God holds you when your strength fails (Isaiah 41:10)

God as the one who holds your position when your strength gives out  Isaiah 41:10:

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

In Yahweh Never Said 'Stop Being Afraid.' He Said This Instead. "אַל תִּירָא", the "Al Tira" (fear not) isn't comfort — it's a commander saying "hold the line." And the second half of the verse is the reason you can: God is present at that position with you, strengthening and upholding you when your own strength fails.

Joshua 1:9 is the other key verse from the teaching:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Notice "Have I not commanded you?" — pure military language, exactly the point the teaching makes.

Isaiah 41:10, read through the lens of God as a commanding officer who doesn't just encourage you but stations himself at your post with you.

1. Divine Presence — God stations himself with his people

• Joshua 1:9 — God goes with you everywhere
• Deuteronomy 31:6 — He will never leave nor forsake
• Matthew 28:20 — With you to the end
• Deuteronomy 7:21 — Great God dwells among you
• Leviticus 26:12 — God walks among his people
• Exodus 6:7 — I will be your God
• Psalm 23:4 — Beside you through the darkness
• Isaiah 43:1,5 — Fear not — I am with you

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2. Fear as a Positional Threat — don't retreat, hold the line

• Joshua 1:9 — Commanded to stand, not retreat
• Deuteronomy 31:6 — Do not be afraid or terrified
• Isaiah 41:10 — Fear not; hold your position
• Isaiah 12:2 — Trust God; refuse to fear
• Isaiah 43:1,5 — Called by name — do not fear
• Psalm 23:4 — No evil feared in darkness

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3. Covenant Identity — you belong to him

• Exodus 6:7 — You are my own people
• Leviticus 26:12 — My people, my God
• Isaiah 43:1,5 — Redeemed, called by name, mine
• 1 Chronicles 12:18 — Your God is on your side

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4. Strength as a Gift — not summoned, transferred

• Psalm 18:32 — God arms me with strength
• Philippians 4:13 — All things through Christ's strength
• Ephesians 3:16 — Spirit strengthens your inner being
• Isaiah 40:29-31 — He renews strength for the weary
• Deuteronomy 33:27-29 — Everlasting arms are beneath you
• Psalm 29:11 — God gives strength to his people

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5. God as Active Helper — present intervention, not passive comfort

• Psalm 54:4 — God sustains my soul
• Hebrews 13:6 — Lord is helper; nothing to fear
• Psalm 46:1 — Ever-present help in trouble
• Isaiah 41:13,14 — God holds your hand and helps
• 1 Chronicles 12:18 — God helps those who are his

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6. The Upholding Hand — he catches you when you fall

• Psalm 63:8 — His right hand upholds me
• Psalm 18:35 — Right hand upholds; gentleness exalts
• Psalm 37:24 — Lord holds him by the hand
• Psalm 37:17 — Lord upholds the righteous
• Psalm 41:12 — Upheld in integrity before God

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7. God's Righteousness as the Basis of Trust — his character guarantees his commitment

• Psalm 65:5 — God answers in righteousness
• Psalm 89:13,14 — Mighty arm, righteous right hand
• Psalm 99:4 — God establishes equity and justice
• Isaiah 52:7 — Your God reigns
• Isaiah 60:19 — God is your everlasting light

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8. Through, Not Around — presence in the trial, not exemption from it

• Psalm 23:4 — Through the valley, not around
• Deuteronomy 33:27-29 — Refuge; enemy thrust out before you
• Isaiah 41:10 — Do not be dismayed or afraid

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Be strong and courageous... be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Joshua 1:9, Eph 6:10-20)

 I was listening to the idea yesterday:  You Were Never Told to "Be Strong". The Hebrew Behind Joshua 1:9 Reveals the Real Command. 

• According to the video, the Hebrew word amatz (אמץ) means to dig in or to be steadfastly determined.
• While the word chazaq (grip) refers to holding onto something external, amatz describes an internal posture—setting one's jaw and fixing one's direction. The narrator explains that chazaq and amatz are often paired together (as in Joshua 1) to form a complete picture of biblical strength: one is the act of holding on, and the other is the inward resolution to keep going,

Today in my normal reading I came to Eph 6:10-20, so I did a word study with biblehub.com to see how well these ideas match up.

"Be Strong and Courageous" — A Study in the Original Languages

The Core Command: Ephesians 6:10

The Greek is ἐνδυναμοῦσθε (endunamouste) — a present passive imperative. That grammatical form does most of the theological work. It's not "generate strength" but "be continuously empowered." The source is outside you; you are the recipient. The command is to keep receiving, keep positioning yourself under the supply.

Paul then piles up three distinct Greek power-words: κράτει τῆς ἰσχύος (kratei tēs ischyos) — "the dominion of his inherent strength." Kratos is ruling, governing power. Ischus is raw, inherent capacity. Neither belongs to you by nature.

This is the frame for every other verse.

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The Hebrew Foundation: Joshua 1:9

"Be strong and courageous" = חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ (chazaq we-'emats).

Chazaq (חָזַק) means to grip, to seize, to hold fast — the image is fingers tightening around something. In context it's closer to brace yourself or hold your position than a feeling of confidence. It's used of Elijah gripping the hand of Ahab, of hands being clasped. It's volitional and bodily.

'Emats (אָמַץ) carries mental resolve — obstinate determination, refusal to flinch. Isaiah 41:10 uses the same root when God says "I will strengthen you" (immatstiykha) — meaning God does to you what you are commanded to do yourself. The divine action and the human action use identical vocabulary. That's intentional.

Critically, the command precedes the reason: be strong… because the Lord your God is with you. Courage is not the precondition for God's presence; it's the appropriate response to it.

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The Greek Power-Cluster: Ephesians 1:19-20

This is the densest power passage in the NT. Paul uses four Greek words in two verses:

• δύναμις (dunamis) — latent power, inherent ability
• ἐνέργεια (energeia) — active, working energy
• κράτος (kratos) — dominion, ruling might
• ἰσχύς (ischus) — strength as raw capacity

And he says: that same power — the resurrection power that lifted a dead man out of the grave and seated him over every cosmic authority — is the power toward (εἰς) those who believe. Not power for you as a distant resource, but power actively directed at you right now.

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Key Themes Across the Passages

1. Weakness is the prerequisite, not the obstacle (2 Cor 12:9)
"My power is perfected in weakness" — τελεῖται (teleitai), "brought to its full expression, completed." God's dunamis reaches its telos in your acknowledged insufficiency. Strength in your own resources actually limits what he can do; weakness creates the opening.

2. Waiting as weaving (Isaiah 40:29-31)
"Wait upon the LORD" = קָוָה (qavah) — not passive sitting but a word that means to twist together, to braid, to bind into a cord. Waiting on God is an intimate intertwining, not idleness. Those who qavah don't just get rest — they get renewed strength, literally "they exchange strength" (יַחֲלִיפוּ כֹחַ, yachalifū koach).

3. Joy as structural strength (Nehemiah 8:10)
"The joy of the LORD is your strength" — Hebrew עֹז ('oz), often translated fortress or refuge. Joy isn't an emotional bonus; it's a load-bearing wall. The context is fascinating: the people are grieving over the law they'd forgotten, and they're told this is not the day for grief — there's a holy boldness to appropriating joy as a weapon against despair.

4. The Word as the source of the young man's strength (1 John 2:14)
"You are strong… the word of God abides in you." The strength of the young men isn't their youth or zeal — it's the residing, settled presence of the Word. Abides = μένει (menei), a favorite Johannine word for permanent, relational indwelling.

5. Patience and endurance as the fruit of power (Colossians 1:11)
This one surprises most readers. Being "strengthened with all power according to his glorious might" produces… ὑπομονή (hypomonē, steadfast endurance) and μακροθυμία (makrothumia, patient long-suffering). The proof of divine strength in a person isn't dramatic displays — it's the capacity to bear weight over time without breaking.

6. Grace as the medium (2 Timothy 2:1)
"Be strong in the grace" — same endunamou as Eph 6:10. Grace isn't just forgiveness; it's the operative field in which divine empowering takes place. You're not strong by discipline alone, but by inhabiting the grace-space.

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The Synthesis

The phrase "be strong and courageous" is not a pep talk. In both Hebrew and Greek, it's a command to reorient your source. Chazaq/emats in Hebrew and endunamoō in Greek both assume you don't have what's needed in yourself and that there is somewhere to get it.

The theological logic runs like this:

• God's power raised Christ from the dead (Eph 1:19-20)
• That same power is actively directed toward believers
• The passive voice — "be empowered" — is the appropriate posture
• Weakness, not strength, opens the channel (2 Cor 12:9)
• Joy, the Word, waiting/intertwining, and grace are the means of access
• The outcome is not invincibility but endurance — the ability to keep walking without fainting (Isaiah 40:31)

The command to be strong is, at its root, a command to trust someone else's strength rather than your own.

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The Lord Is Good: A Stronghold for Those Who Trust Him (Prov 21:22,Nahum 1:7)

I’ve been enjoying Choose Your Stronghold - Bill Johnson,. It feels especially timely. Yesterday, a rocket went to the moon, and my brother’s wife lost her job. In the middle of life’s extremes, one thing becomes clear: what we trust in matters deeply.

The fear of God is not panic. It is wisdom. It is like wearing a seat belt when driving fast, or like an X-ray technician putting on a protective shield. There is a right kind of fear that keeps you aligned with reality. I want to be found in Christ, abiding in Him and standing firm.

One of the strongest points in Bill’s sermon is this: God takes our trust seriously. If we think trust is important, we should multiply that understanding by a thousand. Scripture says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:1–7). Faith is not a vague feeling. It is where we place our confidence, our dependence, and our identity.

A stronghold is often an idea that feels safe in our lives, but may actually be a lie. One common lie is, “I was born this way,” as though we are forever locked into broken patterns with no hope of transformation. But the Word of God confronts lies and calls us into truth. It spurs us on to love and good deeds, showing us the way to live and flourish.

I am continually amazed that His Word is truly living and active. It does not merely inspire. It cuts with precision, surgically removing false beliefs and replacing them with truth that leads to life. One example I got to share this week was about stealing. The world says, “You did the crime, now do the time.” But God says something far more transformative: “If you are a thief, steal no longer. Work diligently with your hands so that you will have abundance to give to those in need.” God does not just stop sin. He redeems identity and redirects purpose.

When faith is working properly in our heart, soul, and mind, it becomes a stronghold of truth. But we also have an enemy who tries to establish counterfeit strongholds, anger, bitterness, hatred, lust, debauchery, sloth, and every kind of destructive pattern. These are not harmless thoughts. They become fortresses if left unchallenged.

So we must tear down false strongholds and learn to yield to the divine power of God’s Word. The question is not whether we will live from a stronghold. The question is: which one will we choose?

One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty, and pull down the stronghold in which they trust. Prov 21:22

• Strong holds are the ideas we put our trust in: many trust in substance, situations, health (all are shifting sand). "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Cor 10:4

"May the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16) means allowing Jesus' teachings to permeate your life, thoughts, and actions continuously rather than occasionally. It implies that Scripture should be at home in the believer, shaping wisdom, guiding relationships, and fostering a thankful heart.

• The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 
• The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. Psalm 37:39
• Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalm 8:2
• The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
• The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

The Foundation: Who God Is

Nahum 1:7 packs three towering truths into one verse: God's goodness, God's protection, and God's personal knowledge of those who trust Him. Each deserves its own biblical development.

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1. The Lord Is Good

This is not a feeling about God — it is a declaration about His nature.

"For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." — Psalm 100:5

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." — James 1:17

"You are good and do good; teach me your statutes." — Psalm 119:68

The point: God's goodness is not circumstantial. It does not fluctuate with the economy, your health, or your circumstances. Nahum wrote during a time of Assyrian terror, yet declared God good. Goodness is God's character, not His reaction to our comfort.

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2. He Is a Stronghold in the Day of Trouble

A stronghold in the ancient world was not a retreat — it was a fortified position from which you could survive and fight. God is not a hiding place from life; He is a secure base within it.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." — Proverbs 18:10

"The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." — Psalm 9:9

"He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." — Psalm 62:2

"I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" — Psalm 91:2

"But the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge." — Psalm 94:22

Key contrast: The Assyrians trusted in military might, city walls, and numbers. Nahum contrasts their coming destruction with the security of those whose stronghold is the Lord Himself. The world's fortresses fall. God's does not.

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3. He Knows Those Who Trust in Him

This is perhaps the most personal phrase in the verse. "He knows" is covenantal language — intimate, relational, chosen knowledge.

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" — Isaiah 43:1

"The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." — Psalm 1:6

"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me." — John 10:14

"But if anyone loves God, he is known by God." — 1 Corinthians 8:3

"The Lord knows those who are his." — 2 Timothy 2:19

The point: To be known by God is not just awareness — it is watchful care, active protection, and personal engagement. He does not forget you in your trouble. He is fully present and fully attentive.

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4. What It Means to Trust

Trust is the hinge on which this whole verse swings. God is good and a stronghold — but Nahum says these realities belong specifically to those who take refuge in Him. Trust is not passive.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid." — Psalm 56:3-4

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act." — Psalm 37:5

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." — Psalm 125:1

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." — Isaiah 26:3

Trust is a direction, not just a doctrine. It means turning toward God, running to His name, anchoring your mind on His character when circumstances shake everything else.

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5. The Day of Trouble — Why This Matters

Nahum's context is critical. He wrote to Judah under the shadow of Assyria, one of the most brutal empires in history. This was not metaphorical trouble; this was existential threat. Yet the declaration stands: God is good. God is a stronghold. God knows you.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." — Psalm 23:4

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." — John 16:33

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." — 1 Peter 5:10

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Summary: One Verse, Three Unshakeable Truths

Truth	Verse Anchor	What It Means
The Lord is good	Psalm 100:5, James 1:17	His character never changes
He is a stronghold	Psalm 46:1, Proverbs 18:10	He is your secure place in every storm
He knows those who trust	John 10:14, Isaiah 43:1	You are personally held, not just generally protected

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The message of Nahum 1:7 is not wishful thinking — it is theological bedrock. When the day of trouble comes (and it will), the person rooted in this truth does not simply endure. They stand in a fortress that cannot be taken.

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Powerful ways to overcoming Satan

In Charlie Kirk EXPLAINS Powerful Ways to Overcoming Satan. Charlie Kirk explores how believers experience spiritual warfare and how Satan gains influence in their lives. Many people feel harassed by internal vows, unhealthy environments, or unresolved sin. Kirk speaks to that struggle directly. He highlights three on-ramps for spiritual attack and three counter-strategies for protection. Believers shift from self-reliance to Christ-centered dependence and proactively shape their environment and habits. Kirk concludes Christians are assured victory. Spiritual attacks increase when you advance God’s work, but the proper response is not retreat. It is a counteroffensive rooted in prayer, Scripture, repentance, and submission.

How Satan Gains Influence

1. Self-made vows. Human willpower is fragile. Scripture warns against relying on flesh. Proverbs 28:26 says those who trust in themselves are fools. Jesus teaches that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Paul admits he cannot do the good he wants without the Spirit’s power (Romans 7:18). The Spirit produces self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), not personal resolve.
2. Your environment. Environments form desires. Paul says “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Psalm 1:1 shows blessing begins with avoiding ungodly influence. Romans 12:2 calls for renewing the mind, not conforming to the world. Philippians 4:8 directs us to fill our minds with what is true, pure, and praiseworthy. Hebrews 10:24-25 highlights the need for godly community to stir up love and obedience.
3. Unrepented sin. Especially sexual sin. Sin creates footholds. Ephesians 4:27 warns not to “give the devil a foothold.” Sexual sin uniquely harms the soul (1 Corinthians 6:18). Hidden sin invites torment, but confession restores freedom (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:7-9). Satan is the accuser (Revelation 12:10). Repentance silences his accusations and restores fellowship with God (Acts 3:19).

How to Counter It

1. Prayer. Dependence disarms the enemy. Psalm 34:17 shows God hears the cry of the righteous. Jesus teaches that even brief, honest prayer is powerful (Matthew 14:30; Matthew 6:9-13). Paul urges “pray in the Spirit on all occasions” as part of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:18).
2. Scripture. God’s Word renews and protects. Jesus fought temptation with “It is written” (Matthew 4:1-11). Psalm 119:11 shows storing Scripture in the heart keeps us from sin. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word discerns and cuts away deception. Colossians 3:16 calls us to let the Word dwell richly so our thinking is guarded.
3. Submit and resist. James 4:7 sets the sequence: submit to God first, then resist. First Peter 5:8-9 echoes this by calling believers to be alert and to resist the devil by standing firm in faith. Romans 8:13 promises that by the Spirit we “put to death” sinful actions. Ephesians 6:10-11 commands us to “be strong in the Lord” and stand firm against schemes, not through human strength but divine armor.

Reflection Questions

1. Which influence, vows, environment, or unrepented sin, feels most relevant to your daily experience?

2. What simple, relatable story could you use to make the spiritual battle metaphor memorable?

3. How might you structure this message as a Hero’s Journey, with the believer as the protagonist facing spiritual opposition and finding victory?

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PEACE: invite God’s presence without pressure, shame, or coercion.

I like the PEACE framework for helping people through change (myself included). It stands for Problem, Empathy, Action, Change, End Result. 

P. Problem. Prayer of Truth and Illumination

Scripture anchor
Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart.”

Prayer reflection

God, we come to You without pretending.
We name what is real, not what we wish were true.
Show us where fear has blurred our vision.
Reveal what we have avoided facing.
Give us courage to see clearly without despair.

Silent reflection questions

• What reality am I resisting naming before God?

• What facts have I been afraid to acknowledge?

• Where has avoidance felt safer than truth?

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E. Empathy. Prayer of Lament and Compassion

Scripture anchor
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.”

Prayer reflection

Lord, this season has been heavy.
You see the grief, the disappointment, the shame we do not say out loud.
Meet us here without condemnation.
Sit with us in the sorrow we have carried too long.
Remind us that pain does not disqualify us from Your care.

Silent reflection questions

• What loss do I still need to grieve?

• Where do I feel unseen or misunderstood?

• What emotion have I been numbing instead of offering to God?

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A. Action. Prayer of Willingness and Obedience

Scripture anchor
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Prayer reflection

God, we do not ask for the full plan.
We ask for the next faithful step.
Give us willingness where motivation is weak.
Help us choose obedience over overwhelm.
Strengthen our hands for small acts of faithfulness.

Silent reflection questions

• What small action am I resisting?

• What step is within my control today?

• Where might obedience come before understanding?

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C. Change. Prayer of Identity and Stewardship

Scripture anchor
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control.”

Prayer reflection

Father, reshape how we see ourselves.
We reject the lie that we are powerless.
Teach us to steward what remains, not mourn only what is lost.
Restore our sense of agency as Your children.
Form character in us through this season.

Silent reflection questions

• What identity am I living out right now?

• Where have I confused limitation with helplessness?

• What does stewardship look like in my present reality?

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E. End Result. Prayer of Hope and Trust

Scripture anchor (sovereignty and freedom)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:11 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13

Prayer reflection

God, we place the future back in Your hands.
Not demanding comfort, but trusting Your faithfulness.
Help us imagine a future marked by stability, dignity, and peace.
Give us endurance to walk toward it step by step.
Teach us to hope without denying reality.

Silent reflection questions

• What kind of future am I afraid to hope for?

• What would peace look like six months from now?

• Where do I need to trust God instead of control outcomes? Christ’s yoke reshapes the heart through the Spirit, not self-regulation (Matthew 11:29-30)

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Closing Prayer

Lord, we offer You what we have, not what we wish we had.
Meet us in truth.
Strengthen us in weakness.
Guide us in obedience.
And lead us into a future shaped by faith, not fear.
Amen.

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A Gentle Reminder for You

Prayer prepares the heart.
Action moves the feet.
God honors both.

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Practical knowledge, everyday need of applied religion - don't be indifferent (Samson Judges 13-16)

I'm enjoying reflecting on my past and thinking about the future, looking for wisdom I'm reminded of this Rob Harbison study on Proverbs

Earlier this week I was listening to Bill Johnson, "Between ungrateful and grateful - indifference"

Indifferent gratitude is marked by a lack of investment.

• Treasure is where you're heart is 
• Buy that field 

Indifferent towards obedience will loose anointing (Samson) Judges 16:20, no clue God left him. 

• Didn't loose strength when hair cut but when he became indifferent. 
• I'm being casual with my vow of abstinence from sin? 
• Sometime we need "to know" but mostly we need a "NO!" 

Samson didn't lose his power when his hair was cut, he lost his power when he became indifferent. Sounds bold but is it true?

A) Miracle Baby: Samson was born by a promise into an oppressed society

• God's people doing evil, handed over to Philistine oppression for 40 years (Judges 13:1), Angel of LORD instructions + miracles + promises (Judges 13:2-7), Manoah believed, prayed "Yes LORD, give us more instruction" (8-25) God answered via Angel of God + wife + Samson + Spirit of the LORD
• Religious ideas: Careful/no alcoholic drink or forbidden food/dedicated to God, Nazirite (consecrated/separated Numbers 6:1-21) rescuer. Examples in Samuel, John the Baptist and Paul (Acts 18:18, 21:22-24)

B) Samson lives foolishly yet LORD's anointing is revealed in Power/Spirit and Thirsty-Prayer/Water

• Samson marries Philistine, parents object, LORD at work (kills lion, honey) 30 Philistine groomsmen (Judges 14:1-11)
• Samson riddle/bets 30 Philistines "one eats came something to eat, strong came sweet" 3 days (12-14)
• 4th day, "entice husband to explain or family dies", cries until 7th day explains riddle, Samson loses bet but kills others to pay debt, goes home - wife marries best man (15-20)
• Samson want wife, anger, catches 300 foxes and burns all the fields: wheat, vineyards olive groves (15:1-5)
• Philistines kill wife/father Samson vows revenge, killed many (6-8)
• Philistines retaliated against Judah, 3000 Judah conspire to turn Samson over (9-13)
• Philistines celebrate but Spirit of Lord on Samson, he kills 1000 with a bone, yet Samson boasts (14-17)
• Anointed ministry: Samson thirsty, cries to LORD, God caused water to gush, Samson judged 20 years Philistines dominated (18-20)
• Isn't this is what he's known for Judges 16:31, the 20 good years - Hebrews 11:32?

C) Samson falls into sin, love for Delilah and indifference to God ruins his life.

Life of Sin starts: Samson Philistine Gaza prostitute, sleeps till noon, plot to kill didn't work (16:1-3)

Unequally yoked marriage: Samson love Delilah, rules employ her to get secret (strength + capture) for 1100 silver pieces (4-6)

Relationship of deceit: Samson tells 3 lies (7 bowstrings, new, rope, 7 braids/fabric) that "make him weak as anyone" Delilah test them, tormented him nagging, sick to death (7-16)

• Lies, nagging, "sick to death"

Samson tells the truth "I was dedicated to God as Naririte from birth, shaved head strength leaves me" Delilah believes, lulled Samson to sleep... in this way she brought him down, his strength left him (17-19)

• Carries the name of God in vain (Indifferent to parents dedication, and God's call, 17)
• Strength left him while he was sleeping, his head in her lap, lulled to sleep (19)

...When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him. (Judges 16:20)

Principle: 

Sin makes us unaware that the power of God has left us, leaving us deceived and unable to shake ourselves free.

Application: 

What sin do I tolerate and prepend not to know is wrong? Where deception have I embraced from the world, my flesh or the devil? Since Jesus paid for my sin, when will I come to him for cleansing, forgiveness and new heart that understands how to live in freedom. 

Philistines captured him, gouged his eyes, Gaza chains, forced labor, hair grows back (21-22)

3000 Philistines, drunk festival, praised their god bring Samson to amuse at pillar (2-27)

D) End of life Samson prays for personal revenge and death, yet is honored for the good years.

• Samson prayed, revenge for eyes, "let me die with Philistines", killed more in death than life (28-30)
• Samson buried with family, known for the good 20 years (Judges 16:31, Judges 15:18-20)

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith" because it lists many Old Testament figures who demonstrated faith in God despite their human imperfections and moral failures. Samson is mentioned in verse 32: 

"And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets" (Hebrews 11:32, NIV). 

It's been said that the author of Hebrews highlights Samson's faith, despite his many personal failings recorded in the Book of Judges (chapters 13-16), because his final actions demonstrated a reliance on God's strength. His inclusion serves as a reminder that God can work through imperfect people to accomplish His purposes and that redemption is available to those who turn to Him in faith. 

We see in Hebrews 12 follows that God disciplines those he loves and we follow Jesus whose blood speaks forgiveness not revenge, allulia. 

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Don't be afraid of holiness, fear of God is with you (Ex 20:20, Isa 41:10, Romans 8:15)

I've found myself not ready for opportunities because of squandered time. Often we do the same ineffective things hoping for different results. My friend Rob shared a devotion on "fear not" which led me to these verses. 

• Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Exodus 20:20
• So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -  Isaiah 41:10
• The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” - Romans 8:15

How do you know the fear of God is with you, what sins won't we do?

• Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord. - Leviticus 19:14
• Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God. - Leviticus 25:17
• Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you. - Leviticus 25:36
• Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God. - Leviticus 25:43

Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess. - Deuteronomy 31:13

What will the results be? 

 - Eyes that see, ears that hear and heart that understands

• On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see. - Isaiah 29:18
• Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. - Isaiah 35:5
• I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them. - Isaiah 42:16
• Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land. Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. Isaiah 32:203

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God's desire is grace, compassion, and justice (Isaiah 30:14)

 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! - Isaiah 30:14

Psalm 27:14,Isaiah 25:9,Isaiah 33:2,Isaiah 40:31,Isaiah 64:4,Lamentations 3:25,Daniel 12:12

Today I'm letting go of selfishness and receiving God's grace anew. I'll wait for the Lord and not give up.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:14

In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” - Isaiah 25:9 

Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. - Isaiah 33:2

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. - Isaiah 64:4

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; - Lamentations 3:25

Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days. - Daniel 12:12

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Abram demonstrates living by faith, Lot and Sodom a lifestyle of disaster (Gen 13-14)

Gen 13-14

Main Truth: Living with God brings true blessing, freedom, and friendship

A) Abram stays with God while Lot separates to Sodom (Gen 13)

13:1-4) wealthy Abram, moves from Egypt to Negev

3-4) between Bethel and Ai, the altar (Gen 12:7) he called on the name of Lord.

 - Calling on the name of the Lord is central to our faith (Gen 4:26, Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21)

 - Wisdom is understanding the will of the Lord and sacrifice (altar) are linked (Eph 5:15-17, Romans 12:1-2) leading us to honest humility (Romans 12:3)

5-7) wealthy Lot's herdsmen quarrel - land can't support them w/ Canaanites and Perizzites

8-9) Abram to Lot, don't quarrel, separate you choose

 - Wisdom and grace from calling on the name of the Lord (James 1:5, 3:17; Proverbs 3:13-18)

10-13) Abram Canann, Lot well-watered land east of Jordan, near Sodom - wicked, sinning people

14-17) Lord said Abram everything seen for your offspring, uncountable, so walk the land

18) Abram near great trees of Mamre, Hebron built altar to Lord

• What do Abram’s and Lot’s actions tell you about what they loved most?

• In what situation could you set aside selfish demands and respond with God’s grace?

Principle: God’s grace in us blesses others.

B) Abram rescues Lot defeating vast armies with few men (Genesis 14:1-16)

14:1-4) four kings war with Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah + three others, 12 years subjects of Elam - 13th year rebelled. 

5-7) 14th year Elam's king defeated them conquered whole territory Amalekites, Amorites

8-12) In the battle King's of Sodom, Gomorrah fled, winners carried away food, possessions including Lot (who lived in Sodom). 

13-16) Escaped man told Abram the Hebrew, took 318 men pursued, attacked at night recovered everything and brought Lot back

C) Melchizedek and Abram give glory to God for victory (Gen 17-24) 

17-21) King of Sodom offers good in exchange for people and Melchizedek king of Salem bread, wine, blessing, and praise to God

 - Abram gives Melchizedek 1/10 of everything (Heb 7:4)

 - Tithe, what God gives return 1/10 (Gen 28:22) All from the land is God's (Lev 27:30-32), annual tithe (Deut 14:22) but every third year give it the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, widow (Deut 26:12)

 - Justice and love of  God must be first, yet don't neglect the tithe (Luke 11:42; Malachi 3:10)

22-24) to King of Sodom, I've sworn oath to LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, I won't accept anything belonging to you. You can never say I made Abram rich, let others have share.

• How do you see God’s grace at work through Abram to do good for many?

• How is God equipping you for spiritual battle in your life and others’ lives?

Principle: God’s grace equips us for spiritual victory.

Read Genesis 14:17-24.

Abram meets with Melchizedek and Sodom’s king.

• In what ways does the Bible say Melchizedek anticipates the person of Jesus Christ?

• How have you seen God’s grace (undeserved favor) in your life this week?

Principle: By God’s grace, Jesus is our priest and King.

Review Genesis 13-14.

• What from this week’s lesson is most impactful to you?

Main truth: The right response to God’s grace is thanksgiving and worship.

Scripture Memory Verse

“Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” – Genesis 13:17

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Idolatry inflates something to function as a substitute for God

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21, Luke 12:34 (NIV)

An idol is something within creation that is inflated to function as a substitute for God. It may be an object, a person, an activity, a sport, a role you play, an institution or organization, an idea, a pleasure, a hero, your family, your work, even your work for the Lord – anything that can become a substitute for God. It does not have to be a full-sized replacement for God; it may be only a part of your life. Idolatry is not necessarily a denial of God or His existence. An idol may even be made out of something that is a good thing in its own right. As soon as loyalty to anything or anyone leads us to disobey God, we are in danger of making it an idol. (See Exodus 20:4; Colossians 3:5.) - BsfInternational.org

Starts within our heart, what you treasure

• For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, Mark 7:21
• For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21, Luke 12:34

We give our heart and life to God and he makes us righteous

• Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. Romans 6:13
• For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

Our new nature convicts us to repent from sin that was once natural for us

• Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, 1 Corinthians 6:9
• And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11
• Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Our desires change and we long for purity, living impure lives brings shame and guilt

• I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery. 2 Corinthians 12:21
• The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; Galatians 5:19
• Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more. Ephesians 4:19

Only Jesus can change our heart, removing the sin

• But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Ephesians 5:3
• For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:5
• In Him you were also circumcised in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. Colossians 2:11

God is pure treasure, relationship with him satisfies completely

• For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10
• Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

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When you face temptation remember Jesus (Matt 4)

Jesus shows that temptation doesn't need to dominate humanity.

Jesus and Moses life contrasted. 40 days versus 40 years.
1. Temptation to distrust God's care and take matters into your own hands

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
Matthew 4:1-4 NIV

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord .
Deuteronomy 8:2‭-‬3 NIV

2. Temptation to live foolishly, with presumptuous trust and tempt God (v6). Don't put yourself into a bad position and presume God will help. God won't be forced into performing for us. He's not an overprotective parent bailing out his spoiled child.

3. Temptation to give your life for fame and fortune rather than giving your life to God. Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 12:1-5

Son of God continued to rely on the written word of God. 2 Tim 3:16-17, Heb 4:12-16

Satan tactic is to play on our strengths right after our high points.

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Carefully, boldly explain God plan of salvation is for all people

Lord has been using my time in ALPHA at MNTC, SALT as work and messages from my pastor these last few weeks. Specifically learn-from-past-and-stay-humble 1 Cor 10:12

I love using this tool: https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/10-12.htm

• From now on, whoever thinks that he stands, let him beware lest he fall. (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)
• Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing securely should watch out so he doesn't fall. (International Standard Version)
• So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
• Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. (Contemporary English Version)

Now I write in my own words...
From now on, even if I think I can stand up to temptation because of my firm footing, Lord, let me be aware, watchful, and careful - so that I don't fall

• Our feet carry the good news: Lord, wash my feet, Jesus wants us to be light so that He can be seen to the lost
• Christian Code of Conduct for the Church Militant: (Ephesians 6:19-20) Praying God gives me (his ambassador) the right words to boldly explain his plan of salvation is for all people.

Cross-references of 1 Cor 10:12
Luke 8:18
Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him."

Romans 11:20
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

2 Peter 3:17
Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.

Treasury of Scripture
1 Corinthians 4:6-8
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another
1 Corinthians 8:2
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

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Prayer, Quiet Time, Envision the Future in Community

And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning. Ecclesiastes 4:12-13

I've had to resolve many issues, problems, that hindered me in the past. Knowing there is a problem is important and seeing the harm in myself, and relationships are also important. But the first thing you need is to give yourself to God and ask Him to shape you. Then you need a vision for where you are going, that's how you can see the issues, problems, hindrances. The way I overcame was to pray and listen to God via personal quiet time, journal, and finally ask for help for people you see as successful.

The fruit of SILENCE is Prayer
1) Pray to the Holy God, Creator, and Lord of the universe. He alone is God, all things are possible with Him, apart from him you can do nothing. All good gifts are from the Father of lights. Every knee will bow and tongue confess that He is Lord of all. - So pray authentically, conversationally a good format is "Sorry, Thank you, Please" or "WAR - Worship, Admit, Request" - When praying think about the scripture you've stored in your heart.
2) Journal your vision, if all goes well what will my character, relationships with family and friend and work life look like in 10 years. Then work back to what it can look like in 5 years, 3 years, 2 years, 1 year from now. 
3) Ask for help, get involved in diverse small groups - get out of your comfort zoon, build relationships where people know you and can see things in your life, talents that may be put to good use.

Now you probably need an example of how this came together for me right? While in rehab, I asked God to take my life and make it His, I believed He could restore me and asked him to shape me (#1). I had a vision of going back to school, exploring what I was good at (#2). Fast forward 2 years later, I landed "the job" - then after a month, was asked not to come back. WHY? I would have never known unless I had #3, I asked for advice which was to "be professional" in every aspect of my day. I thought, what the heck does that mean? Then I was flooded with examples in myself that were unprofessional that I could change right now. I came back 2 days later a "new man" and got another great job that lasted 2 years with 3 promotions. Hard to fathom that was over 20 years ago...

Thank you, God, for saving me and putting my feet on a firm foundation.

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Simple devotion to Christ, brings wisdom, protects against deceit and regret

2 Cor 11:3; Proverbs 5:11-14; 2:1-10
A) Simple, pure devotion to Christ is all that's needed
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. - 2 Cor 11:3

B) Regret:  A life lived well comes from listening to instruction and reproof
And you groan at your final end,
When your flesh and your body are consumed;
And you say, “How I have hated instruction!
And my heart spurned reproof!
“I have not listened to the voice of my teachers,
Nor inclined my ear to my instructors!
“I was almost in utter ruin
In the midst of the assembly and congregation.” - Proverbs 5:11-14

C) If we're receptive to wisdom and ask for it, Lord reveals it to us
My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.
For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; - Proverbs 2:1-10

Lord, you have made my soul still and refreshed my heart. I haven't been sleeping well thinking of all the big items in my work life and conversations I'll be having. But today I rest in you and I'm listening to your instruction and reproof. 

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Eyes of the Lord search, to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chron 16:9 )

“The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9 KJV)

NASB emphasizes, "that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His" - 2 Chronicles 15:17, shows that Asa's heart was blameless all his days. Yet in context of 2 Chron 16:7-10, shows Asa king of Judah had fallen away and began relying on his deals with other kings instead of "the LORD your God", he had forgotten how God searches the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chron 16:9 NLT). I've often seen this verse as being a blessing, but in contexts - it's a rebuke to one whose fallen away and Asa is angered when hearing this. Wowza, it's like "I have some good news and some bad news. Let's start with the bad news..."


Eyes of the LORD (God who sees me El Roi - Gen 16:13,7-16)
 - The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)
 - For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes. (Jeremiah 16:17)
 - His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps (Job 34:21), He provides them with security and they are supported; HIs eyes are on their ways (Job 24:23 ESV)
 - Does He not see my ways and number all my steps (Job 31:4 ESV, Job 33:11 ESV), he watches ALL my paths. Amazing God knows my life like those decision novels, turn to page ___ to go or page ___ to stay.... loved those stories growing up.

Search all
God sees all people, to see if there are any who understand, who seeks after God? Psalm 14:2,53:2

God you have shown yourself strong on my behalf. Thank you Lord that you love me and care for me and you continue to show your loving kindness in my heart. God help me to never forget your work on the Cross and your Holy Spirit and heavenward call. May you give me wisdom, peace, joy and hope as I live for you today and forever.

The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven; HIs eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men (Psalm 33:13), From HIs dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth (Psalm 33:14)

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. (Psalm 139:16)

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