GIDEON - A MIGHTY WARRIOR

(Entry Date : May 9th, 2010)

Scripture

Judges 6:15–“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.”

Observation

If anyone ever thinks he has no potential, consider Gideon. In almost every aspect, he was an unlikely candidate for the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11:
When God called him, he was hiding (v11). When God spoke to him, he raised problems instead of trusting promises (v13, 15, 17, 36, 39). His favorite words were “If” (v13, 17, 36) and “But Lord” (v13, 15). When Gideon did start to obey God, he worked at night (v27) and had to have repeated assurances that the Lord was with him (v17-22, 36-37, 39).

But God saw Gideon’s potential and called him a “mighty warrior”. God did not see who Gideon was but he was to become! Jesus did the same thing to Peter when he said: “You are… you shall be…” (John 1:42). God is so gracious that He was willing to accommodate our weaknesses in order to develop our faith

Application

HC, whenever you lose courage, think about Gideon. Remember God did not just see who you are today, but who you will become one day. Learn this principle deeply and begin to see people through God’s eyes. Steward your authority and empower them today. They are the Lord’s “mighty warriors”!

Prayer

Dear Lord, teach me to see that in my life and others today, and help me to release a word of faith to others that they may find courage like Gideon has found in you.

The Gift Of Discernment

(Entry Date : December 28th, 2009)

Scripture

Lev 11:47– You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.

Observation

As God’s people, Israel had to be separated from everything that God called unclean. Other nations can, but they cannot. They are to “be holy, because God is holy” (v44). If they wanted to be pleasing to God, they need to practice discernment (v46–47). As for the priests, they were supposed to teach them God’s will (Ezekiel 44:23).

Application

HC, as God’s child, you are called to be different! The dietary laws are temporary (Mark 7:14–23; Acts 10:9–18; 1 Tim. 4:1–5) but the principle is permanent: Exercise discernment and avoid what is unclean.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for this wonderful principle on discernment. Teach me wisdom so I may be able to distinguish between good and evil, and more importantly, between the good and the best, between a “good-thing” and a “God-thing”. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Paul's Secret To Joyful Living

(Entry Date : June 24th, 2009)

Scripture

Phi 1:21 – For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Observation

For Paul, to live is good but to die is even better. Is that true of Christians today? Unfortunately, it seems that many carry another kind of life philosophy – “to live is not gain but pain, and to die is even greater pain”! Either way, it’s a lose-lose situation. At this point, Paul is writing out from prison. He is coming to the near end of his life. He has gone through much suffering and near death experiences (2 Cor 11). He could have become bitter by what he saw and experienced. He could well become another casualty in ministry. But this was not the case at all! Here in this letter, we saw a Paul who is still full of joy. He doesn’t mind dying for it is gain to him. And he wouldn’t mind living either because that means continuing the “fruitful labor” (v22). This brings me to the question: “Paul, what is your secret of joy?” Sum up in two words: Right Perspective!

* In spite of various trials that the believers go through, he remains confident that God “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (v6). God is in control!
* In spite of his chains, he saw that “most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” (v14).
God is at work!
* In spite of ministry challenges, in this case, having teachers preaching with wrong motives, he rejoiced simply because Christ is still preached. (v18).
God’s Kingdom is advanced!

Application

HC, learn from the Apostle Paul’s philosophy of life. Let this be your guiding compass to navigate every issue in life and ministry. Your sovereign God is in control! He is still at work! His Kingdom will continue to advance!

Prayer

Dear Sovereign Lord, you are LORD! More than just sovereign, you are so good! You saw all my needs and you are always ready to provide not just the good but the best. Help me carry this philosophy of life and never again miss the vision that in spite of every setback and challenges in life and ministry, you are forever in control, that you’re at work, and your Kingdom will continue to advance! =)

The Discipline Of Confession

Scripture

Acts 19:17-18 – When this became known for the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.

Observation

John Ortberg wrote: “One of the most formative practices in a small group is confession… the appropriate disclosure of my brokenness, temptations, sin, and victories for the purpose of healing, forgiveness, and spiritual growth… Without confession we cannot accomplish our God-given calling to transform people.”

Profound words! Without confession, there is no transformation. But confession is not something natural. We all wear masks. We hide from each other. It’s part of our fallenness. In this text, confession flows from the fear of the Lord. They started confessing their evil deeds only when they recognized the fear of the Lord and begin to hold him in high honor. In the church, confession must be freely offered – never manipulated. A small group serious about transformation should be moving into ever deeper   confession – removing masks to reveal our core feelings and fears, sins we still struggle with, and areas where we're not growing. Through the        discipline of confession, we acknowledge the reality of who we are and open ourselves to God's transforming work.

Application

HC, confession is good for your soul! Create a safe environment for people to share their pains, struggles and temptations. Beware of “confession    killers” like a judgmental spirit, jokes (inappropriate use of humor), lack of follow-through, etc.

Prayer

Father, thank you for teaching me the power of confession. Cultivate in me a posture where there is nothing to prove, nothing to hide, nothing to lose!