SPEAK LIFE, ALWAYS
Scripture: Judges 12:4-7
“And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee”. Matthew 26:73 (KJV)
Feedback: Share how waiting on the Lord renewed your strength.
The people of Ephraim had their own regional pronunciation for the word ‘Shibboleth’ which means flowing stream or floods.
SELF GLORIFICATION
Scripture: Judges 12:1-3
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men’s shoulders; but they (themselves) will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew 23:4 (KJV)
The displeasure of the men of Ephraim against Jephthah was motivated by pride. They wanted to be recognized and given the place of glory as conquerors. But where were they when the people were being oppressed by the Ammonites?
OVERLOOK NO ONE
Scripture: Judges 11:1-11
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)
For 18 years, the sons of Israel were greatly distressed and afflicted in Gilead. The solution to their freedom,peace and comfort was in the hands of the son of a prostitute and a fugitive – Jephthah. In the same way, the solution to our challenge could be with someone we consider inconsequential.
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SOURCE
Scripture: Judges 11:9-11
“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 124:8 (KJV)
Jephthah acknowledged God as his source of victory. He knew that his victory over the Ammonites would not have been possible if he had relied on his human power and strength rather than on the power of God.He was confident of what God could use his leadership to achieve
SHARPEN YOUR TALENT
Scripture: Judges 11:4-6
"I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have exalted a young man from among the people. Psalms 89:19 (NIV)
God has given to everyone a measure of natural ability; a unique skill or ability that will enable you stand out in your world. Jephthah, despite being the son of a prostitute, was a mighty warrior. God had bestowed in him “strength”
WEALTH TRAP
Scripture: Proverbs 11:4, 28
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17(NIV)
The desire to have wealth is not a bad one but wealth should not be the driving force of your life. Today, money seems to be all that man aspires to possess because he believes that with money, all problems will be solved but what can money do for your soul? Money does not guarantee a place in heaven, it might provide comfort and earthly cares but the most important thing, which is the security of your soul, cannot be guaranteed by wealth.
Do not put your trust in money instead of Christ because your riches can go away the next second but God will always be there. It is only your trust in God and living in accordance with his statutes that can guarantee you eternal life. Do not compromise your salvation in a bid to get rich. This does not mean that you must not work hard while on earth but also be aware that you brought nothing into this world and you will take nothing out of it.
While you strive to get wealth and riches, do not get consumed by that desire. Don’t fall into the trap meant for those who allow wealth to be their driving force. Secure your soul and your place in heaven by investing in the Kingdom of God and walking according to His will. Do not put your trust in riches but in God because He alone can give you everlasting life.
PRAYER: Lord, please help me to trust only in you and not in riches, in Jesus name
FAITH BYTE: I put my trust in God only; I will not be controlled by riches or the desire to get rich.
OPPOSITIONS WILL ARISE
Scripture: Judges 8:1-17
“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV)
Many Christians believe that because God has called them to do something, then everything should work out smoothly and without hitches, but this is far from the truth. In reality, when God calls you and you step out in faith,
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