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TRUMPETS, PITCHERS, AND SWORDS

Gideon stood on the outskirts of the Midianite army’s camp with his 300 men.   They were waiting for the right moment to utter the words that would change the course of history for God’s oppressed people.   Gideon’s enemies numbered 135,000 warriors; his own army was but 300, divided into three companies scattered around the camp and waiting for their captain’s signal.   Suddenly, Gideon lifted his trumpet to his lips and gave a shrill blast that split the silence of the night air.   He then broke open the clay pitcher that was in his other hand, and the flame that was inside illuminated the darkness.   Last of all, Gideon raised his voice, and with all his strength shouted, “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!” (Judges 7:20).   Three hundred brave Israelites followed their leader’s example and did as he had done.   The Midianites, awaking out of their sleep, hearing the commotion and seeing the lights, were filled with fright and confusion.   ...
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FAITH COMES BY HEARING

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17).    Real faith comes, not from listening to or reading the Word of God, but by hearing it.   This kind of hearing can only come about when the Word of God is planted in our hearts, minds and spirits.   The Parable of the Sower shows us that many seeds fall by the wayside, on rocky ground, or among weeds.   They are then either lost or choked out.   Just hearing the Word is not enough, we must prepare a place for it to flourish.   Every good gardener knows that soil preparation is essential to having good, strong, healthy plants that will produce an abundance of produce.   It is the seed that is sown in the good ground that will produce fruit 30, 60, and 100-fold.     Many of the Jews in Jesus’ day had studied the scriptures and knew quite well what was written.   The trouble was that they weren’t hearing what God was speaking to them throug...
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BUY THE TRUTH

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness .  Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live ." (Isaiah 55:1-3a).   The food and drink that these verses refer to is the truth contained in the Word of God - the Truth that nourishes our spirits and makes us free.  It is the one thing, and only thing, that can satisfy the hungry and thirsty soul.  Just as water sustains the life of every living thing, so also does Jesus, the Fountain of Living Waters sustain the spiritual life of every true believer.  And as bread and meat nourish the body and give it the necessary nutrients to encourage growth and give strength...
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