Bible Soundbites
Monday, 14 January 2008 00:00 | and posted in Deborah
Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. Judges 4:4
Some people claim that God and the Bible are sexist and oppressive to women. Yet God chose Deborah to be both a prophetess and a judge and to lead Israel at a time when a woman in leadership was unheard of.
God is on the lookout for anyone, male or female, who will live a life which honours Him.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008 00:00 | and posted in Deborah
She held court under the Palm of Deborah… and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided. Judges 4:5
Deborah was the kind of person who attracted others to her. She was someone who brought peace and reconciliation into people’s relationships through her Godly wisdom and kindness.
Conflict is common-place within our communities, but sadly peacemakers are not. Our society needs more people who can help restore relationships after disputes.
Why not ask God to develop more peacemaker characteristics within you?
Wednesday, 16 January 2008 00:00 | and posted in Deborah
She sent for Barak…and said to him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go, take with you 10,000 men… and lead the way to Mount Tabor'.” Judges 4:6
I wonder if Deborah doubted that she had heard God correctly. After all, she was a peacemaker sending her nation to war against a vicious tyrant, King Jabin!
Doubt often plagues us after hearing from God and stops us obeying him. Over time, Deborah had learnt to recognise God’s voice and to obey confidently. This happens as we spend time with God.
How well do you know God’s voice?
Thursday, 17 January 2008 00:00 | and posted in Deborah
So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh…Ten thousand men followed him, and Deborah went with him. Judges 4:9-10
Barak asks Deborah for her help and she agrees to give it. She was prepared to believe the message from God that she had given to Barak. She believed that God would fight the battle for them and give Israel the victory.
Her faith gave courage to 10,000 men. What example could your faith be to others?
Friday, 18 January 2008 00:00 | and posted in Deborah
Then Deborah said to Barak, ”Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” So Barak went down Mount Tabor, followed by ten thousand men. Judges 4:14
Has not the Lord gone ahead of you? Barak is without a single chariot, yet is about to lead his troops into battle against a superior force containing nine hundred chariots! This is when Deborah brings this word of encouragement to him.
A timely reminder of God’s presence can give us the courage to face the difficult times ahead.
Saturday, 19 January 2008 00:00 | and posted in Deborah
On that day Deborah and Barak sang this song: “Praise the Lord!” Judges 5:1-2
The mighty King Jabin was subdued and finally destroyed, and who did Deborah and Barak give the glory to?
Deborah knew that it was God’s presence with them that secured victory. Therefore, she and Barak give all the glory to God in a song of worship.
Worship helps us remember what God has done and keeps us humble before Him.
Sunday, 20 January 2008 00:00 | and posted in Deborah
Then the land had peace forty years. Judges 5:31
After 20 years of cruel oppression under King Jabin, forty years of peace must have been bliss.
Time and time again, the history of Israel shows that when a godly, righteous leader arose, an entire generation enjoyed peace and prosperity. Under evil leaders, the nation suffered badly.
Do you pray regularly for the leadership of our nation? We need our rulers to be honest, upright and God-fearing, for our own sakes.