BIgger Isn't Always Better

Judges 7
At the end of Chapter 6, Gideon sent messengers throughout Mannesseh to announce that volunteers were needed to battle against the armies of Midian. As some 32,000 men began to gather beside the well of Harod, God comes to Gideon and informed him that there were to many people (v.2). Can you imagine having too many volunteers? This is a problem we usually never run into. However, the problem wasn’t necessarily that there were to many people, but that God knew the wickedness of man’s heart. If they conquered the Midianites, they would believe they did it in their own strength because of their numbers (v.2). God wanted to make sure Israel and Gideon understood that their deliverance would not come because of Israel’s military might, but it would come by the power of Almighty God. God begins to widdle away at the army until only 300 men were left. Now there was a group that God could use, not because they were the 300 best men in Israel. These men weren’t realistically the strongest men. Their intellect would not have surpassed the others that had went home. Even their experience could have been questioned, but what could not be questioned is how God would use just 300 men, instead of 32,000, to win a great victory.

I know many times, I am tempted to believe that bigger is better, but this isn't always true. That nothing can be accomplished until we have more. While I do believe we should always be moving forward, and I also believe that Bible-believing, New Testament, Local Churches should be fulfilling the Great Commission on a regular basis, the truth remains that God does not need big to accomplish his purpose. In fact, more times than not, God chooses to use small instead of big, because he knows that humans would put confidence in themselves instead of him.

1 Corinthians 1:25-31- Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

You see, God chooses to use insignificant vessels to do his work. Someone with a big head cannot be used by God because they take the glory for themselves. God will reward you for your faithful service, but he will never share his glory with another.

Isaiah 43:8-I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. If God will not share glory with a false god, he will not share it with us either. Not because he is selfish, but because we truly have nothing to glory about except Jesus Christ.

God doesn’t need big, God needs willing hearts that will live by simple faith and obedience to his Word. No matter how small you may feel in this world, no matter how insignificant you feel your local church is, remember that God can accomplish his will through any person and/or church that will give God the glory and walk by faith in obedience to his Word.

Zechariah 4:6-Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

The Old Ball & Chain

Nehemiah 9:36-37 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: 37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

We are back in this incredible prayer in the book of Nehemiah. In every verse something jumps out at me, but these two verses are so sad. They remind me of the way many Christians live when they don't have to. We live shackled by the ball and chain of self, Satan, sin, and the system of the world.

Consider these observations:

1. When we sin, we will always become the servant of our sin.
Our flesh is quick to lie to us and tell us that God is the one who is the tough taskmaster. God doesn't want me to have any fun. He is keeping back something from me. For Israel, the reality was that God is the one who gave them the most fertile piece of land in the whole world. He wasn't trying to jip them in any way. God always gives the very best. Dr. John Goetsch posted on his twitter account one time, "life is not about finding freedom; it is about finding your master." You see, all of us will serve someone or something until the day we die. We have the choice.
a. We could serve God
Who loves us (John 3:16), daily loads us with benefits (Psalm 68:19), and cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
b. We could serve our Self
Which is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), bent towards doing wrong (Romans 7:18), and constantly wanting something God doesn't (Romans 13:14).
c. We could serve Satan
Who will make you do what he wants (John 8:44), not to mention he will deceive (Revelation 20:10), distract (Galatians 1:6-7), discourages (Ezra 4:4), and when he is finishes will devour you (1 Peter 5:8).
d. We could serve Sin.
However, this is probably not the right choice because Christ died so we would not have to serve sin (Romans 6:6).
e. We could serve the System of this world
The only problem is the world will pass away one day (1 John 2:17), the popularity you can gain here will fade (1 Peter 1:24), and the riches they offer will fly away (Proverbs 23:5). Not to mention that the world is just really serving Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Here's the deal,
(1) you only get 1 choice. You can't pick 2 (this isn't Panera Bread).

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

(2) You must make your decision daily
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD

The reality is that we demonstrate our choice by they way we live our life each day.

Romans 6:15-18 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

2. Serving sin doesn't give you control, it leaves you out of control.
Nehemiah 9:37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
What God intended to be Israel blessings, sustenance, and wealth was now being used by conquering kings because of Israel's sin. The king had control over their

a. body
b. possessions


2 Timothy 2:26 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they
may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. When we serve sin, self, Satan, or the system of the world, the Devil is able to take us captive whenever he wants (2 Timothy 2:26)

So how do we break free from the ball and chain of sin?

1. Serve God. Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

2. Yield to doing right. Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

3. Realize the end. Romans 6:20-21 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

Remembering God's Road For You

Nehemiah 9 -Israel now sits in sack clothe and ashes. They have had a time of rejoice, but now they are confronted with their sin compared to their holy God. Chapter 9, is basically their prayer of humility asking God to forgive the sin of their nation. In the prayer you will find Israel's disappointment of who they are as a nation and their confidence in who God is. Read Nehemiah 9:1-37. Warren Wiersbe outlines this passage like this:


1. The Greatness of God (9:1-6)
2. The Goodness of God (9:7-30)
3. The Grace of God (9:31-37)

1. I believe as we pray to God, we should always begin with praising God for his greatness. Evangelist Steve Pettit wrote a book How To Pray 30 Minutes A Day. It was the first time anyone had taught me how to pray "Biblically". In the Book he list scores of attributes and names of God that helped me so much focus on God's greatness. He encourages people to spend 10 minutes of prayer daily praising God for his greatness or who God is. Try it. Take 10 minutes and tell God what you think about his greatness, power, knowledge, faithfulness, love, kindness, mercy, grace, providing power, power over death, hell, nature, sending Christ to die for us, redemption, atonement, etc.

2. In the 2nd part of our outline, we see the Goodness of God in verse 7-30. It is simply a brief history of how God worked in the nation of Israel to bring them to where they were today. As you read it you will have a simultaneous feeling of "how could they disobey God after all He did for them" and "I guess I understand because I do the same thing in my own life." Yet God still loves both us and Isreal. I think it would be a neat exercise to write a brief history of how God worked to bring you where you are today. Mine would go something like this: God thank you for Vic Logan, a WW2 veteran, who used his jeep to pick up my dad and bring him to church. It was there that you saved him and he began to grow as a Christian. Thank you for bringing my mom to Sullivan, Missouri, where people from the bus ministry at First Baptist Church were faithful to bring her to church as a teenager. Thank you for allowing them to go to the same high school and marrying each other. I praise you for calling my dad to be a preacher, for leading him to Bible College in Lakeland, Florida. From there you led us to many places like tampa, florida; jacksonville, florida; sullivan, missouri; brandon, florida; oxford, florida; and ocala, florida. There were many move in my younger years. Some perhaps were moves ahead of your plan, yet your cloud still led the way by day, and your pillar of fire by night. In 3 different states your presence was with my family as they served you in full-time ministry. Each move led to another that eventually is the reason I am the assistant pastor at Central Baptist Church today. While we know that many people played a part in this, God was working his good plan the entire time. Take some time to write out your testimony of how God brought you to where you are in your life today.

3. The 3rd section we simply apply to our own life and see that we have failed so many times, yet God is still there to forgive us and help us start over. Here the leaders of Isreal set out again to follow God. Verse 37 - And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. If today, you find yourself away from God, proclaim his greatness, goodness, and grace. Admit your sin and commit to following him. That is what Israel did when they "Made a sure covenant or promise" to God, wrote it down, and the leaders sealed it.

Tearing Down Idols

Judges 6 - God gave Gideon a job to do. He told him to throw down the altar of Baal that his father had built and to cut down the grove by the altar. Israel has long since forgotten what God had done for them. God miraculously brought them out from under the oppression of Egypt and brought the safely through the wilderness to dwell in the Promised Land. However, Israel was incomplete in their obedience to God once they reach Canaan. Israel was commanded to destroy all the inhabitants of the land, but they failed to trust God and pursue this goal with all their might. Instead, they compromised and began to dwell with the Canaanites and other nations in the land. At first Israel was in control, forcing the Canaanites to pay tribute, but through the years the Canaanite’s pagan lifestyle influenced the Israelites to turn their backs on God and begin to worship false gods. This is where we find ourselves in Judges 6. Gideon gathered ten men and waited for the sun to set. In the night, Gideon and his men overthrew the altar of Baal and built an altar to Jehovah. There they sacrificed a bullock that God commanded. Imagine after several years of Baal worship, coming to the altar to worship again and finding the it torn down. There next to that pile of rocks now stands another altar dedicated to the worship of Jehovah. What a reminder of what should have been. To see the bold obedience of God’s servant willing to risk his life to reestablish true biblical worship in his city. However, the men of the city did not respond in humility or repentance. In fact, they responded in anger. They stormed to Joash’s house, and demanded that Gideon be brought outside so that they might kill him for his action.

Gideon’s father, Joash responded with two simple questions, “Will ye plead for Baal,” “Will ye save him?” In other words, if Baal is such a great god, let him fight his own battles. Someone tore down his altar let Baal revenge this wrong action. He was trying to help these men see that Baal was nothing. Why would they serve a god that can’t defend himself?

It is unfortunate that many Christians, today defend the “Baal” of their own life. Someone takes a strong stand on truth and strongly applies it to 2010 and others get all bent out of shape. The preachers stands and proclaims God’s truth; the truth doesn’t agree with their life and instead of changing their life to match the Bible they are ready to kill the messenger. What area of your life do you defend? What sin in your life are you not willing to let go of? Truthfully, you can’t think of one reason why that sin should be in your life, not one reason why it is a help to you, but yet you defend it. The practices of your life should be able to be defended by the truth of God’s word. Think about it for a moment are you fighting for Baal when you should be living for God?

Maybe you’re the preacher in one of these scenarios. You question whether you should throw the altar down. What will they say? What will they do? They may leave. Yes, they may. But the goal of God is not peace. The Goal of God is truth, and He has called you to tear down the false altar and build one dedicated to Him. So whether it is music, attitudes, a lack of faith, gossip, unfaithfulness to the local church, worldliness, movies, relationships, PREACH THE WORD. TAKE A STAND. Tear down the altar of worldliness and build an altar of holiness. Tear down the altar of idleness and build an altar of godly productivity. Tear down the altar of worldly music and build the altar of Christ-honoring music. Tear down the altar of bad attitudes and anger and build an altar of Christlikeness. Proverbs 28:1 " The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as the lion."

My New Home

Nehemiah 8:13-18

When you read the above passage, you will find the Israelites experiencing revival. They have just completed the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. They called for the Ezra to read God's word and help them understand it, and they are striving to obey each new truth they hear. This is the way revival always comes to us. When we hear the word of God and seek to obey it with our whole heart, we should expect revival in our life. Soon after God's Word becomes a joy, and God's way is the best and only. In our passage Israel had already been doing so much, but when Ezra told them that part of the feast of Tabernacles was living in a "booth" or "shack" during that week, the people immediately obeyed God's command. Their response could have been rebellious. "Come on Ezra, we are already doing so much." But Israel was all to happy to obey God's command. They all immediately went to work building "booths" or "shacks" to live in for the next week. God's will does at times seem uncoventional, but it is always the perfect idea.

So why did God want the Israelites to dwell in "booths" during the Feast of Tabernacles? (Tabernacle means dwelling place) This time of celebration was a time to look back and remember the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. God wanted them to always remember how he redeemed their nation from the bondage of Egypt and how they then rebelled and God punished their rebellion by making them wander in the wildreness. Secondly, this celebration was a time to look around and see all the blessings of the harvest that God had given to Israel. Finally, the Feast of Tabernacles was a time to look forward. It was a reminder not to grow comfortable in this world because every believer no matter if they lived before, during, or after Christ's death is a pilgrim temporarily living on this earth. The booths were just simple lean-to's that were not intended for long-term living.

Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Hebrews 11:13-14 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

I'm not suggesting that we go live in a tent for a week, although that might be fun. I'm not telling you to cut down your neighbor's dead tree to make a framework for a booth like the Israelites did. I just want us to see that the 2 reasons for this passages. #1 Sometimes God's commands do not make total sense to us. The point is not to make sense of all God's Commands. The point is living in a constant state of revival where we jump at the opportunity to obey God's word. #2 Think about the reason God had them live in a "tent" for a week. He wanted them to look behind, look around, and look ahead. This is a great exercise for Christians today. Look behind and realize the grace of God in redeeming you, not from Egypt, but from sin and hell. Secondly, look around and take time to notice the blessing that God has given you (Ephesians 1-3, Psalm 68:19), Thirdly look ahead, always remember that were pilgrims just passing through this world. We are looking for a permanent dwelling in heaven with God.

The Preaching of God's Word: How Does That Make You Feel? Nehemiah 8:8-12

1. The Reading of God's Word
Nehemiah 8:8 - So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
After many days of building and restoring the walls of Jerusalem, the people of Israel gathered together and called for the Word of God to be read to them. God's Word was declared distinctly. They "gave the sense" that is they made what they were reading come alive to the people. They helped them to understand what God's word had to say to them. You might say, they talked some sense into them.

2. The Response of God's People Nehemiah 8:9-10 - And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
This should be the typical response when we get a clear glimpse of our lives compared to a holy righteous God. As the law was being read, conviction was setting in on the congregation. They could not help but cry for their wickedness and sinfulness.

3. The Rejoice of God's Mercy
Nehemiah 8:11-12 - Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
Ezra encouraged the people that this was a day of rejoice in God's mercy. It was a day of restoration. Yes, there had been mistakes. Yes, God exiled his people, Israel, because of their stubbornness and rebellion, but today focus was on God goodness and mercy in bring Israel back into the Promised Land.
When we see ourselves compared to God, it should cause us to weep tears of sadness, because we fall so short of the mark. However, we must also remember that we are not saved because of any good work that we have done. Jesus Christ did it all for us, and this should cause us to rejoice. May God's work at Calvary be our joyous strength today.
Sunday Pastor Andy said, "God doesn't tolerate sin, therefore, there was a Calvary, but God does tolerate people, therefore there was a Calvary." You see, sin should cause us to weep, because of its devastating effect on my Savior, but praise God sin no longer can hold me down because Christ Jesus became sin for us, he who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteous of God in him. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

How To Be Thankful

Thankfulness can be defined as a gracious attitude toward someone when you have received something from them. But am I gracious? Sometimes I tend to think I deserve more. Perhaps I even feel insulted by what a person gives me or doesn’t give me. So how can I have a Christlike thankful attitude? I need the Attitude of Gratitude.

There are 3 facts that will help us to always have the attitude of thanksgiving.

1. Always Remember We Deserve Nothing. We live in a culture that teaches its citizen that there are certain things we deserve. We believe we deserve a nicer car, bigger house, fine dining, nice clothes, a grand vacation, a pay raise. I do not think there is anything wrong with being compensated for hard work or using the money God has blessed you with to enjoy luxuries in life. But we must always remember that we deserve nothing. In fact, if that statement isn’t completely true. According to God’s Word, we deserve to go to the place called hell. (Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. I deserve death because I am a sinner before a holy, righteous, perfect God. If I receive anything more than this, God has been good to me. God gave more more than I deserved when he demonstrated his love toward me on Calvary. (Rom 5:8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Not only did God give me more than I deserved by sending his Son to die in my place, but he also daily administers benefits in my life. (Psa 68:19) Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Think about, We deserve nothing, but through Christ we have received more than we could have ever imagined.

2. It Is Okay For Others To Have Nicer Things Than Me. Many times we are ungrateful or unthankful because someone else got what we wanted. This reality immediate steals our gratitude and runs away. We are perfectly content with the car we drive, until our friend rolls up in his new ride. As soon as they leave we surf the web to see how we can sell our old rust bucket and afford a newer car. It is difficult to be happy for others and thankful for what God has given us when other people have nicer stuff. (Php 2:3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. I opposition to point #1, if we will think that they deserve that, I don’t, thankfulness will never depart from our heart. Instead of being jealous, believe that they earned it, they deserve that, I don’t. Continue to be content with all God has given you.

3. Stuff Won’t Last. Usually our thankfulness or lack thereof revolves around material possessions or temporal recognition. We don’t usually complain because others receive the opportunity to work on the bus route and I didn’t. However, we may be upset because he was chosen to sing the solo, and I was robbed. We aren’t usually unthankful when someone else is chosen to clean up the room, but we do get upset when Bill gets a pay raise and we didn’t. You see, we can easily be upset over temporal recognition and/or material possession. Remember that these things won’t last. (1Pe 1Pe 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. If we will remember that Cars and house are not the point of this life, we won’t mind not having the nicest one on the block. Unthankfulness is a sign of the last days. (2Ti 3:1-2) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,. May we as Christians strive to not be a sign of the times. My we endeavor to a thankful people continually realizing that God has given us more than any one else.

Ways To Display Gratitude

Say It

-When someone does something nice for you, tell them. When I leave our Church office, I make it a habit to say thank you. Sometimes I just go in check my box and leave, but I still say thank you. Why, because I want it to be a habit in my life. Those ladies are constantly doing work for me and I want them to know I’m thankful. I try always to say it to people no matter what, not because I’m faking it, but because God is using them to work in my life whether I recognize it or not.

Write It

-Writing a letter of gratitude works wonders. I know of people who have been given large amounts of money and never said thank you. I also know the people that gave the money would never given them another dime because of their lack of gratitude. Sometimes it pays to be thankful.

Show It

-Many times an act of kindness can do more to impact people and glorify God than saying something or writing something. Buy them their favorite candy, soda, gum. When you are on vacation buy them a book or something that reminds you of them. Maybe you just help them with a chore because they helped you. This demonstrates that you are thankful for the contribution they made into your life.