[R] NIGHT 03
Writing
The Sampson Cycle
The story of Samson shows us the slow process of sin-created-cycles that sap our strength, and shackle our calling, and reveal our need for Complete Salvation & Deep Sanctification. The problem is too many men get stuck in the Samson Cycle: Strong, but Shackled. The enemies playbook is mapped out in Judges 16:5. The enemy wants to Entice You, to Prevail Against You, to Bind and Afflict you. Enticement always ends in affliction…always.
We must understand that the Holy Spirit will not continually co-exist with a spirit of sin. The Holy Spirit has a process too, that is, first Conviction then Correction then Condemnation unless Repentance (God is a Judge after all). Through repentance, however, we find grace. Gods restorative grace is offered to all who repent. The Bible tells us, “But the hair of his head began to grow again” Judges 16:22. Sampson slowly began to receive his strength back as his hair grew. It takes time for hair to grow —> Restoration is a Process that Requires Commitment. If men can commit to being restored and embrace radical transparency, God can work. He will bring deliverance from the demonic forces of sexual sin plaguing men.
Nothing But Leaves
“He found nothing but leaves” [Mark 11:13]
When Jesus examines your life closely, what does He find? Because Faith always produces fruit. The effect of your faith can always be found in the outflow of your life. Religion, on the other hand, produces nothing worthy. It is all for show, a presentation for other people, a mirage in the desert. Religion is nothing but leaves.
The truth is, Jesus is looking for faith and He expects there to be fruitfulness. This is difficult for a generation that resists expectations as an evil. We are sworn only to ourselves, and the sway of our emotions. We push against boundaries, despise labels, and claim truth as relative. This is at cross-purposes with a God that expects much of His creation. The Church hasn’t helped much in this area casting God as one who loves you, and anything you do, with nothing required from you. Whereas the Gospel says that God loves you, and died for you, and is now demanding that you live completely for Him. He closely examines the tree of our life and desires to see faith and all its consequences. When God fails to find fruit, it is unacceptable to Him and if the tree is to bear no fruit for God, may it never bear fruit for anyone else for “apart from me you can do nothing”.
Jesus is standing in front of your life and examining- will He find faith?
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