Wednesday, April 2, 2008

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: Judges 16:23-31

PSALM OF THE WEEK: Psalm 18:1-19

HYMN OF THE DAY: #686 “Of Women, and Women’s Hope We Sing” [no link available]

 

VERSE OF THE DAY:  Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “Lord God, remember me and strengthen me only this once.” Judges 16:18a NRSV

 

If you want to win at trivia sometime, bring this one up: Delilah did NOT cut Sampson’s hair (see Judges 16:19 for proof).  We think we know the story don’t we, but look at Sampson’s story again.  He was the classic “anti-hero”, the good guy who does everything wrong.  He did it one too many times.  God left him when his hair was cut, not because the strength was in his hair, but because with that act he had violated his covenant with God.  He had forgotten that what really strengthened him was God. At the end, he remembered the Lord, and God’s strength returned for one last time.

What do we have to go through to remember God?  Think about this: If you were God and someone only remembered to pray to you during times of deep trouble, what would you do to them?  Scary thought, isn’t it?  What if we went the other way?  What if we remember God just as much during the times that are good as we do during the times that are bad?  We need to worship God and pray to God every day.  We need to remember that our strength, whatever it is, comes from God and nothing else.  When we remember that and continue to serve God daily, then we can avoid Sampson’s peril.

 

PRAYER: O God who is my strength and my shield; deliver me from Evil.  Prevent me from taking credit for what you do through me, and help me to always remember you and love you with all my being. Amen.

 

See you in Church Sunday,

Pastor Sandy

 

This email is sent only to the members of the Mid-Ohio Valley Parish Disciples of Christ and others who have requested it for the personal spiritual growth and edification of the recipient who may use it in way, including forwarding it to others, that will build up the church and glorify God.  To request that your name be added or removed from this list, contact pastor@movpdoc.org.