Gideon- Week 1

Hello Ladies!

We just finished reading week one in the Gideon workbook by Priscilla Shirer and are gearing up for week two.  If you haven't started  yet, it is  not too late as this study is at your own pace. I hope that you are reading one lesson each day, but you can do more or less as you choose.  Remember the video sessions are optional, and the answers to these workbook pages are in the back of your book on page 189. Don’t get discouraged about the random questions based on the video, simply look in the back of the book. I also hope that you have been able to view the video from Beth Moore last week.  The next one will be in this Saturday's, July 5th, post.

The story of Gideon is only found in three chapters of the Bible, in the book of Judges. According to the Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary, the author of the book of Judges is unknown, although Jewish tradition attributes the book to Samuel, without evidence to support the claim.  Most of the 12 Judges are from different tribes, as you saw on the chart in your Gideon workbook this week. Gideon’ story is recorded in Judges 6:1-8:35

I always hear that setting the stage with some history of the story is welcome and appreciated.  to help us this week Priscilla Shirer presented a few timelines, a family tree and even a circle of redemption to set the stage for our study. We learned this week that the Spirit of the Lord came upon the Judges. “God hand picked people for the job who were terribly flawed, then empowered them to fulfill these roles in spite of their shortcomings,” writes Priscilla Shirer. Over and over the Bible teaches us that the Lord uses ordinary people for extraordinary purpose. You don’t need to be equipped to serve God, you need to be called by Him.  You need to yield and allow the Holy Spirit to move in and through you, not just in a ministry calling but in everyday life. This week, spend some time praying over your calling….and your role as a member of the family of God.

You are chosen by God for this new life of love and should dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12-14 Message Version

Prayer Requests

Continue to pray for each other this week. Even if you are not sure what to pray for, remember that God knows our needs.

For Next Week

• Read Week Two in the workbook

Group Discussion- Answer here or with your small group

1. QUESTION 1: What, if any, are the “iron chariots” of intimidation that keep you from moving forward in complete obedience to God’s Word? (page 11)
2. On page 18, Priscilla Shirer writes “today’s difficulties are a result of yesterday’s disobedience.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
3. What do you think has been most central to the moral decline in our day: failure to pass our faith to the next generation or failure of the next generation to receive it? (page 34)