Road Kill; Sweet!

The spirit of the Lord rushed on him, and he tore the lion apart barehanded as one might tear apart a kid. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done. Then he went down and talked to the woman, and she pleased Samson. After a while he returned to marry her, and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion, and there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion and honey. He scraped it out into his hands, and went on , eating as he went. When he came to his father and mother, he gave some to them, and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the carcass of the lion. Judges 14:6-8 NRSV

I can honestly say that the spirit has never led me to tear apart any living creature. Nor have I ever seen honey in the body of an animal on the side of the road (not that I'm looking too closely). And I don't think I would eat it in any case.

So, we have a story of an impossible feat followed by a supernatural occurrence - perhaps both can be considered supernatural. And both things are actually kind of gross when you think about it: blood, guts and a whole hive of stingers. Not telling his parents about the lion is one thing. Not telling his parents where the honey they are eating came from is quite another. Mom: "Son, did you wash your hands?" Samson: "Well, not exactly..."

This is a big set up to what happened next but there is more to the story. I think what we are to see is that Samson is open to the Spirit, he is incredibly strong, and he keeps important details of his life from the ones he loves.

These elements will be important for the rest of his story.

God, we praise you and give you the glory! In Jesus' Holy name. Amen.

Question of the day: What important details of your life are you keeping from the ones who love you?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

You need help!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything to stand firm. Ephesians 6: 10-13 NRSV

I can do it myself.

Those of us with small children have probably heard this often. Those of us with even older children may not hear this but see it in action on a daily basis.

And I am truly guilty of trying to do it (all) myself.

I would rather get it done my way, in my time without having to ask for any help. Also, I like doing it without appearing weak or helpless.

But Paul point us in the right direction: toward God and God's power.

This is not a battle you can fight on your own, with your own strength. No matter how physically fit you are, you will need God's power and God's protection to withstand what is truly dangerous. You may possibly not put much stock in the devil's power. Nevertheless, we all need God's strength to be the people whom God calls to carry out God's mission and message in the world.

Don't try doing this on your own.

You need help: God's help.

God, we need your strength, your full armor and your power. We cannot do this on our own. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Question of the day: What battles do you need help with right now?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims

Praying for the Church

I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through Faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3: 16-19 NRSV

What a wonderful prayer!

Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus to be made strong by God's power in the Spirit, that Christ would be at the center of their lives and hearts, and that they would be able to fully understand Christ's love for them.

It is also wonderful to hear what Paul is NOT praying for this church.

He isn't asking that their membership increase.

He does not petition God for their financial well-being.

He doesn't pray that their leaders be inspired and influential.

He is not even asking that their outreach programs be successful.

Paul prays that the church be strengthened with the strength that comes only from the Spirit's power. Paul prays that Christ dwells within them. Paul prays that they are filled with Christ's love. Paul prays that this church understands the incomprehensible love of Christ.

Paul asks for love and strength in Christ.

Simple.

Direct.

Absolutely necessary for any church. Even yours.

God, I pray that, according to the riches of your glory, you may grant that we may be strengthened in our inner being with power through the Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, as we are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that we may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. In Christ's name. Amen.

Question for the day: What are you praying for your church?

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims