Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Lessons Learned From Gideon


I have been studying the life of the biblical character Gideon.  He was a fascinating character.  Here are some lessons I have learned from the book of Joshua, chapters 6, 7 and 8.  Priscilla Shirer, the author of the Bible study I am using, offers the following tweets that have really helped me.

#Choose to make today's decisions with tomorrow in mind.
#Is there any baggage from my past that is weighing me down?
#Unity does not mean "sameness" it means "oneness of purpose."
#What are some ways I can foster unity?
#"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." (Prov. 11:14)
#Ordinary is often the disguise of the divine.
#Opened eyes precede revelation.
#"One generation shall declare your works to another." (Psalm 145:4)
#Pride forgets.  Humility remembers.
#Weakness unlocks the door.  Humility opens it.
#Many of life's external difficulties find their root in the internal reality of pride.
#Lead your heart.  (Don't "follow" it.)
#Bigger doesn't always mean better.
#Don't try to hold on to what God is asking you to release.
#It's all about relationships.
#Your resources are in your relationships.
#God's patience = restraining power.
#Gifts don't work unless they are opened.
#God's grace and mercy makes all the difference.
#Uncommon weapons are needed for uncommon battles.
#A vessel's value is not determined by it's composition, but by it's contents.
#God can do great things with a willing vessel (especially when it is broken to reveal the blazing flame of His own fire.)
#Empower the next generation.
#Working tirelessly is not the same thing as working persistently.
#Passion doesn't negate weariness, it just resolves to press beyond it.
#Give attention to the good gifts in our lives, no matter how small they may seem.
#Don't make a decision without seeking God.
#Am I more concerned with my comfort than the goal at hand?
#True commitment trumps convenience.