Judges 6:24

Many of us today are seeking peace. Although we may not directly identify what we’re seeking as peace, that’s ultimately what we long for. We may pursue peace through organizing and decluttering our homes in an effort to create a more serene living space. We might try to quiet the never-ending chatter in our brains or turn off our anxious thoughts by watching a movie or mindlessly scrolling through social media. We may seek peace through financial security, believing that more money in our savings or investments will bring a sense of calm and security. 

Although pursuing things like a tidy home or financial security isn’t bad in and of itself, we need to recognize where true and lasting peace comes from. Judges 6:24 says, “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” We see from this verse that the Lord Himself is peace. 

Before Jesus’ ascension into heaven, He reassured His disciples with these words, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). The peace that Jesus promised was not just for the disciples, but for all followers of Christ. Jesus knew we would face troubles and trials in this life, but in the midst of those struggles, He offers us a spiritual peace that surpasses understanding and is unlike anything the world can offer. We can be encouraged knowing that we don’t need to be tossed around by the cares, worries, and trials of this world. Instead, we can set our minds on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” 

In addition to setting our minds on the Spirit, we can recall and apply the words of Philippians 4:6-7 if we notice worry or anxiety creeping in. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Lord, we thank you for the PEACE that only You can provide. You knew that we would face troubles and trials in this life, but we are grateful that You quiet our hearts and minds with Your Peace in those times. Help us to set our minds on You and look to You in all circumstances. 

Although the holidays are often a joyous time spent with loved ones, they can also be a difficult and painful season for those facing challenging life circumstances, such as the recent loss of a loved one or illness. If you find yourself in such a season, here are some encouraging resources: Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos, Prayers of My Heart, From My Heart Poems of Faith, The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World. 

Peace. Everyone’s looking for it. Where? Drugs. Vacation. Sex. Entertainment. In the meantime, and while seeking peace, life goes on. Worriers worry. Whiners whine. Complainers complain. Wheat beaters beat wheat. And that’s where we find Gideon. He is beating wheat in a winepress in order to hide it from the Midianties.

Judges 6 is the incredible account of when the Lord came to Gideon and told him to tear down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah in order to restore worship of the Lord. He then commissioned Gideon to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Midianites.

Judges 6:24 records Gideon’s response to the Lord. “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The LORD is Peace.”

Jehovah-Shalom, the LORD of Peace, came to a nation threatened by enemies and to people who worshipped Baal.

Jehovah-Shalom not only came to Gideon, but His Spirit of peace and power came upon Gideon.

Isn’t that what we need? God’s peace and power?

What can we learn from Jehovah-Shalom and Gideon about personal and national peace?

• Worship the Lord of Peace, Jehovah-Shalom.
• Be filled with the Lord’s Spirit of peace and power.
• Fight valiantly for righteousness.

JEHOVAH SHALOM, LORD OF PEACE, thank You that by Your Spirit we can experience peace and power as we stand for righteousness as Gideon did.

Would you like to experience more grace and peace? Check out Debbie’s Bible study, “Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos” by clicking HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos and podcasts by clicking HERE.

Today, we remember with deep gratitude those who gave their lives in service to our country, as well as their families.

Peace. Everyone’s looking for it. Where? Drugs. Vacation. Pills.  A hookup. Success. In the meantime and while seeking peace, life goes on. Worriers worry. Whiners whine. Complainers complain. Wheat beaters beat wheat.  And, that’s where we find Gideon. Beating wheat in a winepress…to hide it, to save the wheat from enemy terrorists. It is here that Judges 6:24 records  Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of Peace, brings peace. “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The LORD is Peace.”  Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of Peace, came to a nation threatened by enemies and people who worshipped Baal. Jehovah-Shalom not only came to Gideon, but His Spirit of peace and power came upon Gideon. Isn’t that what we need?  What can we learn from Jehovah-Shalom and Gideon about personal and national peace?  1. Worship the Lord of Peace, Jehovah-Shalom.  2.  Be filled with the Lord’s Spirit of peace and power.  3. Fight valiantly for righteousness.

Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of PEACE, when we look and listen to You, we experience Your peace. By Your Spirit, we can overcome evil. Fill us, as You did Gideon, with Your peace and empowerment. 

Peace. Everyone’s looking for it. Where? Drugs. Vacation. Pills.  A hookup. Success. In the meantime and while seeking peace, life goes on. Worriers worry. Whiners whine. Complainers complain. Wheat beaters beat wheat.  And, that’s where we find Gideon. Beating wheat in a winepress…to hide it, to save the wheat from enemy terrorists. It is here that Judges 6:24 records  Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of Peace, brings peace. “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The LORD is Peace.”  Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of Peace, came to a nation threatened by enemies and people who worshipped Baal. Jehovah-Shalom not only came to Gideon, but His Spirit of peace and power came upon Gideon. Isn’t that what we need?  What can we learn from Jehovah-Shalom and Gideon about personal and national peace?  1. Worship the Lord of Peace, Jehovah-Shalom.  2.  Be filled with the Lord’s Spirit of peace and power.  3. Fight valiantly for righteousness.

Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of PEACE, when we look and listen to You, we experience Your peace. By Your Spirit, we can overcome evil. Fill us, as You did Gideon, with Your peace and empowerment. 

Peace. Everyone’s looking for it. Where? Drugs. Vacation. Pills.  A hook up. Success. In the meantime and while seeking peace, life goes on. Worriers worry. Whiners whine. Complainers complain. Wheat beaters beat wheat.  And, that’s where we find Gideon. Beating wheat in a wine press…to hide it, to save the wheat from enemy terrorists. It is here that Judges 6:24 records  Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of Peace, brings peace. “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The LORD is Peace.”  Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of Peace, came to a nation threatened by enemies and people who worshipped Baal. Jehovah-Shalom not only came to Gideon, His Spirit of peace and power came upon Gideon. Isn’t that what we need?  What can we learn from Jehovah-Shalom and Gideon about personal and national peace?  1. Worship the Lord of Peace, Jehovah-Shalom.  2.  Be filled with the Lord’s Spirit of peace and power.  3. Fight valiantly for righteousness.

Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of PEACE, when we look and listen to You, we experience Your peace. By Your Spirit we can we overcome evil. Fill us, as You did Gideon, with Your peace and empowerment. 

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Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The LORD is Peace.

Judges 6:24

Peace. Everyone’s looking for it. But where? A joint. A win. A bonus. Vacation. Pills. Success. A hook up? But what happens after the joint, win, bonus, vacation, pills, success, or break up?

In the meantime and while seeking peace, life goes on. Worriers worry. Whiners whine. Complainers complain. Wheat beaters beat wheat.  And, that’s where we find Gideon. Beating wheat in a wine press…to hide it, to save the wheat from enemy terrorists who would destroy it.

Worriers worry. Whiners whine. Complainers complain. Wheat beaters beat wheat. And Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of Peace, brings peace. So that’s where we find Him…with the wheat beater at the wine press; extending peace to the wheat beater and re-assigning him to “Valiant Warrior.”

Wheat beater to Warrior. And for what purpose? To save more than wheat from the destroying enemy; …to save people from the destroying enemy and restore peace to the nation.

Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of Peace, came to a nation threatened by destroying enemies; to people who worshipped Baal. Jehovah-Shalom not only came to Gideon, His Spirit of peace and power came upon Gideon. Isn’t that what each of us needs?

What do we learn from Jehovah-Shalom and Gideon about personal and national peace?

1. Worship the Lord of Peace, Jehovah-Shalom.
2. Be filled with the Lord’s Spirit of peace and power.
3. Remove destroying gods and fight valiantly for righteousness.

Jehovah-Shalom, LORD of PEACE, only as we look and listen to You can we embrace Your peace. Only by Your Spirit can we overcome evil. Fill us, as You did Gideon, with Your peace and empowerment.