Great Potential is Wasted Because of Prejudice.. Judges11

Circumtance beyond his control forced Jephthah away from his people and into life as an outcast. Today both believers and nonbelievers may drive away those who do not fit the norms dictated by our society. Often, as in Jephthah's case , great potential is wasted because of prejudice--a refusal to look beyond ill-conceived stereotypes. Look around you to see if there are potential Jephthah being kept out due to factors beyond their control.

As a Christian, you know that everyone can have a place in God's family. Can you do anything to help these people gain acceptancefor their character and abilities? 

Jephthah sent messenger to the Ammonite king wanting to know why the Israelites in the land of gilead were being attacked. The king replied that Israel had stolen his land and he wanted it back.

Jephthah sent another message to the king. In it gave three arguments againts the king claim's;

1) Gilead was never the king's land in the first place because Israel took it from the Amorites, not the Ammonites

2) Israel should possess the land given by Osrael God , Ammon should possess land given by Ammon's god

3) No one had contested Israel's ownership of the land since its conquest 300 years earlier.

To Jephthah's credit, he tried to solve the problem without bloodshed. But king of Ammon ignored his message and preparedhis troops for battle.

Why God Was not Punish Evil Sooner?.. Judges9

Abimelech was the opposite of what God wanted in a judge, but it was three years before God moved against him, fulfilling Jotham's parable. Those three years must have seemed like forever to Jotham. Why wasnt Abimelech punished sooner for his evil ways?

We are not alone when we wonder why evil seems prevail. God promise to deal with sin, but in HIS time, not ours. Actually it is good news that God doesnt punish us immediately because we all have sinned and deserve God's punishment. God, in HIS mercy, often spares us from immediate punishment and allows us time to turn from our sins and turn to HIM in repentance.

Trusting God for justice means ; We must first recognize our own sins and repent, and we may face a difficult time of waiting for wicked to be punished. But in God's time, all evil will be destroyed

Take Time to Anticipate How Good Idea Might Lead to a Potential Problem.. Judges8

Gideon probably had good motives for making the ephod. Unfortunately, the people began to worship the ephod as an idol. Sadly, many decisions that stem from good motives produce negative results. Perhaps no one stops to ask , "what might go wrong?" in your plans & decisions, take time to anticipate how good idea might lead to a potential problem.

This relationship between Gideon and a concubine produced a son who tore apart Gideon's family and caused tragedy for the nation. Gideon's story illustrates the fact that heroes in battle are not always heroes in daily life. Gideon led the nation but could not lead his family. 

No matter who you are, moral laxness will cause problems, just because you have won a single batlle with temptation does not mean you will automatically win the next one. We need to be constantly watchful againts temptation. Sometimes satan's strongest attacks come after a victory

Demanding Extra Sign was an Indication of Unbelief.. Judges6

Was Gideon testing God, or was he simply asking God for more encouragement? In either case, though his motive was right (to obey God and defeat the enemy), his method was less than ideal. Gideon seems to have known that his requests might displease God, and yet he demanded two miracles, even after witnessing the miraculous fire from the rock.

It is true that to make good decisions, we need facts. Gideon had all the facts, but still he hestitated. He delayed obeying God because he wanted even more proof.

Demanding extra signs was an indication of unbelief. Fear often makes us wait for more conformation when we should be taking action. Visible sign are unnecessary if they only confirm what we already know is true.

Today the greatest means of God's guidance is HIS Word, the Bible. Unlike Gideon, we have complete , revealed Word. If you want to have more of God's guidance, dont ask for signs, study the Bible.

Call on God in every Situation.. Judges 6

Again the Isrealites hit rock bottom before turning back to God. How much suffering they could have avoided if they had trusted HIM! 

Turning to God shouldnt be a last resort; we should look to HIM for help each day. This isnt to say life will always be easy. There will be struggles, but God will give us the strength to live through them. Dont wait until youre at the end of your rope. Call on God in every situation.

Was Barak Cowardly or just in need of Support? .. Judges4

We dont know Barak's character, but we see the character of a great leader in Deborah, who took charge as God directed. Deborah told Barak that God would be with him in battle, but that was not enough for Barak. He wanted Deborah to go with him. Barak's request shows that at heart he trusted human strength more than God's promise. 

A person of real faith steps out at God's command, even if he or she must do so alone.

How dis Deborah command such respect? She was responsible for leading the people into battle, but more than that, she influenced them to live for God after the battle was over. Her personality drew people together and commanded the respect of even Barak, a military general. She was also a prophet, whose main role was to encourage the people to obey God. Those who lead must not forget about the spiritual condition of those being led. A true leader is concerned for persons not just success

Craving for Power and Love of Money.. Judges5

War was the inevitable result when Israel chose to follow false gods. Although God had given Israel clear directions, the people failed to put HIS Words into practice. Without God at the centre of their life, pressure from the outside soon became greater than power from within, and they were an easy prey, for their enemies, if you are letting a desire for recognition, craving for power, or love of money rule your life, you may find yourself besiege by enemies--stress, anxiety, illness, fatigue. Keep God at the centre of your life, and you will have the power you need to fight these destroyers