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Learning From Unsung Heroes

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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Our faith should create in us a courage, a strength that is unwavering in the face of so many of life’s trials. As C.S. Lewis once said, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” I would like to look at three stories from the Bible that exemplify a courageous faith.

#1 Jehoiada (ye ho yaw da) and Jehosheba (ye ho shaw ba)- the princess and the priest who saved a king (2 Kings 11:4-17) (also 2 Chron 22-24)

Jehosheba as a member of the royal family, saw the evil plot unfolding and acted to save Joash (yo rash). Jehoiada was a high priest during that dark time in Judah’s history, when Queen Athaliah, obviously an ruthless woman from the line of Ahab, had seized the throne and murdered the royal family to secure her power.

Both Jehoiada and Jehosheba, acting with bold faith and wisdom, hid Joash, the rightful heir to the throne, in the temple for six years, protecting him from Athaliah’s murderous purge.

In the seventh year, Jehoiada revealed Joash to the captains of the guard and hatched a strategic coup. He divided up the divisions and combined both group going iff duty for the sabbath and the group coming on duty for the sabbath to guard the future king and surround the house of the Lord. And things couldn’t have worked out better. The queen tried to stop the anointing from happening but it eventually costs her life.

The plan played out beautifully. But going to the captains of the guard could have gone very differently. This plan could have backfired at the cost of everyone’s lives who were involved in the plot. But God honored the faith and courage of Jehosheba and Jehoiada.

Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada…

2 Chronicles 24:2

Corrie ten Boom is quoted as saying, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Jehosheba’s and Jehoiada’s courage was not loud or flashy, it was steadfast, wise, and grounded in God’s promises. They show us what it’s like to trust God especially when everything looks dim and uncertain. Their lives remind us that spiritual courage often means standing firm when no one else will, protecting the vulnerable, and restoring truth in times of darkness.

#2 Shiprah (shi frah) and Puah – midwives who defied the Pharaoh (Exodus 1:15-21)

They defied the Most Powerful Man on Earth. Pharaoh’s command was clear, but Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than Pharaoh. They refused to murder the Hebrew boys, risking their lives.

In addition to that, they stood up without weapons or position. These were ordinary women with no political power or military force. Their only strength was moral conviction and reverence for God. 

Charles Spurgeon said, “The Christian should be bold as a lion. That confidence is born not of self, but of God.” These women had confidence, not in who they were but in who God is. That can empower the lowliest of people and that is what the power of Christ is meant to do in each of our lives.

Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

Exodus 1:21

Their reverence and courage were noticed and honored by God, who blessed them personally and used their defiance to help preserve Israel’s future leading to the birth of Moses, their deliverer.

#3 Baruch – the man who gave us Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:4-32)

He Wrote God’s Words at Great Risk. In Jeremiah 36, Baruch wrote down the prophetic warnings from Jeremiah messages of judgment against Judah and read them publicly at the temple, knowing it could cost him his freedom or life.

Baruch goes on to reads the scroll in the presence of large crowds. One of the officials hears it and goes to tell the others. This group of officials invite Baruch to read it to them. Upon hearing the word, the officials tell Baruch and Jeremiah to hide while they take the words to the king. As the king hears the scroll he cuts pieces off and throws them into the fire. Then the king sought the two of them but God hid them.

Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote on it at the dictation of Jeremiah all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.

Jeremiah 36:32

He Did Not Abandon God’s Message, Even When the King Burned It. When King Jehoiakim burned the scroll in fury, God told Jeremiah to write it again. And Baruch did it all over again faithfully and without hesitation.

He Faced Threats and Personal Disillusionment. In Jeremiah 45, Baruch is distressed, saying, “Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain.” He was discouraged, fearful, and overwhelmed. But God didn’t rebuke him harshly. Instead, God promised to preserve his life and reminded him not to seek great things for himself, but to stay faithful in the midst of judgment.

Do not seek great things for yourself. Seek them not. For I will bring disaster… but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.

Jeremiah 45:5

Three things that we can all learn from these individuals are

1- Courage can look like quiet obedience.

2- God honors those who stand firm even when hope seems lost.

3- Faithfulness is more valuable than recognition.

Mary Slesser, a missionary in Africa, faced intense opposition when she tried to protect vulnerable women and children from harmful cultural practices. Mary Slessor (1848-1915) was a Scottish missionary known for her fearless work in Calabar (modern-day Nigeria). Slessor ventured deep into areas considered too dangerous for Europeans. She lived among tribes, endured diseases like malaria, and often intervened in tribal disputes, saving lives. Her faith compelled her to rescue and adopt abandoned twins, raise dozens of orphans, and advocate for the rights of women and children. She often put her own life at risk to protect them. One evening, she heard the screams of a woman tied to stakes, about to be scalded with boiling oil for feeding a starving slave. Without hesitation, Mary ran to the scene and placed herself between the woman and her attacker. Her courage saved the woman’s life and led to lasting change in the community. Her impact continues today in Nigeria, where she’s remembered as a heroine. Schools, hospitals, and churches bear her name. Today, Nigeria is a predominantly Christian nation with over 100 million Christians.

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,”

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV

Peace and courage in Christ brothers and sisters.

Why We Need Jesus

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There’s a quote that flips a lot of religious assumptions on their head:

Holiness is not the way to Jesus; Jesus is the way to holiness.

It’s short, but it packs a punch. For many of us, whether we’ve grown up in faith or come to it later in life, there’s often a quiet belief that we have to “clean ourselves up” before we can approach Jesus. Like we have to reach a certain level of moral performance before we’re worthy of His presence. But this quote reminds us of the gospel’s core truth: it’s not about what we do to get to Him — it’s about what He does to bring us to God.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

Jesus doesn’t wait for perfection. He invites us as we are.

Think of the people Jesus surrounded Himself with during His ministry — fishermen, tax collectors, sinners, outcasts. They weren’t holy when He called them. But through being with Him, learning from Him, and following Him, they were transformed. Holiness wasn’t the entry ticket; it was the result of walking with Him.

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

Titus 3:5

We don’t earn Jesus by being good — we grow in goodness by knowing Him.

Trying to earn our way to Jesus through good deeds alone can lead to pride or despair. Pride if we think we’re doing well, despair if we keep falling short. But the gospel frees us from that pressure. It tells us: Jesus came for the broken, not the perfect. He came to save, not to reward the already righteous.

“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Hebrews 10:10

So what does this mean practically?

It means we don’t have to hide our mess. We come to Jesus with our struggles, our doubts, our inconsistencies — and He begins the slow, beautiful work of making us holy. It’s not instant. It’s a process. But it’s real, and it’s rooted not in our effort, but in His grace.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

Holiness is the fruit, not the root.

Let Jesus be the root of your life, and holiness will grow. Not as a burden, but as a natural outcome of knowing Him more deeply.

So the next time you feel like you have to “get it together” before you pray, go to church, or even just approach God — remember this: You don’t get holy to find Jesus. You find Jesus, and He makes you holy.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

John 14:6

Peace and holiness in Christ brothers and sisters.

Pick your Podium

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This last week, I shared this message with a group of teenage athletes. I believe it’s a word that we can all find encouragement in. Whether you’re an athlete or not, we all have a podium to stand on. The question is, which one will it be?

My journey as a Christian athlete is a mixed bag at best. I grew up going to church occasionally, or when convenient, and pouring a lot of energy into athletics. I had struggles balancing faith and sports. And I don’t think there really was a balance. I prayed fairly regularly. I was baptized. I did Sunday school when I could. But beyond that there was no pursuit of holiness or the things of God. It came down to what motivated me, and it wasn’t deepening my relationship with Jesus. It was success in sports and school. That was a motivation I carried into my young adulthood. Instead of wrestling and grades, it became coaching and my career as a teacher.

The major lesson I have learned through all of it is I need to make Christ the center of it all. In order to do that, I had to learn who Jesus really is. When He isn’t your priority, you don’t learn much about Him. It wasn’t something that was a priority in my home growing up. I never knew what doing devotionals were until I was an adult. I never knew worship was more than singing a few hymns on Sunday. I never knew what it meant to live a life of service, devoted to the wellbeing of others. I was never shown what it meant to witness my faith. All of these things are core principles of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. And they were all missing from my life until I encountered Him in my mid-20s.

So let’s go back to the question: who is Jesus? He asked His own disciples, “who do you say that I am?” I found my answer, as I hope you all do, from Jesus himself. Let’s take a look at some words straight from God’s word.

In John chapter 1 it says that In the beginning Jesus was the Word and was with God and was God. Later, in John 14:6 He says that He is the way, the truth, and the life. In Revelation 22:13 Jesus is called the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Colossians 1:15-17 calls Him the image of the invisible God and by and FOR him all things were created.

If Jesus is all of these things, then my life had to radically change. I couldn’t be elevating other things over my relationship with Him. I couldn’t be trying to measure success in anything other than knowing Him more deeply. To be a Christian means to be sold out for Jesus. To be captivated by Him. Colossians 3:4 calls Jesus our life. And therefore He has to be the focus of our life.

Jesus gave his followers a title that He also gave himself. In John 8:12 He said, “I am the light of the world. In Matthew 5:14 He said, “You are the light of the world.” And therefore it is. The piece that had never been taught to me. I am a vessel for His light to shine through. I am meant to make Him known in whatever setting I find myself: as an athlete, coach, teacher, student, husband, friend, coworker, or any other title and position.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

The reward we put so much effort into seeking through sports, careers, and other achievements is very different from the reward spoken of here. Our pursuit is Jesus, and what we get is so much more than anything we could ever hope to receive through earthly pursuits. So I ask you, which podium has priority in your heart? The one you stand on to receive recognition, or the one you speak from to give God glory?

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15-17 ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

To Live is…

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In the logic of the gospel, there are no alternatives to Christ. Every other option is no option at all. When everything considered valuable in life is seen to be nothing in comparison to the glory of Christ, you learn rather well that Christ alone is worth living for.

Matt Chamdler

What is life? What is true living? What is the purpose of our existence? Philosophers have been battling with these questions for thousands of years. For the Christian, those questions have already been answered. And for the Christian, those answers are meant to be shared with the world. In Philippians 1:21, the Apostle Paul makes a bold declaration: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This verse encapsulates the heart of Christian living—Jesus is not just a part of life; He is life itself.

Living for Christ means that He is the foundation of everything we do. Our priorities, decisions, and actions should all reflect His love, grace, and truth. Paul exemplified this by dedicating his entire life to spreading the gospel, regardless of the hardships he faced. He endured imprisonment, beatings, and rejection, yet his joy remained because his life was Christ-centered.

How can this be more of a part of our lives in the 21st century? We have to start our day with prayer and Scripture, seeking God’s direction. Not doing that is like starting a trip with no destination or starting a task with no directions. We also have to make Christ the motivation behind our work, relationships, and daily interactions. Life is challenging enough as it is. And motivation is key in everything. As we go throughout the day we strive to glorify God in both big and small decisions. This more than serving in church, going down to the homeless shelter to serve food, street preaching, or any of the other outstanding acts of service. It’s in our conversations, or jobs, our thoughts, or words, our attitudes, our responses, our choices, and every other little detail. They begin and end with Jesus.

To live is Christ means representing Him wherever we go. As believers, we are called to reflect His character—showing love, humility, and kindness to others. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul reminds us that we are Christ’s ambassadors, carrying His message of reconciliation to the world. We do that by sharing the gospel through words and actions. We serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did. We act as a light in our workplace, community, and family. As my pastor (and father-in-law) says, “We love Jesus and make Him known.”

Many people search for meaning in career success, wealth, or personal achievements, but Paul reminds us that true purpose is found in Christ. When our lives revolve around Him, even suffering has meaning. Paul saw his trials as opportunities to magnify Christ and advance the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14). We need to shift our focus from earthly success to eternal impact. We need to use our talents and resources to serve God’s kingdom. And we need to trust God’s plan, even in challenges, knowing He is using our life for His glory.

“To live is Christ” means that Jesus is everything to us. He is our purpose, our joy, and our hope. Whether in times of blessing or trial, our lives should point to Him. Let us strive to live in such a way that when people see us, they see Christ.

Peace in Christ, your life, brothers and sisters.

Being at Peace

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“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In a world filled with uncertainty, conflict, and stress, finding true peace can seem impossible. Yet, for Christians, peace is not just a fleeting feeling but a gift from God-one that is accessible in every season of life.

The Bible teaches that peace comes from God, not from external circumstances. Referring to the image at the beginning of this post, Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This peace is not dependent on having a trouble-free life. It’s a deep, abiding assurance that God is in control, no matter what happens.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

One of the biggest barriers to peace is worry. When we trust God with our fears and burdens, He replaces our anxiety with His perfect peace. I have found that experience helps in this area. The more things we’ve gone through and have seen God carry us through to the other side of the storms, the easier it is to accept that peace when the waves start crashing again.

We can’t overstate the power of prayer and worship in our state of mind. Spending time in prayer and worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power. Worship reminds us of who God is-our Provider, our Protector, and our Peace. When we dwell in His presence, peace follows.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18

Peace is not just something we receive but something we are called to share. This means forgiving others, avoiding unnecessary conflicts, and being agents of God’s peace in our communities. But we can’t share something we don’t have. If there’s no genuine peace in us, then we won’t spread it to those in our lives. Some of the most bitter, harsh, tactless, unforgiving people I know are that way because they don’t know peace that Christ offers them.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3

The troubles of this world are temporary, but God’s kingdom is eternal. When we focus on the bigger picture-God’s promises and our eternal future with Him-our present worries lose their grip on us. Call it what you will-looking at the silver lining-keeping an eternal mindset-being heavenly minded-it all leads to a clearer outlook on our own lives.

I wish you peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

A Resurrected Life part II

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Last time I posed the question of how do we really know if we’re living a life of renewal and resurrection power? In this post, I’ve outlined just a few indicators of a faith-filled life. After all, Jesus said that we would know people by their fruit.

1-Are you Experiencing Victory Over Sin?

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”

Romans 6;6

The resurrection power frees Christians from the bondage of sin, granting them the strength to live victoriously.

Too many use grace as an excuse to stay in sin, to refuse to change. But as the saying goes, Jesus loves us but he loves us too much to leave us that way. To walk in sin is to surrender the power within us. It’s counterintuitive but we must surrender to win. Surrender pride and pursue purity.

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”

Romans 8:11

The resurrection power brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live godly lives.

2-Do You Experience Spiritual Empowerment?

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 1:19-20

The same power that raised Jesus enables believers to live with authority, confidence, and purpose.

Just like the dry bones that came to life, the power that brought the window’s son back to life in the days of Elijah, the man that was laid on the bones of Elisha, or the power that raised Lazarus and Jairus’s daughter, and the power that enabled Jesus to conquer death. The Bible is full of the life-giving power and it’s a power for us.

John 7:38: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'”

The manner in which we live, the words we say, the things we do, the relationships we build, should all be life-giving. Encouraging others, strengthening others, guiding others in life-giving truth.

3-Are You Experiencing Power Through the Hard Things in Life?

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

The resurrection power empowers Christians to face challenges with faith and strength.

Your troubles have come in order to prove that your faith is real. Your faith is worth more than gold. That’s because gold can pass away even when fire has made it pure. Your faith is meant to bring praise, honor and glory to God. This will happen when Jesus Christ returns.”

1 Peter 1:7 NIRV

It’s hard to say that untested faith is genuine. Look at Job, whose faith was deepened as he underwent trials. Look at the apostles, whose faith enabled them to face incredible persecution.

4-Do You Have Boldness in Witnessing?

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

The resurrection power gives Christians the boldness to share the gospel and fulfill their mission.

And look at what happened to the apostles throughout the story of Acts. They were met with resistance and persecution. And when they were reprimanded and beaten and jailed, they didn’t relent.

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Acts 4:29-30 ESV

Think about the Apostles that we can read about in Acts 5:12-16. They were praying for people, laying hands on people, healing people, and not in secret, on Solomon’s porch, in front of the temple.

Our witnessing shouldn’t just be when it’s convenient or safe. It’s proclaiming Jesus even when you’re told not to and where you’re told not to. It’s being able to say, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard”

“And he departed from our sight and we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.“

-St. Augustine

The power of Jesus rests in us because His Spirit is in us. We find Him in the world around us, and we find Him living within us.

“The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the ‘first fruits,’ the pioneer of life,’ He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so.”

C.S. Lewis

Everything is different and so be it with us. Are you different because you know Jesus? Are you living a resurrected life? Peace and power in Christ brothers and sisters.

How God Looks at You

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The world often judges us by our past. We most often view ourselves on our present. I believe God looks at us through our future.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV

The story of the apostle Peter has always been one that resonates with me in someways. Peter was impulsive and battled with pride. I find the same qualities in myself. Peter had highs and lows. He also praised God through his actions at some moments and denied him in others. but when Jesus interacted with Peter, he didn’t look at the mistakes that he had made, or his up and down faith. Jesus had his eyes set on Peter‘s future. By calling him, Peter and the first place, Jesus was making a statement about who he would become. As we read about in the New Testament, Peter was not his original name. Not only did Jesus give him a new name, but he proclaimed that the same faith that Peter had in order to declare Jesus, the Messiah, would be the same faith on which Jesus would build his church. Even after Peter denied Jesus three times on the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus knew that his destiny would not be marked by denial, but by the faithful pursuit of the kingdom of God. Not long after the resurrection of Jesus, he met with Peter and reminded him of his love for him. When Jesus ascended, Peter would be instrumental in preaching one of the greatest sermons and history after which 3000 people gave their hearts to Christ. Peter would go onto live the rest of his days devoted to sharing the gospel. Ultimately he would give his own life For the sake of the gospel.

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.””

John‬ ‭21‬:‭15‬-‭19‬ ‭ESV

Jesus has rescued me from a troubled past. He rescues me still from my pride and my up-and-down faith. But I believe, just as in Peter, Jesus views me in light of the destiny that he has aligned and prepared for me. I believe the same is true for you. God sees you. He knows all of your hurt and your brokenness and your sin. He knows your needs and your wants. He is for you. No matter what you’ve done., or where you find yourself now. He wants a relationship with you. And if He already has that, He wants it to grow to new heights.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Faith in the Face of Overwhelming Odds

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Throughout Scripture, God consistently demonstrates His faithfulness to His people, often in the most unlikely of circumstances. Two powerful examples of this are the story of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 6-7) and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6). Though separated by time and context, both narratives reveal how God uses ordinary people and unconventional methods to display His power and fulfill His promises.

Gideon: Trusting God in Weakness

Gideon’s story begins with fear and doubt. When God calls him to deliver Israel from the Midianites, Gideon protests, saying, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15). His hesitancy is relatable; he questions whether God is truly with him and seeks repeated confirmation through signs, such as the fleece (Judges 6:36-40). We’ve all been there. Saying something like, “is this truly you God?” Or, “are you sure you want me to do that?”

Despite Gideon’s initial doubt, God remained faithful and patient, guiding him step by step. Just like He’s done in my life and yours. The most remarkable aspect of Gideon’s victory lies in God’s strategy. Facing an army described as “thick as locusts” (Judges 7:12), Gideon starts with 32,000 men. However, God reduces the army to just 300, ensuring that the victory will unmistakably be attributed to Him, not human strength (Judges 7:2). Armed with trumpets, torches, and jars—not conventional weapons—Gideon’s army routs the Midianites.

Gideon’s victory highlights an important truth: God’s power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we step out in faith, even with trembling hearts, God can accomplish extraordinary things through us.

Jericho: Obedience in the Unconventional

The fall of Jericho is another testament to God’s faithfulness and power. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Jericho stood as a formidable obstacle—a city fortified with impenetrable walls. Yet God’s instructions to Joshua were unconventional: march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, march around it seven times, then shout and blow trumpets (Joshua 6:2-5).

To human reasoning, this plan seemed absurd. Yet Joshua and the Israelites obeyed without hesitation. Their faith was rewarded when the walls of Jericho collapsed, granting them victory without a single weapon being raised (Joshua 6:20). This story reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). His plans often defy logic, but they always accomplish His purposes.

Faith, Obedience, and God’s Glory

Both stories share common themes that resonate with believers today:

1. Faith in God’s Promises: Gideon and Joshua both trusted God’s promises, even when the odds seemed impossible. Their faith allowed them to experience God’s miraculous deliverance.

2. Obedience in Uncertainty: Both leaders followed God’s instructions, even when those instructions seemed unconventional. Obedience, even in the face of uncertainty, invites God’s blessing.

3. God’s Glory Displayed: In both victories, it was clear that the outcomes were due to God’s power, not human effort. This ensured that He received the glory.

Life often presents us with challenges that seem insurmountable—health crises, financial struggles, broken relationships, or personal weaknesses. Like Gideon and Joshua, we may feel inadequate or question how victory is possible. Yet their stories remind us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our strength or understanding.

When we trust Him, obey His leading, and step out in faith, God works in ways that exceed our expectations. Our “walls of Jericho” can crumble, and our “Midianite armies” can be defeated—not because of our might, but because of His.

As Paul writes in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Gideon and Jericho stand as enduring testimonies to this truth: no matter how overwhelming the odds, God is faithful, and His power is more than enough.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Not a 50 Cent Gospel

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,”

Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

There is a story I came across recently, about a plantation owner who left a substantial inheritance to a former servant who had served him faithfully his entire life. Once the man had passed, the now former servant was told of the immense wealth that he now possessed. An amount that would equate to around a million dollars today. However, weeks went by and the man never went to withdraw any of his inheritance money. Until one day, he entered the bank and asked the cashier if he could please 50 cents to buy some cornmeal.

The man was seemingly unable to grasp the fullness of what he had been given. The inheritance was so much and was at his fingertips. I feel as though many of us behave in such a way as inheritors of the riches of Christ. We tap into pennies when He offers us abundance.

The gospel is big and beautiful and full. But how many of us are limping through life, burdened with anxieties and stress? How many of us are crippled by selfishness and pride? The gospel is a message of life and peace. One of healing and joy. Through Jesus, we experience the fullness of life God meant for us all along.

“My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.”

Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In this passage, the wisdom of God brings about riches more valuable than gold or silver. It is that wisdom that guides the follower towards that inheritance. It is that wisdom that helps us abide in the One who grants the inheritance.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,”

1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

You and me, brothers and sisters, have been given such a great gift. The gift of life. The gift of hope. The gift of peace, healing, and wholeness. Our debt has been paid. Our sin atoned for. The weights of life carried on the shoulders of our Creator. We need to stop living as though we haven’t been given everything. We have to stop living out a 50 cent gospel when we are meant for so much more.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Thirst

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

I put in some long days working in the heat during the summer. On those days I experience thirst to the point of desperation. It becomes consuming, hard to focus on much else. In my mind it’s really hard to be satisfied or content until that thirst is quenched. I’m just thinking about that next sip of cold water.

Henry David Thoreau, a 19th century abolitionist and theologian, said, “How prompt we are to satisfy the hunger and thirst of our bodies; how slow to satisfy the hunger and thirst of our souls!” How convicting and how true those words hard. I ask myself, have I ever thirsted for God the way that I did for the drink of water on those hot summer days?

“”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”‬‬

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV

Jesus says that if we hunger and thirst for righteousness we will be satisfied! So I guess the first question is, are you satisfied? To be satisfied is to be no longer needing anything. It’s like a perfect contentment. That’s where the believer is meant to be. We have everything in Him. And I truly believe that as our thirst for Him and His righteousness grows, it lessons for everything else. Thinking back to my experience in the heat, totally consumed with getting the next drink. Am I that way with God? Are you? The greek word used here is dipsao, which means to painfully feel want or eagerly long for. It’s being totally consumed to the point where everything we do is affected by it? Our work, our relationships, our conversations, our thoughts? For those of us not quite there yet, there’s good good news.

“They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and the water gushed out.”

Isaiah‬ ‭48‬:‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This passage is recalling God’s faithfulness in leading Israel through the desert. A people who rebelled, complained, wanted to turn back, who questioned, who built false gods, who doubted in the face of giants. Yet God was faithful.

I love songs like, Chasing rebels down by Ben Fuller. Or rescue story by Zach Williams. Or the song we sang, Goodness of God. They are some of the most moving songs because they apply to every one of us. We can look back over our lives and see God’s faithfulness as we wandered, sometimes willingly, or sometimes because of tragedy or hardships. We see that in a story out of John 4:10-14 in the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well. She was a wandering soul, who God never lost sight of. And one thing I love most about that story is that she found what she was looking for and she would not stop talking about Jesus.

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

Psalm‬ ‭63‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Hebrew word used in both of these passages is same (tsamay) which carries the same weight as the greek counterpart. Denoting that intense longing. When is the last time you truly thirsted for God? Or to be righteous? What does that look like? Listen to this quote from Saint Augustine:

You called and shouted and burst my deafness. You flashed, shone, and scattered my blindness. You breathed odors, and I drew in breath and panted for You. I tasted, and I hunger and thirst. You touched me, and I burned for Your peace.

Saint Augustine (4th Century)

This is someone who has been touched by God, who has experienced Him in a very real way. I really believe that there is supposed to be this insatiable desire and need within the beloved of Christ. To the point where we can’t wait to see Him. We can’t wait to hear from Him. We can’t wait to read His word, we meditate, we worship, we pray, we serve…we pursue…always…because we need that connection…that closeness. It is the deepest of inner longings for a connection with our Creator. It’s the awareness of our need for His presence, guidance, grace, truth, and love.

There is such a sad passage in Jeremiah. In fact, much of that book is sad. To see what has become of God’s people. And right at the beginning, God speaks to Israel and says, “My people have done two evils: They have turned away from me, the spring of living water. And they have dug their own wells, which are broken wells that cannot hold water.” (Jer 2:13) We are all guilty of digging broken wells. For trying to satisfy that longing, that thirst, in the wrong ways. And what follows is a sense of emptiness, a lack of purpose, an unattainable peace, loneliness, and often pain. But that isn’t the story God is wanting for us. Instead He says abide in me, look for me, ask, knock, come to me, seek me with your whole heart and you will find me. And the end of our story is glorious.

“”Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.””

Revelation‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.