Have you ever thought a part of your life is cursed? I have and recently am fighting an area in my life that does seem cursed. Cursed means from the Webster Dictionary "affected by a curse that causes bad things to happen, affected by something bad, and annoying or unpleasant." The place for me is in dating and romance. I have been hurt and rejected here since my teenage years. It all started with having no one to go to Prom with over a four year period of time I asked twenty-five girls to Prom and no one said yes to me.
Which lead me into a great depression, not being worthy, and rejection those giants have seemed to follow me throughout the three dating relationships that I have had each time these three giants would arise trying to kill me! Feeling these emotions and believing the words that were playing in my head made me believe this area is cursed in my life. I have to be careful because it is so easy for me to fall into speaking that death and that hurt in my life.
I was recently doing it and the Holy Spirit said to me "No, Robbie not cursed but blessed." Blessed means from the Webster Dictionary "bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune, having a sacred nature: connected with God, very welcome, pleasant, or appreciated, used to make a statement more forceful, holy, and enjoying happiness." Wow!!! Look at the difference but look at what it means to be blessed and I can say when we look at how God created relationships it is to be blessed. Your love and romance life with your spouse or future spouse should consist of all that word is which is blessed! Join me believe your marriage and not just that but every relationship you have in your life from God, yourself, family, friends, and acquaintances.
Let me end with this these giants have been laughing at me and my God saying "and what?" Well, I can say I take a stand like David and say everyone will know that there is a God in Israel on this battlefield of love in my life! Is it difficult? Yes, it is! But every time I say God is good here and it is a blessed part of my life those giants begin to fall and retreat. I do believe they will fall and I will lift up the sword and cut off their heads and raise all three heads and their body armor up. Then I will hang them up just like David did with Goliath's head and body armor then everyone will see that my romance and family life is blessed and it will help others be blessed! It will help others kill their giants as well. So I say start tonight have faith with me that He wants you to be blessed and where cruses have fallen on you or family have faith they are broken and God will restore and give a double blessing that is for you and that double blessing will follow the next generation just like it did for Job and Jonadab! Lord make us like the Heroes of Faith!
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Monday, July 16, 2018
Jesus Said No
Hello, my readers think about that phrase "Jesus said No." No is not a word that we usually associate with Jesus. Jesus would never say no, after all, He wants the best for us, has a future, and hope for us so for Him to say no we do not expect that. We expect a yes especially when it comes to being with Him or doing something good, helpful, or loving to Him or towards someone else we expect that Jesus would just say yes. Today we will take a look at a life experience that Jesus had. He told this man no to what the man wanted to do for Jesus. We will discover that even though Jesus said no to him in the activity he wanted to do. Jesus gave him another activity to do and Jesus said yes.
Let's pick up where our story begins in Mark 5. Jesus and his disciples arrive in the region of Gerasenes where they meet this man who is possessed by demons. We see that the man runs to Jesus and meets him and then the demons speak through the man asking Jesus not to torture him. Jesus speaks to the demons and asks them what is their name they tell him it is Legion because there are many inside this man. The demons beg Jesus to be allowed to go and enter into a herd of pigs Jesus gave the demons permission. After the demons left the man he was set free. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No. I know Jesus has more to say here but I want to point out here that Jesus said No to the man's request to go with him.
As I read this I become aware that Jesus will say No to you it does not mean that Jesus did not care for the man or did not want the man to be with Him it was that Jesus' no was important so the man could grab hold of the better yes that Jesus had for him. What was that better yes? Mark 5:19-20 tell us "19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them. The better yes that Jesus had for this man was for him to be one of the first people sent by Jesus to tell of the works that Jesus did in his life. Everyone was amazed by the experience he had with Jesus.
This life experience that this man and Jesus had stood out to me that even though Jesus will say no to our request at times we can have hope that He has something better in store for us. We have an assurance that His no is replaced with a better yes. If you and I choose to do as the man did which is to do as Jesus said then I believe you and I will not only proclaim the great things of God, see people amazed at what we say, but also have peace and joy in our hearts that the no was best for us to experience the better yes that Jesus had for us.
What is Jesus saying no to you about? Once you know what He is saying no to. I then dare you to ask Him what is the go He wants to replace that no with? Once you know it do as the man did and watch what happens!
Let's pick up where our story begins in Mark 5. Jesus and his disciples arrive in the region of Gerasenes where they meet this man who is possessed by demons. We see that the man runs to Jesus and meets him and then the demons speak through the man asking Jesus not to torture him. Jesus speaks to the demons and asks them what is their name they tell him it is Legion because there are many inside this man. The demons beg Jesus to be allowed to go and enter into a herd of pigs Jesus gave the demons permission. After the demons left the man he was set free. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No. I know Jesus has more to say here but I want to point out here that Jesus said No to the man's request to go with him.
As I read this I become aware that Jesus will say No to you it does not mean that Jesus did not care for the man or did not want the man to be with Him it was that Jesus' no was important so the man could grab hold of the better yes that Jesus had for him. What was that better yes? Mark 5:19-20 tell us "19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them. The better yes that Jesus had for this man was for him to be one of the first people sent by Jesus to tell of the works that Jesus did in his life. Everyone was amazed by the experience he had with Jesus.
This life experience that this man and Jesus had stood out to me that even though Jesus will say no to our request at times we can have hope that He has something better in store for us. We have an assurance that His no is replaced with a better yes. If you and I choose to do as the man did which is to do as Jesus said then I believe you and I will not only proclaim the great things of God, see people amazed at what we say, but also have peace and joy in our hearts that the no was best for us to experience the better yes that Jesus had for us.
What is Jesus saying no to you about? Once you know what He is saying no to. I then dare you to ask Him what is the go He wants to replace that no with? Once you know it do as the man did and watch what happens!
Friday, February 16, 2018
Elimelech
Ruth is a wonderful story about faith, loyalty, God's promises, dedication, hard work, obedience and love. As I read through chapter one yesterday I saw something different about one of the characters in the story his name is Elimelech. Elimelech is only mentioned two times throughout the story but his action in how he provided for his family is remarkable! His obedience and making a decision to save his family caused a ripple effect that has effected millions including you. Let's meet Elimelech in the story of Ruth. Ruth 1:1-3 NLT In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. 2 The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there. Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. " We can see from the beginning of the story that there was a famine in the land. Elimelech realized it and took action to make sure his family could be safe and thrive. What I want to point out from Elimelech's life are two things we can learn from him and apply into our lives.
The first is awareness. Awareness from Webster's Dictionary means "the quality or state of being aware: knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists promoting a heightened awareness of the problem seemed to have only a slight awareness of what was going on an acute awareness of subtle differences." Elimelech was aware of the situation that came across his family he saw the famine come and he knew what the famine could do to his family so he took action! We must have an awareness of when things are happening in our lives the good, the bad, and the ugly and we must be ready to act so we can make the best decision to preserve our lives, our dreams, and our future, our family, and etc. This is what Elimelech did.
The second is his leadership. What faith it took him to go and sojourn into the land of Moab. He saw an opportunity to lead his family to a place of provision and protection from the natural disaster. Leadership from the Webster's Dictionary means: "the act or an instance of leading and leading means providing direction or guidance." We are all called to leadership so rise up! Do it in your life find an area where you can lead and bring direction and guidance to yourself, family, friends, place of employment, or etc. Go act in faith go and sojourn to a land you do not know. Do it so you can bring yourself, people around you, and future generations to have provision and protection for a new future new dreams and new memories. This is what Elimelech did for his family.
If you do not know Christ and would like to know Him you can. He has down what Elimelech did for his family for you! He is aware of you and took a leadership opportunity and came so you can have a new future , new dreams, and new memories if you would like to know Him then say Jesus I ask you to forgive me of my sins and I ask you to come into my life I am yours and you are mine! In Jesus name we pray amen! Now get plugged in read the stories in the Bible, go to church, and see what happens.
Godspeed,
Robbie
The first is awareness. Awareness from Webster's Dictionary means "the quality or state of being aware: knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists promoting a heightened awareness of the problem seemed to have only a slight awareness of what was going on an acute awareness of subtle differences." Elimelech was aware of the situation that came across his family he saw the famine come and he knew what the famine could do to his family so he took action! We must have an awareness of when things are happening in our lives the good, the bad, and the ugly and we must be ready to act so we can make the best decision to preserve our lives, our dreams, and our future, our family, and etc. This is what Elimelech did.
The second is his leadership. What faith it took him to go and sojourn into the land of Moab. He saw an opportunity to lead his family to a place of provision and protection from the natural disaster. Leadership from the Webster's Dictionary means: "the act or an instance of leading and leading means providing direction or guidance." We are all called to leadership so rise up! Do it in your life find an area where you can lead and bring direction and guidance to yourself, family, friends, place of employment, or etc. Go act in faith go and sojourn to a land you do not know. Do it so you can bring yourself, people around you, and future generations to have provision and protection for a new future new dreams and new memories. This is what Elimelech did for his family.
If you do not know Christ and would like to know Him you can. He has down what Elimelech did for his family for you! He is aware of you and took a leadership opportunity and came so you can have a new future , new dreams, and new memories if you would like to know Him then say Jesus I ask you to forgive me of my sins and I ask you to come into my life I am yours and you are mine! In Jesus name we pray amen! Now get plugged in read the stories in the Bible, go to church, and see what happens.
Godspeed,
Robbie
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Super Bowl LI New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons
As I watch the highlights from Super Bowl LI, I saw some great insights and examples that can be applied towards our lives. You may ask what does Super Bowl LI have in common with my life what could Super Bowl LI teach me other than it was a terrific game for the ages? Ahhh that is a good question let's find out! I have to say it was a game for the ages it is the best Super Bowl I have watched. Regardless of who you wanted to win (I was rooting for the Atlanta Falcons) you have to agree with me it was one of the best Super Bowls ever played. The way that I will be writing this blog is by highlighting each team the Atlanta Falcons, and the New England Patriots, as well as some of the key, plays in the game to see what we can learn. This Super Bowl demonstrates that it is not over until the clock hits zero.
Atlanta Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons started off great they held the Patriots on their first drive to a three and out performance making them punt the ball. The first play is a run to Freeman for a gain of 37 yards. Though it did not lead to any points that run and making the Patriots punt the ball sparked motivation and momentum for the Falcons that they could win this game. Later on, in the first quarter, the Falcons defense sacked Tom Brady twice. Making sure that game stayed at 0-0, but it also built their confidence. By having the first quarter end at 0-0 I believe that was a benefit towards Atlanta because it kept the momentum at neutral, but it also gave an easier opportunity for the Falcons to take control of the game when an opportunity arose. The same in our lives those small victories build upon one another giving us motivation, momentum, and confidence that we can accomplish the dream we are working to achieve or the situation we are trying to overcome. If that would be breaking an addiction, unhealthy habits, having an impact in the world or making good habits those small steps encourage us onward. If we could draw or tie at the end of the quarter in our lives that can be a win for us because a draw or tie can lead us to easier probability to take control of the game (accomplishing the dream or overcoming the situation we are facing in our lives). The Falcons defense caused LeGarrette Blount to fumble the ball in the second quarter with that turnover it stopped the movement of the Patriots drive. Because of the turnover, the Falcons offense capitalized on the mistake the Patriots made with a touchdown. The same in life when we make a turnover happen to get the ball we can capitalize on that opportunity. The Patriots get the ball back, but the Falcons defense again holds them getting their offense the ball and because they did the Falcons score another touchdown to go up 14-0. The Falcons defense shows us how important it is to stand your ground when we go through life battles. Because if we have a strong defense to hold the opponent which is (Satan, disabilities, life struggles, illnesses, and other unfortunate life events) from advancing it gives us a chance to score just like the Falcons did. The next drive by the Patriots continues to be kept alive because of the penalties the Falcons commit. This teaches us that we need to be dedicated to making sure we do our best not to make easy mistakes that can keep us back or keep the opponent alive. The good thing that occurred for the Atlanta Falcons is that Tom Brady made a wrong decision on this drive by throwing an interception which leads to a touchdown. When we struggle, are under pressure, or bad things come into our lives, we must have a strong defense to cause turnovers to swing the pendulum back into our hands; once the ball is in our hands than when we can take the lead or gain ground against the opposition. The second half starts and both teams do not produce any points in their first drives of the second half. At times life is the same way no progress is made just continuing to put our best out there waiting for a breakthrough. The next drive the Falcons have produces a touchdown making them go up 28-3. After this touchdown, I believe a mindset shift occurred inside of the Falcons players that they thought that they had the Patriots defeated. I believe that mindset is always wrong to have never count out the enemy (Satan, disabilities, life struggles, illnesses, and other unfortunate life events) until we know that the time reads 0:00 on the game clock for that specific situation in our lives. On the next drive, the Patriots score a touchdown to make it 28-9, and the shift begins for the Atlanta Falcons as well as the New England Patriots. It only takes one play to turn the odds in our favor. The Falcons next drive results in a punt leading to the Patriots new fire to continue to burn and add wood to the fire making it stronger and lasting longer. The Patriots score a field goal making it 28-12. The Atlanta Falcons mindset and demeanor changed after they went up 28-3. The same happens in life when we have a big lead, and all things are going well we get in a mindset and demeanor that we have won! But the game is not over, and we need to remember that because if we start to slack, it gives the enemy (Satan, disabilities, life struggles, illnesses, and other unfortunate life events) a chance to get back in the game. It all went bad for the Falcons when the Patriots sacked Matt Ryan and caused him to fumble. After the Patriots had scored their last touchdown, it seemed to me the Falcons did not want it as much as the Patriots did. When that happens in life, it can become scary because we can lose the spark that started us on this great journey of accomplishing a dream or overcoming that habit, lifestyle, disability, struggle, illness, or unfortunate event in our lives. Have that drive to finish what you are pursuing don't let that individual circumstance make you settle for less or settle before you accomplish that dream or overcome that opposition.
New England Patriots: The Patriots started off terribly going three and out, allowing the Falcons to gain so much momentum, having Tom Brady sacked so often in the early parts of the game, the interception by Tom Brady, and going down 21-3 at halftime. All these events were going against them making it very hard to win, but it also made a great comeback! As fans and people of the world we crave for a story like these all the odds are against someone, but still somehow someway they overcome and win. That is what the New England Patriots did. Only a few teams and individuals have this skill of not letting a losing situation to defeat them at the end. It takes skill, heart, faith, and determination to believe that we can overcome. The Patriots are losing 28-9 they hold the Atlanta Falcons and get the ball back. With that next drive, they move down the field to score a field goal to make 28-12. They made it a little closer and scored the points they need from the work they did. When we are down, and things are not looking up for us, we must take the points where we can get them. We must build upon the success that we make each day and continue to do that to put ourselves in a position to win. Take little steps, and there will come a time when that small step becomes a big step or gives you an opportunity to make it a big step. The Patriots defense gets a turnover by making Matt Ryan fumble the ball which allows the Patriots to continue to build upon their small steps. When an opportunity comes, we got to take it and make it worth the take. The Patriots score a touchdown and decide to go for two points, and they get the two point conversation. When pursuing a dream or overcoming the enemy (Satan, disabilities, life struggles, illnesses, and other unfortunate life events), there comes a time when we will need to take a risk and go for two to bring us one step closer to accomplishing that dream or overcoming our opponent. The New England defense steps up again and holds Atlanta from scoring. When we have the momentum on our side, we got to keep it! When the opportunities come our way, we must make sure we take advantage of them because they may not always be there for us the next time. The Jullian Eldeman catch changed everything! What an amazing skilled catch! A miraculous catch by him and it defiantly was a game changer! When pursuing a dream or overcoming the enemy, there will be times that are just miraculous that only God could bring our way for us so that we could achieve our dream and overcome! Look for the miraculous in our lives expect it, and it will come! Believe in Miracles! The miracle catch by Eldeman sets up the touchdown that brings the tied game. Our miracle sets us up to do the impossible. It will help us walk, run, breathe, sleep, eat, and live out our dream and overcome the obstacles we face every day making it a reality. The game then goes into overtime, and the Patriots get the ball first and use that drive to finish the comeback and win the Superbowl! James White who scored the winning touchdown had the determination to score on that play though many opposed him from reaching the end zone he still overcame and scored! The same in life when opposition holds us back continue to move forward have the heart, determination, hope, faith, and love to do it and we will be victorious!
Super Bowl LI is a great example of how life can be played out. I encourage us to never give up just like the New England Patriots never gave up until the game was over. We can't be giving up on our dreams or working to overcome the enemy. Don't give up on life, or a family/friend's life because our dreams, our lives, our family/friend's life are important and have value! Choose to be a History Maker! The decisions we make help us overcome and win the Super Bowl! This Super Bowl reveals to us it's not over until it is over! It is never too late to start again! It is never too late to start pursuing our dreams or to defeat the opponent we face! I encourage us all to start today. Edna 'E' Mode from the Incredibles says "Pull-yourself-together! "What will you do?" Is this a question? You will show him you remember that he is Mr. Incredible, and you will remind him who *you* are. Well, you know where he is. Go, confront the problem. Fight! Win!" The Good Book says "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” With these two elements by choosing to be all in and having faith that God will do the impossible through us, we will not only accomplish much, but we will be fruitful and victorious in all that we put our hands too. But it requires a determination to never give up on ourselves, to believe in ourselves, and to believe and have faith that God will do the impossible through us.
Here are some quotes about the game:
"The game can be symbolic of life. It makes me think of my life and days when I feel like giving up. Even when the score looks like I can never bounce back, that is when Jesus throws me the ball for the game-winning touchdown. What a faithful God, who doesn't count our transgressions against us. All we have to do is come back like the prodigal son and ask for forgiveness. What an amazing God we serve."~ David Akhimien
"I hated to see Belichick win again. But I can't deny the greatness and the greatness of Tom Brady. The greatest quarterback of all time. With that said oh my gosh Atlanta choked!" ~ Chris Brown
What a game! Tom Brady is the best! What composure, patience, and determination the Patriots had to come back. The Falcons relaxed and let them come back. The Falcons should have won that game they had it they just need that Field Goal at the end of the 4th, and that would have done it. It's never over until it is over. 31 unanswered points wow!!!!!That is how a Championship team wins coming back 25 down to scoring 31 unanswered points to win the Super Bowl. The best super bowl I have seen. ~ Robbie DiMieri
Atlanta Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons started off great they held the Patriots on their first drive to a three and out performance making them punt the ball. The first play is a run to Freeman for a gain of 37 yards. Though it did not lead to any points that run and making the Patriots punt the ball sparked motivation and momentum for the Falcons that they could win this game. Later on, in the first quarter, the Falcons defense sacked Tom Brady twice. Making sure that game stayed at 0-0, but it also built their confidence. By having the first quarter end at 0-0 I believe that was a benefit towards Atlanta because it kept the momentum at neutral, but it also gave an easier opportunity for the Falcons to take control of the game when an opportunity arose. The same in our lives those small victories build upon one another giving us motivation, momentum, and confidence that we can accomplish the dream we are working to achieve or the situation we are trying to overcome. If that would be breaking an addiction, unhealthy habits, having an impact in the world or making good habits those small steps encourage us onward. If we could draw or tie at the end of the quarter in our lives that can be a win for us because a draw or tie can lead us to easier probability to take control of the game (accomplishing the dream or overcoming the situation we are facing in our lives). The Falcons defense caused LeGarrette Blount to fumble the ball in the second quarter with that turnover it stopped the movement of the Patriots drive. Because of the turnover, the Falcons offense capitalized on the mistake the Patriots made with a touchdown. The same in life when we make a turnover happen to get the ball we can capitalize on that opportunity. The Patriots get the ball back, but the Falcons defense again holds them getting their offense the ball and because they did the Falcons score another touchdown to go up 14-0. The Falcons defense shows us how important it is to stand your ground when we go through life battles. Because if we have a strong defense to hold the opponent which is (Satan, disabilities, life struggles, illnesses, and other unfortunate life events) from advancing it gives us a chance to score just like the Falcons did. The next drive by the Patriots continues to be kept alive because of the penalties the Falcons commit. This teaches us that we need to be dedicated to making sure we do our best not to make easy mistakes that can keep us back or keep the opponent alive. The good thing that occurred for the Atlanta Falcons is that Tom Brady made a wrong decision on this drive by throwing an interception which leads to a touchdown. When we struggle, are under pressure, or bad things come into our lives, we must have a strong defense to cause turnovers to swing the pendulum back into our hands; once the ball is in our hands than when we can take the lead or gain ground against the opposition. The second half starts and both teams do not produce any points in their first drives of the second half. At times life is the same way no progress is made just continuing to put our best out there waiting for a breakthrough. The next drive the Falcons have produces a touchdown making them go up 28-3. After this touchdown, I believe a mindset shift occurred inside of the Falcons players that they thought that they had the Patriots defeated. I believe that mindset is always wrong to have never count out the enemy (Satan, disabilities, life struggles, illnesses, and other unfortunate life events) until we know that the time reads 0:00 on the game clock for that specific situation in our lives. On the next drive, the Patriots score a touchdown to make it 28-9, and the shift begins for the Atlanta Falcons as well as the New England Patriots. It only takes one play to turn the odds in our favor. The Falcons next drive results in a punt leading to the Patriots new fire to continue to burn and add wood to the fire making it stronger and lasting longer. The Patriots score a field goal making it 28-12. The Atlanta Falcons mindset and demeanor changed after they went up 28-3. The same happens in life when we have a big lead, and all things are going well we get in a mindset and demeanor that we have won! But the game is not over, and we need to remember that because if we start to slack, it gives the enemy (Satan, disabilities, life struggles, illnesses, and other unfortunate life events) a chance to get back in the game. It all went bad for the Falcons when the Patriots sacked Matt Ryan and caused him to fumble. After the Patriots had scored their last touchdown, it seemed to me the Falcons did not want it as much as the Patriots did. When that happens in life, it can become scary because we can lose the spark that started us on this great journey of accomplishing a dream or overcoming that habit, lifestyle, disability, struggle, illness, or unfortunate event in our lives. Have that drive to finish what you are pursuing don't let that individual circumstance make you settle for less or settle before you accomplish that dream or overcome that opposition.
New England Patriots: The Patriots started off terribly going three and out, allowing the Falcons to gain so much momentum, having Tom Brady sacked so often in the early parts of the game, the interception by Tom Brady, and going down 21-3 at halftime. All these events were going against them making it very hard to win, but it also made a great comeback! As fans and people of the world we crave for a story like these all the odds are against someone, but still somehow someway they overcome and win. That is what the New England Patriots did. Only a few teams and individuals have this skill of not letting a losing situation to defeat them at the end. It takes skill, heart, faith, and determination to believe that we can overcome. The Patriots are losing 28-9 they hold the Atlanta Falcons and get the ball back. With that next drive, they move down the field to score a field goal to make 28-12. They made it a little closer and scored the points they need from the work they did. When we are down, and things are not looking up for us, we must take the points where we can get them. We must build upon the success that we make each day and continue to do that to put ourselves in a position to win. Take little steps, and there will come a time when that small step becomes a big step or gives you an opportunity to make it a big step. The Patriots defense gets a turnover by making Matt Ryan fumble the ball which allows the Patriots to continue to build upon their small steps. When an opportunity comes, we got to take it and make it worth the take. The Patriots score a touchdown and decide to go for two points, and they get the two point conversation. When pursuing a dream or overcoming the enemy (Satan, disabilities, life struggles, illnesses, and other unfortunate life events), there comes a time when we will need to take a risk and go for two to bring us one step closer to accomplishing that dream or overcoming our opponent. The New England defense steps up again and holds Atlanta from scoring. When we have the momentum on our side, we got to keep it! When the opportunities come our way, we must make sure we take advantage of them because they may not always be there for us the next time. The Jullian Eldeman catch changed everything! What an amazing skilled catch! A miraculous catch by him and it defiantly was a game changer! When pursuing a dream or overcoming the enemy, there will be times that are just miraculous that only God could bring our way for us so that we could achieve our dream and overcome! Look for the miraculous in our lives expect it, and it will come! Believe in Miracles! The miracle catch by Eldeman sets up the touchdown that brings the tied game. Our miracle sets us up to do the impossible. It will help us walk, run, breathe, sleep, eat, and live out our dream and overcome the obstacles we face every day making it a reality. The game then goes into overtime, and the Patriots get the ball first and use that drive to finish the comeback and win the Superbowl! James White who scored the winning touchdown had the determination to score on that play though many opposed him from reaching the end zone he still overcame and scored! The same in life when opposition holds us back continue to move forward have the heart, determination, hope, faith, and love to do it and we will be victorious!
Super Bowl LI is a great example of how life can be played out. I encourage us to never give up just like the New England Patriots never gave up until the game was over. We can't be giving up on our dreams or working to overcome the enemy. Don't give up on life, or a family/friend's life because our dreams, our lives, our family/friend's life are important and have value! Choose to be a History Maker! The decisions we make help us overcome and win the Super Bowl! This Super Bowl reveals to us it's not over until it is over! It is never too late to start again! It is never too late to start pursuing our dreams or to defeat the opponent we face! I encourage us all to start today. Edna 'E' Mode from the Incredibles says "Pull-yourself-together! "What will you do?" Is this a question? You will show him you remember that he is Mr. Incredible, and you will remind him who *you* are. Well, you know where he is. Go, confront the problem. Fight! Win!" The Good Book says "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” With these two elements by choosing to be all in and having faith that God will do the impossible through us, we will not only accomplish much, but we will be fruitful and victorious in all that we put our hands too. But it requires a determination to never give up on ourselves, to believe in ourselves, and to believe and have faith that God will do the impossible through us.
Here are some quotes about the game:
"The game can be symbolic of life. It makes me think of my life and days when I feel like giving up. Even when the score looks like I can never bounce back, that is when Jesus throws me the ball for the game-winning touchdown. What a faithful God, who doesn't count our transgressions against us. All we have to do is come back like the prodigal son and ask for forgiveness. What an amazing God we serve."~ David Akhimien
"I hated to see Belichick win again. But I can't deny the greatness and the greatness of Tom Brady. The greatest quarterback of all time. With that said oh my gosh Atlanta choked!" ~ Chris Brown
What a game! Tom Brady is the best! What composure, patience, and determination the Patriots had to come back. The Falcons relaxed and let them come back. The Falcons should have won that game they had it they just need that Field Goal at the end of the 4th, and that would have done it. It's never over until it is over. 31 unanswered points wow!!!!!That is how a Championship team wins coming back 25 down to scoring 31 unanswered points to win the Super Bowl. The best super bowl I have seen. ~ Robbie DiMieri
Saturday, April 15, 2017
The Resurrection
Luke 24:5-9 5 and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? 6 "He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." 8 And they remembered His words, 9 and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.10 Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles.
1. Don’t seek Christ where dead things are at choose to seek Him where life is! Look at the life all around you go see Him. He is all around you.
Just as the angels reminded the women that He said these things about His death and resurrection I am telling you to remember His words remember His death and resurrection this year celebrate it because it gives new life, hope, faith, love, comfort, conviction, support, growth, purpose, you to be you, and to prosper in abundance in the abundant life God has for you. That is worth celebrating and should be celebrated this whole week because that is what Jesus did for you and so much more! Easter is about His death and His resurrection it’s about you and I dying to self and being resurrected into new life. Easter is about sharing your story that Jesus has written. Speak and share through word and deed all the things God has done for you especially the new ones. Easter is a time to evangelize the good news that Christians share because it is life changing go and be the candle where you are at go tell others just like the women did. Luke 24:8-10 “ 8 And they remembered His words, 9 and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles.”
12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.
2. Stoop and look into the grave of your heart and I dare you to marvel at what Christ has done in your life.
The word marveling here in the Greek means “to wonder, wonder at, marvel
to be wondered at, to be had in admiration” and happened means “to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being to become, i.e. to come to pass, happen of events to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage of men appearing in public to be made, finished of miracles, to be performed, wrought to become, be made.” Be in the wonder the admiration God has done for you receive them let them appear in the history of your life by re-telling them again and again. Tell of the Resurrection that Christ has done for you and in you.
28 And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. 29 But they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over." So He went in to stay with them.
3. As you reach your destination Jesus may act like He is moving on to the next journey, but in reality, He wants you to urge Him to stay.
Jesus left the choice up to them to let Him continue on or to urge Him to stay with them. If you have an urgency for Jesus to stay and lodge with you because the day’s journey is ended He will, but you need that urgency. Easter reminds us that Jesus still gives us a choice to ask Him to stay with us or let Him continue on His journey. The choice is yours, but He gives you a choice to urge Him to stay.
If you feel that urge today that you want Him to come into your heart and you know He has not yet or you have walked away from Him. Today is the day for you to make a new choice. If you want Jesus to come into your life today say this simple prayer: “Jesus, I ask you to come into my life I repent of my sins. I am yours and you are mine today I urge you to come in and I know you are with me now and forevermore in Jesus name we pray amen! If you said that prayer welcome I am so glad you made this decision! Go to church this Sunday, pick up the Bible read it, get connected with other Christians, and marvel at what God will do. Be blessed and Godspeed! ~ Robbie
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Don't Miss
Who is excited for this year? We are two months in! What dreams are out there to accomplish? What can be done this year that was not done last year? I want to challenge us all to achieve this goal each day. Are you ready for the goal? The goal is that "each day must be to get a little better, to build on the previous day's progress" ~ John Maxwell. This is the challenge I set for us all this year it is a different outlook on life, but it will make each of us very successful. In the new year, everyone is pumped and ready to achieve their goals that they did not accomplish last year. All of us do well for awhile, but then life happens. A day gets missed, and life starts getting back into the old routine. Then thoughts come and say I will try it again next year. This should not be this year do not give up! Do not miss what you are aiming for, keep trying each day! Do not wait again for next year to come. Remember "each day must be to get a little better, to build on the previous day's progress" ~ John Maxell. There is one thing though that I don’t want us to miss again this year; it can be easily missed and lost throughout the year; if we are not keeping track of where it is. Today's blog will be on what not to miss, but also on how to find it if we do miss it. Does anyone want to guess what we don't want to miss?
Don’t miss Jesus this year! As 2017, continues on month after month all of us will get caught up in the moments of life. The challenge this year is to always look for Jesus in the moments of life, don’t miss seeing and experiencing Him in 2017. If that happens to you go search for Him, again and again, He will be found. If Jesus gets lost in the moments of life, do not frantic in searching for Him everywhere go to the places where He will be at. Today, these four places can be found by anyone, and anyone can make an effort to attend these places. The journey to find these four places begins in Luke 2:41-49 and ends in Song of Songs 6:1-3, 11-12.
Luke 2:41-42 NLT 41 "Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual."
Luke 2:41-42 - Don't make this year just another "Usual Year." For Joseph, Mary, and Jesus this year would be different. Make this a memorable year. Grab a piece of paper or pick up a notebook and write out one highlight that happens each month of 2017. Then review each one each month. By the end of the year, there will be 12 remarkable things that happen to you in 2017. Then take the time to look back to remember these things. Add the good, the bad, and the ugly to your list because all these things are part of your life shaping you to be more like Christ. Everything anyone goes through is an opportunity for them to be more like Christ.
Luke 2:43-44 43 "After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, 44 because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends."
Luke 2:43-44 - After celebrating Christ’s birth and the New Year people let life became as it was which is usual. Usual is defined as “commonplace every day” (Dictionary.com). That usual mindset set has to go because it limits people to achieve the best each day. For Christians and those who are non-Christians don't miss Jesus at first in the New Year. He is close to the hearts of everyone. Each person still sees the Christmas decorations of baby Jesus, hears the songs, or movies about Him in their minds and what is around them. In the new year, Christians have the motivation to read their Bibles more often, to pray more often, and to serve more often than they did last year. If anyone does not start to miss Jesus, then that is a warning sign that something is up and they need to get back to Him as soon as possible. People cannot assume that Jesus is with them this year. They need to make sure they know that He is with them. How do people know if someone is with them? They will see them, feel them, and experience their presence in the room.
Luke 2:45 "When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there."
Luke 2:45 - When you cannot find Jesus in your life go back to where you know where He is. His parents knew that Jesus has to be in Jerusalem. Jerusalem throughout the Scriptures is known as the home or dwelling place of God. They want back to where they knew He would be at. When 2017, gets busy and people get caught up in all the drama, life experiences, the joys as well as the sorrows of 2017, you have to remind yourself where you can go to find Christ. That is the House of God.
Luke 2:46-49 "46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” 49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
Luke 2:46-49 - Joseph and Mary find him in the Temple His Father’s house. Jesus always can be found in four places because these four places are connected with the House of God.
1. Jesus can be found in The House of God. Anyone can meet Him there at any time (Luke 2:49). 2. He can found when two or more Christians come together. He will be found in their midst. When Christians hang out together at the park, playing board games or card games, video games, watching sports, eating, going to the movies, walking together, or any other activity they do Christ is with them (Matthew 18:20). 3. Jesus can be found in everyday life. The Bible says do not despise the small beginnings because God is doing something with those small beginnings. Don’t look over small times with Jesus. For example, I took my grandma to get her hair cut, while we waited our turn, I saw a father and son sitting across from us. He was playing with his son hugging, kissing, and tickling him while they waited to be seen. As I watched, I had a picture come to my mind that God does that with us. He wants to play with us to enjoy His love. That is what this son was doing, he was enjoying a time of love and affection with his dad. A small thing, but Jesus was found at the Salon those kinds of experiences is what I am talking about when it comes to small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). 4. Jesus is found where serving is taking place. (Song of Songs 6:1-3, 11-13).
Each of these four places has been put there by Jesus for people to find Him. He always initiates the process for people to find Him. He set up these locations to start the initiation for people to encounter Him.
Which leads us to the Scriptures in the Song of Songs which tells us that Jesus can be found and seen in serving in His creation. I want to leave a comment about the Song of Songs we as Christians know that all Scripture is inspired by God and use to teach, reproof, correct, and train us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). So that includes the Song of Songs. I believe that every book in the Bible has Christ in it someway and somewhere. Why do I believe this? Because the Bible tells us in Colossians 1:16 that all things were made through Him and for Him. So if all things are made through Him and for Him, then you are going to find Him in all the Scriptures. Another reason is that of Luke 24:27, 44 and John 5:39 say that the Scriptures bear witness to Jesus. This is why I believe Jesus is in the Song of Songs. I believe there are types and shadows going on here with the characters in the Song of Songs. King Solomon represents Jesus, The Shaulmite Bride represents the Bride of Christ, and The Daughters of Jerusalem represents less mature believers who have not yet gotten the same revelation that The Shaulmite Bride has received about Jesus. Now you as my readers understand my thinking and belief about this book let's look at it and see what it says about finding Jesus.
Song of Songs 6:1-3 NLT “Where has your lover gone, O woman of rare beauty? Which way did he turn so we can help you find him? My lover has gone down to his garden, to his spice beds, to browse in the gardens and gather the lilies. I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine. He browses among the lilies.”
When Christians know where they can find Jesus, they are aware of a personal truth that they are His and He is theirs. Our Jesus browses among the lilies (representing God’s people) serving His Kingdom and Creation.
"The Bride responds to the request as to the whereabouts of the King (“How do we find the King/Jesus?) by telling the Daughters of Jerusalem that He is in His garden. What this means is that we will find Jesus when we serve. We will find Him more and more as we begin to serve His People. If we are to find Jesus in the deepest ways, we must meet Him in serving. What He is doing is what we should be doing. As we do, we will meet Him and know Him in a greater and greater way." ~ Messianic Rabbi Schneider
Song of Songs 6:11-12 NLT “Young Woman I went down to the grove of walnut trees and out to the valley to see the new spring growth, to see whether the grapevines had budded or the pomegranates were in bloom. 12 Before I realized it, my strong desires had taken me to the chariot of a noble man."
The Bride goes to the grove of walnut trees and to the valley (representing God's people) as she makes her journey through the grove and valley she goes to see where God was moving and ministering to His creation. While she is in the grove and valley, she discovers the chariot of a nobleman, because she was in the valley and grove where serving was taking place she found Jesus there.
"The Bride goes to see Jesus’ activity in His orchard/field. She goes to where He is laboring and building His people. When she got there, her heart rose in her to strengthen God’s people and build His kingdom. Jesus is known in a more intimate way by those who are connecting with Him in serving." ~ Messianic Rabbi Schneider
Journey with Jesus in 2017 always be looking for Him, and if you misplace Him remember the four places where He can be found. 1. The House of God. You can meet Him anytime there (Luke 2:49). 2. You can find Him when two or more come together. He is in their midst. You can find Jesus when you fellowship with other Christians anywhere at any time (Matthew 18:20). 3. Jesus can be found in everyday life. Do not despise the small things where you can see Jesus at in your life. Don’t despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). 4. You can find Jesus where serving is at (Song of Songs 6:1-3, 11-13).
Let 2017, be a year for you to see Jesus more in your life. If you do not know Christ this is a great time to meet Him. Say this prayer "Jesus, I believe you died for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. I want to know You and see you in all my lifetime. I believe you are my Lord and Savior today and forevermore in Jesus name, we pray amen! If you said that prayer for the first time or recommitted your life to Christ I celebreate with you! I encourage you to read your bible daily, get connected with a local church and other Christians, and go serve others by putting your time and effort into helping others better their lives.
Godspeed,
Robbie
Don’t miss Jesus this year! As 2017, continues on month after month all of us will get caught up in the moments of life. The challenge this year is to always look for Jesus in the moments of life, don’t miss seeing and experiencing Him in 2017. If that happens to you go search for Him, again and again, He will be found. If Jesus gets lost in the moments of life, do not frantic in searching for Him everywhere go to the places where He will be at. Today, these four places can be found by anyone, and anyone can make an effort to attend these places. The journey to find these four places begins in Luke 2:41-49 and ends in Song of Songs 6:1-3, 11-12.
Luke 2:41-42 NLT 41 "Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual."
Luke 2:41-42 - Don't make this year just another "Usual Year." For Joseph, Mary, and Jesus this year would be different. Make this a memorable year. Grab a piece of paper or pick up a notebook and write out one highlight that happens each month of 2017. Then review each one each month. By the end of the year, there will be 12 remarkable things that happen to you in 2017. Then take the time to look back to remember these things. Add the good, the bad, and the ugly to your list because all these things are part of your life shaping you to be more like Christ. Everything anyone goes through is an opportunity for them to be more like Christ.
Luke 2:43-44 43 "After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, 44 because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends."
Luke 2:43-44 - After celebrating Christ’s birth and the New Year people let life became as it was which is usual. Usual is defined as “commonplace every day” (Dictionary.com). That usual mindset set has to go because it limits people to achieve the best each day. For Christians and those who are non-Christians don't miss Jesus at first in the New Year. He is close to the hearts of everyone. Each person still sees the Christmas decorations of baby Jesus, hears the songs, or movies about Him in their minds and what is around them. In the new year, Christians have the motivation to read their Bibles more often, to pray more often, and to serve more often than they did last year. If anyone does not start to miss Jesus, then that is a warning sign that something is up and they need to get back to Him as soon as possible. People cannot assume that Jesus is with them this year. They need to make sure they know that He is with them. How do people know if someone is with them? They will see them, feel them, and experience their presence in the room.
Luke 2:45 "When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there."
Luke 2:45 - When you cannot find Jesus in your life go back to where you know where He is. His parents knew that Jesus has to be in Jerusalem. Jerusalem throughout the Scriptures is known as the home or dwelling place of God. They want back to where they knew He would be at. When 2017, gets busy and people get caught up in all the drama, life experiences, the joys as well as the sorrows of 2017, you have to remind yourself where you can go to find Christ. That is the House of God.
Luke 2:46-49 "46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” 49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
Luke 2:46-49 - Joseph and Mary find him in the Temple His Father’s house. Jesus always can be found in four places because these four places are connected with the House of God.
1. Jesus can be found in The House of God. Anyone can meet Him there at any time (Luke 2:49). 2. He can found when two or more Christians come together. He will be found in their midst. When Christians hang out together at the park, playing board games or card games, video games, watching sports, eating, going to the movies, walking together, or any other activity they do Christ is with them (Matthew 18:20). 3. Jesus can be found in everyday life. The Bible says do not despise the small beginnings because God is doing something with those small beginnings. Don’t look over small times with Jesus. For example, I took my grandma to get her hair cut, while we waited our turn, I saw a father and son sitting across from us. He was playing with his son hugging, kissing, and tickling him while they waited to be seen. As I watched, I had a picture come to my mind that God does that with us. He wants to play with us to enjoy His love. That is what this son was doing, he was enjoying a time of love and affection with his dad. A small thing, but Jesus was found at the Salon those kinds of experiences is what I am talking about when it comes to small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). 4. Jesus is found where serving is taking place. (Song of Songs 6:1-3, 11-13).
Each of these four places has been put there by Jesus for people to find Him. He always initiates the process for people to find Him. He set up these locations to start the initiation for people to encounter Him.
Which leads us to the Scriptures in the Song of Songs which tells us that Jesus can be found and seen in serving in His creation. I want to leave a comment about the Song of Songs we as Christians know that all Scripture is inspired by God and use to teach, reproof, correct, and train us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). So that includes the Song of Songs. I believe that every book in the Bible has Christ in it someway and somewhere. Why do I believe this? Because the Bible tells us in Colossians 1:16 that all things were made through Him and for Him. So if all things are made through Him and for Him, then you are going to find Him in all the Scriptures. Another reason is that of Luke 24:27, 44 and John 5:39 say that the Scriptures bear witness to Jesus. This is why I believe Jesus is in the Song of Songs. I believe there are types and shadows going on here with the characters in the Song of Songs. King Solomon represents Jesus, The Shaulmite Bride represents the Bride of Christ, and The Daughters of Jerusalem represents less mature believers who have not yet gotten the same revelation that The Shaulmite Bride has received about Jesus. Now you as my readers understand my thinking and belief about this book let's look at it and see what it says about finding Jesus.
Song of Songs 6:1-3 NLT “Where has your lover gone, O woman of rare beauty? Which way did he turn so we can help you find him? My lover has gone down to his garden, to his spice beds, to browse in the gardens and gather the lilies. I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine. He browses among the lilies.”
When Christians know where they can find Jesus, they are aware of a personal truth that they are His and He is theirs. Our Jesus browses among the lilies (representing God’s people) serving His Kingdom and Creation.
"The Bride responds to the request as to the whereabouts of the King (“How do we find the King/Jesus?) by telling the Daughters of Jerusalem that He is in His garden. What this means is that we will find Jesus when we serve. We will find Him more and more as we begin to serve His People. If we are to find Jesus in the deepest ways, we must meet Him in serving. What He is doing is what we should be doing. As we do, we will meet Him and know Him in a greater and greater way." ~ Messianic Rabbi Schneider
Song of Songs 6:11-12 NLT “Young Woman I went down to the grove of walnut trees and out to the valley to see the new spring growth, to see whether the grapevines had budded or the pomegranates were in bloom. 12 Before I realized it, my strong desires had taken me to the chariot of a noble man."
The Bride goes to the grove of walnut trees and to the valley (representing God's people) as she makes her journey through the grove and valley she goes to see where God was moving and ministering to His creation. While she is in the grove and valley, she discovers the chariot of a nobleman, because she was in the valley and grove where serving was taking place she found Jesus there.
"The Bride goes to see Jesus’ activity in His orchard/field. She goes to where He is laboring and building His people. When she got there, her heart rose in her to strengthen God’s people and build His kingdom. Jesus is known in a more intimate way by those who are connecting with Him in serving." ~ Messianic Rabbi Schneider
Journey with Jesus in 2017 always be looking for Him, and if you misplace Him remember the four places where He can be found. 1. The House of God. You can meet Him anytime there (Luke 2:49). 2. You can find Him when two or more come together. He is in their midst. You can find Jesus when you fellowship with other Christians anywhere at any time (Matthew 18:20). 3. Jesus can be found in everyday life. Do not despise the small things where you can see Jesus at in your life. Don’t despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). 4. You can find Jesus where serving is at (Song of Songs 6:1-3, 11-13).
Let 2017, be a year for you to see Jesus more in your life. If you do not know Christ this is a great time to meet Him. Say this prayer "Jesus, I believe you died for my sins. I ask you to forgive me. I want to know You and see you in all my lifetime. I believe you are my Lord and Savior today and forevermore in Jesus name, we pray amen! If you said that prayer for the first time or recommitted your life to Christ I celebreate with you! I encourage you to read your bible daily, get connected with a local church and other Christians, and go serve others by putting your time and effort into helping others better their lives.
Godspeed,
Robbie
Monday, January 2, 2017
God of the Second Wind Heroes of Faith. Samson's Bold Faith In The God He Knew. (Part 4)
My readers, this is the final episode of the series "God of the Second Wind Heroes of Faith." It has been a great journey to see the stories of faith of Rahab, Ruth, Jonah, and Samson. One of my favorite stories of faith and it is fitting to end with it is Samson. Why is Samson's life so close to my heart and inspires me never to give up? Because Samson lived by faith! Yes, Samson had many mistakes, but He knew His God! Another reason I enjoy Samson's life story is that if God used and redeemed Samson, then there is hope for each of us. Sit back and enjoy a good read in this final episode of "God of the Second Wind Heroes of Faith. Samson's Bold Faith In The God He Knew." I will be using The Message Bible as my reference to the Scriptures.
Judges 13:1-5 And then the People of Israel were back at it again, doing what was evil in God’s sight. God put them under the domination of the Philistines for forty years. 2-5 At that time there was a man named Manoah from Zorah from the tribe of Dan. His wife was barren and childless. The angel of God appeared to her and told her, “I know that you are barren and childless, but you’re going to become pregnant and bear a son. But take much care: Drink no wine or beer; eat nothing ritually unclean. You are, in fact, pregnant right now, carrying a son. No razor will touch his head—the boy will be God’s Nazirite from the moment of his birth. He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression.”
Judges 13:1-5 The Lord had a particular purpose for Samson his purpose was “He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression.” The Lord wants to use you to launch something that has not been done yet. A Launch is defined as "to send off especially with force to give a start to" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). God's purpose for Samson is to start the deliverance that Isreal will experience from the Philistines. What launch do you feel the Lord is telling you to start? Redemption always begins with a birth. The birth of Christ initiates a redemption in you not only for you but for your family and all who you will touch.
Judges 13:6-7 The woman went to her husband and said, “A man of God came to me. He looked like the angel of God—terror laced with glory! I didn’t ask him where he was from and he didn’t tell me his name, but he told me, ‘You’re pregnant. You’re going to give birth to a son. Don’t drink any wine or beer and eat nothing ritually unclean. The boy will be God’s Nazirite from the moment of birth to the day of his death.’”
Judges 13:6-7 - Samson’s dedication to God was at the time of his birth to the time of his death. The Lord saw him as His Nazirite, and the Lord did not take that away from Samson. Know that you have a purpose and are important to the Lord. He has an assignment just for you to accomplish. That mission is dedicated unto you from birth until death.
Judges 13:12-14 12 Manoah said, “So. When what you say comes true, what do you have to tell us about this boy and his work?”13-14 The angel of God said to Manoah, “Keep in mind everything I told the woman. Eat nothing that comes from the vine: Drink no wine or beer; eat no ritually unclean foods. She’s to observe everything I commanded her.”
Judges 13:12-14 Manoah was seeking guidance from the Lord about Samson and his work, but the Lord does not answer him. Sometimes the Lord will tell you just do what My Word tells you to do. Manoah like many of us wants every detail about the situation we are getting into, but the Lord tells him I am not going to give you every detail of what to do just do what I ask of you now. The Lord at times will not give you another sign because you have all you need from Him to carry out the promise and work He has given you. He is telling Manoah to walk by faith. Manoah and his wife did walk by faith, and great things happened. It always does when you walk by faith.
Judges 13:24-25 The woman gave birth to a son. They named him Samson. The boy grew and God blessed him. The Spirit of God began working in him while he was staying at a Danite camp between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Judges 13:24-25 The Lord blesses Samson and starts working through him. 1. The Lord wants to start using you wherever you are at now.
Judges 14:1-4 1-2 Samson went down to Timnah. There in Timnah a woman caught his eye, a Philistine girl. He came back and told his father and mother, “I saw a woman in Timnah, a Philistine girl; get her for me as my wife.” 3 His parents said to him, “Isn’t there a woman among the girls in the neighborhood of our people? Do you have to go get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?”4 But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the one I want—she’s the right one.”
Judges 14:1-4 Sometimes you don't know what the Lord will do with your decision making. Yes, Samson was sinning against the Lord here, but you see that the Lord still choose to "use these circumstances for His purposes and His glory" (The Spirit Filled Life Bible, 2013, p.312). God also used these circumstances for Samson to fulfill his calling. I don't know how He does it, but He does.
Judges 14:5-6 Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother. When he got to the vineyards of Timnah, a young lion came at him, roaring. The Spirit of God came on him powerfully and he ripped it open barehanded, like tearing a young goat. But he didn’t tell his parents what he had done.
Judges 14:5-6 Ah the first superhero act done by Samson. Samson also does many more superhero acts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Such as Killing 30 men for their clothing to pay his due for the riddle the Philistines solved. (Judges 14:19-20). Catching 300 jackals and setting their tails on fire destroying the farm fields of the Philistines (Judges 15:4-5). Killing the Philistines who killed his wife and father-in-law (Judges 15:6-8). By killing a thousand Philistines with a donkey's jaw-bone (Judges 15:15-16). By carrying the gates of Gaza to the hills of Hebron (Judges 16:3). His final and most heroic act collapsing the temple of Dagon killing more Philistines than He did in his entire lifetime (Judges 16:23-31). The Holy Spirit empowers him to do each act protecting him from death each time other than his final act. All of these acts were impossible fleets to do by human strength, but when The Holy Spirit enables you, you can do the impossible because the God of Isreal makes the impossible possible. “The Same Holy Spirit who enabled these deliverers to do exploits and fulfill the Lord’s plans and purposes are at work today. He desires to move upon His people so that they too can do impossible things. The Lord wants to bring deliverance to His people, and He is looking for consecrated men and women who, He can empower with His Holy Spirit” (The Spirit Filled Life Bible, 2013). 2. He wants to use you to do impossible things!
Judges 15:11 Three companies of men from Judah went down to the cave at Etam Rock and said to Samson, “Don’t you realize that the Philistines already bully and lord it over us? So what’s going on with you, making things even worse?
Judges 15:11 The Israelites got so use to the Philistines ruling their lives that they accepted their fate instead of believing God to free them from their hands. Sin can do the same thing if you get controlled by it for a period of time, you get in a mindset that you can't be free. If you try to fight back, it seems you are making it worse not better. 3. Watch out for the sin that is in your life do not let it define you or rule over. Choose to let the Cross of Christ free you.
Judges 15:14-16 As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came to meet him, shouting in triumph. And then the Spirit of God came on him with great power. The ropes on his arms fell apart like flax on fire; the thongs slipped off his hands. He spotted a fresh donkey jawbone, reached down and grabbed it, and with it killed the whole company. And Samson said, With a donkey’s jawbone I made heaps of donkeys of them. With a donkey’s jawbone I killed an entire company.
Judges 15:14 - Satan will be rejoicing when he thinks he has you all tied up and has triumphed over you, but that is when The Holy Spirit steps in and does an amazing accomplishment through you. 4. Just when you think it is over God has other plans.
Judges 15:18-19 Now he was suddenly very thirsty. He called out to God, “You have given your servant this great victory. Are you going to abandon me to die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” So God split open the rock basin in Lehi; water gushed out and Samson drank. His spirit revived—he was alive again! That’s why it’s called En Hakkore (Caller’s Spring). It’s still there at Lehi today.
Judges 15:18-19 Samson knew His God! He was aware that the Lord would provide water for Him. Know that God will provide for you when you ask Him! Samson had faith and Samson received what his faith spoke.
Judges 16:1 Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute. He went to her.
Judges 16:1 Samson’s sin of sexual sin and love for foreign women was his downfall. I believe it is one the greatest areas that can defeat anyone and set anyone back. Sexual sin is a sin against your own body (I Corinthians 6:18). If not controlled through the power of the Holy Spirit and kept in the lines of the marriage bed (Hebrews 13:4) it can have detrimental effects for your whole lifetime. “Samson’s physical strength enabled him to do exploits, but his moral weakness led to his eventual destruction” (The Spirit Filled Life Bible, 2013, p.313). It is better to have a stronger moral character than physical strength.
Judges 16:3 Samson was in bed with the woman until midnight. Then he got up, seized the doors of the city gate and the two gateposts, bolts and all, hefted them on his shoulder, and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron.
Judges 16:3 - With the strength of the Holy Spirit you can carry the gates that hold you in and hold you back.
Delilah entices Samson day after day to tell her the secret of his strength. He could not withstand her, and he gave her the secret. The revealing of it become his ultimate downfall (Judges 16:1-24). The same with sin, a destructive thought-life, and fear it will continue to entice you day after day. If you do not use the Word of God to defeat those things they will be your ultimate downfall. Yes, the Lord can restore and give you another opportunity or dream to accomplish, but in a different way as we will see with Samson.
Judges 16:21-22 The Philistines grabbed him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. They shackled him in irons and put him to the work of grinding in the prison. But his hair, though cut off, began to grow again.
Judges 16:21-22 When all hope seems lost, and you feel God has abandon you because you have sinned greatly against him, God puts His "But" in there which is His Grace His second wind of chance. Samson's hair "though cut off, began to grow again." 5. No matter the devastation or shaving that sin, a destructive thought-life, or fear has done to you, growth can happen because once hair is cut it must grow again.
Judges 16:25-31 Then this: Everyone was feeling high and someone said, “Get Samson! Let him show us his stuff!” They got Samson from the prison and he put on a show for them. They had him standing between the pillars. Samson said to the young man who was acting as his guide, “Put me where I can touch the pillars that hold up the temple so I can rest against them.” The building was packed with men and women, including all the Philistine tyrants. And there were at least three thousand in the stands watching Samson’s performance. 28 And Samson cried out to God: Master, God! Oh, please, look on me again, Oh, please, give strength yet once more. God! With one avenging blow let me be avenged On the Philistines for my two eyes! 29-30 Then Samson reached out to the two central pillars that held up the building and pushed against them, one with his right arm, the other with his left. Saying, “Let me die with the Philistines,” Samson pushed hard with all his might. The building crashed on the tyrants and all the people in it. He killed more people in his death than he had killed in his life. 31 His brothers and all his relatives went down to get his body. They carried him back and buried him in the tomb of Manoah his father, between Zorah and Eshtaol. He judged Israel for twenty years.
I love Samson's prayer in verse 28 he knew His God, and he knew the Grace of God was for him, the Forgiveness of God was for him, a Second Wind was for him, and he was aware that God never strips away the Gifting He gives. Samson knew this truth and because of that Yahweh equipped him to do the mightiest act of his life killing over 3,000 Philistines. Samson’s last action was in obedience to God, and it fulfilled the prophecy spoken over him in Judges 13:5 “He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression.”
6. It’s never too late for you to be obedient to God, it’s never too late to fulfill the purpose God designed you to achieve, and it’s never too late to restart working in your gifting again.
7. Grace puts you in a position to finish your purpose to walk in your gifting again.
As Christians, we just look at Samson's failures, and we are quick to point them out. We do learn many things from his failures. What we miss though is the great faith and knowledge that Samson had in His God. I want to end this series with a scripture that gives Samson's legacy for who He was, it would probably surprise you. This scripture is the last scripture that mentions Samson in the Bible you may think it may point out his sins like we do, but it does not instead it honors his faith. Hebrews 11:32-34 says of Samson "I could go on and on, but I’ve run out of time. There are so many more—Gideon, Barak, Samson (emphasis mine), Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets. . . . Through acts of faith (emphasis mine), they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies." Who would of have thought that Samson is inducted into the Hall of Faith? But he is, and Grace and Faith have inducted him into the Hall of Faith! Actually, the truth is that Grace and Faith inducts all of us into the Hall of Faith.
If you would like to have this faith in Christ just say, Jesus, I have faith in the work you did on the cross. Thank you for saving me in Jesus name we pray amen! Start going to church, meet other Christians, and start reading the Bible daily and you will grow greatly in Christ.
~ Godspeed Robbie
Judges 13:1-5 And then the People of Israel were back at it again, doing what was evil in God’s sight. God put them under the domination of the Philistines for forty years. 2-5 At that time there was a man named Manoah from Zorah from the tribe of Dan. His wife was barren and childless. The angel of God appeared to her and told her, “I know that you are barren and childless, but you’re going to become pregnant and bear a son. But take much care: Drink no wine or beer; eat nothing ritually unclean. You are, in fact, pregnant right now, carrying a son. No razor will touch his head—the boy will be God’s Nazirite from the moment of his birth. He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression.”
Judges 13:1-5 The Lord had a particular purpose for Samson his purpose was “He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression.” The Lord wants to use you to launch something that has not been done yet. A Launch is defined as "to send off especially with force to give a start to" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). God's purpose for Samson is to start the deliverance that Isreal will experience from the Philistines. What launch do you feel the Lord is telling you to start? Redemption always begins with a birth. The birth of Christ initiates a redemption in you not only for you but for your family and all who you will touch.
Judges 13:6-7 The woman went to her husband and said, “A man of God came to me. He looked like the angel of God—terror laced with glory! I didn’t ask him where he was from and he didn’t tell me his name, but he told me, ‘You’re pregnant. You’re going to give birth to a son. Don’t drink any wine or beer and eat nothing ritually unclean. The boy will be God’s Nazirite from the moment of birth to the day of his death.’”
Judges 13:6-7 - Samson’s dedication to God was at the time of his birth to the time of his death. The Lord saw him as His Nazirite, and the Lord did not take that away from Samson. Know that you have a purpose and are important to the Lord. He has an assignment just for you to accomplish. That mission is dedicated unto you from birth until death.
Judges 13:12-14 12 Manoah said, “So. When what you say comes true, what do you have to tell us about this boy and his work?”13-14 The angel of God said to Manoah, “Keep in mind everything I told the woman. Eat nothing that comes from the vine: Drink no wine or beer; eat no ritually unclean foods. She’s to observe everything I commanded her.”
Judges 13:12-14 Manoah was seeking guidance from the Lord about Samson and his work, but the Lord does not answer him. Sometimes the Lord will tell you just do what My Word tells you to do. Manoah like many of us wants every detail about the situation we are getting into, but the Lord tells him I am not going to give you every detail of what to do just do what I ask of you now. The Lord at times will not give you another sign because you have all you need from Him to carry out the promise and work He has given you. He is telling Manoah to walk by faith. Manoah and his wife did walk by faith, and great things happened. It always does when you walk by faith.
Judges 13:24-25 The woman gave birth to a son. They named him Samson. The boy grew and God blessed him. The Spirit of God began working in him while he was staying at a Danite camp between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Judges 13:24-25 The Lord blesses Samson and starts working through him. 1. The Lord wants to start using you wherever you are at now.
Judges 14:1-4 1-2 Samson went down to Timnah. There in Timnah a woman caught his eye, a Philistine girl. He came back and told his father and mother, “I saw a woman in Timnah, a Philistine girl; get her for me as my wife.” 3 His parents said to him, “Isn’t there a woman among the girls in the neighborhood of our people? Do you have to go get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?”4 But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the one I want—she’s the right one.”
Judges 14:1-4 Sometimes you don't know what the Lord will do with your decision making. Yes, Samson was sinning against the Lord here, but you see that the Lord still choose to "use these circumstances for His purposes and His glory" (The Spirit Filled Life Bible, 2013, p.312). God also used these circumstances for Samson to fulfill his calling. I don't know how He does it, but He does.
Judges 14:5-6 Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother. When he got to the vineyards of Timnah, a young lion came at him, roaring. The Spirit of God came on him powerfully and he ripped it open barehanded, like tearing a young goat. But he didn’t tell his parents what he had done.
Judges 14:5-6 Ah the first superhero act done by Samson. Samson also does many more superhero acts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Such as Killing 30 men for their clothing to pay his due for the riddle the Philistines solved. (Judges 14:19-20). Catching 300 jackals and setting their tails on fire destroying the farm fields of the Philistines (Judges 15:4-5). Killing the Philistines who killed his wife and father-in-law (Judges 15:6-8). By killing a thousand Philistines with a donkey's jaw-bone (Judges 15:15-16). By carrying the gates of Gaza to the hills of Hebron (Judges 16:3). His final and most heroic act collapsing the temple of Dagon killing more Philistines than He did in his entire lifetime (Judges 16:23-31). The Holy Spirit empowers him to do each act protecting him from death each time other than his final act. All of these acts were impossible fleets to do by human strength, but when The Holy Spirit enables you, you can do the impossible because the God of Isreal makes the impossible possible. “The Same Holy Spirit who enabled these deliverers to do exploits and fulfill the Lord’s plans and purposes are at work today. He desires to move upon His people so that they too can do impossible things. The Lord wants to bring deliverance to His people, and He is looking for consecrated men and women who, He can empower with His Holy Spirit” (The Spirit Filled Life Bible, 2013). 2. He wants to use you to do impossible things!
Judges 15:11 Three companies of men from Judah went down to the cave at Etam Rock and said to Samson, “Don’t you realize that the Philistines already bully and lord it over us? So what’s going on with you, making things even worse?
Judges 15:11 The Israelites got so use to the Philistines ruling their lives that they accepted their fate instead of believing God to free them from their hands. Sin can do the same thing if you get controlled by it for a period of time, you get in a mindset that you can't be free. If you try to fight back, it seems you are making it worse not better. 3. Watch out for the sin that is in your life do not let it define you or rule over. Choose to let the Cross of Christ free you.
Judges 15:14-16 As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came to meet him, shouting in triumph. And then the Spirit of God came on him with great power. The ropes on his arms fell apart like flax on fire; the thongs slipped off his hands. He spotted a fresh donkey jawbone, reached down and grabbed it, and with it killed the whole company. And Samson said, With a donkey’s jawbone I made heaps of donkeys of them. With a donkey’s jawbone I killed an entire company.
Judges 15:14 - Satan will be rejoicing when he thinks he has you all tied up and has triumphed over you, but that is when The Holy Spirit steps in and does an amazing accomplishment through you. 4. Just when you think it is over God has other plans.
Judges 15:18-19 Now he was suddenly very thirsty. He called out to God, “You have given your servant this great victory. Are you going to abandon me to die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” So God split open the rock basin in Lehi; water gushed out and Samson drank. His spirit revived—he was alive again! That’s why it’s called En Hakkore (Caller’s Spring). It’s still there at Lehi today.
Judges 15:18-19 Samson knew His God! He was aware that the Lord would provide water for Him. Know that God will provide for you when you ask Him! Samson had faith and Samson received what his faith spoke.
Judges 16:1 Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute. He went to her.
Judges 16:1 Samson’s sin of sexual sin and love for foreign women was his downfall. I believe it is one the greatest areas that can defeat anyone and set anyone back. Sexual sin is a sin against your own body (I Corinthians 6:18). If not controlled through the power of the Holy Spirit and kept in the lines of the marriage bed (Hebrews 13:4) it can have detrimental effects for your whole lifetime. “Samson’s physical strength enabled him to do exploits, but his moral weakness led to his eventual destruction” (The Spirit Filled Life Bible, 2013, p.313). It is better to have a stronger moral character than physical strength.
Judges 16:3 Samson was in bed with the woman until midnight. Then he got up, seized the doors of the city gate and the two gateposts, bolts and all, hefted them on his shoulder, and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron.
Judges 16:3 - With the strength of the Holy Spirit you can carry the gates that hold you in and hold you back.
Delilah entices Samson day after day to tell her the secret of his strength. He could not withstand her, and he gave her the secret. The revealing of it become his ultimate downfall (Judges 16:1-24). The same with sin, a destructive thought-life, and fear it will continue to entice you day after day. If you do not use the Word of God to defeat those things they will be your ultimate downfall. Yes, the Lord can restore and give you another opportunity or dream to accomplish, but in a different way as we will see with Samson.
Judges 16:21-22 The Philistines grabbed him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. They shackled him in irons and put him to the work of grinding in the prison. But his hair, though cut off, began to grow again.
Judges 16:21-22 When all hope seems lost, and you feel God has abandon you because you have sinned greatly against him, God puts His "But" in there which is His Grace His second wind of chance. Samson's hair "though cut off, began to grow again." 5. No matter the devastation or shaving that sin, a destructive thought-life, or fear has done to you, growth can happen because once hair is cut it must grow again.
Judges 16:25-31 Then this: Everyone was feeling high and someone said, “Get Samson! Let him show us his stuff!” They got Samson from the prison and he put on a show for them. They had him standing between the pillars. Samson said to the young man who was acting as his guide, “Put me where I can touch the pillars that hold up the temple so I can rest against them.” The building was packed with men and women, including all the Philistine tyrants. And there were at least three thousand in the stands watching Samson’s performance. 28 And Samson cried out to God: Master, God! Oh, please, look on me again, Oh, please, give strength yet once more. God! With one avenging blow let me be avenged On the Philistines for my two eyes! 29-30 Then Samson reached out to the two central pillars that held up the building and pushed against them, one with his right arm, the other with his left. Saying, “Let me die with the Philistines,” Samson pushed hard with all his might. The building crashed on the tyrants and all the people in it. He killed more people in his death than he had killed in his life. 31 His brothers and all his relatives went down to get his body. They carried him back and buried him in the tomb of Manoah his father, between Zorah and Eshtaol. He judged Israel for twenty years.
I love Samson's prayer in verse 28 he knew His God, and he knew the Grace of God was for him, the Forgiveness of God was for him, a Second Wind was for him, and he was aware that God never strips away the Gifting He gives. Samson knew this truth and because of that Yahweh equipped him to do the mightiest act of his life killing over 3,000 Philistines. Samson’s last action was in obedience to God, and it fulfilled the prophecy spoken over him in Judges 13:5 “He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression.”
6. It’s never too late for you to be obedient to God, it’s never too late to fulfill the purpose God designed you to achieve, and it’s never too late to restart working in your gifting again.
7. Grace puts you in a position to finish your purpose to walk in your gifting again.
As Christians, we just look at Samson's failures, and we are quick to point them out. We do learn many things from his failures. What we miss though is the great faith and knowledge that Samson had in His God. I want to end this series with a scripture that gives Samson's legacy for who He was, it would probably surprise you. This scripture is the last scripture that mentions Samson in the Bible you may think it may point out his sins like we do, but it does not instead it honors his faith. Hebrews 11:32-34 says of Samson "I could go on and on, but I’ve run out of time. There are so many more—Gideon, Barak, Samson (emphasis mine), Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets. . . . Through acts of faith (emphasis mine), they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies." Who would of have thought that Samson is inducted into the Hall of Faith? But he is, and Grace and Faith have inducted him into the Hall of Faith! Actually, the truth is that Grace and Faith inducts all of us into the Hall of Faith.
If you would like to have this faith in Christ just say, Jesus, I have faith in the work you did on the cross. Thank you for saving me in Jesus name we pray amen! Start going to church, meet other Christians, and start reading the Bible daily and you will grow greatly in Christ.
~ Godspeed Robbie
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