Let us pray, and the Lord said und Gideon, by the three hundred men that lapped, I will save you and deliver the Midianites into thine hand, and let all the other people go, every man unto his place Judge seven seven. Father, before I even begin my day, I thank you that word of my bravery and your hand upon me has reached the ears of all those who oppose me. Therefore, with boldness in my heart, I will continue my journey in overcoming the setbacks that have been sent to derail my destiny. As my feet touched the ground, I thank you that the devil and all his little minions are shaking because of the power that is moving through me. I confess that I will not have my mind set on a certain way to win the battle, but instead I will look to you, Lord, who, with creativity and individuality, produce methods that will confuse my enemy and give me complete victory without burnout and turmoil. Like the story of Gideon and Judges seven and eight, to day is the day that my name will be known throughout the enemy's camp. To day is the day that all hell will move out of my way, because the all powerful God is with me. And his angels go before me with trumpets and swords, sent to confuse and stun my enemies. Glory to God who shows up again and again to fight for his children in Jesus name. Amen, Thanks for making prayer a priority in your life. To hear the Bible come to life, Stay tuned for the Bible in a Year brought to you by Bible in a Year dot Com.

Let us pray, and the Lord said und Gideon, by the three hundred men that lapped, I will save you and deliver the Midianites into thine hand, and let all the other people go, every man unto his place Judge seven seven. Father, before I even begin my day, I thank you that word of my bravery and your hand upon me has reached the ears of all those who oppose me. Therefore, with boldness in my heart, I will continue my journey in overcoming the setbacks that have been sent to derail my destiny. As my feet touched the ground, I thank you that the devil and all his little minions are shaking because of the power that is moving through me. I confess that I will not have my mind set on a certain way to win the battle, but instead I will look to you, Lord, who, with creativity and individuality, produce methods that will confuse my enemy and give me complete victory without burnout and turmoil. Like the story of Gideon and Judges seven and eight, to day is the day that my name will be known throughout the enemy's camp. To day is the day that all hell will move out of my way, because the all powerful God is with me. And his angels go before me with trumpets and swords, sent to confuse and stun my enemies. Glory to God who shows up again and again to fight for his children in Jesus name. Amen, Thanks for making prayer a priority in your life. To hear the Bible come to life, Stay tuned for the Bible in a Year brought to you by Bible in a Year dot Com.

Gideon's Army and God's Glory. Previously, we were introduced to God's new hero, Gideon. Gideon was a cowardly and weak man, but the strength of God fell upon him. He was filled with enough bravery to summon an army against the Midian knight Hoarde. Now the armies of Israel are gathered ready to follow Gideon into battle. In this story, we'll learn of God's unusual tactics for building an army and how he uses Gideon's intelligence to lead Israel into victory. Inspired by the Book of Judges.

Gideon's Army and God's Glory. Previously, we were introduced to God's new hero, Gideon. Gideon was a cowardly and weak man, but the strength of God fell upon him. He was filled with enough bravery to summon an army against the Midian knight Hoarde. Now the armies of Israel are gathered ready to follow Gideon into battle. In this story, we'll learn of God's unusual tactics for building an army and how he uses Gideon's intelligence to lead Israel into victory. Inspired by the Book of Judges.

Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible in a Year podcast. In yesterday's episode, we heard how God called Gideon an unlikely and reluctant leader, and Gideon was called to rally the troops against the Midianites and the Amalikites, who were pillaging Israel's crops and stealing their livestock. Gideon was slow to accept his calling, but when he did, he was joined by thirty two thousand men ready for battle. Gideon then asked God for one more sign that he was indeed going to save Israel, and like a patient father reassuring his child, God gave Gideon the signs he asked for, not just once, but twice. Today we'll see how God chooses and uses a select company of men out of the thirty two thousand troops that go to battle with Gideon. It will serve as a sure sign that the victory belongs to God and God alone, not by might or power or military prowess. Let's listen right now to today's reading.

Hello, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible in a Year podcast. In yesterday's episode, we heard how God called Gideon an unlikely and reluctant leader, and Gideon was called to rally the troops against the Midianites and the Amalikites, who were pillaging Israel's crops and stealing their livestock. Gideon was slow to accept his calling, but when he did, he was joined by thirty two thousand men ready for battle. Gideon then asked God for one more sign that he was indeed going to save Israel, and like a patient father reassuring his child, God gave Gideon the signs he asked for, not just once, but twice. Today we'll see how God chooses and uses a select company of men out of the thirty two thousand troops that go to battle with Gideon. It will serve as a sure sign that the victory belongs to God and God alone, not by might or power or military prowess. Let's listen right now to today's reading.

The sun rose over the Israelite army. Sun rays shone into the common areas between tents. Men were preparing their armor and sharpening their swords. Over thirty two thousand Israelite soldiers camped in the valley opposite of the Midianite hoarde, and the quiet preparation before war filled the camp. Gideon sat before God for guidance and direction. Gideon was no general. In fact, he would have never even considered himself a brave man or a warrior. He stood before God, hanging on every word he spoke. The people are too many for me to use, God said. Gideon perked his ears up and his face gave a confused look. God continued and said, if all these men march into battle and win, they will boast of their own strength and not mine. Gideon put his hands in his face side, rubbing his temples. He nodded to God and left his tent. Who was he to question God?

The sun rose over the Israelite army. Sun rays shone into the common areas between tents. Men were preparing their armor and sharpening their swords. Over thirty two thousand Israelite soldiers camped in the valley opposite of the Midianite hoarde, and the quiet preparation before war filled the camp. Gideon sat before God for guidance and direction. Gideon was no general. In fact, he would have never even considered himself a brave man or a warrior. He stood before God, hanging on every word he spoke. The people are too many for me to use, God said. Gideon perked his ears up and his face gave a confused look. God continued and said, if all these men march into battle and win, they will boast of their own strength and not mine. Gideon put his hands in his face side, rubbing his temples. He nodded to God and left his tent. Who was he to question God?

Now?

Now?

He gathered all the men into a common area. Thirty two thousand of them gathered before Gideon. Gideon spoke confidently, although he was not entirely sure how this was going to help them. He said, whoever here is fearful and trembling, get out and hurry back to where you came from. Gideon watched as a sea of twenty two thousand men departed from the group. Gideon stood amazed that so many of them experienced the same fear as he did. Although Gideon might have been scared, he stayed for God's spirit was filling him up continually day by day, he became more and more valiant. Ten thousand men remained, yet God still said there were too many. Take them down to the water. God commanded every man that laps the water with his tongue like a dog will remain with you, and whoever kneels down to sip from his hand will depart. So Gideon watched as the men drank. He watched closely, wondering what God was doing. The men who knelt down to drink like a dog fully paid attention to the water. The others who cupped the water in their hand were constantly looking over their shoulders. Gideon recognized what God was doing. The men who lapped had no fear of ambush. God wanted an army of fearless men, so he sent away all those that knelt down and was left with only three hundred soldiers. He gave them all trumpets and told them to rest, for that night they would have their victory. Night had fallen and the light of day had disappeared from the earth. Gideon took one of his servants to go spy on the Midianite camp. The two men creeped in the darkness, remaining hidden. The Midianites lay along the valley like a dark sea. They were like locusts in number, and even their war camels could not be counted. Gideon's jaw dropped as he observed the vastness of their army. Their men seemed to outnumber the stars above them. The Midianites were mostly asleep, yet some of them stood watch around the fire. Gideon's ears perked up as he heard one of them speak. Gideon inched closer, trying to hear what they were saying. He heard one soldier say, I just had a dream. Some giant piece of barley bread tumbled down to our camp and crushed the tents. Though the image of bread crushing a camp site was laughable, the soldiers were not amused. One of the soldiers replied, saying that bread is the great sword of Gideon. He is a mighty man of Israel, come to destroy us. When Gideon heard this, his heart welled up with confidence. They were afraid of him, him, Gideon, the smallest man of the smallest tribe. Gideon departed immediately. He knew, now without a shadow of a doubt, that God would slay the Midianites under his blade. Gideon marched through camp, banging his sword against his shield. Wake up, he yelled, Arise, for God will give us the midian Knites tonight. Gideon divided the three hundred men into three companies. He gave them trumpets and empty jars to put their torches in. He caught their attention and said, look at me. Do as I do. When I blow my trumpet, you will do the same thing on every side of the Midianite camp. So he dispersed his soldiers. They spread out around the hills surrounding the midian night camp. The jars above their torches made the light disperse, giving the illusion a thousands instead of hundreds. Gideon looked down at the Midianite hoarde. Then he looked all across the hills and saw his three hundred men surrounding the camp. The camp was quiet for a moment. Then Gideon raised his trumpet to his mouth. It echoed across the canyons, and three hundred trumpets joined in for the Lord and for Gideon. The men shouted. The music of war shook the ground, and the Midianite army awoke in a confused frenzy. The trumpets continued to bellow across the valley below. The Israelites broke the jars in their hands, and the piercing sounds of broken glass frightened the camels. The trumpets continued to wail. It was dark, but the torch lights from the hills loomed over the camp like fiery arrows. A sword for the Lord and for Gideon, every man shouted. The Midianites began to flee in every direction. One by one, they began to turn their swords on one another out of confusion. Gideon listened as the cries of dying soldiers filled the canyon. The Midianite horde dispersed in a bloody and frightened frenzy, and the army of Israel pursued them, picking them off in small groups. Gideon sent messengers out to the rest of Israel, saying, the Midianites are fleeing in every direction. Raise up your swords and slaughter them. So the rest of Israel joined in, finding scared Midianites and slaves. Shouts of victory flew through the hills and valleys of Israel. Word of Gideon's bravery and the Lord's favor spread, and the people of Israel hoped once again. Though the danger was not yet over. The new leadership of Gideon for the fire in their bellies, and they were confident the Lord would provide.

He gathered all the men into a common area. Thirty two thousand of them gathered before Gideon. Gideon spoke confidently, although he was not entirely sure how this was going to help them. He said, whoever here is fearful and trembling, get out and hurry back to where you came from. Gideon watched as a sea of twenty two thousand men departed from the group. Gideon stood amazed that so many of them experienced the same fear as he did. Although Gideon might have been scared, he stayed for God's spirit was filling him up continually day by day, he became more and more valiant. Ten thousand men remained, yet God still said there were too many. Take them down to the water. God commanded every man that laps the water with his tongue like a dog will remain with you, and whoever kneels down to sip from his hand will depart. So Gideon watched as the men drank. He watched closely, wondering what God was doing. The men who knelt down to drink like a dog fully paid attention to the water. The others who cupped the water in their hand were constantly looking over their shoulders. Gideon recognized what God was doing. The men who lapped had no fear of ambush. God wanted an army of fearless men, so he sent away all those that knelt down and was left with only three hundred soldiers. He gave them all trumpets and told them to rest, for that night they would have their victory. Night had fallen and the light of day had disappeared from the earth. Gideon took one of his servants to go spy on the Midianite camp. The two men creeped in the darkness, remaining hidden. The Midianites lay along the valley like a dark sea. They were like locusts in number, and even their war camels could not be counted. Gideon's jaw dropped as he observed the vastness of their army. Their men seemed to outnumber the stars above them. The Midianites were mostly asleep, yet some of them stood watch around the fire. Gideon's ears perked up as he heard one of them speak. Gideon inched closer, trying to hear what they were saying. He heard one soldier say, I just had a dream. Some giant piece of barley bread tumbled down to our camp and crushed the tents. Though the image of bread crushing a camp site was laughable, the soldiers were not amused. One of the soldiers replied, saying that bread is the great sword of Gideon. He is a mighty man of Israel, come to destroy us. When Gideon heard this, his heart welled up with confidence. They were afraid of him, him, Gideon, the smallest man of the smallest tribe. Gideon departed immediately. He knew, now without a shadow of a doubt, that God would slay the Midianites under his blade. Gideon marched through camp, banging his sword against his shield. Wake up, he yelled, Arise, for God will give us the midian Knites tonight. Gideon divided the three hundred men into three companies. He gave them trumpets and empty jars to put their torches in. He caught their attention and said, look at me. Do as I do. When I blow my trumpet, you will do the same thing on every side of the Midianite camp. So he dispersed his soldiers. They spread out around the hills surrounding the midian night camp. The jars above their torches made the light disperse, giving the illusion a thousands instead of hundreds. Gideon looked down at the Midianite hoarde. Then he looked all across the hills and saw his three hundred men surrounding the camp. The camp was quiet for a moment. Then Gideon raised his trumpet to his mouth. It echoed across the canyons, and three hundred trumpets joined in for the Lord and for Gideon. The men shouted. The music of war shook the ground, and the Midianite army awoke in a confused frenzy. The trumpets continued to bellow across the valley below. The Israelites broke the jars in their hands, and the piercing sounds of broken glass frightened the camels. The trumpets continued to wail. It was dark, but the torch lights from the hills loomed over the camp like fiery arrows. A sword for the Lord and for Gideon, every man shouted. The Midianites began to flee in every direction. One by one, they began to turn their swords on one another out of confusion. Gideon listened as the cries of dying soldiers filled the canyon. The Midianite horde dispersed in a bloody and frightened frenzy, and the army of Israel pursued them, picking them off in small groups. Gideon sent messengers out to the rest of Israel, saying, the Midianites are fleeing in every direction. Raise up your swords and slaughter them. So the rest of Israel joined in, finding scared Midianites and slaves. Shouts of victory flew through the hills and valleys of Israel. Word of Gideon's bravery and the Lord's favor spread, and the people of Israel hoped once again. Though the danger was not yet over. The new leadership of Gideon for the fire in their bellies, and they were confident the Lord would provide.

This is an absolute great story. This story begins with Gideon and his army of thirty two thousand men, which was a formidable force. But then God tells Gideon that there are too many, and if they go to war with that many men, Israel will boast in their own strength. Can't you imagine Gideon, who's already prone to doubt and fear in questioning, as he's being confounded by such a statement that there are too many soldiers too many? Isn't that a good thing? He must have been thinking. Still, he was all in for God now, and so on God's orders, he told his men that if anyone who was fearful of fighting, they could go home. So, when that was said and done, his army of thirty two thousand was suddenly cut down to ten thousand. But God said that was still too many. He had get and test the men by having them drink water, and those who lapped up the water like a dog were to be separated from those who drank with their hands with their swords. Ready, only three hundred men drank properly. This was a magnificent minority, because now only three hundred would stay and fight. God told Gideon still that he would defeat Midian. That night, Gideon snuck into the Midianite camp because God had told him that if he needed some encouragement before the battle, just to go to the enemy's camp and listen and watch. And so he did, and he heard two soldiers talking. One was recounting an odd dream to the other. A piece of barley bread had tumbled into camp and toppled a tent. This was a strange dream, a nightmare, really, And the meaning of this dream struck fear in the hearts of that soldier and all of the camp of the Midianites. This was a sign that God had given Midian over to Gideon, that Gideon's army would defeat the Midianites. Hearing this fill Gideon with encouragement. So listen to what he did in Judges seven point fifteen. As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped, and he returned to the camp of Israel and set a rise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand. Gideon is confident, but his confidence is in God, and so he worships God. And he told the others all that God had done. Notice he doesn't say God will give the host of Midian know to him this was a done deal. He is worshiping God because he knows God has given him the victory, the promise of victory, which is sure. Gideon's response is a great example for us to follow. That we are to trust God and then tell others of the greatness of God. And so, with an army of three hundred men, Gideon surrounded the camp of Midian. With lit torches and the loud trumpets. They woke the enemy from their sleep, breaking jars to create a deafening and terrifying sound. They were confused. The entire camp was thrown into confusion, and soldiers began killing each other, destroying decimating the army. The remaining men were easily defeated by the three hundred Israelites. Imagine this, a small army with the power of God defeating the enemy. Once again, God had used an unlikely person and unconventional means to grant Israel victory over a great foe. And now Israel can once again live in peace. But would it last? And with the next generation follow Gideon's example. We'll find that out tomorrow. So let's pray. Dear God, we thank you that you delight and desire to take the little things and even small people and use them in a great way, because when we surrender to you and give our lives to you, we know there comes great blessing and victory that honors you. Thank you for Gideon and his army, for faith and leadership, and the commitment to do whatever it takes. In Jesus' name. Amen, thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download the Prey dot com app and make prayer a priority in your life. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it with someone you know, someone you love, because by sharing this podcast, you can make a big difference in someone's life. In Jesus' name. If you want to know more about the Lord, how to know him, how to serve him and be his disciple, then let me encourage you to visit my website, which is Jack Graham dot org. We would love to assist you in any way possible as you grow in your journey of faith. Again, that's Jack Graham dot org. God bless you,

This is an absolute great story. This story begins with Gideon and his army of thirty two thousand men, which was a formidable force. But then God tells Gideon that there are too many, and if they go to war with that many men, Israel will boast in their own strength. Can't you imagine Gideon, who's already prone to doubt and fear in questioning, as he's being confounded by such a statement that there are too many soldiers too many? Isn't that a good thing? He must have been thinking. Still, he was all in for God now, and so on God's orders, he told his men that if anyone who was fearful of fighting, they could go home. So, when that was said and done, his army of thirty two thousand was suddenly cut down to ten thousand. But God said that was still too many. He had get and test the men by having them drink water, and those who lapped up the water like a dog were to be separated from those who drank with their hands with their swords. Ready, only three hundred men drank properly. This was a magnificent minority, because now only three hundred would stay and fight. God told Gideon still that he would defeat Midian. That night, Gideon snuck into the Midianite camp because God had told him that if he needed some encouragement before the battle, just to go to the enemy's camp and listen and watch. And so he did, and he heard two soldiers talking. One was recounting an odd dream to the other. A piece of barley bread had tumbled into camp and toppled a tent. This was a strange dream, a nightmare, really, And the meaning of this dream struck fear in the hearts of that soldier and all of the camp of the Midianites. This was a sign that God had given Midian over to Gideon, that Gideon's army would defeat the Midianites. Hearing this fill Gideon with encouragement. So listen to what he did in Judges seven point fifteen. As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped, and he returned to the camp of Israel and set a rise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand. Gideon is confident, but his confidence is in God, and so he worships God. And he told the others all that God had done. Notice he doesn't say God will give the host of Midian know to him this was a done deal. He is worshiping God because he knows God has given him the victory, the promise of victory, which is sure. Gideon's response is a great example for us to follow. That we are to trust God and then tell others of the greatness of God. And so, with an army of three hundred men, Gideon surrounded the camp of Midian. With lit torches and the loud trumpets. They woke the enemy from their sleep, breaking jars to create a deafening and terrifying sound. They were confused. The entire camp was thrown into confusion, and soldiers began killing each other, destroying decimating the army. The remaining men were easily defeated by the three hundred Israelites. Imagine this, a small army with the power of God defeating the enemy. Once again, God had used an unlikely person and unconventional means to grant Israel victory over a great foe. And now Israel can once again live in peace. But would it last? And with the next generation follow Gideon's example. We'll find that out tomorrow. So let's pray. Dear God, we thank you that you delight and desire to take the little things and even small people and use them in a great way, because when we surrender to you and give our lives to you, we know there comes great blessing and victory that honors you. Thank you for Gideon and his army, for faith and leadership, and the commitment to do whatever it takes. In Jesus' name. Amen, thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download the Prey dot com app and make prayer a priority in your life. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it with someone you know, someone you love, because by sharing this podcast, you can make a big difference in someone's life. In Jesus' name. If you want to know more about the Lord, how to know him, how to serve him and be his disciple, then let me encourage you to visit my website, which is Jack Graham dot org. We would love to assist you in any way possible as you grow in your journey of faith. Again, that's Jack Graham dot org. God bless you,