(Hebrews 12:1 NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
√ Blind to God’s purpose for my life.
(Judges 13:5 NLT) You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.”
(Proverbs 29:18 NIV) Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; . . .
√ Blind to the influence of relationships. (POWER) — Good and Bad
(Judges 14:3 NLT) His father and mother objected. . . . “Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me! She looks good to me.”
(Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV) “Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise– “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
√ Blind to the presence of God.
(Judges 16:20 NLT) . . . 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.
1. Cultivate presence of God.
(James 4:8 NLT) Come close to God, and God will come close to you. . . .
2. Choose relationships carefully.
(Proverbs 13:20 NIV) Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
3. Failure is never final.
(Judges 16:28 NIV) Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, . . .
(Proverbs 24:16 NLT) The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. . . .
