Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them.

-Judges 6:33-35

The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.

-Judges 7:12

‘If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.’

-Judges 7:10-11

His friend responded, ‘This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.’

-Judges 7:14

When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, ‘Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.’

-Judges 7:15

Shachah – The primary Hebrew word for worship.

Proskuneo – The primary Greek word for worship.

Halal – A Hebrew word for crazy exuberant praise.

Shabach – A Hebrew word for loud praise.

After leaving Job to ponder the fact that God is both Creator and Designer, God came to Job as Revealer and Comforter. And Job’s humbled response was to say, ‘My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.’

-Job 42: 5–6.

…the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid

-John 14:26-27

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

-Ephesians 6:17

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

-Romans 12:2a

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they do prospers.

-Psalm 1:1-3

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

-Ephesians 6:17

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit (word of God) is life and peace.

-Romans 8:6

Unlike the gods of major religions, the Christian God is a personal God possessing empathy for every human being.

-Jeff Vines, ‘UnPossible’

  

How does God release that encouragement?

Answer: The Word of the Lord.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

-Hebrews 4:12

The language of God keeps us centered and increases our knowledge of Christ in a way that grants power over temptations, emotions, and doubts. That language is discernible and objective. Hearing and discerning the voice of God is a learned behavior. It comes through the reading of His Word and prayer. This opens a direct line of communication between the Spirit of the Living God and us as the Holy Spirit speaks to us in our time of need. This is why knowing Christ is the pinnacle of all pursuits. Knowing the One who is Masterminding your life is paramount to receiving the encouragement you need to survive the difficult times.

-Jeff Vines, ‘UnPossible’

  

How do you get more of the word?

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

-2 Peter 1:19

  

How do you get more of the Word of the Lord?

  

The House of the Lord.

I rejoiced with those who said to me, ’Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’ For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.

-Psalm 122:1; 7-9

‘In the last days’, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.’

-Acts 2:17

‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’

-John 10:27

The needle of a compass constantly turns to the north. Our present thoughts go in a certain direction. When we lean into our relationship with Jesus and our pursuit of Him through Word revelation, our thoughts will go in the direction of the Spirit and He will open a direct line of communication that will sustain us. God becomes the polestar of our beings as we sense His nearness throughout the day.

-Philip Yancey

  

  

  

 

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