Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:4, "No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer."
Once again, God chose to deliver his people from their enemies. This time the action took place south of where Gideon lived, and the enemies were known as the Philistines.
One day an angel appeared to a couple from the tribe of Dan. He told them they would a long-awaited child-a son-and they should dedicate the child as a Nazarite. The angel also said their son would rescue Israel from the Philistines. This son the angel referred to was Samson.
Samson was an awesome physical specimen. He had the potential to be a great leader, but ego and self-centeredness would eventually bring down this mighty man of God. Early in his life, Samson insisted his father get him a Philistine woman to be his wife, even though her people worshiped the false god Dagon. Later, Samson's lust for Delilah blinded him to her efforts to discover and ultimately remove the secret to his strength-his long hair.
Samson, the powerful man of God, lived his final days blind and in captivity, like an animal. The Philistines mocked his former strength by chaining him to a device used to grind wheat in a mill. But with his hair growing back and his strength slowly returning, Samson prayed to God to allow him to take revenge on those who had blinded him. God granted his request, and Samson pulled down the pillars of the temple, killing more Philistines that day than he had in the course of his lifetime.
Samson's physical power was great, but he wasn't a great person. He went out with a bang, but a consecrated lifetime spent following God would have made a greater impact on history. Samson's life was unrealized potential that produced a whole lot of fizzle.
As a follower of God, are you realizing the potential God has given you?
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Student Devotional Week 23: Judge Gideon: An Unlikely Hero
Key Verses: Judges 6:15-16, "'But Lord,' Gideon asked, 'how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.' The Lord answered, 'I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.'"
Two hundred years had passed since the victories of Joshua in the land of Canaan. Many changes had taken place-most of them weren't good. The Promised Land was occupied by many enemies, and the Israelites were spending much of their time hiding in fear. During this time of oppression, God called out leaders known as "judges," or deliverers to rescue his people.
This was the time of a man named Gideon. God called on him to deliver the Hebrew people from a group of nomadic fighters known as the Midianites. God saw a mighty warrior in Gideon. Gideon, however, saw himself as a weakling. He told God he was the weakest person from the weakest family in the weakest tribe in all of Israel. God showed Gideon-through a series of signs-that he'd be the one God would use. Gideon was finally convinced.
When it came time for the big fight with the Midianites, Gideon felt pretty good about his army of 32,000-until God whittled the number down to just 300 men. Then God led Gideon and his tiny army to victory, and the people were delivered from their enemy.
Gideon was an unlikely hero-an average person who didn't think very highly of himself. His life was changed when the God of the ages touched him with the power of encouragement. God saw Gideon's potential and understood he was a person who'd always know that his ability to lead was a gift from God.
Two hundred years had passed since the victories of Joshua in the land of Canaan. Many changes had taken place-most of them weren't good. The Promised Land was occupied by many enemies, and the Israelites were spending much of their time hiding in fear. During this time of oppression, God called out leaders known as "judges," or deliverers to rescue his people.
This was the time of a man named Gideon. God called on him to deliver the Hebrew people from a group of nomadic fighters known as the Midianites. God saw a mighty warrior in Gideon. Gideon, however, saw himself as a weakling. He told God he was the weakest person from the weakest family in the weakest tribe in all of Israel. God showed Gideon-through a series of signs-that he'd be the one God would use. Gideon was finally convinced.
When it came time for the big fight with the Midianites, Gideon felt pretty good about his army of 32,000-until God whittled the number down to just 300 men. Then God led Gideon and his tiny army to victory, and the people were delivered from their enemy.
Gideon was an unlikely hero-an average person who didn't think very highly of himself. His life was changed when the God of the ages touched him with the power of encouragement. God saw Gideon's potential and understood he was a person who'd always know that his ability to lead was a gift from God.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Student Devotional Week 22: Joshua: The Fall of Jericho
Key Verse: Hebrews 11:30, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days."
The promised Land consisted of groups of small city-states; each was governed and ruled by a separate king. As the Hebrews' prepared to take the land, they had to fight not just one army but many armies.
Rememberthe Lord of the Rings : The Two Towers, the battle of Helm's Deep and the huge fortified wall that protected the people of Rohirrim? They believed that no army could penetrate their walls and gates, but they were wrong and so were the people of Jericho.
The first battle took place at the city of Jericho, a city fortified by huge walls and gates. The prostitute Rahab hid the two Hebrew spies who sneaked into the city before the attack. Rather than scaling the walls of the city or attacking the doors with battering rams, God told his people to march around the city walls. So once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh day the Hebrew soldiers marched around Jericho. No doubt that sounded like a strange military plan to the Israelites. But Joshua had learned the importance of trusting God and obeying him without question. He led the people to follow God's instructions to the letter.
Once the walls came down and Jericho was conquered, the battle moved to the city of Ai. Here the Israelites were soundly defeated. Why? This setback was due to the disobedience of just one person. God was continuing to teach his people how to obey him completely. After a time of repentance, a second confrontation with the people of Ai ended in victory for the Israelites.
Joshua lived the rest of his life as leader of the Israelites. When he passed away at the age of 110, there was a void in the leadership of Israel. The people had learned to trust God through Joshua, but now they were going to have to learn to trust God-period. The era of the judges was about to begin, and some very dark days were ahead for the children of Israel.
The promised Land consisted of groups of small city-states; each was governed and ruled by a separate king. As the Hebrews' prepared to take the land, they had to fight not just one army but many armies.
Remember
The first battle took place at the city of Jericho, a city fortified by huge walls and gates. The prostitute Rahab hid the two Hebrew spies who sneaked into the city before the attack. Rather than scaling the walls of the city or attacking the doors with battering rams, God told his people to march around the city walls. So once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh day the Hebrew soldiers marched around Jericho. No doubt that sounded like a strange military plan to the Israelites. But Joshua had learned the importance of trusting God and obeying him without question. He led the people to follow God's instructions to the letter.
Once the walls came down and Jericho was conquered, the battle moved to the city of Ai. Here the Israelites were soundly defeated. Why? This setback was due to the disobedience of just one person. God was continuing to teach his people how to obey him completely. After a time of repentance, a second confrontation with the people of Ai ended in victory for the Israelites.
Joshua lived the rest of his life as leader of the Israelites. When he passed away at the age of 110, there was a void in the leadership of Israel. The people had learned to trust God through Joshua, but now they were going to have to learn to trust God-period. The era of the judges was about to begin, and some very dark days were ahead for the children of Israel.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Week 21: Rahab: Risk & Grace
Key Verse: Hebrews 11:31, "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient."
Joshua was preparing his plan of attack in the land of Canaan. He decided to send two spies to look over the site where the first battle would take place. Joshua was especially interested in checking out the fortress city of Jericho. While in the city, the spies' cover was blown, and they were saved by the most unlikely of heroes-a prostitute named Rahab.
Many biblical scholars have speculated about the woman named Rahab. The most interesting discussion centers on the scarlet cord that eventually saved her life and the lives of her family. Some scholars believe the scarlet cord was used in Old Testament times to designate the house of a prostitute. But when she saved the spies from the king of Jericho, they promised Rahab her family would be saved when the Hebrew soldiers took control of the city. And the distinguishing mark used to signal her salvation was the scarlet cord that hung in front of her house. Just think: The very thing that marked her immorality would become the instrument of her salvation.
God can redeem anyone in any situation. A life of immorality can be instantly changed by a demonstration of faith. Rahab's confession of her belief in God saved her physically-and eternally.
Joshua was preparing his plan of attack in the land of Canaan. He decided to send two spies to look over the site where the first battle would take place. Joshua was especially interested in checking out the fortress city of Jericho. While in the city, the spies' cover was blown, and they were saved by the most unlikely of heroes-a prostitute named Rahab.
Many biblical scholars have speculated about the woman named Rahab. The most interesting discussion centers on the scarlet cord that eventually saved her life and the lives of her family. Some scholars believe the scarlet cord was used in Old Testament times to designate the house of a prostitute. But when she saved the spies from the king of Jericho, they promised Rahab her family would be saved when the Hebrew soldiers took control of the city. And the distinguishing mark used to signal her salvation was the scarlet cord that hung in front of her house. Just think: The very thing that marked her immorality would become the instrument of her salvation.
God can redeem anyone in any situation. A life of immorality can be instantly changed by a demonstration of faith. Rahab's confession of her belief in God saved her physically-and eternally.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Student Devotional Week 20: Joshua: Equipped & Exalted
Key Verse: Joshua 1:8 "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Imagine being a bricklayer one day and then the commander of an entire army the next. That's pretty much what happened to Joshua. Joshua served as Moses' assistant and simply did whatever he was asked to do. When Moses told Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land, Joshua accepted his new role the only way he knew how-with a humble spirit and willing heart.
Joshua would go on to be a fearless leader in the battle for the land of Canaan. His relationship with Moses was a big help because he saw firsthand the mighty work God did through Moses. That gave Joshua confidence to move forward in the conquest.
Joshua's most important relationship was with God, because that was the true source of his strength. God promised Joshua victory. God promised he'd never fail or abandon Joshua. With the staff of Moses in his hand and the promises of God in his heart, Joshua became Israel's fearless leader.
In our society, people seem to believe the way to the top is to push and shove everyone out of the way. Today a great leader is viewed as someone who is feared, but Joshua became a great leader by being a great servant.
During Jesus' ministry he said if a person wanted to be great in God's kingdom, then that individual had to first learn to serve. This spiritual example of leadership still applies today because godly leaders always have humble, servantlike hearts. If you want to lead, then learn to serve.
Imagine being a bricklayer one day and then the commander of an entire army the next. That's pretty much what happened to Joshua. Joshua served as Moses' assistant and simply did whatever he was asked to do. When Moses told Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land, Joshua accepted his new role the only way he knew how-with a humble spirit and willing heart.
Joshua would go on to be a fearless leader in the battle for the land of Canaan. His relationship with Moses was a big help because he saw firsthand the mighty work God did through Moses. That gave Joshua confidence to move forward in the conquest.
Joshua's most important relationship was with God, because that was the true source of his strength. God promised Joshua victory. God promised he'd never fail or abandon Joshua. With the staff of Moses in his hand and the promises of God in his heart, Joshua became Israel's fearless leader.
In our society, people seem to believe the way to the top is to push and shove everyone out of the way. Today a great leader is viewed as someone who is feared, but Joshua became a great leader by being a great servant.
During Jesus' ministry he said if a person wanted to be great in God's kingdom, then that individual had to first learn to serve. This spiritual example of leadership still applies today because godly leaders always have humble, servantlike hearts. If you want to lead, then learn to serve.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Student Devotions Week 19: Caleb: Firm Convictions
Key Verse: Number 14:24
"But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it."
The Hebrew people had escaped the slavery of Egypt and were preparing to enter the land promised to their ancestor Abraham. Because the land was inhabited, 12 spies were sent to check out the situation and bring a report back to Moses. Ten of the spies returned terrified of what they'd seen. They reported that the land was beautiful but that the enemies living there were too great to defeat. Two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, agreed the land was magnificent and that the enemies were formidable; but they added that God would bring victory to his people.
Caleb and Joshua tried to reassure the Israelites, but the report of the 10 negative spies carried more weight in the eyese of the people. The tide of public opinion had turned, and God's people were paralyzed with fear. Caleb and Joshua weren't respected for standing up for their faith and convictions.
Most likely, you know how Caleb and Joshua felt.
Having firm convictions today sometimes means being in the minority. Some one said if you're a Christian and follow the crowd, then you're going in the wrong direction. Jesus said, "Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:14). Standing for God may mean standing apart from the rest of the crowd-as Caleb and Joshua did.
You may sand out, but you'll never stand alone. Caleb and Joshua found peace in knowing God would be with them always. And just as God continued to use Caleb and Joshua, he'll continue to use you.
"But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it."
The Hebrew people had escaped the slavery of Egypt and were preparing to enter the land promised to their ancestor Abraham. Because the land was inhabited, 12 spies were sent to check out the situation and bring a report back to Moses. Ten of the spies returned terrified of what they'd seen. They reported that the land was beautiful but that the enemies living there were too great to defeat. Two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, agreed the land was magnificent and that the enemies were formidable; but they added that God would bring victory to his people.
Caleb and Joshua tried to reassure the Israelites, but the report of the 10 negative spies carried more weight in the eyese of the people. The tide of public opinion had turned, and God's people were paralyzed with fear. Caleb and Joshua weren't respected for standing up for their faith and convictions.
Most likely, you know how Caleb and Joshua felt.
Having firm convictions today sometimes means being in the minority. Some one said if you're a Christian and follow the crowd, then you're going in the wrong direction. Jesus said, "Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:14). Standing for God may mean standing apart from the rest of the crowd-as Caleb and Joshua did.
You may sand out, but you'll never stand alone. Caleb and Joshua found peace in knowing God would be with them always. And just as God continued to use Caleb and Joshua, he'll continue to use you.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Student Devotional Week 18: Moses: Speaking on God's Behalf
Key Verse: Exodus 24:3, "When Moses went and told the people all the Lord's words and laws, they responded with one voice, 'Everything the Lord has said we will do.'"
Moses had been a shepherd for 40 years when God spoke to him through a burning bush and called him to lead the Hebrew people out of captivity. This job was going to require a lot of public speaking, and it's safe to say that four decades of talking to sheep out in the middle of nowhere did little to prepare Moses for the awesome task before him.
Moses was quick to point out all the reasons why God's plan to save the people of Israel wouldn't work. First, Moses told God he was just a nobody. Then Moses said the Hebrew people wouldn't believe he'd really spoken to God. Finally, he protested by saying he wasn't a good speaker. God answered each of Moses' concerns and assured Moses he was the person to get the job done.
Just think how excited Moses must have been when he went to visit Pharaoh. Any confidence he had, however, was quickly destroyed when Pharaoh - and then the Israelites - rejected him and the plan from God. Down and almost out, Moses went back to God and wanted to know why the job was so difficult.
Eventually, Moses became the man God knew he could be, and he led the Hebrews on an amazing journey from Slavery to the Promised Land. Moses knew what God wanted him to do. Despite trouble of enormous proportions, Moses eventually completed the task. His success was ultimately due to his faith in God. You'll find success in the same way when God calls you to serve him.
Moses had been a shepherd for 40 years when God spoke to him through a burning bush and called him to lead the Hebrew people out of captivity. This job was going to require a lot of public speaking, and it's safe to say that four decades of talking to sheep out in the middle of nowhere did little to prepare Moses for the awesome task before him.
Moses was quick to point out all the reasons why God's plan to save the people of Israel wouldn't work. First, Moses told God he was just a nobody. Then Moses said the Hebrew people wouldn't believe he'd really spoken to God. Finally, he protested by saying he wasn't a good speaker. God answered each of Moses' concerns and assured Moses he was the person to get the job done.
Just think how excited Moses must have been when he went to visit Pharaoh. Any confidence he had, however, was quickly destroyed when Pharaoh - and then the Israelites - rejected him and the plan from God. Down and almost out, Moses went back to God and wanted to know why the job was so difficult.
Eventually, Moses became the man God knew he could be, and he led the Hebrews on an amazing journey from Slavery to the Promised Land. Moses knew what God wanted him to do. Despite trouble of enormous proportions, Moses eventually completed the task. His success was ultimately due to his faith in God. You'll find success in the same way when God calls you to serve him.
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