Judges 4:1-14
Today we have a tag team of sorts, Deborah and Barak, working together to lead Israel, and the two accomplish much together. But it was Deborah that really caught my attention. There is no doubt in my mind that Deborah was in tune with the Lord. She was confident, positive and secure in her thoughts. As a result, she is bold in responding to and taking action for the Lord. Quite an example.
So how can we be more like Deborah today? What might serving the Lord with confidence look like for you? Tami W.
I appreciate Tami's insight very much. It takes knowledge and understanding of the WORD in order to lead (people like me). Israel did evil(again)in the eyes of The Lord. So they were sent into slavery again. Deborah was constantly in the WORD and had the gift of wisdom and judgment (truth); like Tami and BTTB. Debrah reassured the seemingly fearful fighting army. She told Barak she would be with them in battle. When I follow through on my commitments to our church I think that encourages our ministers and teachers. But People who finanfially support and send out missions and cooperate with the staff in all the work of the church that is very enouraging to our leaders. I only wish I could do more.
Serving the Lord with confidence means to me that when God speaks to me I must respond positively, because the Lord will not ask me to accomplish something without Him guiding and leading me. When He gives us an assignment He provides the tool. We must be willing to obey and do what He says not what we want to do because this will only lead to failure. Whatever we do in God's name is to His glory and not ours. I might want to ask why me Lord, but no more if He chooses me, then He wants me to accomplish the task and it the greatest honour to work for the Lord.
Deborah sought God's heart and will first and passed it on in judgement and wise counsel to those who asked for it. It sounds like she waited on God for His wisdom, and waited for people to ask for it. Sometimes we need to wait for the right opportunity to give Godly counsel to those who ask, but we can't give that kind of counsel if we don't ask God for it first.
HI TAMI
I BELIEVE THAT ONCE OUR HEARTS ARE WILLING, WE (BY GOD'S GRACE) LIVE A RIGHTEOUS LIFE AND STAY IN HIS WORD WE ARE READY AND AVAILABLE TO BE USED AS A TOOL OF GOD.
WE CAN BE MORE LIKE DEBORAH TODAY ONLY BY EXPERIENCE. AS WE ACCOMPLISH THE TASKS ASSIGNED BY THE LORD WE BECOME MORE CONFIDENT AND OUR FAITH IN GOD INCREASES SO WE CAN BE QUALIFIED TO UNDERTAKE MORE CHALLENGING TASKS FOR THE LORD.
AT THIS POINT WE HAVE TO VERY CAREFUL AS THE ENEMY DOES NOT LIKE US TO ACCOMPLISH GOD'S WILL SO HE WILL TRY TO LET SUCCESS GO TO OUR HEADS AND THUS ENCOURAGE US TO BE LIKE NEBUCHADNEZZAR (Daniel 4:30-33) AND DENY GOD THE GLORY OF SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE TASK.
WHAT I LOVE A LOT IS WHEN I EXPERIENCE THE AFFIRMATION OF THE LORD WHICH INCREASES MY CONFIDENCE THAT GOD HAS INDEED SPOKEN TO ME AND ASSIGNED ME TO THE TASK AT HAND. I FEEL SO HONORED WHEN GOD USES ME AS A TOOL BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER TOOLS (PERSONS) THAT HE COULD HAVE CHOSEN FROM.
REGARDS IN CHRIST
CECIL
Janice, I enjoyed your insite. I know it is true that we ought to do in God's timing not ours. I heard on the radio a verse in James yesterday that talked about being quiet and listening. That is something I am going to be more viligant to do, God willing. Lord, I pray we all are more vigiliant to do your will, not only your will but to do it in your timing not to offend but to lift up others and encourage them in You. As always we love you and thank you, in Jesus name. Amen and amen.
Serving the Lord with confidence means that the discharge of my duties as a Deacon will be efficient. I will not procrastinate or hesitate but aggressively pursue my duties.