Impatience and Impulsivity – Unfortunate Companions

Apparently, Samson was an only child and may have been born when his parents were older. This may explain why his parents catered to his demands to marry outside his faith. They had the right to refuse his demands, but they gave in, knowing it was wrong to do so. 

Impatience is often a companion of impulsive people. Abraham and Sarah are examples. They refused to accept God’s timing for the son he had promised would be born to them. Instead of waiting for God, Sarah gave her maidservant to Abraham so she could give birth to a son whom Sarah then would claim as her own.

Decisions made with little thought of long-range consequences often are regretted because of the consequent pain and sorrow that follow. Samson did not want God’s approval to marry the Philistine woman, just as Abraham and Sarah never actually wanted God’s approval to use their Egyptian servant as a surrogate mother. Waiting for God’s approval and timing is essential for peace of mind and long-range happiness.  

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We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our hope and our shield.

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

~Psalm 33:20-22 New International Version

Hero or Failure? Riding the Roller Coaster - Part 1

Consistency in practicing personal values requires time and commitment, in addition to thought-out, self-imposed boundaries. Gideon, the Old Testament judge, lived with two sets of values. Judges 8:31 identifies this duality. Gideon had a concubine who bore him a son whom he named Abimelech.

The Life Application Bible has this comment: "The relationship between Gideon and a concubine produced a son who tore apart Gideon's family and caused tragedy for the nation.” Gideon's story illustrates that heroes in battle are not always heroes in daily life. No matter who you are, moral negligence is the pathway to sorrow and regret.

What causes moral laxness? Perhaps having too much self-confidence, or thinking you’re above failure? What seems like fun and pleasure may produce bitter consequences. Remember this warning: sin in haste and repent at leisure. Aren't you glad you can make choices that honor Christ Jesus? God's forgiveness is for anyone who earnestly seeks it. 

Pervasiveness of Evil: Guard Your Heart - Part 1

God is gracious and kind and has clearly chosen to reveal himself in Christ Jesus. Each person then chooses to open their heart and soul to Christ Jesus to be rescued from the consequences of their sins. God’s word reveals that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, who sustains all things by his word.

Balaam believed that God had spoken to him personally. Nevertheless, for ulterior hidden motives, he refused give up old beliefs and idol worship. He would speak for God when confronted to do so but refused to obey God if a chance existed to profit monetarily.

Listen to Balaam’s understanding of God. "God is not a man that he should lie, or change his mind. Does he speak and not act?  Does God promise and not fulfill?" Balaam's heart was corrupted and could not apply God’s revelation to himself. God reveals himself to us so we can choose to love him with all our heart, soul, and mind. God bless you in this New Year.   

Rewriting Your Life Script? Set Boundaries - Part 1

Blaming others for our troubles and hardships is often a first line of defense. Accusations range from absurd to ridiculous and on to laughable. You’ve heard the story of the student who didn't do his homework. When the teacher asked him to produce it, he excused himself by blaming his dog, whom he accused of eating it.

Blame is a form of deception that tries to hide our inadequacies. Blame attempts to make something or someone responsible for our own bad choices. In reality, it's an effort to sidestep accountability by refusing to be submissive to the truth. Believing that if you escape the immediate consequences of a bad choice, you will escape them indefinitely, simply isn't true.

Learning to set boundaries on blaming others and to accept responsibility for your decisions a critical choice. God directs us to confess our sin and failures, for through confession, we override the impulse to blame others. The old adage of confession being good for your soul has viability. Confession paves the way for an honest relationship with God and others.