WHEN THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD . . .

Judges 15:14

As Samson arrived at Lehi, the Philistines came shouting in triumph. But the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson, and he snapped the ropes on his arms as if they were burnt strands of flax, and they fell from his wrists.

From the records of the old testament we see how the Spirit of God can be manifested in a vessel that the Lord chooses.

From those who were able to interpret dreams to people like Samson in our reading today, who could display great strength and fighting skills.

It is obvious that there is really nothing that cannot be accomplished by God's Spirit even when it comes in relation with physical things, however the vessel is important for the accomplishment.

Recall that Samson's parents were given specific instructions concerning the birth of Samson. For him to be able to manifest the physical strength he was to keep the Nazarene characteristics, especially his hair.

Listen, this does not imply that the Spirit is there for us to manipulate like witchcraft or magic. Where we refuse to study for an exam and expect to pass it miraculously, or we refused to work and expect money to roll in miraculously. No, there are rules, orders and principles to this thing and God doesn't contradict them for our natural use.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”

Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.

We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.

Is there anything impossible for God to do? No.

Will God just act without His principles and just ways? No.

So we must be careful, not to play around with God.

Remember that God's Spirit is fulfilling God's agenda, in doing this we profit one another also.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.

There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.

God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

So we must understand the gifts of the Spirit and His operations so that we do not misuse it.

Then more importantly is the fruit of the Spirit, for as we will see later on with Samson, without the fruit we could very well fall even when we claim to manifest the gifts.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

May we learn from the story of Samson and finish well.

Spiritual things are not what we play around with!

Be reminded:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

We will represent well.

We win.

PRAYER

Loving Father let the fruit of Your Spirit be one with my very nature as You take over me. May my very character be the nature of Your Spirit, that I will manifest Your gifts with a perfect purpose. I am Yours Lord, may I please You in all things. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher