July 24, 2026

Gideon

I love the story of Gideon. We often imagine God calling and using the strong, beautiful and wise. But he doesn’t work that way. His specialty is people like Gideon. He found Gideon hiding in a wine press, threshing wheat in a hidden place because he was so afraid of his enemies. Gideon thought he was the weakest member of the weakest tribe. Apparently, he had not been schooled in the magnificence of his DNA. Gideon was a descendant of Joseph! That’s some powerful genetics. God knew that. Knowing there was good stuff in that young man, He focused on Gideon’s linage! Let us learn to see ourselves as God sees us!!

Gideon’s weakness was confidence. He liked to throw out a fleece, testing God, asking Him to prove Himself. The expression of testing God (throwing out a fleece) is based on Gideon’s insecurity.

I long to be the person who simply says, “Yes! Yes, God. Here am I. Send me!”

Standing in faith is a great gift when raising children. But even when we are older, our faith can teach. It can reach deep into adult children and into grandchildren. The winds of life blow on everyone but those who are rooted with God will withstand the storms better.

The idea we are free to do what feels good, that we no longer need to talk about the Ten Commandments, is everywhere right now. But when we stay silent, believing things will eventually get better, is simply not working. Righteousness and love require intentional action. God is always with us, we choose to acknowledge Him or not, proving our loyalty & motives.

We need to listen for God’s words, His instruction. When He speaks, He is apt to repeat Himself until we listen. As many times as it takes. When He puts people on our hearts, He expects us to pray. When He tells us repeatedly to do something He is reminding us of the gift He gave us and telling us to use it!

Lord, You are so present in my life. I am grateful for all Your love and attention. I am forever thankful You called me to follow You, not just called, You pursued me and I could not resist Your love. To be included in Your plans for the world, to be a participant in the Harvest of lost souls, and used to tell people of Jesus and His great sacrifice, to watch families thrive and see children grow up to serve You is joy beyond measure. Thank You, God, for including me in Your beautiful world.

The Children of God

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1 John 2:28