The nation of Israel was under the oppression of the Midianites.  Israel lived in terror to such an extent that Gideon was found by the Angel of the LORD threshing his wheat in the depths of a winepress so that he could hide his harvest from the enemy.  Fear and uncertainty was the guiding force among the Israelites. 

It was in this climate that God called on a “Valiant Warrior”, Gideon.  When Gideon was called to defeat the Midianites, he was less than enthused. We read in Judges his response, Judges 6:15–16 (CSB)¹⁵ ”He said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s family.” Gideon was overwhelmed by the request.  All Gideon could see was his limitations.  But God had a message for Gideon. ¹⁶ “But I will be with you,” the Lord said to him.”

Greater words were never spoken.  This passage teaches us an essential truth that can transform the way we do ministry.  It is only when we live in the awareness of our limitations that we will fully surrender to God so that the fullness of His power can be unleashed.

“I will be with you!” Wouldn’t it be great if we could hear those words from God?  What could we accomplish if we lived our lives in the confidence that comes in knowing that God is with us? Imagine if we had the promise that God is with us? 

We do! Jesus said,  Matthew 28:20 (CSB) “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” No wonder Paul could take solace in the words of God when He said, 2 Corinthians 12:9 (CSB) “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”

Covid-19 surrounds us, as the Midianites threatened the Israelites.  We live in a day of fear and uncertainty.  Take heart; God has promised to be with us.  And the Power of Christ is waiting to be put on full display through His “Valiant Warriors.”

Dear Father, help us to discover the strength that comes from living a life fully surrendered to You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Attention All PBC Kids:
Every Tuesday night at 7 pm, we will be having Sunday School for kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade.  Join Carol Jo Taylor on Zoom beginning tomorrow night, April 14th for Sunday School.  The link to join the class is below. 

Also, all kids are invited to a Biblical Storytime with Carol Jo on Sunday nights at 6 pm on Piner Baptist Church Facebook Live.

Food for Piner Families

As part of our ongoing efforts to assist families in the Piner area with food needs, and as the needs increase through this crisis, we would like to implement a new collection process.  We are going to begin a “food pantry” and will assemble weekly boxes of food.  As you do your weekly shopping, and as you are able, please look for any of the following items:

Cans of Beef Stew                                                            Applesauce Cups/Fruit Cups
Cans of Tuna or Chicken                                                Peanut Butter and Jelly
Tuna Helper/Hamburger Helper                                Loaf of Bread
Cans of Soup                                                                      Bag of Apples or Oranges
Cans of Vegetables or Baked Beans                          Potatoes (Bagged or Boxed)
Mac/Cheese                                                                      Saltine Crackers
Cans of Ravioli/Spaghettios                                         Pancake Mix/Syrup        
Pasta of Any Kind                                                             Cookies/Little Debbie Cakes
Spaghetti Sauce                                                                Granola Bars/Nutri Grain Bars
Rice-A-Roni/Noodle-Roni/Stuffing                            Cheese or Peanut Butter Crackers
Box of Cereal                                                                     Pudding Cups
Oatmeal Packets                                                              Individually wrapped snacks or cookies
PopTarts