Something More Important than Fear

Scripture: So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night. Judges 6:27

Observation: When the angel of the Lord showed up to where he was working, Gideon, begged him not to leave without giving him a sign. Later, the Lord told Gideon to tear down an altar to Baal. Gideon did, but waited until night because he was afraid. When God asked him to lead an army against his enemies, Gideon pressed God for a sign. He knew that testing God was wrong because he asked God not to be angry with him. Later, God told Gideon to scout the enemy camp, and told him if he was afraid to scout the enemy by himself, he was to take his servant with him.
Gideon did as the Lord told him, but with a spirit of fear and uncertainty. He needed constant reassurance that he was doing what was right. God was gracious to him, and gave him the reassurance he was looking for, but then upped the ante by reducing Gideon’s fighting force from 32,000 to 300 men—further stretching Gideon’s faith. In the end, Gideon, clothed with the Spirit of the Lord, was successful.

Application: God can use people of weak faith. In Gideon’s defense, he never let his fear hold him back from obeying God. Ambrose Redmoon once wrote: Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. Gideon judged that obeying God, removing idols, and defeating the enemy was more important than his fear.
In my world, I have many reasons to need reassurance. To need external validation that I am going in the right way. I may not cast a fleece, but I may look for the words of others to confirm direction. But the reality is that God has declared a course for me, and I need to hold fast to it. Seeking reassurance may be fine, but in the end, I need to judge that something else is more important than my need for reassurance—obeying the call of God.

Prayer: God, you have outlined some clear paths. Do not let naysayers or questioners cast doubt on your direction. Keep me open to your voice, but when I have heard it, let me judge that it is more important than fear. Help me to keep moving forward.

"The Hand of the Lord was Upon Me"

Scripture:  I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. Ezra 7:28

Observation:  Ezra sees the hand of God at work in his life.  The king has granted permission and given resources for the temple to be restored.  Ezra sees this as the moving of God and the fulfillment of prophecy.  And in this, he sees that God's hand is upon him.  This gives him courage to act and gather leaders who will act with him.

Application:  often we are hesitant to be bold in life, feeling that we do not have the right to do this or that.  We fear being perceived as arrogant, or filled with hubris.  It seems that some christians equate courage with cockiness, and that humility=passivity.  But there are times when we can trust the hand of the Lord is upon us, and act with courage.  I feel I am in a season of this in my life right now. While this does not mean I am always right, it does mean I sense the moving of God in this time of history.  Like Ezra, I want to bless God, act with courage, and gather leaders around me to go up and follow God's hand.

Prayer:  God, I bless you, the God of my fathers.  Thank you for continuing to move.  Help me discern your hand, to humbly seek your moving, that I might act with courage to do what needs to be done.        

Facing our Accusers

Scripture: Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. Zechariah 3:7

Observation: After years of unrest, stability is starting to come back to God’s people. Under the new preaching ministry of Haggai, people are starting to come back to the old truths, starting to rebuild the temple. Zechariah has a vision of Joshua, the high priest, standing in heaven. Joshua is on trial, with Satan as his accuser. But in a dramatic courtroom turn, God turns to Satan before he can even open his mouth and rebukes him. God orders that Joshua’s filthy clothes be removed and replaced with brand new robes. Then he promises that if Joshua will obey him and keep God’s calling, he will find leadership, acceptance, and he will have a voice in the heavenlies.

Application: Over the last month, I feel I have been under Satan’s accusations. Except they are coming from people. It has been a struggle to listen, to care, to try to mend fences. I have not always done well. But today I think God is reminding me that these accusations do not come from people, but from the accuser of the brethren. My job is not to defend myself, but walk in God’s ways and keep his charge. I can let God rebuke whom he needs to rebuke. I can trust that God will provide the leadership, acceptance, and access to Him that I need to carry out his work.

Prayer: God, help me walk in your ways and keep your charge. Give me courage to stand amidst the accusations. Give me grace to respond, but let me trust you for my defense. And help me turn to the access I have in you for the grace and courage I need.

Prophet or Performer?

Scripture: And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it. Ezekiel 33:32

Observation: The prophet Ezekiel was calling people to change. And the people were listening. But they were listening to Ezekiel as they might listen to an entertainer at a concert. They liked his style and tone, but were not moved to act. One day, God promised, they would look back and realize they were listening to a prophet, not an performer.

Application: I feel a pressure often to perform on stage. That people have a certain expectation of my sermons, and they sit as critics, rating what I do. Some want more stories, some want less challenge, others want more “meat.” I think there is a place for me to really listen, and try to meet the needs of the people. But there is also a place for me to get with God, and godly counsel, and speak what he has put in my mouth. These are some important times for our church, and I have been charged by God to say some challenging and hard-to-swallow things. I need to trust that one day, the actions and words I use will be regarded as right.

Prayer: I pray today that I would be moved by the compassion of Jesus, to have the courage of Jesus, to lovingly say what I need to say. Help me listen to those who are hurting or confused. But keep me on course with Your truth. Help me make sure I am listening to your words and responding to them myself.

God's Voice in Church Yesterday

Scripture: And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people. Acts 18:9-10

Observation: God is confronting Paul with the promise of his presence and protection. He is speaking directly to Paul’s fears. He is urging Paul to not fear, but to go on in courage, to keep speaking, to not stop.

Application: These were part of the verses that we looked at in church yesterday. Even though I already had a sermon studied and written on this, I did sense God speaking to me afresh during our listening to God together time in church. I have dreams and desires for where I think God wants to take Pulpit Rock. He has already begun moving us and restoring us. But sometimes I am afraid to tackle some of the tougher issues. I felt God encouraging me with these words to Paul. Encouraging me that we are on the right track and I need to keep on moving us that way. Encouraging me not to be silent but trust that as I speak, God is moving behind the scenes in ways I cannot yet see. Encouraging me that I am not alone, that there are many that desperately desire for us to be the place God wants.

Prayer: God, thanks for this encouragement. I pray for humility and discernment to know when to push and when to rest. Help me gain consensus and unity towards the vision you have for our church. Let me remember these words and act in loving courage. Pull me back from feelings of aloneness. I trust you to build your house.