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Gideon: Victory Won, Opportunity Lost
Gideon is a compelling Bible character who led Israel to a shocking victory over the Midianites. With 300 men, a unique strategy, and the support of the Lord, Gideon put Israel's enemy to flight. There is much to learn from Gideon's faith, particularly when set in contrast to his fear.
In considering Gideon, you also see a keen example of God's ability to use a rather weak man. If God could use Gideon, He can almost certainly use you.
Soon after you meet Gideon (Judges 6), he had an effective thirty days, at the most. During those thirty days, there are great lessons on a man's ability to influence others. But, Gideon led Israel for forty years. He had one month of being a positive influence, and then 479 mediocre to poor months. Unfortunately, some of the most significant lessons on leadership/influence can be drawn from Gideon's last 479 months of serving as Israel's judge. How a gaslighting manipulative influencer behaves.The danger of angry influencers in God's work.Selfishness, with the cost paid by Gideon's most loyal followers.I'm not special - but you'd better treat me special.A spirit of entitlement - passed from Gideon to his son.A man of influence, putting an ephod in place that became a competition to the tabernacle.Though it shouldn't happen, behavior and attitudes like those of Gideon are rampant in the 21st century. But we can learn from the negative outcomes and choose a different path. Each chapter ends with suggestions for further thought and/or action.
Leadership is influence and influence is not gained because people like you. Nor does influence come because you have a title. Further, influence will not come to you because your parents were wealthy or because you have a sterling education. Nor is it position.
Too many who hold titles and positions make the same foolish mistakes as Gideon. Such negative influence not only impacts your life but those nearest to you. And foolish influencers certainly affect those God wants you to influence.
In considering Gideon, you also see a keen example of God's ability to use a rather weak man. If God could use Gideon, He can almost certainly use you.
Soon after you meet Gideon (Judges 6), he had an effective thirty days, at the most. During those thirty days, there are great lessons on a man's ability to influence others. But, Gideon led Israel for forty years. He had one month of being a positive influence, and then 479 mediocre to poor months. Unfortunately, some of the most significant lessons on leadership/influence can be drawn from Gideon's last 479 months of serving as Israel's judge. How a gaslighting manipulative influencer behaves.The danger of angry influencers in God's work.Selfishness, with the cost paid by Gideon's most loyal followers.I'm not special - but you'd better treat me special.A spirit of entitlement - passed from Gideon to his son.A man of influence, putting an ephod in place that became a competition to the tabernacle.Though it shouldn't happen, behavior and attitudes like those of Gideon are rampant in the 21st century. But we can learn from the negative outcomes and choose a different path. Each chapter ends with suggestions for further thought and/or action.
Leadership is influence and influence is not gained because people like you. Nor does influence come because you have a title. Further, influence will not come to you because your parents were wealthy or because you have a sterling education. Nor is it position.
Too many who hold titles and positions make the same foolish mistakes as Gideon. Such negative influence not only impacts your life but those nearest to you. And foolish influencers certainly affect those God wants you to influence.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 19, 2023
Gideon’s story, in my mind, has always been a positive one. This book makes it a cautionary tale. I have read through Judges many times and I have missed the things highlighted in this book.
Gideon did do great things through Jehovah but he became to important for his own good which in turned caused many issues in the Nation of Israel and his own family.
I recommend this book for people in church leadership or potential leaders. Also, any Bible scholar will enjoy it. Really all Christians can benefit from giving this book a read.
Gideon did do great things through Jehovah but he became to important for his own good which in turned caused many issues in the Nation of Israel and his own family.
I recommend this book for people in church leadership or potential leaders. Also, any Bible scholar will enjoy it. Really all Christians can benefit from giving this book a read.
January 31, 2023
Thought provoking
This is a very thought provoking book on leadership. Bro Coon brought out some very good pints concerning the life of Gideon. Things I have thought about every time I have read through his story. You will be blessed and challenged as you read this. I highly recommend this, especially to young preachers and leaders of all organizations.
This is a very thought provoking book on leadership. Bro Coon brought out some very good pints concerning the life of Gideon. Things I have thought about every time I have read through his story. You will be blessed and challenged as you read this. I highly recommend this, especially to young preachers and leaders of all organizations.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews