Daily devotion for August 19th
Time After Time
But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.

Nehemiah 9:28
What a marvelous picture of the patience of God! He lets us taste the results of our evil. He gets our attention sometimes by letting disaster strike. But it is only in order that we might hear what He is saying and be delivered. He warns us in order to keep us free.

One evening the president of the Gay People's Union of a university was invited to come and speak to a church's group of young people on what the Bible says about homosexuality. The group gave him the opportunity to defend the position that the Bible endorses homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. Although this man was the president of his university's debating club, he struggled as he tried to present his case. He went all through the Bible trying to prove his cause, but he floundered and could not get anything together.

The group leader made an agreement with him that when he finished, one of the church's pastors would speak on the same subject. The pastor graciously opened the Scriptures and pointed out that when God forbids something it is not because He wants to limit us or narrow our lives. It is because He is protecting us from something that we cannot handle, something so devastating it will ruin us. He demonstrated from the Word how homosexuality destroys human beings and turns them into something God never intended them to be. Eventually those embracing a homosexual lifestyle would be locked into pain, hurt, misery, loneliness, and death.

Out of that episode came opportunity for members of this church to reach out to those who were struggling with homosexual tendencies. A great number of these people were delivered by the mercy and grace of God. That is what this passage describes--the tough love of God, who will not let ruin overtake us without adequate warning.

The closing paragraph, beginning with verse 32, connects the history of earlier generations with the present generation. Here we find a change of pronouns from they and them to we and our as the Israelites begin to look at their own generation.

This is where we find ourselves today. Our cities are torn with violence and strife of such intensity that people hardly dare to go outside their homes. The only recovery is to do as these people did--confess our wrongdoing to God and praise Him for His compassionate mercy.

Notice how specific the Israelites are. You have acted faithfully, but we did wrong. There is no if in true confession. You say, Lord, I did it. I walked in my own willful way. Then God hears, forgives, and restores.

Lord, thank You for Your promise that as I confess my sin, You are faithful and righteous to forgive and restore

This thought has been sitting with me for a while now.
And every time I think about it, I somehow become even more convinced.
I genuinely don't think you can afford to follow Jesus and ignore emotional intelligence.
Notice I didn't say every Christian is emotionally intelligent.

They're not.

We've all met Christians who can quote Scripture for hours but cannot apologize.

Who can discern "spirits" in every room but cannot discern that the person sitting beside them is tired, grieving or afraid.

Who know how to pray, but don't know how to listen.

Who know how to correct, but don't know how to restore.

And I don't say that to judge anybody.

I say it because I think we've accidentally separated two things that Jesus never separated.

We've treated spiritual maturity and emotional maturity like they are different journeys.

I don't think they are.

Actually...

I don't think they can be.

Because who exactly are you becoming if you're becoming like Christ?

Think about Jesus for a second.

And no, not just what He taught.

But the way He related to people.

That's the part that keeps arresting me.

He didn't speak to everyone the same way.

To some people, He asked questions.

To others, He sat and listened.

Sometimes He challenged.

Sometimes He comforted.

Sometimes He walked away.

Sometimes He stayed.

He knew when Peter needed correction.

He knew when Peter needed breakfast by the sea.

He stood in front of a woman caught in adultery and somehow managed to hold both compassion and truth in the same conversation.

How?

He wasn't just spiritually deep.

He understood people.

He understood timing.

He understood emotions.

He understood that the same truth can heal one person and crush another depending on how and when it's delivered.

And I think that's where a lot of us struggle.

We've become so committed to saying the right thing...

that we've forgotten to ask whether this is the right moment.

Sometimes the truth is right.

The timing isn't.

Sometimes the words are biblical.

The posture isn't.

Sometimes we're so eager to "speak the truth" that we forget Scripture didn't stop there.

It says to speak the truth in love.

Love changes how truth sounds.

I've also noticed something else.

A lot of us think emotional intelligence means having deep conversations.

Or using words like "boundaries" and "attachment styles."

No.

Sometimes emotional intelligence is much simpler than that.

It's noticing that your friend has gone unusually quiet.

It's realizing someone is angry but the anger isn't the real emotion.

It's apologizing without adding, "But you also..."

It's knowing when your spouse doesn't need another solution. They need to know they're not carrying the weight alone.

It's recognizing that the person who keeps interrupting everyone may not be proud. They may simply be desperate to be heard.

It's asking one more question instead of making one more assumption.

You know what I find interesting?

Paul spent so much of the New Testament teaching people how to relate.

Be kind.

Bear with one another.

Forgive one another.

Encourage one another.

Be patient.

Be gentle.

Those aren't just spiritual instructions.

They're relational ones.

And relationships are where emotional intelligence is tested.

Not during prayer meetings.

During disagreement.

During disappointment.

During correction.

During marriage.

During leadership.

During friendship.

During ordinary Tuesday afternoons when someone says something that hurts your feelings.

That's where you find out whether you've just learnt Scripture...

or whether Scripture has started reshaping you.

Because following Jesus should change more than your prayer life.

It should change how safe people feel around you.

How you handle conflict.

How quickly you assume the worst.

How you carry people's weaknesses.

How you respond when you're misunderstood.

How you hold both conviction and compassion without sacrificing either.

If ten years with Jesus has made me more knowledgeable but less patient...

something is wrong.

If I've learnt how to preach but not how to apologize...

something is wrong.

If I know every spiritual principle but cannot sit with someone's grief without trying to fix it immediately...

something is wrong.

I honestly think we've admired gifting more than we've admired Christlikeness.

And they're not the same thing.

You can be gifted and still be emotionally immature.

You can be anointed and still wound people with your words.

You can lead thousands and still not know how to love the person sitting across from you.

That should bother us.

Because the goal of Christianity has never been to know more about Jesus.

It's to become more like Him.

And every time I read the Gospels, I don't just see a man full of power.

I see a man who noticed people.

Who made space for questions.

Who wasn't intimidated by tears.

Who wasn't threatened by people's emotions.

Who could tell the hardest truths without making people feel unseen.

The more I think about it, the less I believe emotional intelligence is optional for the Christian.

Not because it's trendy or because psychology says it's important.

But because every step towards Christ should also be a step towards becoming more patient, more gentle, more aware, more compassionate, more self-controlled.

More human in the way heaven intended.

Maybe that's what emotional intelligence looks like in the Kingdom.

And not becoming better at reading people so you can manage them.

But becoming so formed by Christ...

that people consistently experience His heart when they encounter yours.

Thank God for His countless blessings. What a great God we serve we Thankyou Jesus. August praise report in last service 20 people delivered in the presence of God by His word, His power. Mark 5:30 says At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
Power is still going out from Jesus. we just need to have faith like that women had.
#Holyspirit #Power #Deliveremce

ANXIETY: When we let go of our anxiety, we can take back the joy of today.

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4

Contact Us: (559) 307-5271

Website: www.hopehealingcc.org

#HopeAndHealingChristianCounseling #CounselingServices #HealingInFaith #TemperamentCounseling #GodsHealingGrace #FaithBasedCounseling #Anxiety

TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER FOR OUR FAMILY!

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

Heavenly Father, in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we come before You on this Tuesday morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for waking us up and giving us another day that we did not earn but received because of Your grace and mercy.
Your Word declares, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24.
Father, before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for life. Thank You for strength. Thank You for our families. Thank You for keeping us through dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the doors You opened, the doors You closed, and even the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming.
Lord, as our families begin this Tuesday, go before us. Order our steps, direct our decisions, guard our hearts, protect our homes, and keep Your hand upon every member of our family.
Your Word says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6.
HEAL OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, this morning we bring before You every family member who is battling sickness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
You know every diagnosis.
You know every symptom.
You know every pain.
You know every sleepless night.
You know every private struggle.
You know every burden that has become too difficult to explain to others.
Father, touch them right now.
Your Word declares, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.” — Jeremiah 17:14.
Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand.
Where there is sickness, bring healing.
Where there is pain, bring relief.
Where there is weakness, bring strength.
Where there is fear, bring faith.
Where there is confusion, bring clarity.
Where there is discouragement, restore hope.
Where there are troubled minds, release Your supernatural peace.
You promised in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Father, guard the minds of our family members. Give peace to those overwhelmed by life's pressures. Strengthen those carrying emotional burdens in silence. Remind them that they are seen by You, loved by You, and never beyond the reach of Your hand.
Your Word says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3.
So, Lord, heal, deliver, restore, and set free!
We stand upon Psalm 107:20:“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Send Your Word into every hospital room, rehabilitation center, doctor's office, nursing facility, and every home where healing is needed.
Give physicians wisdom. Give nurses compassion. Give caregivers strength. Give families patience. And give those who are sick the courage to keep believing You one day at a time.
SAVE OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, our greatest prayer is not simply that our family will be healthy, prosperous, or successful. Our greatest prayer is that our family will know Jesus Christ.
We lift before You every family member who has not surrendered their life to Christ.
Draw them by Your Spirit.
Let somebody who has been running from You begin running toward You.
Let somebody who has questioned You begin seeking You.
Let somebody who has never prayed begin calling upon Your name.
Let somebody ask the same question asked in Acts 16:30:
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
And let the answer ring clearly:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31.
Father, let salvation come into our households!
Your Word declares, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13.
And Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6.
Lord, let our children know Jesus.
Let our grandchildren know Jesus.
Let husbands and wives know Jesus.
Let our brothers and sisters know Jesus.
Let our extended families know Jesus.
Break destructive generational patterns and establish a new spiritual legacy—a legacy of faith, prayer, worship, obedience, integrity, forgiveness, and love.
May generations after us be able to say, “Our family served the Lord!”
PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, we lift every family member who is looking for employment.
You know every application submitted, every résumé sent, every interview completed, and every person waiting for someone to call them back.
Open the right doors.
Give them favor with hiring managers and decision-makers. Lead them to positions where their gifts, abilities, and experience will be appreciated.
For those already employed who need promotion, advancement, better opportunities, increased wages, raises, improved benefits, or greater financial stability, we ask You to make a way.
Your Word declares, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge.” — Psalm 75:6–7.
Bless the work of our hands, Lord.
Let integrity speak for us.
Let excellence distinguish us.
Let favor surround us.
And when You elevate us, keep us humble enough to remember Who opened the door.
PROVIDE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY
Father, we especially pray for family members facing financial pressure.
Some are trying to stretch a paycheck.
Some are worried about rent or mortgage payments.
Some are facing medical bills.
Some are dealing with debt.
Some need groceries.
Some are facing unexpected expenses.
Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet.
But today we stand upon Philippians 4:19:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Father, You are our Source.
Provide what our families need.
Give us wisdom to manage what You provide. Teach us to be disciplined, generous, responsible, and faithful stewards.
Give our families creative ideas, opportunities, strategies, and open doors.
Where there has been lack, provide.
Where there has been financial confusion, give wisdom.
Where there has been debt, give us a plan and discipline.
Where there has been financial fear, replace it with faith and responsible action.
Lord, supply every need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
PROTECT OUR FAMILY THIS TUESDAY
Father, as our family members leave their homes today, cover them.
Protect those driving to work.
Protect those traveling.
Protect our children and grandchildren.
Protect those working long hours.
Protect those caring for loved ones.
Protect those going to medical appointments.
Protect our homes while we are away.
Your Word declares, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” — Psalm 91:11.
Lord, keep us from accidents, danger, violence, and circumstances we cannot see coming.
Bring everyone safely home.
STRENGTHEN THE LOVE IN OUR FAMILY
Father, help us to remember that before careers, money, possessions, accomplishments, titles, and recognition, our greatest responsibility is to love You and love one another.
Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37.
Lord, You come first.
Before our plans—You.
Before our ambitions—You.
Before our possessions—You.
Before everything else—You.
And because we love You, teach us how to love one another.
Your Word declares, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11.
Heal broken relationships within our family.
Remove bitterness.
Destroy unforgiveness.
Break down walls caused by pride.
Help us apologize when we are wrong.
Help us forgive when we have been hurt.
Help us communicate with grace.
Help us stop allowing small disagreements to create permanent separation.
Let husbands and wives love one another.
Let parents and children understand one another.
Let brothers and sisters support one another.
Let generations respect and learn from one another.
Lord, make our families stronger, closer, healthier, and more Christ-centered.

OUR TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION...
This Tuesday morning, we declare:
Our family belongs to God!
We declare healing over our sick.
We declare peace over troubled minds.
We declare deliverance for those who are bound.
We declare salvation for those who do not yet know Jesus.
We declare employment for those seeking jobs.
We declare favor and increase for those needing advancement.
We declare provision for those struggling financially.
We declare restoration over broken relationships.
We declare protection over our homes and families.
We declare love where there has been division.
And above everything else, we declare:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15.

Father, we may not know everything this Tuesday will bring, but we know Who holds this Tuesday in His hands.
Therefore, we trust You.
Order our steps.
Guard our hearts.
Renew our minds.
Strengthen our bodies.
Provide for our needs.
Protect our families.
Save our loved ones.
Restore our relationships.
And let everything we say and do bring glory to Your name.
We seal this prayer with Ephesians 3:20:
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
We believe You can do it.
We believe You are working even when we cannot see it.
And we believe that the hand of God is upon our family!
In the mighty, healing, delivering, saving, providing, protecting, and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

Daily devotion for August 18th
Where To Begin
Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

Nehemiah 9:5b
This prayer in the book of Nehemiah is a great model that will teach us much for our own prayer life. It begins with a great section of praise. First, God is praised as the Creator and Maker of everything. Beginning with the life He gave you is a great place to start when you are praising God. It seems strange to me that people who are dependent every moment on God to give them life allow themselves so easily to forget that fact. God sustains us moment by moment. We ought to be grateful for that. Let us never forget that our very breath comes from Him.

The next section praises God as the caller and chooser of people. He is the one who gives undeserved blessings to those He chooses. God is the keeper of promises. Not one of us would be here today if it were not for that merciful, sovereign call of God. Jesus said, No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him (John 6:44). We are here today because the Spirit of God in wondrous grace has drawn us to Himself.

Then the people praise God as the deliverer from sin and its enslavement. They retell the history of this nation, beginning with the call of Abraham and their deliverance from Egypt. Some of us have forgotten the lessons God has taught us and have returned to the same sins, plunging ourselves once more into rebellion and slavery. Let us never forget that we have been wonderfully, even miraculously, delivered by the great hand of God.

Praise for God as the great provider of wisdom and the necessities of life follows. Here is God's providential care of His own. He taught this people how to live in the midst of great wickedness. He knew he was sending them into a land inhabited by tribes who were morally degraded to a degree that is appalling to us today. They offered their children to the god Molech by throwing them alive into a furnace of fire. It was among these people that the Israelites had to live. Yet God taught them how to avoid defilement from those things. He taught them how to be friends with these people but not be destroyed by their immorality. It is exactly the situation we are called to live in today. God has given us this wonderful book that teaches us the rules of life, health, salvation, and deliverance and the inner strength that can resist the temptations that abound all around us. To neglect it is folly.

God also supplied their needs. He gave them bread to eat when there was none. He gave them water from the rock in the middle of the desert. That is not only an account of meeting physical needs, but it describes the meeting of spiritual needs as well. The New Testament tells us these are pictures of Christ: He is the bread of life; He is the water of life. As the Israelites learned the meaning of these symbols, they began to understand that there was One coming who would fully meet the need of the human heart.

Father, I praise and worship You as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, as the One who has chosen me and drawn me to Yourself and the One who provides all that I need

Charles Spurgeon Morning Devotion August 17th

"The mercy of God."
Psalm 52:8

Meditate a little on this mercy of the Lord. It is tender mercy. With gentle, loving touch, he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He is as gracious in the manner of his mercy as in the matter of it. It is great mercy. There is nothing little in God; his mercy is like himself--it is infinite. You cannot measure it. His mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners, after great lengths of time, and then gives great favors and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God. It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be, for deserved mercy is only a misnomer for justice. There was no right on the sinner's part to the kind consideration of the Most High; had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire he would have richly merited the doom, and if delivered from wrath, sovereign love alone has found a cause, for there was none in the sinner himself. It is rich mercy. Some things are great, but have little efficacy in them, but this mercy is a cordial to your drooping spirits; a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds; a heavenly bandage to your broken bones; a royal chariot for your weary feet; a bosom of love for your trembling heart. It is manifold mercy. As Bunyan says, "All the flowers in God's garden are double." There is no single mercy. You may think you have but one mercy, but you shall find it to be a whole cluster of mercies. It is abounding mercy. Millions have received it, yet far from its being exhausted; it is as fresh, as full, and as free as ever. It is unfailing mercy. It will never leave thee. If mercy be thy friend, mercy will be with thee in temptation to keep thee from yielding; with thee in trouble to prevent thee from sinking; with thee living to be the light and life of thy countenance; and with thee dying to be the joy of thy soul when earthly comfort is ebbing fast.

THE GOSPEL FROM CALVARY

Monday, 17th August, 2026

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH!

TEXT: JUDE 1:1–25

KEY VERSE:

«“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” — Jude 1:3 (KJV)»

The Christian faith is precious, powerful, and worth defending. In his short but powerful letter, Jude warned believers about false teachers and ungodly influences that had entered among God's people.

Jude's message is simple but urgent:

DO NOT GIVE UP THE FAITH!

We live in a world where truth is often questioned, biblical values are increasingly challenged, and many voices compete for our attention.

But the believer is called to remain rooted in God's Word and to earnestly contend for the faith.

THREE LESSONS FROM JUDE

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH.

Jude 1:3 says:

«“...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”»

To contend for the faith does not mean fighting people. It means standing firmly for the truth of God's Word.

Don't abandon biblical truth because it is unpopular.

Don't compromise your convictions because of pressure.

Don't change God's standards simply because society has changed.

Stand for Christ. Stand for truth. Stand for the Gospel.

BEWARE OF UNGODLY INFLUENCES.

Jude warned that certain ungodly people had secretly entered among the believers.

Their presence was dangerous because they could influence others away from the truth.

This teaches us that not every teaching, philosophy, lifestyle, or spiritual message should be accepted without examination.

Test what you hear against Scripture.
🏽 Ask God for discernment.
Watch the influences around you.
Protect your relationship with Christ.

Be careful what you allow to shape your thinking.

BUILD YOURSELF UP SPIRITUALLY.

Jude 1:20–21 gives believers a powerful instruction:

«“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God...”»

Notice the progression:

Build yourself on the faith.
🏽 Pray in the Holy Ghost.
Keep yourself in God's love.
Look for the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

A strong Christian life does not happen accidentally.

You must intentionally develop your relationship with God.

Pray.

Study the Word.

Worship.

Obey God.

Stay connected to Christ.

DON'T COMPROMISE YOUR FAITH

The pressure to compromise can come from many directions.

Friends may pressure you.

Society may pressure you.

Relationships may pressure you.

Entertainment may pressure you.

Even people who claim to know God may pressure you.

But remember:

Your faith is more valuable than acceptance from people.

Never exchange eternal truth for temporary popularity.

Never exchange holiness for pleasure.

Never exchange your relationship with Christ for worldly approval.

HAVE MERCY ON THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING

Jude does not only tell believers to defend the faith; he also teaches us how to respond to people who are struggling.

Jude 1:22 says:

«“And of some have compassion, making a difference.”»

There are people who need correction, but they also need compassion.

There are people who have wandered, but they can still be restored.

There are people who are confused, but God can use you to lead them back to truth.

Therefore, stand firmly for truth while showing the love of Christ.

KEEP YOURSELF IN THE LOVE OF GOD

Jude 1:21 says:

«“Keep yourselves in the love of God...”»

This does not mean that God's love is weak or that we must earn His love.

It is a call to remain in fellowship and obedience to Him.

Don't allow sin to become your lifestyle.

Don't allow bitterness to occupy your heart.

Don't allow worldly desires to take the place of Christ.

Stay close to Jesus.

GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU

The letter of Jude ends with one of the most beautiful declarations of God's power:

«“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” — Jude 1:24»

What a powerful assurance!

We are called to contend.

We are called to watch.

We are called to pray.

We are called to remain faithful.

But ultimately, God is the One who keeps us. 🏽

When you feel weak, He can strengthen you.

When you are tempted, He can help you.

When you are discouraged, He can restore you.

When you are struggling, He can keep you from falling.

✍🏽 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

A believer who knows the value of the Gospel will stand firmly for the truth, walk faithfully with Christ, and never trade eternal truth for temporary approval.

🏽 PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the precious gift of salvation and for the faith You have entrusted to us.

Give me grace to earnestly contend for the faith. Help me to recognize false teachings and ungodly influences. Give me spiritual discernment to know what is true and courage to stand for Your Word.

Build me up in my most holy faith. Teach me to pray consistently and keep me in Your love.

Help me to show compassion to those who are struggling and to point them back to Jesus.

Lord, keep me from falling. Preserve my faith, strengthen my walk, and help me remain faithful until the end.

To You be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, both now and forever. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 🏽

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

PSALMS 73–75

THE CALVARY MINISTRY ONLINE
Birthright is Evangelism

“The Lᴏʀᴅ is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the Lᴏʀᴅ is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about … But now the Lᴏʀᴅ has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”

Judges 6:12–13 ɴᴋᴊᴠ

God chooses His instruments carefully and uses His own standards in doing so. One criterion He uses is whether a servant considers not only himself but the whole company of God’s people among whom God has placed him. Gideon is an outstanding example of this.

Gideon is told, “The Lᴏʀᴅ is with you, you mighty man of valor!” He immediately responds, “If the Lᴏʀᴅ is with us, why then has all this happened to us?” While alone in the winepress, away from his people, Gideon’s heart was occupied with them, not with himself. He had doubtless heard the Lord’s rebuke through the prophet and had been giving serious thought to it. How could the Lord be with him and not with His people? Why was the Lord not doing miracles like He had done when He brought Israel up out of Egypt? Why? Why? Surely the Lord must have forsaken His people!

The Lord appreciates a person who thinks like this. Believers today too are more than mere individuals. As Christians we are members of the body of Christ, of the bride of Christ, of the house of God. Each believer today should realize that he or she is a small part of the Church of the Living God, and is affected by the ruin that has come into it through human unfaithfulness.

Weak as he felt he was, Gideon was told, “Go in this might of yours … Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites” (vv. 14, 16). May the Lord find us of like mind, usable for Him!

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.


Sing aloud to God our strength;
He is with us where we go;Fear we not the journey’s length,
Fear we not the mighty foe.


T. Kelly


https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-17