Today, as a part of our reading you will come across a haunting scripture, Judges 16:20. It reads, "He woke up and thought, 'I will do as I did before and shake myself free.' But he did not realize that the Lord had left him."
This scripture creates a question within me. Why do people assume the Lord is them when they live outside of God's ways? This is exactly what Sampson assumed. He did what he wanted, broke God's rule, and then assumed in a time of trouble that the Lord was still with him.
This reminds me of what Paul said in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." This verse is often quoted. However, what is quoted is just the first part...Oh, how people love the first part. - "And we know that all things work together for the good." - But we realize there is more to this scripture. - "for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."
Here's the deal. We have to re-think the word "love". We have lost it's meaning. When you see the word "love" think of the word "commitment." This will change your spiritual life. I know a lot of people who "love" God...But it is amazing how this same people are not "committed" to him.
Let this thought be our foundation for today. When we are committed to God, when we truly love him, we can trust that He is with us.
Let's pray:
Wow! - Brag on God.
Now... - Talk to God about your commitment to him.
How? - Stop talking and start listening to him speak to you by his Holy Spirit and his Word.
Today's Reading:
Judges chapters 13-16
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Matt