh themselves and eat a meal. (13:15-16) Yahweh's name was VERY sacred. The ten commandments had prohibited Israel from attempting to use Yahweh's name in magical ways to manipulate HIM. (13:15-16)By taking a meal and placing it on a rock, it went from a meal to a sacrifice. (13:19)When Samson had to come up with 30 sets of clothing, it would be today; 30 three piece suits.

Scripture Reading

12 And Manoah said, "Now when your words come true, what is to be the child's manner of life, and what is his mission?"

13 And the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful. 14 She may not eat of anything that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, or eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded her let her observe."

15 Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, "Please let us detain you and prepare a young goat for you." 16 And the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "If you detain me, I will not eat of your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, then offer it to the LORD." (For Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the LORD.) 17 And Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, "What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you?" 18 And the angel of the LORD said to him, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" - Judges 13:12-18

Thought of the Day

One day you are walking in the woods, when all of a sudden you are stopped by an actual angel. The angel tells you that you and your spouse are going to have a child, and this child is going to be used by GOD to change the course of history.

When you ask this angel, "How am I to raise this child." he replies, "Don't let him drink alcohol and no processed foods." That's it. You are given this huge responsibility from GOD with little direction.

Have you ever noticed that GOD works that way from time to time. You hear GOD tell you to MOVE, but that is it. No directions, no plans, and sometimes it may feel like GOD actually leaves. There is another famous couple that had the same situation. YAHWEH told Abram that he will be a heir to all the land he could see and that his children will be like the stars in the sky. But Abram is without child and he and Sarai are only getting older. Abram did not hear from YAHWEH for 12 years. Instead of trusting YAHWEH to provide, they took matters into their own hands, which ended up creating the Arab nations and Allah.

I believe that GOD does this to strengthen our faith and trust in HIM. If you are feeling that GOD has left or you have not heard from HIM in awhile, we must reach out to HIM and spend time seeking HIM. Always refer back to HIS word for guidance. HE is there and you will hear from HIM again soon.

Closing Prayer

Father thank You for the warm sunshine You bring. I bask in the rays and am thankful that I am able to feel and see Your brightness. Father I pray that You help all of us in a journey. Help us to be obedient and hear what directions we are to follow. I pray Father that those that are not in a journey right now, find peace and closeness from You in their time of waiting. Father I pray for those families out there that struggle so hard to make ends meet, I pray that they trust in You and know that You are always there and always doing Your will. Father I pray for my soul to be quiet and feel Your presence now and I my times of fear. I love You father and I pray for those that are not saved, that You put someone in their lives to help them find You.

In Your great Name,

Amen

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Are Your Enemies Winning Over You?

Judges 3-5

If you have friends or family that think the Bible is boring and tame. Take time to read the story of Ehud. (3:12-30) While reading, try to create a visual picture of this story in your mind.

Scripture Reading

Judges 3:1-2, 12-14

1 Now these are the nations that the LORD left, to test Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not experienced all the wars in Canaan. 2 It was only in order that the generations of the people of Israel might know war, to teach war to those who had not known it before.

12And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done what was evil in the sight of the LORD. 13 He gathered to himself the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and went and defeated Israel. And they took possession of the city of Palms. 14 And the people of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

Thought of the Day

Can you see a pattern starting to develop with the Israelites? They are disobedient to YAHWEH, punished, cry out to YAHWEH, YAHWEH delivers them and forgives them, just to have them do it to HIM again.

As I was reading last night, there were several good points that the Bible makes in these chapters.

When GOD tests us, it is not always a "Test", sometimes it can be a preparation for future events to come in our lives. In verse 3:1-2 YAHWEH knew that this new generation had not experienced war, so it states that YAHWEH "Tested" them so they could gain the experience of war for future battles, maybe a larger one?

GOD never gives us more than we can handle. If you feel that you are being tested, maybe GOD is preparing you for a larger event to come in your life. In the last chapter we read how we need to make a choice. We need to choose GOD's blessing, or GOD's curse. The verses in 3:12-14 are great examples of this. When Israel was disobedient, not only did it anger YAHWEH, HE actually strengthened Israel's enemy. That is pretty direct, YAHWEH not only left Israel's side, but HE sided with her enemy.

If it seems like your enemies are always getting the best of you. Maybe lately you just can't seem to win, it is just one after another. I would examine my relationship with CHRIST. Maybe lately you have chosen YAHWEH's curses over HIS blessings?

Closing Prayer

Thank You Father for your indispensable love, grace and mercy. I pray that You open my eyes Father so I know the true childlike faith that You so much want me to have. Deepen my heart for those around me and teach me the ways of Your disciples. I pray Father for the peace and rest of our president and that he hears Your whispers. Thank You again for the Word You have provided to me so that I may listen and learn, and I pray that I do.

I love You and I pray in Your awesome Name.

Amen

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Judges 20-21

Insight into Scripture

In today's story they refer to "Left handed slingers" (20:16) for battle. This may have been a special group of ambidextrous warriors.Today, we finish with Judges. The last verse of Judges states that "Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." Thus explaining the violence and death through the book. There was a cry for hope for peace in the land.

Good Morning

This picture is the pass that was close to Gibeah, the town that the Isralites camped near. (20:19) Click in the picture to see more photos. The picture was taken from Bibleplaces.comSunday starts Christs' last week on earth. I pray that you prepare your hearts to journey with Christ on His last week.

Scripture Reading

18 The Israelites went up to Bethel and inquired of God. They said, "Who of us shall go first to fight against the Benjamites?"The LORD replied, "Judah shall go first."

19 The next morning the Israelites got up and pitched camp near Gibeah. 20 The men of Israel went out to fight the Benjamites and took up battle positions against them at Gibeah. 21 The Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down twenty-two thousand Israelites on the battlefield that day. 22 But the men of Israel encouraged one another and again took up their positions where they had stationed themselves the first day.

23 The Israelites went up and wept before the LORD until evening, and they inquired of the LORD. They said, "Shall we go up again to battle against the Benjamites, our brothers?"The LORD answered, "Go up against them."

24 Then the Israelites drew near to Benjamin the second day. 25 This time, when the Benjamites came out from Gibeah to oppose them, they cut down another eighteen thousand Israelites, all of them armed with swords.

26 Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings [b] to the LORD. 27 And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. They asked, "Shall we go up again to battle with Benjamin our brother, or not?"The LORD responded, "Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands."

Think n Grow

As I finished this story I was confused. The men of Israel decided to go against the Benjamites, they asked YAHWEH who should go first; YAHWEH responded, then they proceeded and lost. They went through the process again, and lost again. Then on the third time YAHWEH said "Now I am going to hand them over to you." Why did YAHWEH allow them to lose badly 2 times, when HE gave them an answer to the questions they asked?

I went back and read the story a few more times, then two principles became evident. During the entire period of Judges, the Israelites had no king, they did as they wanted. (21:25) They were not living a Holy Life before YAHWEH. Something bad would happen, they would cry out to HIM, HE would save them, then they would go back to the same behavior.

The other principle I saw, they gathered before YAHWEH, but they never asked YAHWEH IF they should attack. The Israelites made up their minds of action, THEN asked YAHWEH. Totally backwards, they should of prayed, fasted, and waited for YAHWEH's decision, then asked how to complete the task. Maybe YAHWEH would of given them victory the first time.

Our Christian life is a 24/7 process. It is not a life where we do as we see fit, then when we have a problem, ask GOD and expect HIM to solve all our problems. What kind of a Christian life are you living? 24/3 or maybe 12/7?

Closing Prayer

Father thank you for the rays of sunshine and warmth. I pray Father that I will always seek You first, let You lead the way, not me. I pray Father that I am strong in trusting You and knowing that Your way is always the best.

I love You, and I pray in Your great Name,

Amen

Need Prayer? Click Here 

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Judges 12-14

Insight into Scripture
It was a custom in ancient times, when a stranger approached your dwelling, they were to be offered the opportunity to rest, refresh themselves and eat a meal. (13:15-16) Yahweh's name was VERY sacred. The ten commandments had prohibited Israel from attempting to use Yahweh's name in magical ways to manipulate HIM. (13:15-16)By taking a meal and placing it on a rock, it went from a meal to a sacrifice. (13:19)When Samson had to come up with 30 sets of clothing, it would be today; 30 three piece suits.

Good Morning~The picture is of Ashkelon. This is could have been where Samson struck down 30 men and stripped them of their clothes. (14:19)
Looks like some nice beach front property. If you would like to see more pictures of this anciet Philistine city, click on the picture to go to Biblesplaces.com.

Scripture Reading
12 And Manoah said, "Now when your words come true, what is to be the child's manner of life, and what is his mission?"
13 And the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful. 14 She may not eat of anything that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, or eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded her let her observe."
15 Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, "Please let us detain you and prepare a young goat for you." 16 And the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, "If you detain me, I will not eat of your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, then offer it to the LORD." (For Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the LORD.) 17 And Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, "What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you?" 18 And the angel of the LORD said to him, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" - Judges 13:12-18

Thought of the Day
One day you are walking in the woods, when all of a sudden you are stopped by an actual angel. The angel tells you that you and your spouse are going to have a child, and this child is going to be used by GOD to change the course of history.
When you ask this angel, "How am I to raise this child." he replies, "Don't let him drink alcohol and no processed foods." That's it. You are given this huge responsibility from GOD with little direction.
Have you ever noticed that GOD works that way from time to time. You hear GOD tell you to MOVE, but that is it. No directions, no plans, and sometimes it may feel like GOD actually leaves. There is another famous couple that had the same situation. YAHWEH told Abram that he will be a heir to all the land he could see and that his children will be like the stars in the sky. But Abram is without child and he and Sarai are only getting older. Abram did not hear from YAHWEH for 12 years. Instead of trusting YAHWEH to provide, they took matters into their own hands, which ended up creating the Arab nations and Allah.
I believe that GOD does this to strengthen our faith and trust in HIM. If you are feeling that GOD has left or you have not heard from HIM in awhile, we must reach out to HIM and spend time seeking HIM. Always refer back to HIS word for guidance. HE is there and you will hear from HIM again soon.

Closing Prayer
Father thank You for the warm sunshine You bring. I bask in the rays and am thankful that I am able to feel and see Your brightness. Father I pray that You help all of us in a journey. Help us to be obedient and hear what directions we are to follow. I pray Father that those that are not in a journey right now, find peace and closeness from You in their time of waiting. Father I pray for those families out there that struggle so hard to make ends meet, I pray that they trust in You and know that You are always there and always doing Your will. Father I pray for my soul to be quiet and feel Your presence now and I my times of fear. I love You father and I pray for those that are not saved, that You put someone in their lives to help them find You.
In Your great Name,
Amen

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