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Listen while you read: "Come Let Us To The Lord Our God"1 (Lyrics) |
I had to spend a day with some people of different beliefs and lifestyles than mine. A lot of bawdy jokes were made and several ungodly things were said, and I found that I couldn't help laughing at them.
I usually want to stand out for Christ wherever I am, but at the close of that day, I found that I had become associated with them. An onlooker would have believed that we were a group with the same beliefs, manner of words, and lifestyle. By sitting and laughing, I had become lost in that crowd; I was like any other man there.
This event immediately reminded me of Samson and the words he said to Delilah.
Judges 16:17 – He told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. (KJV)
God made Samson different: he was powerful; he was a Nazarite — set apart. He had been separated and differentiated from other men both in spiritual consecration and physical prowess right from the womb. Samson knew that he wasn't like other men, and he clearly knew the consequences of losing what made him different.
There were conditions for him to be and remain a Nazarite. His mother must stay away from uncleanness and remain sober while carrying the child in her womb, and the child's hair must never be cut.
The Philistine lords offered Delilah a reward if she could find out the source of Samson's strength in order to overpower him. Eventually, he sadly lost what made him different, and he was publicly afflicted.
My dear friends, Christ in your life makes you different: at home as a family, as a neighbour, as an employer or employee, as a member of your community, as a member of whatever gathering you are in. If you lose Christ, you lose what makes you stand out.
In a bid to "feel among", to become "one of them", don't lose what God has deposited in you. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't relate to people or that you should cut yourself off from everyone, but don't exchange your glory for gain, your power from God for pleasure, or your talent for trends.
If you have become like any other man or woman, or you are almost there, rejoice in that your power in God can be restored, like Samson, whose power briefly returned at the end of his life. Hold fast to what God has given you. If you have thrown Christ out of your life, God is merciful: come back to Him.
Revelation 3:11 – Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (KJV)
Prayer: Lord, help me not to lose the gift of being a light to my generation. Help me to stand out for You. Amen.
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Amen, John.
Thanks John, blessings to you and your family.
Thank you, John. Many of us have had the same experience!
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. Blessings and prayers.
Wise and humble words, John.
Thanks,
(Canada)
Good morning, John,
This was a lovely message. Thank you for it.
Blessings!
What an apt and interesting illustration, John, of the need for us to retain our uniqueness as children of God in a sinful world. I will miss your devotionals from the other side of the world and wish you Godspeed on the remainder of your life’s journey.
Thank you, John, for your very encouraging and directive words today. Truly there is no better action in our lives than to accept our loving Lord into our heart and soul. By doing so we reflect His light and radiance to those around us. Blessings for your special writing.
Hi John,
Thank you for your honest sharing of when we get lost a little or going down the wrong path. Thanks for the reminder that it is never too late, God is waiting with open arms for us. When others tell their stories, it helps all of us to know that we are human, and God understands. He wants us to have a relationship with Him. He wants us to ask for forgiveness which He freely gives us. Blessings.
Good morning,
Thank you for writing this devotional.
While reading this children’s song interrupted my concentration:
Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world.
Then, Further thoughts,
He loves you and me.
So thank you.
Blessings.
Thank you, John, for today’s devotion.
I reminds me of the days when I was out in a public lunchroom practicing my faith and asking for blessing and thanking for my blessings.
Others snickered at me, and I often can hear comments.
But after some time the atmosphere changed, that when I sat down and started to say my grace, the lunchroom became quiet.
Later on some of the workers came to me and asked me to help them. They have given me the respect that I didn’t ask for. And their attitude towards me changed.
I believe that the Holy Spirit touched many of them, when some of them, and asked me to pray for them and their families.
God is good and had blessed me and my family in many ways.
I made my pledge to Him when I was younger, and that I would work whichever way I could for His church, and he will bless me and my family for whatever was needed.
Since then He has looked after me and answered many of my prayers, and those of my family.
My service in His kingdom was not a lot, but it has changed some people.
Thanks again, John.
I enjoyed reading your devotion.
My mother was a slave, and I was the son of a large family, and I’m proud that we all helped in His kingdom.
We all serve when we are asked, and where we are to serve.
May God bless you and keep you,
(Québec)
Thank you, John… a challenge in life to say the least!
Be careful you don’t think you are better than everyone – that is pride.
Amen! Thanks, John!
(BC Canada)