Each of us have been set apart for God’s PURPOSE. Before birth, Samson was dedicated to God from the womb. He was born with the anointing of God and had great potential. The question was asked of Samson, “Tell us about your secret of great strength.” Judges 16:6. Samson never fulfilled the plan God had for him. He did not deliver Israel from evil. In anger, Samson exposed his consistent personal motivation: REVENGE. Judges 14:19-28.
As we compare our potential to both Samson and Paul, we examine our personal heart motive: The truth is that Paul was born abnormally. 1 Cor 15:8 He never dreamt to become famous for writing about the miracles and ways of Jesus. Paul wrote that he came in weakness and with great fear. He had a well respected teacher, but his life motivation was to please God. Paul was tortured, shipwrecked, biten by snakes, imprisoned, and also had bad eyesight, but did not complain. The Holy Spirit warned Paul, he was compelled by the Spirit. 1 Cor 2:3 and 2 Corin 11:2 ❤️ Phil 3:20 and Acts 20:22 🙈 Samson lost connection with God, but Paul grew closer through trials. We all are given the freedom to choose Christ. Choose with eternity in mind.
Timothy 4:6-8 “The time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to ALL who have longed for HIS appearing.” In any endeavor we may start slow, but it is how we finish that matters the most.
The purpose of another follower of Christ shared in John 20:30-31 “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are NOT recorded in this book. But these are written that you may BELIEVE that Jesus is the MESSIAH, the SON of GOD, and that by BELIEVING you may have LIFE in HIS name.” ❤️
How precious is the constant flow of God’s mercy. No other source or person I know, would issue such kindness. To wait upon my confession, to forgive me of much. Nothing but the blood of Jesus can wash away the guilt in life, and assure us of life eternal with Him. This is the power of Christ in me. From life’s first cry to my final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand. Till He returns, or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand. On Christ the Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all else is sinking sand. Paul and Silus singing!
I confess my sins, and by faith in the blood of Jesus, I am forgiven and washed as white as snow. Hallelujah and Amen!
September 7, 2025 Assembly of God, Pastor Gary Neighbor “Finishing Well”
Living Abroad 
Pastor Gary always pulls out nuggets of wisdom from our weekly reading. The book of Judges highlights Samson, a guy who had it all, but because of his lack of obedience, lost God’s blessing and did not even realize it. Spiritually and physically blind to his sin.
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We are so very blessed to have our eyes open and our hearts tender to His Word.
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One Sunday morning, a mom went to wake her son. “Time to get up and get ready for church. He replied, “I’m not going.” Why not?” He replied “Two good reasons, #1 the people in the church don’t like me, #2 I don’t like them.” His mom replied, “I’ll give you 2 good reasons why you should go . #1, you’re 45 years old, and #2 you’re the pastor.” Stubborn reluctance in leads to missed opportunities, stagnation , strained relationships,
and icreased anxiety!
The reluctance to obey God’s call caused Jonah the following:
His attempt to flee from God’s command caused a violent storm that endangered all aboard.
Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and spent three days and nights in its belly, experiencing the consequences of his choices.
His disobedience delayed the delivery of God’s dire warning to the people of Nineveh, potentially risking their destruction.
As a rebel determined to run from his call, he experienced fear, isolation, and deep reflection, which ultimately humbled him and brought him back to obedience.
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