WEDNESDAY APRIL. 2, 2025
“Extraordinary callings come with extraordinary challenges.”
"True faith always changes one’s life, sometimes in remarkably dramatic ways." Quoted from: Thomas R. Schreiner
"We concentrate not on what is seen but on what is not seen, since things seen are temporary, but things not seen are eternal." (CJB)
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
******************
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil."
Proverbs 3:5-7 (NKJV)
"Make me know Your ways, O Jehovah; Teach me Your paths. Cause me to walk in Your truth, for You are my God of salvation, In You I hope all day long."
Psalm 25:4,5 (NWT)
REFLECTION
Today’s daily Bible reflection considers the miraculous birth of Samson to a barren woman, emphasizing how God works through the unlikely to fulfill His purposes. It challenges us to consider our own callings and the commitment needed to live a life set apart for God’s glory.
Scriptures
" You are going to become pregnant and have a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb."
Judges 13:4-5
Why do you think God often chooses barren women to give birth to His heroes?
There are probably many reasons why, but one of them is this:
We are all spiritually barren.
We need a divine touch to live a life of purpose.
We, in and of ourselves, are unable to conceive salvation, purpose, and eternal life. But with a touch of God, all things are possible.
The story of Samson's birth in Judges 13 is a narrative filled with divine intervention and prophetic declarations. It begins with Manoah and his wife, who is barren, receiving a visit from the angel of the Lord. This visitation brings not only a promise of a son, but a son who will rise to be a hero of Israel.
This episode highlights the theme of divine purpose woven into the fabric of seemingly impossible situations. The birth of Samson to a previously barren woman echoes the recurrent biblical motif of God working through the unexpected to fulfill His plans. It's a powerful reminder that God often chooses the most unlikely individuals and scenarios to display His power and accomplish His will.
Samson's life was set apart for a divine purpose from the beginning. But we will soon learn that he squanders many opportunities to be who he was called to be.
How to apply The Birth of Samson: Reflect on your own life and the areas where you feel God has called you for a specific purpose. Consider the commitments and challenges that come with this calling. Are there areas of your life that require greater dedication or separation in order to fulfill God's purpose? This week, take time to pray for clarity and strength to live out your calling, remembering that being set apart is not just a matter of abstaining from certain things but actively pursuing a life that glorifies God in every aspect.
The overarching message is clear: what God promises, He delivers.
Jehovah God teaches us a spiritual lesson through this episode: we were transformed from aliens and enemies of God, to children of God and ambassadors of reconciliation to the human race. As imperfect humans we slip and fall, often, but God's matchless grace and mercy is always ready to restore and heal us. When we slip we must confess our sin and He is faithful to forgive and the blood of Christ cleanses us of all sin.
1 John 1:7
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin."
REFLECTION
Reflect on your own life and the areas where you feel God has called you for a specific purpose. Consider the commitments and challenges that come with this calling. Are there areas of your life that require greater dedication or separation in order to fulfill God's purpose? This week, take time to pray for clarity and strength to live out your calling, remembering that being set apart is not just a matter of abstaining from certain things but actively pursuing a life that glorifies God in every aspect.
" For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11
Spiritual truth: God desires to purify us and prepare us for eternal life in full harmony with His Son, in whom He is well pleased.
As Christians we must have true humility before our LORD and learn to live in true obedience to the Scriptural principles of the Bible in order to mature, proclaim God's Kingdom, and live in harmony with our Great God's character. Only in surrendered obedience will we then overcome fleshly impulses, and experience the peace of God that surpasses imperfect human understanding, and begin to enjoy the balance which God has purposed for our lives here on our journey to eternity in paradise, and share it daily with anyone we cross paths on the way. Our children and grandchildren may then benefit from our life's example and faith, leaving a legacy of light and truth as their guide.
"For we are His (God's) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
**********************
"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
*************************
FAITH SPOTLIGHT
“You are a child of God! Many people, during times of adversity, feel worthless and weak. But you are not! You’re stronger than you think!
Phil. 4:13 says: I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.”
No matter where life has brought you to in this moment - through the good and through the bad - Jesus has been with you, drawing you to Himself. He is the promised Immanuel. He is God with us.
*******************
" For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
Judges 13:5
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank You for establishing a plan for my life. Each new day is a glorious opportunity to live out my true purpose and calling. Let Your Word be the roadmap for every step that I take as I go about my day.
Dear Heavenly Father, just like Samson in Judges 13 I know I too have been called to be set apart. I will not treat myself as common, because You’ve created me to be extraordinary. Like extraordinary athletes that require extraordinary training, I realize that my life is no exception. Therefore, when my feet touch the ground I will first connect my heart and soul to Your incredible power! I will shift my mind and increase my faith because as I walk with You, all things become possible. I declare that I have been marked for greatness in Your purposes, I declare that the way I choose to live my life will be in proportion to the anointing and calling You have celled me into. I will no longer compare myself to others because what God is doing in my life can not be imitated! I am one of a kind. I am not afraid to be different and do different if it means that I'll be able to experience a God-centered life completely different from others! I have been marked for greatness and accept the privileges with the responsibilities of that life!
May the Holy Scriptures, Your Word Father, continually inspire me to walk more in obedience of faith, like Jesus did, and less by limited human sight like Samson. 2 Corinthians 5:7
In Jesus’ Name I pray Father, Amen.
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. " James 4:7
"For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians 6:16
"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." 1 Corinthians 4:20
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And you are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead."
- Colossians 2:8-12
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Keep in Step with the Spirit
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
"For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance — now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant." Hebrews 9:15
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." - Jude 1:24-25
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
"Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful."
"Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life (for the kingdom of God) shall preserve it."
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
John 4:24 reads:
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth."
Scriptures to consider ...
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Colossians 3:2
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” - Matthew 16:24
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Hebrews 11:6
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
Ecclesiastes 12:13
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. "
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s Kingdom; neither does the perishable inherit imperishable.”
1 Corinthians 15:50
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
ADDITIONAL SRCIPTURES - to grow and strengthen faith ...
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. "
Romans 10:17
"In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5:10
"But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these shall be added unto you."
Matthew 6:33 KJV
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. "
Romans 8:5-6
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
Jude 1:21
“He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.”
1 John 4:8
John 4:24 reads:
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth."
****************
Scriptures to empower us
"Trust in Adonai with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him; then he will level your paths.
Provers 3:5-6 (CJB)
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,"
Ephesians 5:8
"Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35
“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39
"But he (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opens not His mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was He stricken.
Isaiah 53:5-8
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And you are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead."
Colossians 2:8-12
* Some portions partly borrowed from PRAY.COM *
** Scriptures used are taken from a variety of Bible translations **
(This page is updated daily by Peter Brenner)
churchgrandbendgospelhall.godaddysites.com
