Samson Lived By Faith

"And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson..." (Hebrews 11:32; NKJV).

Samson fell short of GOD'S glory. He was strong in the Lord, but weak in his relationships with women. He was led by women to sin against Jehovah. Yet, he died in faith. His sacrificed his life as an act of faith in GOD and to GOD'S glory in taking out so many of the Philistines.

It's not how you start; it's how you finish.

Jason Cicero

Samson Called Unto Jehovah

"And Samson called unto Jehovah..." (Judges 16:28; ASV)

In the days of the Judges life was about relationships. Manoah had a good relationship with Jehovah. He prayed to true and living GOD as his personal Lord.

Samson's relationship with Jehovah was strong. He struggled in his relationships with women. Yet, in the end, he prayed and Jehovah answered (Judges 16:28-31).

Draw near to Jehovah and pray His blessings on your relationships with others.

Jason Cicero

Samson's Dad

Manoah lived in the days of the Judges. He watched his people sin against Jehovah. He saw the justice of GOD as Jehovah raised up the Philistines to punish His people. Manoah's wife was visited by the Angel of Jehovah. After she told him about the visit, Manoah prayed: "O my Lord, please let the Man of God whom You sent come to us again and teach us what we shall do for the child who will be born" (Judges 13:8; NKJV).

Samson's dad prayed that Jehovah would teach them what to do for their child.

Follow Manoah's lead. In these difficult days, pray for your children. Allow the Lord to work in your life and in the lives of your kids!

Jason Cicero

A Father's Prayer

Then Manoah prayed to the LORD, and said, "O my Lord, please let the Man of God whom You sent come to us again and teach us what we shall do for the child who will be born." (Judges 13:8; NKJV)

As we strive to bring our children "up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," we need Him to "teach us what we shall do for the child" (see Ephesians 6:4 and Judges 13:8).

As you raise your children, pray this prayer fervently!

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Question: How can we overcome those who make war? (Revelation 6:15-17; 16:14; 17:14; 19:15-21; Psalm 2:8-9)

Answer: Through Christ!

"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14; NKJV)

Life in Christ and Kindness

Plummer says "kindness" refers to the "sympathetic kindliness or sweetness of temper which puts others at their ease, and shrinks from giving pain."

On the tongue of the virtuous woman is "the law of kindness" (Proverbs 31:26).

Three questions for us:

1. What is on my tongue?

2. Is the Holy Spirit leading me to speak kind words?

3. Or, do I allow my flesh to speak sharp, condescending, discouraging words?

Jason Cicero