Judges 8 - Gideon's Short-Lived Revival

Judges 8
Gideon made it into an ephod, and placed it in his city, Ophrah, and all Israel played the harlot with it there, so that it became a snare to Gideon and his household. - verse 27

Message: Gideon's Short-Lived Revival

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Well, I ended up teaching in my Sunday School class on Sunday, June 22, and I chose to teach through these lessons I have slowly been going through since October - Joshua and Judges. It was a good time to do that teaching and I learned a lot but I had already been sort of struggling through these lessons, going at them slow, but at the same maybe that was a good thing, to slowly get through these lessons. 

The focus of my lesson was really to highlight our mission today, to go and make disciples. But in that is big words of comfort - God is with us and He says to us, "I am with you." He has said those words to His people throughout the ages. I showed how he voiced these words to Joshua and later to Gideon. He gives us a task to do, but he is also ahead of us in doing that task. I mentioned the ark of the covenant being sent ahead of us in Joshua and him calling Gideon a valiant warrior before he was that person. But I also stressed the importance of us not making covenants with people in the World or anything in the world. Instead, whenever we have trouble, we need to simply ask God for help. Sometimes that is proof when he has asked us to do things. But we need to ask him and He will show us the way. This is our time right now. And we have a great opportunity to continue to be ambassadors for Him. 

Now I move on to Judges 8. This book starts in verse 1 with the men of Ephraim being bothered with Gideon. Despite the fact that God took the large number of warriors from 32,000 down to 300 in conquering the Midianites, the men of Ephraim are bothered that they weren't able to be a part of the large army. But in verse 3, Gideon does what is recorded in Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." He tells the men of Ephraim the great work God has done in their lives. So it isn't that God has done nothing. He has. 

Another lesson here is that when the people of God see God doing something great, they want to jump on board. But often God is already doing something great in those people's lives. Gideon here reminds them of that, and he even tells them that what they were able to accomplish was greater than what God had done through Gideon. 

With the 300 men that conquered the Midianites in Judges 7, Gideon is still leading them now to conquer Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. Along the way, he is looking for help with the people of the land - the leaders of Succoth, but he doesn't get help from. He asked for loaves of bread, but they gave nothing. Also the men of Penuel gave them nothing. Gideon, it seems possibly out of anger tells these leaders of Succoth and Penuel that if he has victor he will come back and do harsh things to them: verse 7, "I will thrash your bodies with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers." In verse 9, "I will tear down this tower." A little perplexing it seems that Gideon speaks words of retribution for not helping his people. Not thinking this is something to emulate and perhaps expresses the great need Gideon felt for his men at the time. 

Verse 10 mentions 135,000 Midianite men - 120,000 of which have already fallen and 15,000 that remain. Sobering numbers. I was speaking to a guy online yesterday and he was appalled thinking that God favors one people over another. God chooses people to be His. He does not choose others. But those individuals in not being chosen are still responsible for not turning to God in their behavior. These are hard lessons for us to see and listen to and read. These Midian people were not part of His chosen. 

Then Gideon goes back to Succoth and Penuel and "disciplined the men of Succoth...He tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city." Ouch. Harsh. 

After Zebah and Zalmunna are killed, in verse 22, the men of Israel ask Gideon to rule over them, but Gideon responds, "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you.” Good answer. The Lord must do the work. The temptation to be an idol was presented here to Gideon but he refuses. Then in verses 24-27, Gideon asks that each person produce an earning from his spoil, almost like a tithe it would seem. It was an ornament that came together as an ephod - an ornament generally worn by the priesthood. That was his attention, to signify this as a piece worn and attributed to God. But the people turned it into an idol. It seems there was potential for this. Whether it was honorable in his intent to create it or not is not known, but it did result in some sort of idolatry. 

Idolatry is the most common sin it seems among Israel and others in the Old Testament times. God seems to always show that he is not to be shared. Yet, people so clearly and easily go down this path. I am not sure today even if we understand the intent of the way we live, as we often covet things in our lives and place them on equal footing or above God (entertainment such as movies, music, eating, drinking; obsessed with knowledge such as reading the newspaper or watching the news in the name of being informed; our electronic devices (phones, computers, TV, games); remaining healthy both by going to the gym, fitness and pursuing any remedy possible to preserve our health with the goal to escape from any trial; expanding wealth by adding to what we already have making our homes bigger, acquiring expensive cars, going to far away places for travel, even pursuing opportunities for our children). I wonder about all of these and their tendency to be idols in our lives. They most often take much time and besides simply being a form of rest in our lives, they often move to something greater - replacing time that we could be spending with God or sharing His good news with others. But I notice, all too often they are not talked about much and yet, as I speak to people in places in which people have so little, all of these things are not as possible. And so they can by synonymous with wealth. 

In the remaining verses, it mentions that period of restoration now for Israel - 40 years. 6:1 mentioned the time of discipline being 6 years. I notice that these times of restoration are always longer than discipline. Gideon, through his concubine, has a son - Abimelech, and then Gideon dies (verse 32). 

Then the people forget. With Gideon alive, they did well, but once he has died and they no longer have their leader, they fall away:

33 Then it came about, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the sons of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-berith their god. 34 Thus the sons of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side; 35 nor did they show kindness to the household of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) in accord with all the good that he had done to Israel.

Unfortunate, but I suppose expected. The cycle continues - evil, discipline, prayer, restoration - in this book, this time period. 

Summary: Gideon continues through Midian and takes down two more kings, and yet their are signs of idolatry. The people have restoration for 40 years, then Gideon dies, and the people go back to worshipping idols. 

Promise: There is danger in life to compromise. We must stay faithful all the days of our lives. Let us do this and encourage one another to do the same. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy. You are the anchor of our lives, the cornerstone. You are all that life is about and all of life is meant to be lived to glorify You. You are to be praised. It is all about You. Forgive me and even raising a family whereby we often replace times with you with other times of not living for you. In the name of opportunity and broadening horizons, I can see myself doing things that are beyond what you intended my life to be about. Our wealth very often has clouded our way. There is such a dichotomy in our world between the have's and have not's. I see the tendency in me. O God, wake me up. Get me focused more on what You are doing and coming alongside You in that work. May I seek to reach those that you have called me to and placed in my path with the truth of who You are. Help me to always encourage people in this. Thank you for Gideon and his great example, to keep pursuing You God even if that means questions and wanting confirmations. You are there and you will provide. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Judges 7 - Gideon Defeats Midian

Judges 7

Then the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many; bring them down to the water and I will test them for you there. Therefore it shall be that he of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go with you; but everyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” - verse 4

Message: Gideon Defeats Midian

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: I continue to be amazed at the simple themes I find in these passages of scripture. Gideon is an unlikely candidate for a deliverer, and yet he is someone real and authentic with challenges and it seems this unlikely person is the type of person God uses. God will use whoever to accomplish his purposes. 

In Judges 7:2, "The Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’ - This is a very telling verse on man and the temptation that arises in man and God sees the danger. There are 3 lessons I see in this verse. (1) God's will is when He does a work it is clear that He is working. God wants to work in our lives, but He wants to be our provider. He wants to get the glory and we need to always be ready to give it to him. (2) Our tendency in life is to think that we are the one's in life that achieve good things. Ephesians 2:8-9 is a favorite verse and the focus on that verse is God's grace "lest anyone should boast." Only God is good. We sing songs of the goodness of God. This is assaulting to our pride. 

I read a book one time that spoke of the 7 deadly sins. It seems this was a classification that Tertullian first coined. These are 7 major vices of Christianity: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride. C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity - " It was through Pride that Lucifer became wicked: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind." To me, I feel that the idea of recognizing our sin and seeing our sin is one of the biggest areas that has been assaulted in our lives over the last 60 years. And every day I believe it is growing to be more and more of a problem in our lives. I notice it in my life as I grow older that it is not talked about as much. Instead, most church lessons and messages that you read focus on good behavior. Obviously, we want to live our lives in the best way possible, but our position in Christ needs to be focused supremely on the fact that we are sinners. 

I mention this because we have a real problem making it clear that we are sinners. And the idea that certain sins such as boasting is one that God really makes a focus on for us today. 

I think one of Satan’s biggest agenda items in recent years is to give everyone the idea they are going to heaven. Universalism - the belief that all human beings will ultimately be saved and reconciled with God, regardless of their faith or actions during their lifetime. And I think this idea has led people to not take church seriously and even now resulted in it not being relevant to our lives. 

2 things to me stand out in this universalism push

1) Redefining sin as acceptable behavior. 

2) In the church, confusion about what salvation is. 

I also think that out of fear of the world and being a light to the world, our sermons have shifted more and more to good behavior sermons rather than gospel centered sermons. Our world needs Jesus first and foremost. Like my son and his relationship with a girl. All the problems they have could be taken care of if both of them agreed on who they are in Christ. Having that basis is so key. It is one of the things we saw in our Art of Marriage class - how important it is for both partners to be committed to the Lord. 

God though a process of having Gideon take the remaining people for battle down to a pool to drink water. The one's that lap the water like a dog would drink versus the one's that put their hands to their mouth. He one's that lap came to 300 and that was the number that will now fight. Kind of a funny story and yet a method was determined.  Judges 7:7 says, "The Lord said to Gideon, “I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home.” We must be in an intimate relationship with God in order to hear hi may these types of things. God wants to work in our lives. 

After this, a dream is head about a loaf of barley bread that rolls down to the camp and tumbled down and struck tents and the people. This dream, albeit again a little crazy, confirmed to Gideon that the Midianites would be destroyed. Gideon again receives a confirmation from God. Gideon needs this. And God provided it. Verse 18, "When I and all who are with me blow the trumpet, then you also blow the trumpets all around the camp and say, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’" 

This is it. This is the way the 300 will conquer all of these men. They will blow a trumpet. They will use the sound of a trumpet. It is fascinating to me to see the way God uses trumpets in the Bible. It is the means to announce. The trumpet can amplify and has no need of any technology to increase the sound. They had the trumpets they blew and then they also broke pitchers. Again, creating a sound, creating confusion. And then also torches in their hands. Sounds and fire. And the people fled. Eventually they ended up taking a hold of the two leaders of the Midian army - Oreb and Zeeb (verse 25). 

It is done. They are captured. God did it. The people won't be boasting. Something was done that only God can do. I love verse 18 - For the Lord and for Gideon. It was okay to thank Gideon, but the Lord is thanked first. It is okay to thank people, leaders, men, women for their great work, but God gets praised first. 

Summary: God defeats Midian through Gideon by reducing the army to 300 men so there will be no temptation to boast and God will get the victory and praise for the defeat. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We cannot rest in our own strength or our own works to enjoy the salvation of the Lord. He alone can defeat the enemy, and He delights to use the most unlikely means to do so." 

Prayer: God, you are to be praise. Above all. You are to be praised. Thank you for showing your great work in people's lives. You continue to do great things in people. It is your power and your glory. And you will use any sort of person. yes, we are to be obedient. Help the people of God to stay clear of the temptations of this world and the people and ideas that pull them away from Him. Lord, I see this too much in our country and yet we are still blessed, and yet that blessing is not often about giving you praise but praise in ourselves. Yet, Lord, I am struggling as I think about my Christian brothers in these 3rd world areas like Africa and India. I am not sure what they lack, but it seems they lack the leadership and resources to provide for their people. It is painful in a way. Yes, I love the privileges I have, but I hurt for them that have so little and struggle to even get to the next meal. I want to implore the people at my church to help them, to take their extra and give it to them. But how Lord? How do we help them properly. Thank you for these texts and their readings. Keep me consistent. Repair the damages I have done to my kids. Help them to be better people. They need your help O God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Judges 6:33-40 - Gideon and the Fleece

Proverbs 10:11 - A fountain of life

Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Message: A fountain of life

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Contrasts. Vice and virtue. The contrast here is specifically the two kinds of people in our world - righteous and wicked. We live in a world of differences. I am God’s righteous. At least I think I am. My life should look like a righteous person as I read these Proverbs.

Previously in verse 3, verse 6 and verse 7 the righteous and the wicked is contrasted. I recognize once again that there are righteous and wicked people in our world today and this is a contrast that appears and is also a way of life. I think there are clearly instances in our Bible that God calls people wicked. Prior to the Flood God mentioned that everyone was wicked on the earth. Wickedness has corrupted everyone. Thus, each person has the potential to be wicked. This is clear. 

But what I've been noticing lately is the wicked person is the one that is far from God. There are non-chosen people in the Bible. There are people that are not part of God's people. And thus I wonder if this is a person Solomon in these verses is highlighting. If God chose Israel, then that would seem to be mean other people groups are not chosen. 

Now in addition, the mouth of a person is highlighted in verse 6 ("the mouth"), verse 8 and verse 10 (both state "babbling fool").  This verse 11 is the first time the positive outcome is presented of the mouth of the righteous. With that in mind, it seems that our mouth has quite the potential of getting us into trouble or representing wickedness. And yet I don't know if I would say it is bad to talk. In the previous verse I spoke of the effect even non-verbal words have on us, both good and bad. But here the write does want to mention the importance of speaking well. 

I know I tend to at times speak less than more in surroundings. That my word are more thoughtful. And yet when I am angry or disappointed, I notice my words are not thoughtful and can be rash as I speak out words of anger. I have people in my life that speak a lot. They are simply that way. Sometimes my patience for this is not great, but more often when I am working. But it is often present when I want to hear other people speak rather than only one person. Again, these are simply things I notice in my life about words. 

But just as words can hurt, words can also help and this is mentioned now here - words can be a fountain of life to those that hear them. A fountain is water that is bubbling over. It is springing up and then falling over on its side. I've noticed many times the marvel of water. Psalm 23 speaks of being led beside still waters. Water is often mentioned it would seem in the Bible as something that is pleasing and this is no exception. In John 4:10 Jesus is mentioned as living water.  Right at this moment, I am out of town, in the mountains, staying at a townhome in which a stream or river is running outside my window. Water runs. It is relaxing. The sound of nature is present. It is a comfort. It is a sound produced by nature, much like wind or rain produces that sound. It is life. And our words can at times speak of this comfort and refreshment it provides to our life. It is a mouth speaking words that are good and beneficial, refreshing and useful. 

One of the people in my life is my friend's wife and she often is speaking words of affirmation of people. If something good happens, they are the reason for the good. She highlights their good. She does not focus on her own doing, but rather always has a good word to say about others. I notice in me I like this at times, but at other times I struggle with placing the focus on me and I desire it to be on her. She is also a happy and joyful person. I have known her for 40+ years and she has always been this sort of delightful person. In her speaking of these words, I do see it helping others but it also produces in herself positive energy. Thus, the positive words we express help others but also bring a comfort and expression of life to ourselves. So the benefits are far reaching. 

My mom was this sort of person. My wife is this sort of person. Maybe the words are not as plentiful, but they are positive to me and others and they were encouraging. And people want this and come back to this. 

But the wicked man once again is the opposite of all of this. I have mentioned this already in other verses. And for now I will simply end with that. 

Prayer: Thank you God for the great people in my life that you have in my life to show my the positive words and the positive well-being of words. It is a great reminder to me of the importance of my words and what comes out of my mouth. May you guide me to be positive to others and speak well of others always. Help me to be this type of person. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
 

Judges 6:1-32 - The Lord Calls Gideon

Judges 6:1-32

Then Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had spoken to him; and because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city to do it by day, he did it by night (verse 27). 

Message: The Lord Calls Gideon

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 6 begins with familiar footing - verse 1 - "Then the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord." This seems to be the theme of this book. Back and forth. Evil. Discipline. Prayer. Restoration. When we sin or abandon the Lord, we receive punishment. The evil that is done is defined by the Lord. Verse 1 - "and the Lord gave them into the hands of Midian seven years." 

But it seems like there is this cycle of life - we live and trust God and then we go wayward - falling in line with the way of the world. Our hearts and our minds become far from God. And perhaps bad times come to our lives. Though we often don’t characterize these times as God judging us. Life does seem to be hard because that’s the way it is and then also hard though because of us doing evil. 

Verse 2 begins to describe what this discipline looked like to Israel. Israel had to hide in the mountains and caves because Midian was so cruel to them. Israel planted crops and Midian attacked them, destroying the crops and leaving them with nothing to eat. Eventually, the land was stripped bear. Israel was starving. Verse 6, "and the sons of Israel cried to the Lord." The Midianite people in stealing produce and taking livestock is partly the result of the oppression of Israel. 

We are like this. We get into the consequences of our actions, get disciplined and it begins to hurt us so much and at this low point we cry out to the Lord. "Please God - take this away." 

A nameless prophet is sent to Israel to speak to them on behalf of the Lord, telling them or reminding them of the works of God and how God had rescued them - "I who brought you up from Egypt and brought you out from the house of slavery." God did these things for us. God was faithful and delivered them (us). God directed them and told them what to do but they did not listen. It is important to God that his people underhand their wayward ways. We need to be convicted. God wants to get personal with us. 

The angel of the Lord visits Gideon and says in verse 12, "The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior." Gideon though doesn't understand for if God is with them then why have all of these bad things been happening to them. The hard times we experience could be God looking at all of us as a body rather than simple as individuals. In verse 14 the Lord says to Gideon, "deliver Israel from the hand of Midian." This will be the role of Gideon - to deliver the people. Again Gideon wonders and again the Lord says to him (verse 16), "Surely I will be with you." And Gideon asks for a sign of confirmation. 

I took a moment to study this idea of God speaking to the prophet and saying that He was with him. The prophet Isaiah foresaw the virgin birth of Messiah - stating Immanuel which means "God with us." Jesus is God with us. God had been with His people always—in the pillar of cloud above the tabernacle, in the voice of the prophets, in the ark of the covenant. Yes, prophets have been needed and they are a part of our history. But once Jesus came on the scene - God with us. God is with us. You and I have direct access to God. The writer of Hebrews said it, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." Jesus is all we need now, but then we needed prophets to help us. 

Gideon asks for a sign from the angel of the Lord. He prepares a young goat, flour, and unleavened bread and brings it out to the angel of the Lord in a pot. He is told to lay them out on a rock, pouring broth over them. The angel put a staff out and fire sprung up and consumed the bread and meat. Gideon had received his confirmation. Yet even in this story we see the weakness of Gideon in not simply trusting the Lord. 

Verse 25 records direction from the Lord for Gideon to pull down the altar of Baal (sun god) and the nature goddess Asherah as these were important to his father and the entire community. Baal's altar must be overthrown before God's altar can be built. He does this by taking his father's bull and then another bull that is 7 years old and throwing it down upon the altar. He seemed to be exercising the sin of his father and the people. Following taking these down he built an altar to the Lord. But Gideon does it at night rather than be seen by all during the day. He is obedient but he will define how he will be obedient. The next day thought the men of the city arose and saw what had been done and upon inquiry discovered it was Gideon. The men want Gideon's father Joash to deliver Gideon over to them, but Joash somewhat refuses and saved his sons life in the process. Rather than the men killing him, the father states that Baal has the power to do it.  And his father names Gideon, "Jerubbaal" which means that he will contend with Baal. 

Judges is recording the trust that people place in other gods. Again, there is a difference among people - those that are saved and those that are not saved. There is clearly an opposition in the world of the things of God. We should not be surprised. What we can find comfort in is that God will care for us and always rescue us and always provide a way out of these non-Godly situations. 

Summary: The people are recorded once again as doing evil in the sight of God. God disciplines then and then provides Gideon to correct them though Gideon is stubborn in His trust of God. 

Promise. Let us continually guard against being feared by man. 

Prayer. God you are God and Lord. You are holy and my creator. You are faithful and my provider. You are persistent in caring for me and you continue to correct me so that I will fear you. I am a sinner. Thank you for these lessons and helping me see the condition of man that does not change despite different environments. Thank you for providing all that you have to help me be obedient but still I must act. Still I must trust You Lord. Thank you for giving me rest continually. And providing so many good opportunities for that. But help me to live in a manner that honors You continually. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:10 - Non-verbal and verbal wounds

Proverbs 10:10

He who winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will be ruined.

Message: Non-verbal and verbal wounds

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: I think my brain is overloaded. I am not getting to these lessons like I have in the past. I am over 3 months into one issue of Tabletalk. I simply have too many logs in the fire, but I still believe I am doing a lot of good things. I had this ambition to study through Proverbs. That was back on April 2. At this rate, it will take me the rest of my life to get through all of these Proverbs, but I suppose that is okay. I am learning, meditating and discovering God's word and truth. 

Once again in these texts is a virtue and a vice. A desire and a danger. And yet in this verse there seems to be two notes of caution spoken possibly. Two vices are presented with no countering virtue. This is a first in my readings. 

One who winks does not speak and this is compared to one that babbles. The one not speaking does cause trouble. The one who babbles causes ruin. 

Joseph Benson (1748-1821) said winks "secretly and cunningly designs mischiefs against others." The non-verbal is saying one thing, but doing another. The work that is contrary to the speech causes trouble. People are always watching the Christian, hoping to catch the person in a lie. The wink draws a person in, in a subtle manner albeit, but still draws that person to go along. It is a wink or a head nod. The issue is a desire to deceive, to lead astray, to engage in mischief. I notice a book in the Apocrypha, Sirach 27:22 says, "He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil." The trouble that comes involves both the speaker and the hearer. 

But what is more severe is the babbling fool. Rather than only a wink, this one utters extreme words of confusion. There is an extreme in speech. The wink is often singular in its role to deceive, focusing on one individual, but the babbling fool impacts many. Often when speaking of ruin it is more far reaching that trouble. Ruin covers a city or the fall of many people. 

There is such a danger in opening one's mouth. 

I look at some of the parallel passages or different translations and actually saw in some of them a virtue. 

New Living Translation -- "People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace." 

I notice the proverb says babbling does not necessarily result in ruin to many, though I know it has a potential to do that, but the ruin is earmarked to the fool. The "fool will be ruined." The wink produces trouble, but the one with many words will be ruined. 

The Christian Bible says, "foolish lips will be destroyed." 

I still think the intent is to show the mouth has a much clearer outcome. Words are so quickly spread today - through social media we are in greater communication than ever before. Words are plastered on screens and at times permanently etched for all to see. 

Prayer: O how I must be careful in my words. Yes, careful in my head nods and winks and eye movements, but my words hold the real power and I pray they are conforming to God's will. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Philippians 3:1-3 - Spiritual Defense Wins Championships

Philippians 3:1-3

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.

Message: Spiritual Defense Wins Championships

What the Lord is Saying:

From the sermon yesterday at church (Mother's Day), Lamar Morin spoke: 

Defense wins championships is something often credited to Bear Bryant, former legendary football coach of Alabama Crimson Tide. Physical defense of any sort is very important, like for military. But spiritual defense or protection is also key. 

Verse 1 begins with the word, "Finally." Finally does not signal the end of this book as there is still several chapters to go. Paul has more to say.

1. Having the right defense

We need to rejoice in the Lord. Lord, help me to rejoice in You always. Joy transcends momentary times of happiness. I look to You Lord as my reservoir of joy. I am rejoicing in Jesus all You have done. 

John 15:11 says that Jesus' joy in us makes us complete. -- These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Psalm 32:11 -- Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

We need these continual reminders. Protect us Lord. Thank you for not wanting me to fail. Rejoice always, not complaining. O Spirit of God you protect me from sinning. 

2. Avoid the wrong audibles. There are those attempt to change some of the details or play calling by our Master. 

a. Dogs - avoid the dogs by watching out continually. Lord, I have to be on the lookout for these dogs in my life or false teachers. Beware of those hard people. Spiritually direct me away from those who mislead.

b. There are evil workers. Galatians 3:24-25. Beware of movements that are dividing up the Bible. The Law is our guardian until Christ comes. Faith has come. We have faith in Jesus Christ. Our focus should always be on Christ. 

c. Watch out for legalism. Legalist refers to the belief that salvation or acceptance with God is achieved through strict adherence to rules, laws, or rituals, rather than through faith in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, circumcision marked the cutting away of the old person. Now that is the Holy Spirit. He cuts away what is bad in our life. [I've heard baptism is counter to circumcision - both being outward displays.] 

3. Serve in the Spirit

For example, we need worship not just Sunday, but throughout the week. Lord, redirect me to boast in You Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 says, "But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord. For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends." Help me to not put confidence in the flesh. Nothing good lives in me. I don't want to only win a battle but the war. 

End with a hymn. Written in 1891. 

My faith has found a resting place. I need no other argument. It is enough that Jesus died and that died for me. 

Prayer: O God, you are great in mercy and love. I need to rejoice in You and keep rejoicing in You each day. Direct me away from what is false. Keep showing me the truth and thank you for instilling this in my life. I walk by your strength each day. I walk in your Spirit. You are my guide and I want to stay confident in You. Forgive me for my sins. They are many. They continue. Help me. You give me signals each day and I need to follow through on your leading. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.