Greg Laurie Daily Devotions

Shun the Bait - Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - October 20, 2020

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Shun the Bait

“But before long, his hair began to grow back” (Judges 16:22 nlt).

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results. I’ve seen people return to the same pattern of sin repeatedly, yet they’re shocked by the way things turn out.

If we can learn from our mistakes, if we can recognize where we’ve messed up and be more careful so we don’t stumble again, we can change the cycle of sin in our lives.

That’s what Samson did. After his enemies, the Philistines, captured him and blinded him, his hair began to grow again. His strength began to return.

Now, Samson’s strength didn’t come from his hair. He’d taken the vow of a Nazirite, and part of that vow was to never cut his hair. His long hair symbolized his commitment to God.

One day, the Philistines held a festival to worship their false god, Dagon. They were getting drunk, and someone came up with the idea to bring Samson in for entertainment.

As they brought him in, Samson said to the young servant who was guiding him, “Place my hands against the pillars that hold up the temple. I want to rest against them” (Judges 16:26 nlt). Then Samson put one hand on one pillar and one hand on the other, and he prayed for strength.

When Samson pushed, the temple began to collapse, and the floors caved in. After it was all over, Samson had killed more Philistines that day than he had throughout his entire life. Even so, Samson died with the Philistines.

Temptations will come to every Christian, but Samson’s story teaches us that it’s better to shun the bait than to struggle on the hook. Every temptation is an opportunity to flee to God.

Are you flirting with sin? Are you playing with fire? Watch out. Learn the lesson of Samson.

Copyright © 2020 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.

house of david a devotional greg laurie offerIn thanks for your gift, you can receive a copy of the  House of David: 30 Days with the Man After God’s Own Heart.

King David was a shepherd, a warrior, a king—and a man after God’s own heart. Official companion to the Amazon Prime series House of David, a new devotional from Pastor Greg Laurie dives deep into David’s life, the psalms he wrote, and the lessons we can learn from his triumphs and struggles. Grow in your walk with God as you explore the extraordinary life of David. Get your copy today with your gift to Harvest Ministries.

Click here to find out more!

SHARE