Continued...

I love what Joshua said to the Lord the day He gave the Amorites over to Israel.
Joshua 10: 12-13  "O sun stand still over Gibeon, O moon over the valley of Aijalon."  So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies.

Joshua 24:15  As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Judges 4  I was struck when Jael violently killed Sisera.  What a violent killing. 

Judges 6  The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, and said the Lord is with you mighty warrior.  The angel of the Lord told Gideon to save Israel out of Midian's hand.  Gideon said his clan was the weakest and he was the least in his family.  (He was humble)  The Lord said He would be with him and together they would strike down  the Midianites.  In our weakness, He makes us STRONG!~

The people were pleased with Gideon in Judges 8, and asked Gideon to rule over them because they had been saved from the Midians.  Gideon told them he would not rule over them, nor would his son, but the Lord would rule over them.  Gideon did not take the glory or recognition for his accomplishments but gave the glory to God!

Israel kept forgetting what God had done for them, and they went through many trials because of it.  Then when they repented, He restored peace.  Just as He does with us.  He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and heal our land!!!  So thankful for his Grace and forgiveness.

Judges 11  Jephthah made a vow to the Lord that if He gave the Ammonites into his hands, he would sacrifice whatever came out his door, when he returned home, to the Lord.  Well, later we see that Mizpah, his daughter, comes out dancing to greet him when he returned home.  She was his only child.  He was distraught, and tore his clothes, but kept his vow to the Lord.  ---How many things or what actions or deeds have you promised God if he would just______________and act on your behalf.  Be careful in what you ask for because there may come a time when God is faithful, and you have to give up something to honor your promise.  Be mindful of the words that flow from your mouth knowing they give life and death.  In Jephthah's case, it was death.

Judges 14  Talks about the spirit of God stirring in Samson, and a roaring lion came toward him on his way to get Timnah, his wife.  The spirit of the Lord came upon him in power and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands like he would tear a young goat.  He did not tell anyone what he did, not even his parents. 

Judges 15  Samson and Delilah.  She deceived him time and time again.  She tried to find where the secret of his strength came from, and tried to make him tell her.  She did this everyday until he was tired to death.  He finally told her no razor had ever been used on his head.  She sent word to the Philistines.  When he woke up, he did not realize God had left him.  They had taken him and gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza.  They set him to grinding in the prison.  The Philistines called him in one day and asked him to perform for them.  Samson prayed for God to give him strength one more time for revenge for them taking his eyes, and his strength came back as he pushed the central pillars and pushed them down.  The temple came down on all the rulers and the people in it.  Samson died, killing more people when he died, than when he lived.

Ruth:  Everyone knows the story of Ruth.  A story of love, respect, and honor.  Who knew a Moabitess woman would be in the lineage of Jesus Christ.  It again goes to show that no matter where you come from, where you've been, God loves you and can use you!  He can change your circumstances and make you a man or woman of honor.

1 Samuel-- I will begin here tomorrow...lots more to get down.  Goodnight all.