What will we do with our gifts?

Now Jephthah the Gileadite, the son of a prostitute, was a mighty warrior. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. Gilead's wife also bore him sons; and when the wife's sons grew up, they drove Jephthah away, saying to him, "You shall not inherit anything in our father's house; for you are the son of another woman." Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Outlaws collected around Jephthah and went raiding with him. Judges 11: 1-3 NRSV

Jephthah is a very tragic character. His life story seems to echo what is going on with the people of Israel. They only halfway act like the children of God. They have often run away from God. They have gathered some pretty rough and disreputable friends around them. And they have used these friendships to engage in lawless behavior. Yet, they have been given gifts that can be used as God's instrument of salvation.

God has given us all gifts - specifically Spiritual Gifts. But what do we do with these gifts we have been given? Do we use them for God's glory? Or do we even use them at all?

Often we try to simply run away as far as we can from God and hang out with those who tend to lead us to do things God does not what us to do.

God, you have given all of us Christians Spiritual Gifts. Help us to know what they are and to use them for your Glory. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.

Question of the day: What are your Spiritual Gifts? If you don't know them, how can you find out?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Putting People on a Pedestal

Then the Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also; for you have delivered us out of the hand of Midian." Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you." Judges 8: 22-23 NRSV

Sometimes I think God was too specific when we were told not to have any kind of idol to worship. This is because time and again we don't worship statues but people.

God didn't want many troops to win over the Midians because God realized the people would begin to feel superior and think it was because of their own might that they defeated their enemies. That is why he decreased the number of soldiers. Despite this precaution, the people still don't give God the glory. Instead, they see Gideon as their savior.

Now they want Gideon to rule over them, not just be their judge and general. Gideon tries to get them to see that it is God who is to be ruler. However, it is interesting that he doesn't try to get them to see that God is their savior. In fact, right after this he gets greedy and wants payment in the form of golden earrings that he fashions into a golden box which later becomes something people worship.

God is just not given the glory. This in turn leads to the down fall of Gideon, his family and the people of Israel.

I think that God is constantly acting in our lives, making impossible things happen and continually doing things to save us. However, we don't see it. Just like the people coming to Gideon to ask him to rule over them, we tend to see other people as the hero. We put people on a pedestal rather than give Glory to God.

God, we give you the glory and the praise! You save us time and again and we forget to glorify you. Thank you for your saving grace that is active and alive today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question for the day: Where have you given people credit rather than God?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Is the Victor God or Trickery?

So Gideon and the hundred who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch; and they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands. So the three companies blew the trumpets and bloke the jars, holding in their left hands the torches, and their right hands the trumpets to blow; and they cried, "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!" Every man stood in his place all around the camp, and all the men in camp ran; they cried out and fled. Judges 7:19-21 NRSV

Gideon really gives the enemies a good scare that ultimately leads to their victory.

Imagine the scene: It is in the middle of the night. The sentries have just changed places. Gideon separates his troops into three groups. Every man carries a torch covered with a jar in their left hand and a trumpet in their right. Quietly, they sneak up on the enemy. The three groups surround the enemy camp. Suddenly, at Gideon's signal, everyone breaks their jar and blows their trumpet, following this with a cry of war.

Can you imagine what the enemy must have thought? They are asleep in their tents, trusting their night watch to keep them safe. Suddenly they are surrounded by lights, the sound of trumpets pierces their ear and war cries are sung out close by. No wonder they fled in panic - right into the arms of Gideon's men.

I guess the question might remain with us: is God the victor here or is trickery?

I am not a real trickery kind of gal. I am more disposed to confront someone head-on (usually with a good bit of anger and not much forethought). I guess that trickery does involve complex understanding of the situation, planning and strategy. I would not make a good general. I also would make a lousy Gideon.

Probably also a good thing I'm not God.

Good thing that, whether by trickery or miracles, God is going to come out the winner.

God, all the glory and praise belongs to you! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: When have you used complex means or trickery to resolve a conflict?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

God's Victory

The Lord said to Gideon, "The troops with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand. Israel would only take the credit away from me, saying, 'My own hand has delivered me.'" Judges 7:2 NRSV

Thus begins a gleaning process that rivals any reality television show on the market.

God doesn't want the people to take credit for their victory. So, he finds some ways to eliminate the contestants.

First, anyone who is afraid can go home.

This leaves 10,000.

Next, anyone who used their hands rather than lapping the water like a dog (!) was also dismissed.

This left 300.

A goodly amount to give God the credit.

What things in my life is God eliminating so that I will give God the glory rather than myself? How can I claim God's eliminating tactics as a good thing for my faith? What victory is God wanting to give to me?

God, help us to hold on when you keep eliminating things we see as strengths in our lives. The victory will be yours. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: When have you claimed the victory when it should have been God's?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims