Intro:- Matthew.3:11, Acts.2:1-4. (v.2 Mighty Wind from Heaven) & Acts.10:34-38

Hebrews.11:32-34. v.34c. “Out of weakness were made strong”

Judges.6:1-24. Note. v.13 & 21. “And where are all His miracles -------------“

n.b. 2011 Let us get prepared to move forward to make 2011 better!

Gideon, where are all the miracles? Good question – Had God forsaken His people? The 10 Plagues! Red Sea crossing! Bitter waters of Marah! Water from the rock! Problem His people had compromised their relationship with the Lord.

1. Judges.6:1-10. Israel’s condition. v.1-6. Midianites stole everything of value.

Typical condition of a church, just about to reap the fruit, devil comes in to steal!

v.7. Israel called upon the Lord for help – But they had not dealt with their sins!

v.10. “But you have not obeyed My Voice”! niv. “Not listened to Me”

Judges.6:11-16. Gideon is called and chosen - 1.Cor.1:26-29.

v.11. As Gideon was threshing wheat – Unseen Lord is watching him!

v.12. The Lord now reveals Himself to Gideon “The Lord is with you” “You mighty warrior” Romans.4:17b. -----------.

v.13. Gideon replies. Why! Where! Do we not ask same questions?

v.14-16. Go! In your strength – Deliver Israel. Moses. Ex.3:10.

WE SEE WEAKNESSES – GOD LOOKS! SEES POSSIBILITIES! GOD PREPARES & EQUIPS!

THE TRANSFORMING PRESENCE AND POWER OF GOD – MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Judges.6:17-24. v.21. Fire from the rock consumes sacrifice. Miraculous sign to Gideon

God proves He is still the miracle worker!

Judges.6:25-33. Gideon’s 1st Task – Deal with false idols at home! Often hardest place to start! Gideon must show his new found faith for all to see! Destroy Baal altar and wooden image. Hidden things of

darkness We can worship many things in our homes/house.

Judges.6:34. Then the Holy Spirit came upon Gideon. Equipping him!

God’s order – Always starts with us, before moving forward.

2. Illustrate:- Some of the anointed in the O/T & N/T

a. Ex.31:2-5. Bezalel. Filled with H.S, to design & make Tabernacle vessels.

b. Dt.34:9. Joshua. Filled with the Spirit of wisdom – Great military leader.

c. Jud.6:34. Gideon = Tree feller. Timid transformed into Mighty Warrior.

d. Acts.2---. Peter – Denied Christ, became leader of the Apostles

e. Acts.9 Paul – Persecutor to an anointed Man of God.

Conclusion:- Daniel.11:32b -33a. NJK.

“The people who know their God, shall be strong and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many”

1.Chronicles.12:32. NIV.

“Men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do”

Anointing and Baptism with the Holy Spirit = Dividing line between what we were and what we can become.