"Possibilities in Faith & Trust"

Word Pocket Teaching

Love Distorted

Samson was a Judge in Israel before there were kings over the land. He was the strongest man (physically). His weakness were women.

Scripture & Historical Background:

Judges 2:10, Judges 13: 3-5, Judges 14:3, Judges 16:4 (Bible) 1118-1078 BC

Judges takes place in Canaan (Old Testament) and includes the Philistines (Palestine). Joshua had died. The Israelites take parts of Canaan. Because of Israel's sin, turning their back to God, He gave them into the hands of their enemies. After a while, God raised Judges to save them. Still, after each Judge died, they went back and did worse. If correct, one calculation shows that Delilah was paid about $89,641 (2012) to turn in Samson.

Chatter:

Samson was physically the strongest man in his time. A judge. Called to be a Nazirite. Delilah caught his eye and was asked by five Philistine Lords to seduce Samson to tell her his physical strength secret. She was paid 1,100 pieces of silver from each one of them. Samson tells Delilah his physical strength weakness. Delilah torments Samson. His hair is shaved off. Samson looses his strength, eyes and the Spirit of God.

Focus:

Samson and Delilah are one of the stories of the Bible known by many because of the "love distorted" story behind it. Samson was an Israelite Judge called by God to be a Nazirite, a man separated for God's service. He was never to cut his hair and for this, he was going to be the strongest man. But, Samson's weakness were women. He was "in love" with women who followed/practiced other gods' beliefs. Samson followed his own heart and what was good in his own eyes.

What has God done?

God's purpose always prevails. God used Samson's weakness for His glory and the Israelites' freedom, once again taking down the philistines.

"Samson and his strength" may be anything in your life that God has given you as a gift/talent, for His glory and your blessing. Delilah may be anything in your life that represents a weakness/temptation to distract you from your true purpose. This story may show how love becomes distorted when you walk out of God's plan/purpose for your life. No matter how much you feel that you have screwed up, God is always in control and His will will prevail. Samson recognized what he had done and asked God to use him one more time and for it all to be for God's glory. God shows Samson that He cared, giving him strength one more time were Samson becomes free and the philistines are held responsible for their actions. You have worth. You have purpose. God cares about you. God wants you to have an abundant life. God wants you to experience true love, His, and that of people in your life, brought to you by God. God wants to keep you safe inside His boundaries when you have an intimate relationship with Him.

In my life, I have sinned, and experienced abuse causing me pain , shame and guilt. For many years, I was a prisoner inside my mind, my heart, and my body. God has freed me with His love and grace. God has shown me how much He cares about me and every little detail of my needs and wants. I am in this journey from my mother's womb to eternal life, learning each step of the way and striving to live each day with meaning. On my low days, I listen to music and talk to God. On my better days, I listen to music and talk to God. Yes. The same. I have a relationship with God. Everything in my life begins with that. God loves me. And I love God. No matter what. I believe that if I didn't have this relationship with God, my life would be completely empty and void. All of my human accomplishments, I owe to the grace of God in my life. My past, present, and future are in God's hands. If you are tired of trying everything else with no peace, TRY GOD!

Warmest blessings, I send your way.

11-12-2019.

#MarieLotusLife