Judges 8: I'm Tired, but I'm Still Chasing the Enemy

Welcome to Chapter by Chapter, a Welcome to Chapter by Chapter, a four-year journey through the greatest four-year journey through the greatest four-year journey through the greatest book given to the human race, the word book given to the human race, the word book given to the human race, the word of God, the Bible. We get to go through of God, the Bible. We get to go through of God, the Bible. We get to go through it chapter by chapter, seven minutes a it chapter by chapter, seven minutes a it chapter by chapter, seven minutes a day and seven days a week. Join us each day and seven days a week. Join us each day and seven days a week. Join us each day and share it with others so they can day and share it with others so they can day and share it with others so they can join this journey that will be join this journey that will be join this journey that will be life-changing. We'll stop at unexpected life-changing. We'll stop at unexpected life-changing. We'll stop at unexpected places on the journey and be challenged. places on the journey and be challenged. places on the journey and be challenged. Some verses will create awe and wonder. Some verses will create awe and wonder. Some verses will create awe and wonder. We'll have chapters that will be We'll have chapters that will be We'll have chapters that will be instructive and in others we'll find joy instructive and in others we'll find joy instructive and in others we'll find joy and comfort. We will occasionally be and comfort. We will occasionally be and comfort. We will occasionally be convicted and want to change, but all in convicted and want to change, but all in convicted and want to change, but all in all the journey will be worth it. Once all the journey will be worth it. Once all the journey will be worth it. Once in a while we may take a detour on the in a while we may take a detour on the in a while we may take a detour on the journey and hear from some of God's journey and hear from some of God's journey and hear from some of God's servants on their favorite passages from servants on their favorite passages from servants on their favorite passages from a chapter of scripture. a chapter of scripture. a chapter of scripture. And let them give you their insight. And let them give you their insight. And let them give you their insight. Every journey needs a small detour Every journey needs a small detour Every journey needs a small detour occasionally. Best way to get the most occasionally. Best way to get the most occasionally. Best way to get the most from this podcast is read the chapter we from this podcast is read the chapter we from this podcast is read the chapter we are discussing before or after. It's His are discussing before or after. It's His are discussing before or after. It's His word that transforms. You'll find more word that transforms. You'll find more word that transforms. You'll find more and see more than I can ever articulate. and see more than I can ever articulate. and see more than I can ever articulate. Welcome to Chapter by Chapter and Welcome to Chapter by Chapter and Welcome to Chapter by Chapter and today's chapter is Judges 8. I'm tired, today's chapter is Judges 8. I'm tired, today's chapter is Judges 8. I'm tired, but I'm still chasing the enemy. but I'm still chasing the enemy. but I'm still chasing the enemy. I have to finally respond to both the I have to finally respond to both the I have to finally respond to both the question and the accusation that comes question and the accusation that comes question and the accusation that comes to me regularly in regards to Chapter by to me regularly in regards to Chapter by to me regularly in regards to Chapter by Chapter. I thought it was at first Chapter. I thought it was at first Chapter. I thought it was at first accidental and arbitrary, but now accidental and arbitrary, but now accidental and arbitrary, but now realize people actually believe this.

realize people actually believe this. realize people actually believe this. I've been asked a number of times how we I've been asked a number of times how we I've been asked a number of times how we use AI to do Chapter by Chapter each use AI to do Chapter by Chapter each use AI to do Chapter by Chapter each day. My response is always the same, day. My response is always the same, day. My response is always the same, shock and frustration. AI? Do you think shock and frustration. AI? Do you think shock and frustration. AI? Do you think AI is writing each chapter of the Bible AI is writing each chapter of the Bible AI is writing each chapter of the Bible for us? We have had people think the for us? We have had people think the for us? We have had people think the recording we do each week is AI recording we do each week is AI recording we do each week is AI generated also. Let me be clear what's generated also. Let me be clear what's generated also. Let me be clear what's happening with Chapter by Chapter each happening with Chapter by Chapter each happening with Chapter by Chapter each day. The only thing AI means to me is day. The only thing AI means to me is day. The only thing AI means to me is anoint I or anoint me, please God. Every anoint I or anoint me, please God. Every anoint I or anoint me, please God. Every day is a fight to get up and pray for day is a fight to get up and pray for day is a fight to get up and pray for the anointing and ask God for insight the anointing and ask God for insight the anointing and ask God for insight and help to read his word and then write and help to read his word and then write and help to read his word and then write what is the heart of God and it happens what is the heart of God and it happens what is the heart of God and it happens every day. AI has nothing to do with the every day. AI has nothing to do with the every day. AI has nothing to do with the production of this podcast. I'm on a production of this podcast. I'm on a production of this podcast. I'm on a mission and in a battle to complete this mission and in a battle to complete this mission and in a battle to complete this project. I don't ask AI what do I say project. I don't ask AI what do I say project. I don't ask AI what do I say about this book for 7 minutes to make about this book for 7 minutes to make about this book for 7 minutes to make people interested. I ask God what he people interested. I ask God what he people interested. I ask God what he wants to say through me. News flash, wants to say through me. News flash, wants to say through me. News flash, it's really me speaking with massive it's really me speaking with massive it's really me speaking with massive help from three anointed people in the help from three anointed people in the help from three anointed people in the room filming and doing the technical room filming and doing the technical room filming and doing the technical work right now. It then it goes to work right now. It then it goes to work right now. It then it goes to others for the final finishes to publish others for the final finishes to publish others for the final finishes to publish on YouTube, Spotify and Apple podcast.

on YouTube, Spotify and Apple podcast. on YouTube, Spotify and Apple podcast. The AI people then ask me then does AI The AI people then ask me then does AI The AI people then ask me then does AI edit for you? Once again, frustratingly, edit for you? Once again, frustratingly, edit for you? Once again, frustratingly, no. These two eyes rereads it and then I no. These two eyes rereads it and then I no. These two eyes rereads it and then I get help from six other eyes in this get help from six other eyes in this get help from six other eyes in this room. Each time we film these chapter by room. Each time we film these chapter by room. Each time we film these chapter by chapter episodes, we start every time chapter episodes, we start every time chapter episodes, we start every time asking God to help us. Many of us are asking God to help us. Many of us are asking God to help us. Many of us are fighting to get this to you for the next fighting to get this to you for the next fighting to get this to you for the next 4 years. 1,189 4 years. 1,189 4 years. 1,189 chapters of the Bible every day. We chapters of the Bible every day. We chapters of the Bible every day. We record seven podcasts a week and try to record seven podcasts a week and try to record seven podcasts a week and try to stay a few weeks ahead. It's prayer. stay a few weeks ahead. It's prayer. stay a few weeks ahead. It's prayer. It's work. It's a lot of work and a lot It's work. It's a lot of work and a lot It's work. It's a lot of work and a lot of prayer. No glory goes to AI. All of prayer. No glory goes to AI. All of prayer. No glory goes to AI. All glory goes to God. When it's all said glory goes to God. When it's all said glory goes to God. When it's all said and done, we are tired but we keep and done, we are tired but we keep and done, we are tired but we keep pressing on. It was the classic book pressing on. It was the classic book pressing on. It was the classic book Spiritual Leadership where Oswald Spiritual Leadership where Oswald Spiritual Leadership where Oswald Sanders says these words, "The world is Sanders says these words, "The world is Sanders says these words, "The world is run by tired men." That is so true. What run by tired men." That is so true. What run by tired men." That is so true. What we see happening through chapter by we see happening through chapter by we see happening through chapter by chapter comes from a tireless God who chapter comes from a tireless God who chapter comes from a tireless God who never sleeps or slumbers using inferior never sleeps or slumbers using inferior never sleeps or slumbers using inferior people who need a lot of sleep and people who need a lot of sleep and people who need a lot of sleep and slumber. We have no regrets but don't slumber. We have no regrets but don't slumber. We have no regrets but don't insult us with AI. We are tired workers insult us with AI. We are tired workers insult us with AI. We are tired workers but satisfied because we know this is a but satisfied because we know this is a but satisfied because we know this is a weapon to destroy the enemy's lies and weapon to destroy the enemy's lies and weapon to destroy the enemy's lies and it's a tool it's a tool it's a tool to build up the people of God and help to build up the people of God and help to build up the people of God and help them grow in the Bible. Judges 8 knows them grow in the Bible. Judges 8 knows them grow in the Bible. Judges 8 knows about a tired army that keeps on going about a tired army that keeps on going about a tired army that keeps on going till the job is done. Gideon and his 300

till the job is done. Gideon and his 300 till the job is done. Gideon and his 300 soldiers have defeated Midian by a soldiers have defeated Midian by a soldiers have defeated Midian by a miracle from God in Judges 7. Now here miracle from God in Judges 7. Now here miracle from God in Judges 7. Now here in Judges 8, two kings of Midian, Zebah in Judges 8, two kings of Midian, Zebah in Judges 8, two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and the remaining 15,000 and Zalmunna, and the remaining 15,000 and Zalmunna, and the remaining 15,000 soldiers are running for their lives soldiers are running for their lives soldiers are running for their lives from Gideon. Gideon and these 300 are from Gideon. Gideon and these 300 are from Gideon. Gideon and these 300 are relentless and will not quit until the relentless and will not quit until the relentless and will not quit until the word that God spoke to him is word that God spoke to him is word that God spoke to him is accomplished, that God will defeat them accomplished, that God will defeat them accomplished, that God will defeat them entirely. entirely. entirely. Israel finds the two kings with the Israel finds the two kings with the Israel finds the two kings with the remaining Midianite army in a desert remaining Midianite army in a desert remaining Midianite army in a desert terrain and attack. This is Judges 8:10. terrain and attack. This is Judges 8:10. terrain and attack. This is Judges 8:10. Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor and their armies with them, about 15,000 and their armies with them, about 15,000 and their armies with them, about 15,000 men, all who were left of the entire men, all who were left of the entire men, all who were left of the entire army of the sons of the east. For the army of the sons of the east. For the army of the sons of the east. For the fallen were 120,000 fallen were 120,000 fallen were 120,000 swordsmen. Gideon went up by the way of swordsmen. Gideon went up by the way of swordsmen. Gideon went up by the way of those who lived in tents on the east of those who lived in tents on the east of those who lived in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the camp Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the camp Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the camp when the camp was unsuspecting. When when the camp was unsuspecting. When when the camp was unsuspecting. When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, and captured the two kings of Midian, and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the whole Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the whole Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the whole army. Gideon wins. The promise of army. Gideon wins. The promise of army. Gideon wins. The promise of victory is realized, but God's army is victory is realized, but God's army is victory is realized, but God's army is exhausted in the fight.

exhausted in the fight. exhausted in the fight. There have been multiple times that There have been multiple times that There have been multiple times that people have asked me, "How are you people have asked me, "How are you people have asked me, "How are you doing?" My answer to that question has doing?" My answer to that question has doing?" My answer to that question has come from Judges chapter 8. The words come from Judges chapter 8. The words come from Judges chapter 8. The words used to describe Gideon and his men used to describe Gideon and his men used to describe Gideon and his men couldn't articulate any better how we couldn't articulate any better how we couldn't articulate any better how we feel doing God's work and fighting the feel doing God's work and fighting the feel doing God's work and fighting the good fight. As Gideon and his 300 are good fight. As Gideon and his 300 are good fight. As Gideon and his 300 are finishing the Midianite battle, this is finishing the Midianite battle, this is finishing the Midianite battle, this is how they were described. Judges 8:4, how they were described. Judges 8:4, how they were described. Judges 8:4, "Gideon now crossed the Jordan River "Gideon now crossed the Jordan River "Gideon now crossed the Jordan River with his 300 men. They were very tired with his 300 men. They were very tired with his 300 men. They were very tired but still chasing the enemy." That's the but still chasing the enemy." That's the but still chasing the enemy." That's the best description of God's people who are best description of God's people who are best description of God's people who are winning and fighting hell. Very tired winning and fighting hell. Very tired winning and fighting hell. Very tired but still chasing the enemy. but still chasing the enemy. but still chasing the enemy. Most souls are won by tired people. The Most souls are won by tired people. The Most souls are won by tired people. The best sermons are preached by tired men. best sermons are preached by tired men. best sermons are preached by tired men. The best revivals are run by exhausted The best revivals are run by exhausted The best revivals are run by exhausted preachers and the world is being preachers and the world is being preachers and the world is being evangelized by tired missionaries. We evangelized by tired missionaries. We evangelized by tired missionaries. We will never do great things for God until will never do great things for God until will never do great things for God until we have learned to minister when we are we have learned to minister when we are we have learned to minister when we are tired. It's been my experience that I tired. It's been my experience that I tired. It's been my experience that I have been most used when I'm at the have been most used when I'm at the have been most used when I'm at the point of exhaustion. An entire city was point of exhaustion. An entire city was point of exhaustion. An entire city was changed because tired Jesus ministered changed because tired Jesus ministered changed because tired Jesus ministered to a woman at the well who became an to a woman at the well who became an to a woman at the well who became an evangelist. John 4:6 says it. Listen to evangelist. John 4:6 says it. Listen to evangelist. John 4:6 says it. Listen to these words, "And Jesus, tired as he was these words, "And Jesus, tired as he was these words, "And Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.

from the journey, sat down by the well. from the journey, sat down by the well. It was at noon when a Samaritan woman It was at noon when a Samaritan woman It was at noon when a Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus said to her, came to draw water. Jesus said to her, came to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Will you give me a drink?'" Luther said 'Will you give me a drink?'" Luther said 'Will you give me a drink?'" Luther said he worked so hard sometimes that when he he worked so hard sometimes that when he he worked so hard sometimes that when he went to bed he literally fell into bed. went to bed he literally fell into bed. went to bed he literally fell into bed. In fact, one account says he didn't In fact, one account says he didn't In fact, one account says he didn't change his bed for a whole year. Now, change his bed for a whole year. Now, change his bed for a whole year. Now, that's tired and gross. that's tired and gross. that's tired and gross. Moody's bedtime prayer on one occasion Moody's bedtime prayer on one occasion Moody's bedtime prayer on one occasion was, "Lord, I am tired. Amen." was, "Lord, I am tired. Amen." was, "Lord, I am tired. Amen." Calvin's biographers marvel at his Calvin's biographers marvel at his Calvin's biographers marvel at his output. John Wesley rode 60 to 70 miles output. John Wesley rode 60 to 70 miles output. John Wesley rode 60 to 70 miles a day and on an average preached three a day and on an average preached three a day and on an average preached three sermons a day. When Alexander McLaren sermons a day. When Alexander McLaren sermons a day. When Alexander McLaren went into his study, it's said that he went into his study, it's said that he went into his study, it's said that he would take off his slippers and put on would take off his slippers and put on would take off his slippers and put on working men's boots because he knew that working men's boots because he knew that working men's boots because he knew that a minister of God is to be a working a minister of God is to be a working a minister of God is to be a working man. man. man. I was reading about Evan Roberts, the I was reading about Evan Roberts, the I was reading about Evan Roberts, the young man who God used to bring the young man who God used to bring the young man who God used to bring the Welsh Revival. In his biography, it was Welsh Revival. In his biography, it was Welsh Revival. In his biography, it was said that there are nine outstanding said that there are nine outstanding said that there are nine outstanding characteristics of the person that God characteristics of the person that God characteristics of the person that God uses in revival. First, a deep uses in revival. First, a deep uses in revival. First, a deep earnestness, then a desperate desire to earnestness, then a desperate desire to earnestness, then a desperate desire to see God work powerfully. Third, it would see God work powerfully. Third, it would see God work powerfully. Third, it would be great faith, and fourth, great be great faith, and fourth, great be great faith, and fourth, great patience. They must be spiritually deep patience. They must be spiritually deep patience. They must be spiritually deep and determined. They also must be and determined. They also must be and determined. They also must be fervent prayer. But it was fervent prayer. But it was fervent prayer. But it was [clears throat] the last two that [clears throat] the last two that [clears throat] the last two that reminded me of Gideon's army. Listen to reminded me of Gideon's army. Listen to reminded me of Gideon's army. Listen to number eight and nine. Eight, a number eight and nine. Eight, a number eight and nine. Eight, a willingness to expend energy, and nine, willingness to expend energy, and nine, willingness to expend energy, and nine, to labor fearlessly. This is where you to labor fearlessly. This is where you to labor fearlessly. This is where you get a tired 300, but they're still get a tired 300, but they're still get a tired 300, but they're still chasing the enemy.

chasing the enemy. chasing the enemy. I've learned that those who are I've learned that those who are I've learned that those who are articulate in critical comments and articulate in critical comments and articulate in critical comments and critiquing every church and preacher are critiquing every church and preacher are critiquing every church and preacher are not tired people because they're not not tired people because they're not not tired people because they're not changing the world. The critical have changing the world. The critical have changing the world. The critical have time to write because they're time to write because they're time to write because they're well-rested. I know this may sound like well-rested. I know this may sound like well-rested. I know this may sound like a passive-aggressive way to to deal with a passive-aggressive way to to deal with a passive-aggressive way to to deal with my naysayers. It really isn't, I my naysayers. It really isn't, I my naysayers. It really isn't, I promise. I'm hoping they join the chase promise. I'm hoping they join the chase promise. I'm hoping they join the chase instead of criticizing the chase. Those instead of criticizing the chase. Those instead of criticizing the chase. Those who God is using to change the world who God is using to change the world who God is using to change the world don't have time to read those comments. don't have time to read those comments. don't have time to read those comments. Our vision to reach 1 billion souls Our vision to reach 1 billion souls Our vision to reach 1 billion souls around the world is all-encompassing, around the world is all-encompassing, around the world is all-encompassing, and the fight is real. There is no time and the fight is real. There is no time and the fight is real. There is no time to stop and listen to the negative. to stop and listen to the negative. to stop and listen to the negative. We're chasing the enemy, and we're We're chasing the enemy, and we're We're chasing the enemy, and we're tired. I know there is a big movement tired. I know there is a big movement tired. I know there is a big movement that has come to church leadership today that has come to church leadership today that has come to church leadership today that everyone is getting a sabbatical. that everyone is getting a sabbatical. that everyone is getting a sabbatical. Pastors and leaders taking months off to Pastors and leaders taking months off to Pastors and leaders taking months off to get rest. I honestly don't know how I get rest. I honestly don't know how I get rest. I honestly don't know how I feel about that. I've been in ministry feel about that. I've been in ministry feel about that. I've been in ministry now for over four decades, and I will now for over four decades, and I will now for over four decades, and I will spare you the parental talk about spare you the parental talk about spare you the parental talk about walking to school in the snow barefoot walking to school in the snow barefoot walking to school in the snow barefoot uphill when I was a child. For those uphill when I was a child. For those uphill when I was a child. For those that don't know that talk, that was that don't know that talk, that was that don't know that talk, that was always the response from our parents always the response from our parents always the response from our parents when we griped about walking to school when we griped about walking to school when we griped about walking to school in inclement weather.

in inclement weather. in inclement weather. I don't think I need a sabbatical. I I don't think I need a sabbatical. I I don't think I need a sabbatical. I know I need rest at times. I think know I need rest at times. I think know I need rest at times. I think Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of Psalm 23 Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of Psalm 23 Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of Psalm 23 best defines what I think I need. Here best defines what I think I need. Here best defines what I think I need. Here are a few verses of this classic song. are a few verses of this classic song. are a few verses of this classic song. This is Psalm 23. God, my shepherd, I This is Psalm 23. God, my shepherd, I This is Psalm 23. God, my shepherd, I don't need a thing. don't need a thing. don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows. You have bedded me down in lush meadows. You have bedded me down in lush meadows. You find me quiet pools to drink from, You find me quiet pools to drink from, You find me quiet pools to drink from, and true to your word, you let me catch and true to your word, you let me catch and true to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right my breath and send me in the right my breath and send me in the right direction. direction. direction. You let me catch my breath. That's what You let me catch my breath. That's what You let me catch my breath. That's what I want. Sometimes I need a week or two I want. Sometimes I need a week or two I want. Sometimes I need a week or two vacation for that to happen, but I want vacation for that to happen, but I want vacation for that to happen, but I want to keep pursuing the enemy. Just to keep pursuing the enemy. Just to keep pursuing the enemy. Just remember, if you ask me how I'm doing, remember, if you ask me how I'm doing, remember, if you ask me how I'm doing, my answer will be from Judges 8. I'm my answer will be from Judges 8. I'm my answer will be from Judges 8. I'm very tired, but I'm still chasing the very tired, but I'm still chasing the very tired, but I'm still chasing the enemy. I better finish Judges chapter 8 enemy. I better finish Judges chapter 8 enemy. I better finish Judges chapter 8 because we still have a long chase because we still have a long chase because we still have a long chase ahead. 970 ahead. 970 ahead. 970 more chapters. I am tired. AI is no more chapters. I am tired. AI is no more chapters. I am tired. AI is no help. I need to catch my breath because help. I need to catch my breath because help. I need to catch my breath because 1 billion is a lot of people.

1 billion is a lot of people. 1 billion is a lot of people. Thank you for joining Chapter by Thank you for joining Chapter by Thank you for joining Chapter by Chapter. Every chapter from the greatest Chapter. Every chapter from the greatest Chapter. Every chapter from the greatest book, the Bible, the word of God. 7 book, the Bible, the word of God. 7 book, the Bible, the word of God. 7 minutes a day, 7 days a week. We'll see minutes a day, 7 days a week. We'll see minutes a day, 7 days a week. We'll see you tomorrow.