Thoughts from Gideon

This is a corollary to my last post about goals.

While I was thinking about the last post our staff was working through the life of Gideon in the morning devotions. I saw some similarities to his life and where we are. I would like to share some of those ideas with you

#1. What God sees and what we see
When God met Gideon, He and Gideon had two very different perceptions of who Gideon was.
Gideon's view of himself is captured in Judges 6:15. "I am the least of the least" he says.
God's view of Gideon was captured in Judges 6:12. "...O mighty man of valor". When we look at Judges 6:11 you think maybe Gideon is the one who is right. He is hiding from the bad guys trying to threshing wheat down in a wine press. However we know God is right from reading the rest of the story. The difference is found in Judges 6:12 and 6:16 where God says the Lord is with Gideon. This realization in Gideon's life leads to worship (6:19) and peace (6:23). It also leads to something else

#2. faith equals action
Gideon saw God and had peace. The same night God said to tear down certain idols (6:25). Those idols just happened to be his dads. He did it, and God protected him (6:30-31). God's Spirit rested on him (6:34). God's Spirit is linked to obedience.

#3. God's brings the victory
Judges 7:7 and Judges 7:15 tell us that God is going to win the victory.

#4. God uses us to accomplish the victory.
In Judges 7:17 Gideon tells his men "look and do as I do." Even though God is responsible for the victory, these men did something.

#5. Expect some people to join you, and expect others to not do so.
Gideon had 300 men who joined him in the victory over Midian (judges 7:7,19,21) but he had others along the way that weren't so helpful. Judges 8:1 shows us people who were jealous.
Judges 8:5-6,8 shows us people who wouldn't give food. This happens as we follow God. Not everyone will be on board.

I encourage you all to read Gideon's story from Judges 6-8, and as you do remember that Gideon is in the faith chapter (Hebrews 11:32).

As we go into the second half of this year, we are seeking God's presence, His peace, and seeking faith to be able to obey. Please continue to pray for us as we seek to accomplish what He has for us to do.

Semiannual Review....just a little late

Both Anna and I are trying to remain focused, and we trying to make the most of our time here. You can call it being more goal oriented, or you can call it redeeming the time (which is much more biblical sounding). Whatever you call it, we are trying to do it. To help, I wanted to give you some of the things we would like to see happen over the next several months.
I have divided them by categories to help you pray with us.

Family:
1) Continued homeschooling success
2) Some cross-cultural friends for our kids. especially for Ian.
3) Continued health and safety for our family

General Life
1) Continued language learning. More focus on French but continued learning in Lingala as well
2) More ministry opportunities as a family
3) Puppet Ministry on Sunday for hospitalized kids
4) discipleship times for the staff here

Medical Issues
1) more ob training
2) Training of staff in neonatal resuscitation, neonatal stabilization course then Pals but in a situation specific manner
3) Continued improvement of pediatric care in well child clinic and improving follow up