Samson was the last of the Old Testament Judges. His story is one of the strangest and most disappointing in the Bible. He was set aside as a Nazarite before he was born, then he was blessed with godly parents who taught him to honor Jehovah. He was endowed with supernatural powers which he often used for his own selfish purposes. As you read the story of his youth, he indulged in frivolous behavior, forbidden pursuits and immoral conduct.
When he is captured and blinded by his enemy, he becomes remorseful and disappointed, but no real piety is shown. He never understood his mission in life. Samson never measured up to his potential in becoming the man he might have been.
Many Christians never get it! Some people are abundantly blessed with opportunities to become a vital part of God’s work, but they squander the chance with a life of selfishness. Take a good look at yourself and discover the wonderful way God made you. Don’t compare what you see to others, because God has plans just for you. He wants you to become the very best at what you do, and you can! If tragedy or disappointment has defeated you from living up to your potential, rejoice! God isn’t finished yet. He has been waiting for a moment like this to begin that work in you for which you were born.
GospeLines Prayer:Father, when I face the sunset of my life, I long to hear you say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Improve my serve so that I may live up to the man you intended when You made me. Amen and amen.
Boy, did I learn a lesson! About a month ago, I fertilized my lawn and it was looking great. When rain was forecast yesterday, I decided to hit it again and let the moisture dilute the extra heavy feeding I had planned. Guess what, it never rained and when I got home in the evening I had several spots of BLACK GRASS, burned from the nitrogen in the fertilizer.
Christians are like fertilizer to the world, providing spiritual nourishment to unbelievers and those who have lost their way. When used properly we are a wonderful force of God’s nature. But too much of a good thing can have an opposite effect. Being abrasive with our witness can cause irreparable damage to a person in need. Someone said it like this... "Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good".
GospeLines Prayer: Father, give me grace to measure my good witness so others will see your mercy and not my judgment, your unconditional love and not my criticism, your passion for goodness and not my narrow-mindedness. Amen and amen
A few days ago our Pastor delivered a very powerful sermon that left me longing to do more than just follow Christ; but to really know Him personally and to walk in His footsteps.As we were driving home, a passage from Matthew came to mind: “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” (Matthew 20:22)
Twenty times in the New Testament Jesus said, “Follow Me.”But He added things like: “Let the dead bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22); “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24); and, “Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Luke 18:22)
He also said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27); and, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.” (John 12:26)
If we desire to follow Him and walk in His footsteps; can we live up to this calling?Can we deny ourselves and shut out the noise of the world so we only hear the Master’s voice?
Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)He would never call us to something He didn’t also give us the power to accomplish.His commands are not burdensome, because anyone born of God will overcome the world.We can have victory over the world by our faith in God.Who is it that overcomes the world?Those who listen to the Master’s voice and believe that Jesus is the risen Son of God will overcome.” (1st John 5:3-5)
As you walk through today’s events, remember Jesus’ promise that “I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)With that power behind you, you can joyfully overcome anything the world sets in your path.
GospeLines Prayer:Father, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, You have promised to teach us all things and to remind us of everything Your Son Jesus taught.Fill our hearts with His Words Father that we may have full confidence that nothing of this world can overcome us or stand between us and our Master.Help us not to waiver or be afraid; not to fear, hesitate or panic; but, to always call on Your Name in our times of trouble.We ask in the mighty name of Jesus that You fill us with the resolve to follow You in all things.Amen!
Pastor RonU
"…we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world."
Our small group stood there in Bethlehem on that hot summer day at the birthplace of Jesus, singing Christmas carols. We joined hands and hearts as our voices announced our exuberant joy at seeing this holy place. The elderly lady next to me seemed to enjoy the moment more than most of us. When we had finished singing, she didn’t release my hand but asked if I would help her up the narrow stairs. As we climbed she chatted in excited voice about being at the site of the birth of Jesus, saying that this was the culmination of a lifelong dream to see the Holy Land.
When we reached the top, she thanked me, and it was then that I realized my new friend was blind.
GospeLines Prayer:Heavenly Father, give me a vision that sees through the darkness... let me find you even when my eyes fail me. Show me how to sing your praise in the face of trials and hardships. Thank you for the unforgettable lesson you taught me in Bethlehem. Amen and amen.