“Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he gave them a deliverer-- Ehud, a left-handed man…” Judges 3:15
So many times others identify us according to some aspect or characteristic of our lives. You’re a lefty, a nerd, you have two left feet, you’re clumsy, slow; the list can go on and on. If we are not careful we will begin to buy into how others see us and begin to believe we are what they say about us.
God picked out a left-handed man (a southpaw) because when He looked at Ehud, God saw a deliverer. God saw someone who had surrendered who he was, what he had, and what he would become to Him. And God knew the potential of a man surrendered to Him, regardless of how others may have classified Ehud, the lefty.
“Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king's belly.” Judges 3:21
“…he (Ehud) blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went down with him from the hills, with him leading them. 28 "Follow me," he ordered, "for the LORD has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands." So they followed him down and, taking possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab, they allowed no one to cross over. 29 At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all vigorous and strong; not a man escaped. 30 That day Moab was made subject to Israel, and the land had peace for eighty years.” Judges 3:27-30
Through a southpaw God chose to bring peace to Israel for some eighty years. God has placed potential in all of us. He has destined us to be great leaders right where He has placed us. He has provided all that we need to be successful. All He asks of us is to surrender what we have and who we are, be obedient to His Word and believe, and be willing to serve in whatever capacity He chooses.
There is no limit to what can be accomplished when God receives a truly surrendered heart! Yield your potential to Him and LEAD ON!
November 17, 2008
November 5, 2008
Left to test!
"They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses." Judges 3:4
I am reading this passage of scripture on the day after our presidential election in which our nation seemingly has sold itself into the hands of the enemy. However, we must remember that God is still in control! In the previous verses of this passage the Bible reads that the Lord left these enemy nations "to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan. (He did this only to teach warfare to the decendents of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience.)", Judges 3:1-2.
God has a plan for His people. Sometimes that plan includes judgment, strife and battles. But it is only His mercy to us to test us and teach us to grow into mature battle ready warriors. He prepares, provides, delivers and redeems His children! We are to simply trust in His ways and be submissive and obedient to His Word.
It is only after the test of the battle that we are truly prepared to LEAD ON!
I am reading this passage of scripture on the day after our presidential election in which our nation seemingly has sold itself into the hands of the enemy. However, we must remember that God is still in control! In the previous verses of this passage the Bible reads that the Lord left these enemy nations "to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan. (He did this only to teach warfare to the decendents of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience.)", Judges 3:1-2.
God has a plan for His people. Sometimes that plan includes judgment, strife and battles. But it is only His mercy to us to test us and teach us to grow into mature battle ready warriors. He prepares, provides, delivers and redeems His children! We are to simply trust in His ways and be submissive and obedient to His Word.
It is only after the test of the battle that we are truly prepared to LEAD ON!
November 4, 2008
HEADLINES
After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for (the United States of America) Israel. Judges 2:10
No--this is not a quote from today's local newspaper headline. But it could be! God help us! How could a generation grow up not knowing the Lord? We should know the answer to that question because it is currently happening in our nation. It happens because leaders fail to prepare the next generation.
We must lead with diligence and purpose in an all out effort to teach God's principles and precepts to the next generation so they can teach it to the next generation. When we forsake the Word of God and follow our own desires, He will hand us over to our enemies.
God, our prayer is that you will forgive us and enable us to raise up a generation who not only knows the power of God, but one who has seen the hand of God in their own personal reality. Amen!
No--this is not a quote from today's local newspaper headline. But it could be! God help us! How could a generation grow up not knowing the Lord? We should know the answer to that question because it is currently happening in our nation. It happens because leaders fail to prepare the next generation.
We must lead with diligence and purpose in an all out effort to teach God's principles and precepts to the next generation so they can teach it to the next generation. When we forsake the Word of God and follow our own desires, He will hand us over to our enemies.
God, our prayer is that you will forgive us and enable us to raise up a generation who not only knows the power of God, but one who has seen the hand of God in their own personal reality. Amen!
November 1, 2008
Achan's Influence
"Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold wedge, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. Joshua said, "Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today." Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them." Joshua 7:24-25 24
As of today, it has been a month since this scripture came up in my devotion, but the sobering reality of this scripture still lingers in my heart. Today's contemporary culture says to live your life your way without regard to others. However, what is most sobering to me in this scripture is the effect of Achan's actions upon others. More importantly "his sons and daughters". As leaders, we don't have the luxury of living our lives any way we choose. What we choose to do and say effects others. In Achan's case it cost him and those close to him EVERYTHING! Much too high a cost and much too big a responsibility to be taking our leadership lightly.
We must live our lives with the understanding that it WILL effect others. We must choose to LEAD with integrity and character. This will enable those who follow us to do the same. Choose this day who you will serve and purpose in your heart to lead so others can follow.!
As of today, it has been a month since this scripture came up in my devotion, but the sobering reality of this scripture still lingers in my heart. Today's contemporary culture says to live your life your way without regard to others. However, what is most sobering to me in this scripture is the effect of Achan's actions upon others. More importantly "his sons and daughters". As leaders, we don't have the luxury of living our lives any way we choose. What we choose to do and say effects others. In Achan's case it cost him and those close to him EVERYTHING! Much too high a cost and much too big a responsibility to be taking our leadership lightly.
We must live our lives with the understanding that it WILL effect others. We must choose to LEAD with integrity and character. This will enable those who follow us to do the same. Choose this day who you will serve and purpose in your heart to lead so others can follow.!
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