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Sunday, July 10, 2022

Pizza Night

Homemade pizza for Saturday night supper.  
Ground beef and bacon below, and above left.

Noticed a barber shop on the Marietta Square with an impressive bobblehead collection.
Another tree fell down on the Candler Park golf course Friday evening. Saturday morning when the sun rose me and course marshal Mike got our first look.
The tree fell next to the 8th tee box, down the hill from the first tee. Robert was barely able to hit off the blue tees. 
Ceil's Saturday night movie. She loves the royal plotlines.

JFBC executive pastor Adrian Coetzer

Judges 8:22-35

The story of Gideon – who didn't finishing well, like the Falcons in the Super Bowl. Gideon was a man of contradictions. Know anyone like that? Finishing well is a constant challenge. He was an oxymoron. A strong leader with a weakness of character. He was different from the people around him.

Compromise is convenient. Godliness rarely is. No king in the region, but the people have God, who they can trust. Gideon is prideful. A contradiction between what he says and what he does. V 22. Gideon rejects kingship as well as idolatry-with his words. His actions are ruthless, killing enemy kings, gathering gold by using his position. Also royal pendants and emblems of the kings. Asks for a prize for his services rendered, as well as a concubine-whose son is named 'son of a king'.

Deut 17 God gives directions for kingship v 14-17. Gideon breaks these guidelines. Acts like a king but goes against. Becomes a snare to Gideon and his household. All Israel fell victim.

Are we much better? It's easier to sin, to go with the flow, to leave a bad legacy. Sun is contagious. John Keats was friends with several young poets who died young, due to the way they led their lives. James said we are but a vapor.

V 33 Gideon's leadership only had a temporary effect. When he died the people rejected God, and rejected Gideon. His son's failures could be attributed back to Gideon.

Hebrews 11 men remembered for their faith, men who also sometimed failed. Moses. David. We are reminded of the mercy of God. Heb 12:1-3 therefore let's rid ourselves of obstacles, run with endurance, and look to Jesus.

Gideon's failures point us to look for worthy kings: Our need for Jesus, who has now come. A life giver giving eternal hope. One day we will worship Jesus in person.

Side point: no human leader can solve the problems of man, only Jesus, who showed humility in contrast to Gideon's pride. 

1. Worship God

2. be a person of character

3. Most importantly acknowledge Christ as king and lord of your life.

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