The Unlikely: Part Twelve Samson: Bringing Down the House Judges 16

When we say someone “brought down the house,” we usually picture a BIG moment — applause, energy, a performance that shakes the room. But sometimes, “bringing down the house” looks more like Watergate—when hidden things finally collapse under the weight of the truth. And it might mean something far more painful—when a person’s choices, compromises, … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part Twelve Samson: Bringing Down the House Judges 16 →

The Unlikely: Part Eleven Samson: Riddle Me This Judges 14-15

Riddles make us think — they hide truth in plain sight. Riddles can be frustrating, or they can be fun. Here is an ancient Sumerian riddle from about 4,000 years ago.[1] 'I am a house you enter blind but come out of with sight, what am I?' [Answer: A school] Here’s a more modern one: … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part Eleven Samson: Riddle Me This Judges 14-15 →

The Unlikely: Part Ten Samson’s Parents: When God Starts Something New. Judges 13

Sometimes I get impatient waiting for little things — an email reply, a green light, the microwave. It’s much harder when the waiting isn’t minutes — it’s YEARS. Or when it’s not the traffic you’re waiting on, it’s God. I’ve had seasons where I’ve prayed, and nothing seemed to change. You know those times when … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part Ten Samson’s Parents: When God Starts Something New. Judges 13 →

The Unlikely: Part Nine Jephthah: You didn’t say it right Judges 12:1-15

How many of you remember the gopher from Winnie the Pooh?[1] He was not an original character in the book, but he appeared in the American Disney movie.[2] He would pop up with his speech impediment and speak with a funny ‘S’ sound.  “Say…what’s wrong Sonny?’ Mr. Gopher’s S’s are Sibilants[3]—consonants made with the tip … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part Nine Jephthah: You didn’t say it right Judges 12:1-15 →

The Unlikely: Part EightJephthah: Faithful Fighter/Faithless FatherJudges 10:1-11:40

graphics created by Kham Ornta for The Unlikely sermon series for The Well Community Church.  Used with Permission. Have you ever promised something in the heat of the moment?  “Sure, I’ll do that…I promise!”  ‘Kiddo, if you just go to sleep, I’ll buy you a prize tomorrow!’ After a big family dinner, we swear, ‘That’s … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part EightJephthah: Faithful Fighter/Faithless FatherJudges 10:1-11:40 →

The Unlikely: Part Seven Abimelech: The Toxic Thornbush Judges 8:29-9:56

Gideon, or Jerub-Baal was an unlikely judge, and God used him to deliver the people of Israel from foreign oppression. But his story did not end well.  His newfound fame went to his head, and Gideon became a bit of a tyrant. After the famous, miraculous battle with torches and trumpets, he led the people … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part Seven Abimelech: The Toxic Thornbush Judges 8:29-9:56 →

The Unlikely: Part Six. Gideon: Rise and Fall-Judges 8

As we come to Judges 8, we are faced with a story of compromise, defeat, and backsliding—the last chapter in the life of a man who knew the greatest victory of faith set down in the Word of God.[1] Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us like this? Why didn’t you call us … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part Six. Gideon: Rise and Fall-Judges 8 →

The Unlikely: Part Five.  Gideon: Mighty Man of Valor Judges 6-7

I remember when I became a regular chaperone for band camp.  It was exciting, fun, and something I enjoyed lending a hand in.  Imagine my terror when the head chaperone was about to retire, and I was asked to take over!  What? Be in charge of herding almost 200 kids for a week on a … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part Five.  Gideon: Mighty Man of Valor Judges 6-7 →

The Unlikely: Part Four Deborah, (Barak and Jael): The Story, The Song Judges 4-5

My name is Brenda, but there are a few variations that certain people call me. Bren, Brenny, and “Bee” are some of the nicknames I have.  I have also been mistaken—many times actually!—for a Deb or Deborah!  It’s uncanny.  And whether it’s just a dyslexia of the letters or not, I do feel a certain … Continue reading The Unlikely: Part Four Deborah, (Barak and Jael): The Story, The Song Judges 4-5 →

The Book of Judges-Part Three Ehud-the Right Judge-when no one else was Left

Are there any lefties out there?  Wait…wait!  I’m not talking politics! I’m actually talking about Left-handed people! Most people use their right hands, to be sure—but according to experts, roughly 12% of the world is left-handed.[1]  And a lefty is 23% more likely to be a MAN than a woman!  Only 1% of the population … Continue reading The Book of Judges-Part Three Ehud-the Right Judge-when no one else was Left →