His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” (Judges 14:3) When I was young I always felt that my parents didn't really know what they were talking about. After all, ... [Continue Reading]
The Praying Parent (Judges 12-13)
Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.” (Judges 13:8) Parents have a responsibility to pray for their children. I'm a relatively new parent, and I'm learning the value of prayer in relationship to my new role. How do I be a good father? ... [Continue Reading]
Promises (Judges 10-11)
And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” (Judges 11:30-31) In a world where we face broken promises from politicians, celebrities, and others, promises don't seem like that ... [Continue Reading]
Grace and Truth (Judges 9-10)
“Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!” (Judges 10:14) I have been guilty of writing people off before. The thing is, I get impatient. I think progress should happen at a much faster rate than it's actually happening, and I get impatient. And then when people get in a mess and want help, it's hard not to see the ... [Continue Reading]
Keeping Your Head in Check (Judges 7-8)
The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’” (Judges 7:2) It's not that God wants weak people, per se. In fact, as you look at some of the people that God has used over time, there have been some very strong people (like Samson, David's mighty men, Saul, ... [Continue Reading]
Rethink Your List (Judges 5-6)
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:15) I've got a whole list of reasons for why God shouldn't use me. I talk too much. I'm a hypocrite. I care too much about myself. I don't exemplify a servant's heart. I have too many opinions. The list goes on an ... [Continue Reading]
What Will it Take? (Judges 3-4)
Because [Jabin, the king of Canaan,] had nine hundred chariots fitted with iron and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the Lord for help. (Judges 4:3) Twenty years of oppression is what it took for Israel to turn back to God? Seriously? Twenty years? It's remarkable to me that it took so long for the nation to realize that it was ... [Continue Reading]
One Generation (Judges 1-2)
After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. (Judges 2:10) All it takes is one generation to make a difference. One generation has the power to be a force of positive change, and it also has the power to drive a nation to its knees. There was a generation in ... [Continue Reading]
Inclusive Exclusivism (Joshua 23-24)
Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now. (Joshua 23:7-8) There are several paradoxes within the Christian faith, and one of those is inclusive exclusivism. Early on in the days of ... [Continue Reading]
Though None Goes With Me… (Joshua 11, 14:6-15)
I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. (Joshua 14:7-8) There's something special about a person who is ... [Continue Reading]
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