Author: brendadevries6600

Pastor. Female. Married. Not the pastor’s wife. Reverend mother to my offspring. Lover of God, drinker of coffee, reader of books, hoarder of yarn.

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 →

The Book of Judges: Part Two-(Othniel and Achsah) Double Trouble: Double Blessing

If you go to a Tim Hortons, especially in Canada, you can order a coffee: double-double.  It means two shots of cream and two packs of sugar.[1] In the U.S. you can use the term, but it’s not as well-known, although Dunkin’ Donuts seems to know what I mean whenever I ask.  It’s a FAVORITE … Continue reading The Book of Judges: Part Two-(Othniel and Achsah) Double Trouble: Double Blessing →

The Book of Judges: Part One- The Vicious Cycle

I'm starting a new series this Fall on the book of Judges. I can’t recall a pastor ever covering these stories before, but it’s something I’ve had a desire to preach through for well over a decade now.  I’m hoping I can keep up with this blog as we go! I’m especially grateful to The … Continue reading The Book of Judges: Part One- The Vicious Cycle →