Follow: By Faith: Prayers and Poetry

Follow

Deborah listened and foretold

Balak obeyed and followed

gathered Israel’s warriors.

God’s answer to their prayers

victory came through

obedience, willing hearts

searching for relationship

a return  to holy reign.

One by one choosing, as Jael

drove the wooden peg, her

opportunity to serve call.

Psalm 104:34, “Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord.”

Reflection: Conquered: By Faith: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What words do you need to hear to freely volunteer to go for the Lord?

2. Is there a severe situation in your life enslaving you or those you love with fear and helplessness?

3. Are you willing to follow when God gives you an opportunity to conquer by faith?

Share: What challenge has the Lord called you to?

Conquered: By Faith: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11:33, “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions.”

Conquered

Deborah listened and followed the voice of the Lord. Barak followed Deborah’s plan, as long as she journeyed with him. Jael followed the opportunity in her hands. When it was all over, Deborah and Barak sang, “That the leaders led in Israel, That the people volunteered, Bless the Lord!” Judges 5:2

They conquered a kingdom that had kept Israel severely enslaved for twenty years.

Each responded according to the abilities and opportunities they were each given. “If you go, I will go!” Barak told Deborah. She reminded him he would not then receive the acclaim for the victory. Instead it would go to her—a woman and in that day’s culture Barak’s reputation would be diminished.

Yet he was completely unwilling to perform the task apart from her. Was he unwilling to move apart from God’s voice and he knew God had spoken through Deborah. Perhaps his reputation didn’t matter as much to him as living a faith that followed only God’s words in obedience. Once she agreed he flung himself wholeheartedly into the instructions. The obstacles became irrelevant. He kept his eyes on God, as did Deborah and Jael, and experienced God’s deliverance.

Lord, please keep us from false hesitation and give us courage to follow with commitment and integrity—wherever You lead.

Your thoughts,

Conquered: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       Conquered

                       

                        Flesh withers

                        through time

                        famine and disease.

                        Tangible decay

                        common ground

                        of all humanity.

                        Often do not

                        recognize internal sin

                        oppression of soul.

                        Conquered by Savior

                        waged battle for all generations

                        forgiveness bought.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Follow

Deborah listened and foretold

Balak obeyed and followed

gathered Israel’s warriors.

God’s answer to their prayers

victory came through

obedience, willing hearts

searching for relationship

a return  to holy reign.

One by one choosing, as Jael

drove the wooden peg, her

opportunity to serve call.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11:33, “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions.”

Deborah listened and followed the voice of the Lord. Barak followed Deborah’s plan, as long as she journeyed with him. Jael followed the opportunity in her hands. When it was all over, Deborah and Barak sang, “That the leaders led in Israel, That the people volunteered, Bless the Lord!” Judges 5:2

They conquered a kingdom that had kept Israel severely enslaved for twenty years.

Each responded according to the abilities and opportunities they were each given. “If you go, I will go!” Barak told Deborah. She reminded him he would not then receive the acclaim for the victory. Instead it would go to her—a woman and in that day’s culture Barak’s reputation would be diminished.

Yet he was completely unwilling to perform the task apart from her. I wonder if in reality he was unwilling to move apart from God’s voice and he knew God had spoken through Deborah. Perhaps his reputation didn’t matter as much to him as living a faith that followed only God’s words in obedience. Once she agreed he flung himself wholeheartedly into the instructions. The obstacles became irrelevant. He kept his eyes on God, as did Deborah and Jael, and experienced God’s deliverance.

Lord, please keep us from false hesitation and give us courage to follow with commitment and integrity—wherever You lead.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 110:3

“Thy people will volunteer freely in the day of Thy power;

In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, The youth are to Thee as the dew.”