Main Verse: Judges 4 and 5

Good morning,

Deborah Lappidoth’s wife was Israel’s judge at the time of the kings of Canaan’s incursion into Ephraim’s territory. Because Israel was disobedient to the Lord’s requirements, the land they were given was being reclaimed and Israel was being enslaved by the people they had enslaved. Barak the son of Abinoam from Naphtali was tapped to lead Ephraim against Jabin and Sicera to the valley of HarMegido or “Harmageddon” (Daniel 11:10-13, Revelations 16:13-16). Not all of the tribes in Israel came to fight with Barak and, as such, did not receive a reward or “Spoil of War” though the Goyam incursion affected everyone.

Deborah’s song is a snapshot of the events leading up to Sicera being pinned to a bed by an old Kennite woman. Barak and his 10000 men were no match for gentile kings and their iron chariots; under any other condition, this battle would be a landslide victory for the gentile kingdoms, but the Lord won that day (Zephaniah 3:16-17). After the battle, the gentile kings were put down and no longer caused problems in Israel; the two tribes who answered the call received the spoils whereas the other tribes received nothing but enjoyed being set free. Today many of you are facing innumerable battles wondering when you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. I charge you today and encourage you to hold yourself accountable before the Lord and choose to fight though everything is against you and you must stand alone.

I.H.S. MK

Father,

Every battle that confronts us offers us two choices, fight or succomb. Please help me today to hold myself accountable for my actions and choose to fight the battle knowing that you are with me. I would dearly love to say, “I know that you are with me because I always do that which pleases you” (Psalm 16:7-11, John 8:28-29) but I know that would be a lie. When I sin and fall short of Your Glory Lord, please help me to Your promises and remember the work of the Cross so that I have strength to stand my ground instead of foolishly running away (1 John 2:1-2, Ecclesiastes 10:1-4). I pray for those who are fighting battles today Lord that this word of encouragement will touch their lives.

In Jesus’ name