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Morning Devotional...Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah — by Faith

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah.  (Heb_11:32)

So much has been noted in these chronicles of faith concerning the extensive consequences that appear as faith accesses grace. As our present verse implies, days and pages seem too short to also relate the testimonies of Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah — who many might view as "unlikely examples" of living by faith. 

In Gideon, God was calling an unlikely leader as His instrument for delivering His people. His humble reply was, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? . . . I am the least in my father's house" (Jdg_6:15). The Lord's promise was, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites (Jdg_6:16). When 32,000 Israelites rallied for battle (see Jdg_7:3), God diminished Gideon's army to an unimpressive, outnumbered 300. "Then the LORD said to Gideon, 'By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you" (Jdg_7:7). Gideon went forth by faith, and the Lord was faithful to His word. "When the three hundred blew the trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his companion . . . and the army fled" (Jdg_7:22). 

Again, in Barak, another unlikely leader was selected by the Lord. First, he would not go forth to battle unless the prophetess Deborah accompanied him "And Barak said to her, If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go' " (Jdg_4:. Also, his godless opponent was actually defeated by another woman. "Sisera had fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber . . . Then Jael . . . took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand . . . and drove the peg into his temple . . . for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died" (Jdg_4:17, Jdg_4:21).

In Samson, we have another unexpected example of faith. Although he did many mighty exploits, he often proved to be a vain and foolish man (especially, concerning women). Yet, in his death, he won his greatest victory of all. "O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God . . . So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life" (Jdg_16:28, Jdg_16:30). 

In Jephthah, we have one more unlikely example of faith. He was the "son of a harlot" (Jdg_11:1). He made what appeared to be an unwise vow (Jdg_11:1). Still, on occasion, his trust in the Lord was evident. "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah . . . and the LORD delivered them into his hands" (Jdg_11:29, Jdg_11:32).

Lord God of the "unlikely servant," I thank You for these testimonies of those "likely to be overlooked by many." Yet, at various times and in many situations, their faith in You was demonstrated. Lord, I am encouraged that you are not looking for the spectacular performer or the capable achiever. You are looking for people who will trust in You, as You deal with their shortcomings. I praise You, Lord, for such lovingkindness!

Day-by-Day by Grace  Bob Hoekstra

Hi everyone on this beautiful Sunday morning.  After three days of not leaving the house, this morning I plan on going to get something for breakfast for us and then we will head to the church for Sunday School and the Worship Service.  Our schedule picks up a bit this next week.  Pat plans on attending a four week course on Methodism that is being conducted by your Pastor.  I will go to Sunday School while she attends the class.  I did enjoy three pretty good football games at the same time yesterday as my plan to watch on the TV, iPad and iPhone worked beautifully.  The three teams I was pulling for won yesterday but did not have easy games.  Clemson, Georgia and Virginia Tech all managed a win and Clemson remains one of only two unbeaten teams. 

Carol, we avoid after Christmas sales as well as the weeks before Christmas at the stores.  What a rude person to steal your cart at the after Christmas sale. 

Marilyn, sorry to read that your walking is now more of a challenge.  Do you not have anyplace that is relatively level you could walk and avoid that hill?  The last couple of times I have tried to walk outside I had to give it up rather quickly due to the angina returning.  I have had some success walking in the big stores by walking relatively slow and occasionally stopping to look at something.  Isn't it great that our insurance companies know exactly what we need and don't need in terms of medical care and medicine. 

Jane, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week.  God doesn't use perfect people to accomplish his purpose. 

Pat:  I am thinking of you and sending up a prayer for your recovery. 

Hi everyone on this partly cloudy Monday morning here in South Carolina.  Nothing out of the ordinary on tap for today.  I expect a trip to the grocery store will be in order and I plan on attending a noon meeting and that will be it for today.  We were shocked yesterday afternoon when we had an email from friends in our former church telling us of the sudden death of a dear friend suddenly on Saturday afternoon.  She had had a knee replacement done on Wednesday and this was totally unexpected.  We played cards with she and her husband several times and dined with them on occasion.  She was just a lovely lady who was a vital part of the Congregational Care committee or our former church, volunteered and cooked for the respite program at the church, took many meals to folks (including us a few times) and was just a super person.  We are planning on going back to attend her services but have no information as to when at this time. 

The snowplow came through a few minutes ago and now we need the shovel men - who are hired off the streets (not a good idea) to clear the driveways in our little Retreat area.  That is the name of this group of homes. 

Larry:  Sorry for the loss of your new friend. 

Hi, friends,

It ended up being a busy weekend. My daughter and her hubby invited me for Wednesday evening dinner, then I took my sister in law to Shoneys for Thanksgiving dinner, next my son and his family drove in from Atlanta to spend time with me on Friday evening and Saturday morning, the ex-trucker son drove here from Houston on Friday and met up with the Atlanta family and me for breakfast, and then the Houston son met my sister in law and me for lunch yesterday!

So, I had Thanksgiving weekend - and no leftovers.

Today was devoted to taking the disabled lady to the doctor - slowly she gets worse. I'm concerned about her health and ability to function independently.

Well, it was wonderful to hear of what's been happening in your lives. Thanks so much for sharing.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a cloudy, foggy morning but already 61 degrees and headed up to 70 this afternoon.  We have one big thing on the schedule for today and that is our monthly Senior luncheon and program at church at 11:30. 

Our son had to leave his work last night and go to the ER as has an abscessed tooth that had caused swelling in his mouth.  The doctor was able to drain the abscess and gave him some pain pills and antibiotics and I talked with him a little bit ago and he is feeling much better today and will be able to work.  He will see his regular dentist on Thursday. 

We learned yesterday that the funeral for our dear friend will be Sunday afternoon at 3 pm.  So we plan on driving over Sunday morning, having lunch with our good friends where we stayed before and then after the service returning home.  Pat is feeling better and should be able to share in the driving so while it will be a tiring we should be fine. 

Carol, sure sounds like you all are pretty well snowed in.  I saw on the news last night pictures of the terrible ice storms encountered in some areas. 

Ruth Ann, what a Thanksgiving you experienced and how great was it to have some of your children to be there to share the weekend.  Nice of you to once again help the disabled lady get to the doctor.  Does she not want any assistance from some of the health agencies that could look in on her?

I am, just now, finding a moment to come here to read and pray with all y'all ...

My daughter Joy, and Bryan, were with me for a little over a week, and we had a good Thanksgiving.  I was driving a few days because Bryan "needed" to know where Taco Bell was ... he had already found Domino's Pizza just a short distance from my place ... Joy and I each had a recliner in which we watched untold number of movies and TV shows, nodding off from time to time ... at least we were resting like we'd been advised!  On Thursday we went to a local restaurant for the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner ... and were stuffed more than the turkey!  We brought so much home with us that I just this morning finished the last of the leftovers!

Thursday night Bryan drove us out to Shore Acres to see the light display and they really enjoyed that.  For the first time I've been out there on Thanksgiving it wasn't raining!  But it was pretty cold and Joy and I were lacking stamina to walk all around, so we went into the house there (former gardener's home) and looked out the window!  We could see out over the entire acreage from there.

Yesterday I finally got the drain removed and now I have an appointment with the oncologist next week.  I feel really good and have no concerns about anything. The doctor told me there would be a follow-up with a mild chemo to make sure there is no trace of anything remaining.

I guess I missed a day or two in here.  But I have been a little bit busy!

Larry, sorry about the death of your long-time friend.  Now there is another one in heaven to greet your appearance there.  It is hard to part with friends, for we miss them so much.

I had a call today from a reporter at The Hutchinson News.  She is coming to do a feature story on Beth's wedding!!  Please pray with me for Beth to be feeling her best on Saturday!  She wasn't doing that great today when we met with the pastor.

I'm not thinking very clearly now, need some sleep as I didn't sleep well last night.  So please forgive me, but I'm going to bed!

Jane:  Please keep on resting and that will help the healing so much faster.

Janet:  You are in my thoughts and prayers - Beth as well. 

Middle son walked over tonight for a light dinner here - actually, he visits quite often but doesn't like to take advantage of our food - he does so much extra for us because he lives so close.  He walks his dog always on the chain now because there are a few coyotes in the ravine spotted several days this week.  Enough said!

Larry:  The culprit is ice.  We have garage door problems when it is so cold - plus ice forms right in front of the garage - so tomorrow this may melt a bit more. 

Hi everyone on another foggy, cloudy morning.  It is 64 degrees this morning and it looks like the high will be 68. 

A huge moving van pulled up next door so we will be getting our new neighbors today a little bit ago.  This is a day I have been waiting for ever since we moved here as it means the building on our side of the street is now complete with only one house left to build across the street but not directly in front of our house.  I just went outside and meet them and they seemed very nice and friendly.  Unfortunately they are going to have to deal with some rain this morning as they move in. The first thing that had to be unloaded was a car and the towing company has been here and the car is now on the street.   
We had a very enjoyable Senior Luncheon meeting yesterday with several members of our church choir in attendance and they provided the program and then led the entire group in some of the traditional Christmas songs.  The church pianist was there to accompany us and her playing magnificient.  We also had a nice meal.  The main activities for today are to probably do some grocery shopping and then this evening resumes our Wednesday night dinner at church and the Bible study. 

Jane, it sounds like you had a delightful Thanksgiving and enjoyable several days with Joy and Bryan.  Glad you are resting as directed by our doctor. You should start feeling even better with the drain removed.  Obviously you are taking things just one day at a time and not wasting precious time worrying about tomorrow. 

Janet, I can't think of anything that would be keeping you busy (joking of course).  It seems like I have lost quite a few friends and family in the last couple of years.  How nice thata the newspaper is going to do a feature on Beth and John's wedding.  I sure will be praying for Beth and John and all the family that Saturday will be just a wonderful day that all can enjoy. Hope you were able to sleep last night. 

Carol, nice that your son lives close by and keeps an eye on you both and is available to help you when needed.  We are so enjoying being close to our son both in distance and relationship.  Hope you get the ice melted quickly out your way.  Not good to have your car stuck in your garage. 

Hmmmm.....I know I posted in here this morning, but it isn't here now.  Cyber gremlins again??I got more done toward the wedding today.  Two more days, and then......  

Terrible about the shootings in San Bernadino, California today.  Some days it seems the whole world is going crazy!  I hope they catch the shooters quickly.  Seems one has been killed already, though they aren't saying yet.  May God protect our police as they deal with this mess.

I'm tired, and am trying to stay healthy while I prepare for the wedding and the house guests I will have.  Please continue to pray  for Beth!  Thanks.

See you tomorrow!

Hi everyone on a cool but clear Thursday morning.  It is 46 degrees and only to get up into the low 50's this afternoon.  Our dinner at church last night wasn't the best we have had.  It was grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries and all the trimmings and a delicious piece of cake (that saved the day).  Unfortunately many of the hamburgers were not cooked enough and I saw a lot of folks leaving their's on the plate uneaten and probably a number of them taken home for some more cooking.  Where they grilled them outside did not have adequate lighting and I have to think that had something to do with the under cooking of the burgers as we have had them before and they were good.  We did enjoy the class with the Pastor as we are studying the beginning of Christianity in the first century.  Scott had planned to come over after we got home last evening but got called back into work as someone was called away and they were short-handed. 

I will go to coffee in a little while and then to the Wisdom class.  Pat has some plans for today.  The car was low on gas so I took it to the gas station and filled it up this morning.  We still need to get to the grocery store.  That will be enough activity for us for today. 

Janet, these killings make no sense and to be done in the name of religion also makes no sense other than to create fear in the countries attached.  I am sure you will be very busy the next couple of days as the countdown clock continues to click away.  What time of the day is the wedding?

Hi, friends,

I'm preparing to rest the remainder of the day.

I took a couple of ladies to the Salvation Army Christmas luncheon for the Golden Agers (old folks like me). It was delicious, and for an extra $2, I brought home a complete meal for my dinner this evening. How nice to have two great meals in one day.

Then, there was a meeting with a Medicare Advantage person. I asked that this particular company send someone to go over their plan, as I'm considering switching companies. So, after my rest, I'll need to set up a spreadsheet to compare prices, etc. This will be interesting to see the results of a line by line comparison.

Well, it's so good to know that things are progressing toward the wedding in Kansas, that the building is almost over for Larry's subdivision, that Carol and family are so close to family, that Jane continues with recuperation and rest, that Marilyn is involved with her Freckles, and that all the rest of our group are progressing nicely.

May our Lord watch over us and, as He always does, provide for our needs and maybe some of our wants.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann:  Your message is like a lovely benediction - we all need words of faith these days. 

Don is helping a dear friend and neighbor with her computer.  She has memory problems and usually calls for his help every few weeks.  He doesn't mind at all but tells her that sometime he won't be able to fix her problems - and, yes, she does copy all his instructions so we don't know what happens. 

Had a mammogram this morning and I was thinking how fortunate we are with health care.  Then, we came home and I was making more goodies in the kitchen when the mixer decided to fling about a half cup of flour all over the floor - what a mess.  Don is writing the Christmas cards - oh, I forgot but someone said "merry Christmas" to us today.  How nice. 

Janet:  Take a deep breath and tell yourself that everything is going to be just fine.  Enjoy and let others help you too. 

Larry:  We have all our children within an hours drive - they all moved here from Texas when Don moved for a job.  How fortunate it is for us - because we are going to change our bedroom set with one in the basement so the boys will help us move furniture.  Is Pat doing much sewing? 

Larry, the wedding is at 2:00 PM on Saturday.  Today, the Mennonite church folks treated us to a wonderful meal of turkey, ham, and all the trimmings, even a good variety of homemade pies!  As soon as I ate, I slipped out as I was to meet Toni and go decorate the church.  Diane came, too, and my friend Pat, who moved to Texas about a year ago and hadn't been here since.  We got the church and the fellowship hall decorated and it looks very nice.  And yes, I am very tired again!

Tomorrow we make the final trip to Garden before the wedding.  Also, I get my hair done.  Need to pick up more purple flowers for two baskets for the front of the church, and will call it ready!  So many have said they are coming, so if we run out of punch, we will serve water, I guess! 

Please forgive me for not addressing each of you.  I do care, I am just out of energy for the day.  Adios for now!

Hi everyone on this truly beautiful chilly but clear and sunny Friday morning here in South Carolina.  It got down to 37 degrees last night but headed to about 57 degrees this afternoon.  I will have to leave in an hour or so to go to a followup doctor's appointment with my new internist.  He ordered a number of blood tests and he will go over those with me this morning.  It should be a short appointment and there were only a couple of tests our of the normal range.  The housekeeper will be here around 11 this morning.  This evening we plan on attending the special Christmas program by our church choir and bell choir.  They are being joined by students from the North Augusta High School fine arts department including instrumentalists.  It should be a very enjoyable program.  We have managed to put off going to the grocery store all week so perhaps this afternoon will be the time. 

I got the following in my morning email and thought I would share it with you all:

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his
little daughter, Vanessa.  Finally, he tore a sheet out of his
magazine on which was printed the map of the world.  Tearing it
into small pieces, he gave it to Vanessa, and said, "Go into the
other room and see if you can put this together."

After a few minutes, Vanessa returned and handed him the map
correctly fitted together.  The father was surprised and asked how
she had finished so quickly.

"Oh," she said, "on the other side of the paper is a picture of
Jesus.  When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then the
world came together."

Ruth Ann, the Salvation Army Christmas luncheon sounds like it was very enjoyable as well as delicious.  Nice you could take the two ladies with you to also enjoy the meal.  I don't envy you on trying to figure out which health insurance company to use.  I took care of this matter for Pat and I a few days ago. 

Carol, nice of Don to be patient and willing to continue to help the lady with her computer.  We are fortunate to still have good health care in the USA although the situation is becoming more difficult for not only the patients but for the doctors and their staff.  You must have made your mixer angry at you to throw a fit like that.  You are very fortunate to have your children within an hours drive.  Pat isn't doing a lot of sewing and recently has been concentrating on making pot holders that involve a little pieced quilted pattern on the front.  However, she is thinking about doing the mystery quilt that one of the quilt sites is featuring for several months.  She keeps buying more fabric so hope she will feel up to doing more quilting but she has very limited stamina. 

Janet, it sounds like the final countdown in terms of hours is underway.  I bet with your sense of style the church decorations are very beautiful.  I hope you will be sharing some pictures from the wedding with us.  It sounds like it will be a wonderful day for Beth and John and a joyous one for you in seeing Beth's dream of being married finally coming to pass.  While I appreciate responses to my postings I never expect them. 

Whew!  The last few days have been something else!  The car at the mechanic's twice. No power twice, for only about 4 or 5 hours, but that always means the pump at the trailer park's well is also down and that means a boil water warning for several days.  Of course, no internet access during the outages.   A major church congregational meeting coming up following this Sunday's service and I'm not sure how or if I'll be able to get there.  Then of course, the normal things like grocery shopping, cooking, etc.  Hard to believe it's Friday evening again already.  I've gotten really behind on my duties here, too.   

But after I tear my hair out over all that, I come here and read about what others, especially Janet, are contending with and feel ashamed. 

But, Jeanne, the extra stuff I am doing is a labor of love and joy!  I told daughter Diane yesterday "I;m trying not to stress over all of this!"  Her answer?  "Well, Mom, I don't think it's working!"    We made the last trip for stuff to Garden City today, also got the food for the light supper we will serve to family and friends from afar tomorrow evening after the wedding is over.  I gave John a short list, including "Take the marriage license to the church with you" this evening when we got back to town.    And I told him to go home early and let Beth get a really good night's rest!  (Bossy mother-in-law already! 

The gal from the Hutchinson paper called me again this evening and is very excited about coming to cover the wedding.  We are all excited about it, too.

And I will have to make some pictures available for all of you to see.  Even if I have to trouble Jeanne to post them for me!  Sorry, Jeanne.  Pat tried to teach me how to post first on Facebook, then on here, but her student forgets quicker than she remembers.  But I really do want to share this exciting day with all of my friends here.

We had high winds here today, otherwise it was chilly but nice, and is to be even milder tomorrow.  Thank YOU, LORD!

Beth's friend and bridesmaid got here last night, all the way from Fargo, North Dakota!  So glad she made it safely.

Time to find something for supper.  Have a great night, everyone![/color][/b]

Hmmm......I didn't mean to make that part move, but oh, well................

Janet, must have been the wind blowing that last bit.   

Janet, you must know that I'll be excited about those pictures and very happy to post them.  I'm sure everyone is just as thrilled as I am about this wedding.   

Jeanne:  Nice one on the last bit blowing through......

Janet:  Wishing you the very best - then, take a rest for sure. 

Larry:  Loved the story of the picture of Jesus on the back on the paper.  I sew a lot of quilted potholders with patterns from Carol Doak and put a thin layer of ironing board insulated fabric between two lightweight battings - sewn with heavy needles.  The insulated material keep fingers from burning.  You have given me an idea to try to fit in some time to make more hot pads.  Today, I made two sewing mistakes in a row so left the machine and read a book for awhile.   

Time to work on my Christmas Eve open house list.  Everyone seems to like a huge pot of apple cider with cinnamon sticks so that goes into the largest crock pot. 

We have so much ice on our north facing driveway and it is because the roof's heated cording isn't working - the former owners had it put in and now we know why.  Another thing to fix - and it looks like a plumber won't even be calling back this month for a broken sink. 

Hi, friends,

It turned out to be a lovely day today.

The newest cleaning lady was so personable, and in the limited time available, she did a wonderful job. Thank you, Lord.

Then, a friend who was taking new job training this week passed her test, although she had been extremely anxious about it. Both of us had been praying for peace for her and the ability to absorb the technical aspects of the training. Thank you, Lord.

And, my son who lives out of the country called and we were able to take care of some of his contact needs tonight. Then, we actually had a few moments to converse. Again, thank you, Lord.

May our Lord bless all of us real good, and may He smile on the wedding tomorrow.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a chilly but very nice 37 degree morning here in North Augusta, SC.  Yesterday morning will taken up with the trip to the doctor.  Basically a good report except did learn that the lower platelet count is due to the prostate cancer spreading into the bone marrow that prevent the creation of some new cells resulting in the lower platelet count.  We will continue to monitor the situation for now as he agrees with me that my heart situation will probably take me before the cancer can become too much of a problem.  I really don´t worry about either situation as I know that God is in charge of my life and will see me through whatever my life holds for me. 

Last evening we attended the Christmas music program at our church that featured our Chancel Choir, Handbells and the Woodwind Ensemble and Senior Choir from the North Augusta High School.  It was a wonderful program of sacred music and the music was beautiful by all concerned.  It ended with the congregation joining with the choirs and band singing the first verse of several Christmas Carols.  If a person didn´t leave there with an excitement about Christmas they weren´t listening.  We were so glad we attended. 

Our main goal for today is to finally get some grocery shopping done this morning and perhaps a quick stop at COSTCO for a few items we need from there.  Then late this afternoon I will be watching the college conference playoff football games.

Janet, this is Bethś big day and I bet she didn´t get a lot of sleep last night or you either probably in anticipation of this wonderful event.  Sure looking forward to the pictures and details of the actual wedding and hope that Beth has an up day.  I doubt that John considers you bossy .

Jeanne, what a week you have experienced.  Letś hope that this will be the worst week of winter.  Thanks for all the help you provide in posting pictures and other duties in connection with keeping these discussion groups functioning well. 

Carol, Pat uses something call insullite in her pot holders, which is probably the same thing or type of thing you mentioned to protect hands from the heat.   A north facing driveway can be a real problem in winter as that area next the a garage door seems to be the last to melt. 

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!!  I didn't get a lot of sleep and got up at 4:30  I really needed that time with my Father today!  And I know He is in control of all things, every detail of the wedding is in His loving hands.

We are all so excited!  Family leaving their homes early this morning to make the drive to Ulysses, and people here in Ulysses all tell me how excited they are about this wedding!  The lady from the Hutchinson News called yesterday and said she is so excited to be able to come and cover this event.  May God bless each person who attends!

John saw on Facebook that Beth's oldest (adopted) sister is here, from California for the wedding!  She has cut me out of her life, blocked me from her FB page, but I still love her and sent her an invitation.  So I'm happy she is here!  God has a plan in all this, and His plans are always good!

Time to hit the shower and get started on this wonderful day!

Blessings to each one of you today!

Waiting for Janet's report......

Don found a football game......

A new day, a new week, a new month and a new Thoughts for the Week HERE