It is always inspiring to study the characters in the bible,their successes and failures.Their lives can be great examples in our christian walk .Their life stories serve as a reminder and warning to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things.Joseph and Samson are popular biblical characters ,different characters though especially in the areas of temptation and pressure. Like us,they are also human beings,dealing with disappointments,attitudes and temptation.
JOSEPH
Many of us are very familiar with the life story of Joseph.We know that he was sold by his brothers and became a slave in Egypt.Anybody who is in his shoes can have feelings of discouragement ,be resentful or vengeful.Perhaps he can question God why He would allow these things to happen to him when he did not even do anything to hurt anybody.But there was nothing in the bible that says he had these kinds of feelings.His attitude towards God never change.His attitude was right with God.He continued to have fear and obedience to God.Joseph was an attractive man so while he was in Potiphar's house,Potiphar's wife wanted him to sleep with her.He was young and he could have several excuses for him to yield to this temptation.He could have been lonely ,away from his family in a foreign land,or perhaps potiphar's wife could have been an attractive woman.But in Gen. 39:2,Joseph choose to flee.And for that he was accused by potiphar's wife of attempting to rape her.He was placed in a dungeon.In the end we know that he rose from the dungeon to the second highest position in the egyptian empire.Joseph is a great example as a man who under pressure became victorious because wherever he went and whatever he did,the Lord blessed and prospered him.That includes his family and people around him.Joseph was faithful,patient ,trustworthy,obedient and has a grateful heart even when he was forced to endure painful and difficult circumstances.
SAMSON
Samson's character on the other hand was far different from Joseph.Samson was consecrated to God through the vow of his mother.He was born as a Nazarite,and he was to be a nazarite all of his life.Samson's weakness for philistine women has created trouble for him and the philistines.Samson's uncut,long hair was the source of his physical strength.It made him have the"superman" power.He killed a lion with his barehands,seized the jawbone of a donkey and killed 1000 philistines.Just like superman,vulnerable to kryptonite,in his life story,samson had a crack in his armor and his greatness is sapped.In the end,we know that Delilah wore him down and told her the truth that if someone would shave his head and broke his nazarite vow,his strength would be gone. This was Samson's downfall.He was then captured ,tortured and mocked by the philistines.Samson was lustful,involving himself with a protitute, spoiled,selfish and wants what he wants now.He wants to get his own way.These were his stumbling blocks in heeding to God's commands and warnings.He disregarded his parents and God's commands.In the end,Samson had a realization of what he did and his selfishness.He asked the Lord to gim him another strength . In his final act,samson destroyed the philistine's temple in Gaza and killing 3000 philistines.He died with them.
Lesson
Joseph was a picture of great strength,his inner strength which comes from God.With this his integrity,obedience and faithfulness to the Lord never faded.He was a great example of how we should live our life and walk in our faith under pressure,pain and circumstances.Samson on the contrary,has relied on physical strength but when it comes to his inner being,he was trapped by his own passions.He paid the price of his disobedience to God.Even though Samson's life was never a happy ending,we learn that when God has a plan ,he can use people,no matter how imperfect they are to accomplish his overall purpose and still bring something good out of their failures.
We also learn that since we are human beings,we have weaknesses .These are reasons enough to become totally dependent on God's strength and not on our own.God never fails to warn His people.There will always be consequences associated with evil just like Samson.But for those who remained obedient and faithful just like Joseph,God holds out His wonderful promises and will bring out blessings out of difficult circumstances.
If we listen to what the bible speaks and learn through the lives of His godly people and through our past experiences as well,we will find ourselves living in a life with a godly purpose and joy.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
TRIALS vs TEMPTATION
People are often confused between the words trials and temptations.In our everyday battle ,when you are engulfed by feelings of weakness or entrapped by loss of self worth or feelings of defeat,it is good to discern temptation from tests or trials.To be able to know the difference,every christian needs to have a" spiritual check"and this entails knowing and meditating on God's word.
A trial has a goal of strengthening the christian.It reveals to the person an area of weakness and God may allow it in our lives so we can trust in Him in a deeper way.Once we surrender our weaknesses to God alone,it drives us to a greater dependency on Him.Then we become stronger after each trial.In 2 Cor. 12:10:,Paul says,"That is why,for Christ's sake I delight in weakness,in insults,in difficulties.For when I am weak,then I am strong."And in Nehemiah 8:10 says ,"The joy of the Lord is your strength.".
Temptation on the other hand is an enticement for us to do evil.It aims to destroy us and it always includes sin.Sometimes those temptations are aimed at meeting God given desires and drives in a wrong way.God does not tempt us.In Lam. 3:33,His word declares,"For He does not willingly bring afflliction or grief to the children of men."And in James 1:13-18,God does not tempt anybody.
Before Barnes and Nobles in my area closed a few months ago,I got lucky to acquire Charles F. Stanley's book ,"WHEN THE ENEMY STRIKES".It just makes me sad that a lot of bookstores here in America have closed and that includes christian bookstores.One of the stories in the book really caught my attention and it lingered in my mind :
A man once came to me and said,"Pastor,I've lost my job.I've been trying to find a new job for eight weeks,but I'm not having any success.Do you think the devil caused me to lose my job? Is he tempting me,or is God trying me?
"I asked him,"How did you lose your job?Were you fired for something you did,or was you company going through hard times and needed to let people go?"He said,"I think it was a combination.The company was going through a reorganization after a merger,and I was one of the last people hired.If I did anything wrong,it was that I didn't do enough to show why I was more valuable than the other guys in my same position."
"I'm not sure promoting yourself would have made any difference,"I said.He thought for a few seconds and then said,"You're probably right.""What kind of job are you looking for,"I asked him."Well ,I was a first-line supervisor on an assembly line,""Did you like that job?" I asked. "It paid well,"he said.
That isn't what I asked,"I said,"Did you really enjoy it?Did you look forward to monday mornings?"
He hung his head,"No," he finally stated." I really didn't enjoy that job."
"What would you like to do?"I asked."I'd really like to coach a softball team and teach physical education in a school.I have a teaching degree,and I love sports."
I said,"Sir,you weren't being attacked by the devil when you lost your job.You were liberated by God.!"
"What dou you mean?""You are seeing this job loss as an attack from the devil because you're without work and without income right now.I see this as a time of trial in your life---God is revealing that you have been in the wrong line of work,given the talents and desires He has built into you.God is trying to get you to see that you need to be applying for jobs in schools,and until one of those jobs shows up,you need to be substitute teaching,helping out with a softball team,or doing something to put yourself into position to be hired as a teacher!"I didn't have to say anymore.
This man's face lift up as if I had turned a light onto him.He had enthusiasm in his eyes."That's it,he said."I've been thinking the devil stole my job.The truth is that God wants me to have a better job!It may not be better in pay,but it sure would be better for me."God can show you how to live with a little less money",I assured him."And here's one thing I've seen happen again and again.When people work in a job they love,financial opportunities come their way.God provides."
This man clearly was experiencing a trial from God--a trial intended to move him into job that God desired for him to have.
(Charles F. Stanley',"When the Enemy Strikes",The Keys to Winning Your Spiritual Battles)
A trial has a goal of strengthening the christian.It reveals to the person an area of weakness and God may allow it in our lives so we can trust in Him in a deeper way.Once we surrender our weaknesses to God alone,it drives us to a greater dependency on Him.Then we become stronger after each trial.In 2 Cor. 12:10:,Paul says,"That is why,for Christ's sake I delight in weakness,in insults,in difficulties.For when I am weak,then I am strong."And in Nehemiah 8:10 says ,"The joy of the Lord is your strength.".
Temptation on the other hand is an enticement for us to do evil.It aims to destroy us and it always includes sin.Sometimes those temptations are aimed at meeting God given desires and drives in a wrong way.God does not tempt us.In Lam. 3:33,His word declares,"For He does not willingly bring afflliction or grief to the children of men."And in James 1:13-18,God does not tempt anybody.
Before Barnes and Nobles in my area closed a few months ago,I got lucky to acquire Charles F. Stanley's book ,"WHEN THE ENEMY STRIKES".It just makes me sad that a lot of bookstores here in America have closed and that includes christian bookstores.One of the stories in the book really caught my attention and it lingered in my mind :
A man once came to me and said,"Pastor,I've lost my job.I've been trying to find a new job for eight weeks,but I'm not having any success.Do you think the devil caused me to lose my job? Is he tempting me,or is God trying me?
"I asked him,"How did you lose your job?Were you fired for something you did,or was you company going through hard times and needed to let people go?"He said,"I think it was a combination.The company was going through a reorganization after a merger,and I was one of the last people hired.If I did anything wrong,it was that I didn't do enough to show why I was more valuable than the other guys in my same position."
"I'm not sure promoting yourself would have made any difference,"I said.He thought for a few seconds and then said,"You're probably right.""What kind of job are you looking for,"I asked him."Well ,I was a first-line supervisor on an assembly line,""Did you like that job?" I asked. "It paid well,"he said.
That isn't what I asked,"I said,"Did you really enjoy it?Did you look forward to monday mornings?"
He hung his head,"No," he finally stated." I really didn't enjoy that job."
"What would you like to do?"I asked."I'd really like to coach a softball team and teach physical education in a school.I have a teaching degree,and I love sports."
I said,"Sir,you weren't being attacked by the devil when you lost your job.You were liberated by God.!"
"What dou you mean?""You are seeing this job loss as an attack from the devil because you're without work and without income right now.I see this as a time of trial in your life---God is revealing that you have been in the wrong line of work,given the talents and desires He has built into you.God is trying to get you to see that you need to be applying for jobs in schools,and until one of those jobs shows up,you need to be substitute teaching,helping out with a softball team,or doing something to put yourself into position to be hired as a teacher!"I didn't have to say anymore.
This man's face lift up as if I had turned a light onto him.He had enthusiasm in his eyes."That's it,he said."I've been thinking the devil stole my job.The truth is that God wants me to have a better job!It may not be better in pay,but it sure would be better for me."God can show you how to live with a little less money",I assured him."And here's one thing I've seen happen again and again.When people work in a job they love,financial opportunities come their way.God provides."
This man clearly was experiencing a trial from God--a trial intended to move him into job that God desired for him to have.
(Charles F. Stanley',"When the Enemy Strikes",The Keys to Winning Your Spiritual Battles)
Friday, July 15, 2011
OBEDIENCE AND GOD'S PLAN
Life's struggles and trials are very common to every human being including christians.It just annoys me to hear that a lot of christians attribute all their struggles as a " testing from God".While it is true that some of the struggles in this world are a test of faith which develops perseverance that will lead to a strong and mature christian character, (James 1:2-4),some of the problems can also be consequences of certain actions,or to make it straight-a consequence of sin.No one is perfect ,life is not perfect and on certain occasions,we make mistake ,that is doing things that are not pleasing to God.Yet many christians don't want accountability for their actions and use God for their scapegoat.As one saying goes" we are free to make our actions but not free to choose the consequence of our actions."Nobody will escape the consequence of his choices.
Whichever way I look ,everything points to this word,"OBEDIENCE".Obedience to God and His word is extremely important.It is a mandatory part of our christian lives.If we love God,we will obey His commands,not just part of His commands,not just the ones that we like or agree with.(Jn 14:15,23,24;2 Thess.2:15;2 tim.1:13). Some christians today are not taking God's command seriously,and one mistake is that after receiving the gift of salvation ,God's commands are forgotten.
The Lord has given us all the instructions in the bible,that many people have ignored.The bible is every christian's lifeline,a guide for the christian's everyday living and way of life.Meditate on His word day and night,then you will be properous and successful.(Joshua 1:8).If we obey God's word,we will be blessed in many ways.(Deut. 28:1,2).To be blessed means "to endue with power,and longevity."Abraham is a great example as a man of obedience,the "Father of obedience".(Gen. 22:15-18).
To be able to know and be ready for God's plan for us ,we need to prove our faithfulness to Him by OBEDIENCE.God's spectacular plan for us is not difficult to find.The bible says we can hear the sheperd's voice.We just have to go through certain steps.We must mature and develop a strong christian character.Maybe God is only asking you to be a good wife,good husband,or work well in church.Once you have been faithful in these things ,He will open the doors for greater ones.
God's plan doesn't make sense to us at times.There will be moments when God asks us to do something and often we will start reasoning in our mind.Our human logic will start arguing it and ultimately we will ignore the message.God will trust you with His affairs if you act immediately on His promptings.
To obey is better than sacrifice.(I Sam. 15:22).It is impossible to miss God if you desire in your heart to please Him.
PRAYER:
Lord,teach me to do the thing that pleases You.
I want to know your guiding voice and to walk
with You each day.
Lord,make me quick to hear and ready to obey.
I am seeking to do the thing that pleases you.
In Jesus Mighty Name......Amen
Monday, July 11, 2011
RUNNING A MARATHON
Philippians 3:14
It was my very first time to join a marathon last May.I was very hesitant at first because I didn't really think I have the stamina to do it.I actually have been going to the gym and working out to keep myself fit. I didn't really know what to expect so I prepared for it. I found it very exciting to do this marathon.It actually meant so much to me.There was something about this marathon that I needed to see .
Our christian life is like a marathon.In a marathon,you need to run a certain number of miles until you reach the finish line.It is a long distance race.It is open,unusually long and exhausting.It is therefore an endurance run.A christian life can be a harsh journey at times .You take an uphill or downhill battle.There will be big rocks along the way.The force of the wind ,the cold air or the heat of the sun makes it even more challenging .Paul spoke of reaching forward to those things which are ahead and pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
We might get thirsty,tired and think about stopping along the way but when we set our eyes on Jesus,He will get us to the finishing line where there is a prize that awaits us,the eternal life.
I remembered when my husband was telling me his stories as a young man who became a prayer warrior and a young preacher then.I was so amazed by his stories about how he and his friends were doing the works for God's kingdom.The fasting,the Holy Spirit night,how the Holy Spirit was moving in their lives,were all living and powerful testimonies in their young lives .They became an inspiration to other young people in the church as they began to share with boldness and power the word of God.
As I was hearing this,I thought about my marathon,or my christian walk,so to speak.I was thinking then that it would be nice then if I too have met accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a younger age and that maybe I would have done the same as a teenager.But then I realized that it really doesn't matter how young or how old you are when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and saviour.I believe that God always has His own time.And there is never an accident in His time.It's not how long you've been a christian.The question is ,are you going to finish the race well?Just like a marathon,there are some christians today who started very strong but never made it to the finishing line.2 Tim. 4:7 says :" I have fought the good fight of faith,I have finished the race,I have kept the faith."
At the end of the race,there is a prize,a crown that awaits for those who finished the race well and to all those who eagerly await for our savior;while we wait for the blessed hope,the glorious appearing of our great God and savior,Jesus Christ.
1 Tim. 6:12,Paul's instruction to Timothy : "Fight the good fight of the faith.Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witness."
So let us continue in the race and press on toward the goal.Let us fight the good fight of faith.Praying,trusting,waiting,always standing firm and putting our hope on Christ Jesus.Let us not put out the Holy Spirit's fire in our walk.Our citizenship is in heaven(Phil.3:20) so our mind is set on heavenly,spiritual things ,not on earthly things.
In a sense,we as christians are all running in a marathon.It takes patience,endurance and perseverance to run and finish the race well.The secret to finishing well is to look forward to the joy that awaits us after life's race---the eternal life with Him.
It was my very first time to join a marathon last May.I was very hesitant at first because I didn't really think I have the stamina to do it.I actually have been going to the gym and working out to keep myself fit. I didn't really know what to expect so I prepared for it. I found it very exciting to do this marathon.It actually meant so much to me.There was something about this marathon that I needed to see .
Our christian life is like a marathon.In a marathon,you need to run a certain number of miles until you reach the finish line.It is a long distance race.It is open,unusually long and exhausting.It is therefore an endurance run.A christian life can be a harsh journey at times .You take an uphill or downhill battle.There will be big rocks along the way.The force of the wind ,the cold air or the heat of the sun makes it even more challenging .Paul spoke of reaching forward to those things which are ahead and pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
We might get thirsty,tired and think about stopping along the way but when we set our eyes on Jesus,He will get us to the finishing line where there is a prize that awaits us,the eternal life.
I remembered when my husband was telling me his stories as a young man who became a prayer warrior and a young preacher then.I was so amazed by his stories about how he and his friends were doing the works for God's kingdom.The fasting,the Holy Spirit night,how the Holy Spirit was moving in their lives,were all living and powerful testimonies in their young lives .They became an inspiration to other young people in the church as they began to share with boldness and power the word of God.
As I was hearing this,I thought about my marathon,or my christian walk,so to speak.I was thinking then that it would be nice then if I too have met accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a younger age and that maybe I would have done the same as a teenager.But then I realized that it really doesn't matter how young or how old you are when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and saviour.I believe that God always has His own time.And there is never an accident in His time.It's not how long you've been a christian.The question is ,are you going to finish the race well?Just like a marathon,there are some christians today who started very strong but never made it to the finishing line.2 Tim. 4:7 says :" I have fought the good fight of faith,I have finished the race,I have kept the faith."
At the end of the race,there is a prize,a crown that awaits for those who finished the race well and to all those who eagerly await for our savior;while we wait for the blessed hope,the glorious appearing of our great God and savior,Jesus Christ.
1 Tim. 6:12,Paul's instruction to Timothy : "Fight the good fight of the faith.Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witness."
So let us continue in the race and press on toward the goal.Let us fight the good fight of faith.Praying,trusting,waiting,always standing firm and putting our hope on Christ Jesus.Let us not put out the Holy Spirit's fire in our walk.Our citizenship is in heaven(Phil.3:20) so our mind is set on heavenly,spiritual things ,not on earthly things.
In a sense,we as christians are all running in a marathon.It takes patience,endurance and perseverance to run and finish the race well.The secret to finishing well is to look forward to the joy that awaits us after life's race---the eternal life with Him.
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