JUDGE DEBORAH
Today’s Reading: Judges 4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
The Church of Transfiguration is beautifully presented at the pinnacle of Mt. Tabor. Mt. Tabor is located in Lower Galilee, Israel, at the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley, 18 km west of the Sea of Galilee. It was the site of the Mt. Tabor battle between Barak, under the leadership of the Israelite judge Deborah, and the army of Jabin, commanded by Sisera, in the mid 14th century BC. It is believed by many Christians to be the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Therefore, it is also known as the Mount of Transfiguration. Remember how Peter wanted to build three tabernacles up here? Some well-meaning people have built one for Peter (Matthew 17:1-8).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Judges 4:4, 5b
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time…And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
God is an equal opportunity Employer. His candidates for leadership included women, like Deborah, as well as men. God chooses the person best suited for the task. Perhaps, because Israel’s judge was a woman, King Jabin, who was oppressing Israel, allowed Deborah to continue in her role. She used her position of strength to recruit Barak, who in turn called up an army of 10,000 troops. Tomorrow’s reading tells us about the torrent of Kishon, the stream that runs across the valley between Mt. Tabor and the Carmel range of hills. Flood conditions bogged down the chariots of Sisera in the mud and Israel prevailed.
God had waited patiently until Israel called out to Him for deliverance before He would get involved. God does not necessarily bring trouble into our lives when we turn away from Him; it’s simply that if we abandon His presence and protection, and then try, in our own strength, to overcome our problems, we fail in our attempts at finding freedom. We, ourselves, have opened the door for the oppressor to triumph over us.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I cry out to You daily for Your presence. You are most welcome to intervene in any way You choose in my life, my family, and in my community. You’ve created me in Your image, and that includes a free will. I yield my will to You so that I may do Your will. I pray this in the Name of the One who always did Your will, Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve often stopped along the highway at the base of Mt. Tabor where the village named after Judge Deborah is located (see the first picture below looking east down Mt. Tabor to the village of Deborah at Tabor’s base). The present road up Mt. Tabor is quite steep with many hairpin switchbacks. In 1978 there was an old very steep road up the side of the mountain. My son, David Reynold, who does the photography for the blog, had just turned 16. He had his beginners driver’s license but little experience. I let him drive the vintage, stick shift, under-powered Volkswagen van up to the top. My wife, Norma-Jean, will tell you that she prayed most fervently all the way up! I admit that it was scary. I know that she believes that the God of Deborah helped us greatly! Experience is a great teacher. I’m learning lots from the examples provided in the first books of the Bible. Read with me, if you have time, from 1 Corinthians 10:11-13. Just as Israel was tested, or tempted, by those who lived around them, so are we tested. But “God is faithful;” He will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able to handle, but will, with the temptation (testing), make a way of escape. I’ve had to learn, sometimes the hard way, that I must run from temptation. God provides the way of escape, but I must choose to escape into safety in Christ.
Yours for learning from the examples given here in Judges,
David
View from next to the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor towards the East. Below you can see the town of Deborah, named after the judge in today’s Bible reading.
The view from Mt. Tabor to the South, showing the east end of the Jezreel Valley.
They trusted Him and they prevailed when they obeyed and went forward.in faith.Yall have a great day and may God bless
Trust Me
Trust Me,I know what I am doing,
It’s not just your heart I am wooing
But your soul is so dear to Me,
I want you with Me for eternity.
Even when your days are very bad,
I share the load that makes you sad,
So do not be angry with Me,
You must trust in Me eternally.
I love all my children most dearly,
And in life I see you clearly,
That is why you are on the Earth,
It is a school and the grave is your birth.
‘I knew you before you were born’,
I would never leave you forlorn,
I know every hair on your head,
Death is not for you to dread.
Life is through my precious Son,
A reward for when your day is done,
So know that this is my gift to you
And trust in Him your life through.
G W (Bill) Marshall/.2011
Amen. Thank you Bill. I am trusting in my God to carry me.
Stunning photos and great message. Prayed David’s prayer, today. I sure do miss his guidance but praise God we still have his written messages. Facing some difficulties at present. Thank God for the comfort of friends here on the blog. Wishing you all a safe day and holding you all in prayer. May His blessings shine upon you, fellow saints in the Lord.
Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. Psalm 37:37 ESV
Holy Spirit – Lyrics – Jesus Culture – Kim Walker-Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFByOX8Fb0M
Amen to your comments Beverlee!
I also prayed David’s prayer to-day.
Thank-you for your prayers for us all as I
need prayer for my son’s health to improve.
Remembering you Beverlee and every one
else on the blog that our Lord Jesus Christ
would supply all their needs, in His Holy Name
I pray, Amen! Our God is faithful, He will make
a way for us!
Amen to your comments Beverlee!
I also prayed David’s prayer to-day.
Thank-you for your prayers for us all as I
need prayer for my son’s health to improve.
Remembering you Beverlee and every one
else on the blog that our Lord Jesus Christ
would supply all their needs, in His Holy Name
I pray, Amen! Our God is faithful, He will make
a way for us!
Lord hear the prayer of this mom, Joy Longridge, she prays for her son’s health to improve!Lord You know the whole situation, You see, You hear, You know, I ask dear Lord that Your Will be done in this son’s life, we Thank You Lord for all that You about to do in this situation. We pray in Jesus Name amen
Amen, Sah!
Lord God may Your Will be done Beverlee Kay’s life as she is facing some difficulties at the present! Thank You Lord that we can bring our difficulties to You for help In Jesus Name I Pray amen
Yes, great message and photos today. What a woman Deborah was to judge and go to battle with Barak. Prayed David’s prayer as well. Remember that ride up and down Mt. Tabor with all its twists and turns with a skilled and risky Jewish driver. Great view up there! Praying for you Beverlee and like your poem William. Be strong, Hebrew word is “chazak” saints as we are also in a spiritual battle in this world today and God has chosen us to live at this time to do His will and see the victory! Amen(so be it)!!!
Beverlee: Praying that the Lord will see you through whatever is troubling you today. He knows all about it and he never ever lets us down. You are an amazing woman and are greatly loves by Jesus and your blog friends.
I also prayed David prayer and yes, we are glad that he is still with us, giving guidance and direction by the written word..
Thanks Bill for your poem . Blessings to all. stay save in Toronto and outlying areas, snow and freezing rain ???? today. Eleanor M.
I am agreeing with your prayer, Eleanor, for our beloved friend Beverlee.
Our God and our Father, you are the God of the impossible! You are the One who makes a way in the wilderness and sends streams through the dessert. I know that you will carry Beverlee through this present difficulty and will bring her out victoriously!
In the process, please allow her feel you so close to her and may your closeness bring her peace and comfort in the assurance that You, oh Lord are in charge of her situation and you are more than able to handle it! Please allow Beverlee to rest in the knowledge of that truth. Amen!
Beverlee, you are greatly loved and appreciated by all your fellow bloggers and we are praying for you and sending our love ????
Amen agreeing with you in prayer for Beverlee!
Thank you so much for reminding me I am loved–Joy, Sah, Luisa, Eleanor, Ger, and Irene. Your loving words and prayers brought tears to my eyes. And for your on-going uplifting poems, Bill.
Joy, I pray for the healing of your son and that his health improves completely. May the precious Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ wash over him. In His mighty Name, we pray. Amen, amen, and amen.
I am so very grateful for the prayers for my son
from all my blog friends, thank-you so much.
We always need encouragement in our daily lives.
May God bless each one of you now and forever
in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
I am so very grateful for the prayers for my son
from all my blog friends, thank-you so much.
We always need encouragement in our daily lives.
May God bless each one of you now and forever
in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.