Week five of Gideon

Oh how I wish that our hero could finish well.
God can still use his life to teach us to:
"Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not into our understanding
In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path."

Gideon went from the timid, frightened, depending on God , Hero
to a vindictive, angry, reacting and retaliating leader
 of an large army dispensing cruel judgement.

The domino effect began when he stopped asking God and
started reacting to the actions of those around Him.
He traded in a close relationship with God
for the adoration of others.
He forgot who really won the victory
and became "The Man"

Our Sunday school lesson  says to leave retaliation to God
Mark says to respond not to react.

The lesson says to trust God
  to make all things right
 in that day the wicked will be judges
 and the faithful will be rewarded.
Mark says, Payday some day

Today's devotion quoted D.L. Moody
"True faith is Man's weakness leaning on God's strength
When man has no strength..if he learns to lean on God,
He becomes powerful."

The sermon on the Radio tells us that Jesus is our example
when He was on the cross,
"Father forgive them, for they know not what thy do."

His power is seen in what he has
 the authority and power to do
and chooses not to do.

To be like Jesus:
" when we have the desire to be critical of others,
take that as a cue to bless and encourage them instead."

respond with positive
 instead of
 reacting with negative

 J-esus
O-thers
Y-ou