100 x 3
Today’s Reading: Judges 7
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).
This view from Mount Tabor looks across the Jezreel Valley towards Mount Moreh. The tree-covered hill in the distance is where the Midianites encamped for their attack on the Israelites in the days of Gideon (Judges 7:1).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Judges 7:20
Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers–they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing–and they cried, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!”
In today’s reading there is an unmistakable geographical description of the very spot where, 3,400 years ago, God separated the army of 300 from the multitude at the Spring of Harod. The 300, having circled around the Midianite army, descended the hill of Moreh to break their pitchers, shine their lights, and blow their ram’s horns, creating panic in the ranks of the enemy. By dividing the 300 into 3 companies of 100 each, they were able to come from three different directions and win a God-given victory. Many of us who read this blog are members of churches that may have from 50 to 300 in regular attendance. The Pastor likely knows everyone by name, including the children. There is wisdom in having many churches, rather than one mega-congregation with several thousand members. Yes, there is a special appeal in the large church…great music, a well-prepared staff, and sometimes a large missions budget. The Pastor may be the most gifted preacher in the area. However, we need to recognize that the smaller congregations have much to offer also. The Pastor will visit you personally when you are sick (if he doesn’t, find one that will). He will know you personally and thus will be able to care for each member individually, that is if he or she is truly God-called and totally committed, as were the 300, watching, on guard, and filled with God’s Spirit.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You know Your sheep by name. You know my name, and the names of all who join me in daily readings. You’ve called into ministry pastors, teachers, evangelists, administrators, and helps in many areas of life. Please show me how to be a strength to those who care for my soul. I ask for the grace of loyalty to the congregation where I serve and worship. Bless those who prepare the spiritual food of Your Word and serve good nourishment at Sunday services, as well as at mid-week services and other gatherings. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Being retired (sort of), I have the opportunity of attending a relatively small congregation in Canada and a very large one while in Florida. I see the blessings of both large and small. I love and am blessed by both churches. I remember well, while a student in Bible College, one of the teachers pointing to two Toronto churches which, in his estimation, were “successful.” I couldn’t let the occasion pass without pointing out that the Pastor and congregation in Moose Factory, an island at the tip of James Bay, was just as successful. True success is being in God’s will and is not measured in numbers.
Yours for the One who said, “I will build My church,” God’s great success story!
David
Great message, this morning. We, Your sheep, are ever grateful, Lord, for Your unfailing love for us, that we may congregate together at our individual churches and praise Your holy name. Wishing all saints a most blessed day. Thank you all for your prayers, which are coming to fruition. Amen. 🙏
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 ESV ✝️
Don Moen – All We like Sheep 🐑
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjOUeEpBgxs
A very timely song, Beverlee! So happy to hear that things are becoming more settled toward resolve for you. God is so good and He is faithful. Amazing how He narrowed the army to His chosen warriors for the battle. God’s greatest blessings all. Pray always. Amen
Dear Father, thank You for listening to the cries of Your people, for caring, and for delivering us from the hands of our enemies. You sent, and You send, Your mighty warriors to fight for us. Thank You for each of them. Even more, You sent Your own Son to fight for us. Thank You for defeating even death for us! Please strengthen all Your children today, Father, and show each one how best to live for You. Have Your way in us and through us to others, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen, Rob and Beverlee to your prayers .
Yes. Amen and thank you.
Amen!!!
Amen
I am thanking the Lord Beverlee for making the way clearer for you.
I enjoyed hearing about Gideon and the thee hundred. God is so faithful to all of us, all we have to do is pray believing that He hears us, and leave the rest up to Him.
Blessings to each and everyone ,
Eleanor M.
Amen Eleanor M.
Amen Rob!!
Amen to the prayers of fellow bloggers.
I also want to praise God for some solutions to my problems. Yesterday was a very uplifting day for me and I thank the Lord for it, and I continue to pray for his guidance each step of my journey.
That is good news HJR, I will continue to pray for you and Beverlee.
Always enjoy reading about Gideon, God’s battle plan and the great victory! He will and does help us to fight our battles too. Thank you saints for your faithful witness on here. Went to our mid-week service today as did not get there Sunday due to some affliction. was thinking how our leaders need to be encouraged by us members. Here is David and Norma Jean’s prayer in the Day unto Day book for today, ” Lord, many of your people today have turned away from you, people whose parents and grandparents were godly. Make us like Gideon’s 300, breaking the jars of our fleshly desires through the cross so that the light will shine and putting the trumpet of God’s Word to our lips and sounding out your Truth.” Felt to do that yesterday on facebook in a post of what I believe according to God’s Word. God bless you saints and make us all able ministers of the Gospel, Amen!
Amen Ger.
Amen, Ger!