In this conversation, Rebecca and Jennifer discuss Delilah's nagging that eventually draws Samson's secret from him. When he tells her the secret to his strength, he does not realize that when she took his hair, the LORD left him. When Samson gave away the secret to his God-given strength, his over confidence in his ability to escape again, created a situation where he was vulnerable and unable to save himself. He did not realize the LORD had left him because he had surrendered everything to his enemy. As a result, he ends up a prisoner of the Philistines. It is the LORD who restores him after he prays and asks the LORD to remember him and strengthen him one more time. The LORD empowered him for one final blow against the Philistines. 

Takeaways:

Surrendering to the schemes of the enemy results in consequences, sometimes heavy ones.
The LORD never leaves us nor forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:8), but we must come to Him in repentance.  

If we call on Him in repentance, He will restore us.

He is always our help and strength.

Rebecca and Jennifer discuss Samson's character based on his actions. Two events take place in this week's reading and the discussion addresses them both. Samson continues to place himself in situations, due to his own desires, that allow his enemy, the Philistines, to seek to capture him. Samson's God-given strength helps him even when he uses it for his own gains, and he continues to put himself in situations where he can be tempted by the enemy and where he is accessible to them. Delilah continually seeks to find out the secret of his great strength for her own gain. How far will he go before Delilah's push for the truth trips him up and causes his downfall? 

The conversation explores the theme of faith and God's power that is not limited by our expectations and our own limitations. The conversation emphasizes that circumstances do not define what is possible with God. Handed over to the Philistines by his own people, Samson becomes a one man army, equipped with power when the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him, and he slays 1.000 men. His victory is met with an incredible need, and God meets him there. This shows a different side of Samson as he calls on the LORD after the battle when he is very thirsty.  We see God strengthen and provide for him in battle and right after, revive his depleted strength. 

Takeaways:

Our circumstances do not box in the LORD. His power is not limited by our circumstances. 

The LORD is our protection and our help.

Faith allows us to see beyond our current situation. 

God meets all of our needs.  

In this episode, Rebecca and Jennifer delve into Lesson Six when Samson returns to the Philistines to see his wife. When he finds she's been given to his friend, the battle begins. Samson seeks to harm the Philistines and unleases destruction on their crops. His action is met with a devastating response, and revenge and retaliation fill these verses. Samson again returns the Philistines' action with deadly consequences. Samson flees Philistine territory and returns to Judah hiding "in a cave in the rock of Etam" (Judges 15:8). 

In this conversation, Rebecca and Jennifer explore the complexities of Samson's story, focusing on the riddle he poses to his Philistine companions and the ensuing manipulation and desperation that arise. They discuss the dynamics of the relationship between Samson and his wife and Samson’s anger when the companions solve the riddle. The conversation concludes with the result of his choices. 

In this conversation, Rebecca and Jennifer explore the life of Samson from Judges 13, focusing on the roles of his parents, Manoah and his wife. They discuss the significance of faith, the angel of the LORD's visit, the importance of offerings, and the revelation of God's name. Manoah and his wife's encounter with the LORD is highlighted, and the confirmation of God's presence is discussed, as well as, the different responses of Samson's parents to this holy encounter. They conclude with the birth of Samson and the purpose God has for him, emphasizing that God has a purpose for everyone's life. 

In this episode of the Living Uncompromised podcast, Rebecca and Jennifer dive into the life of Samson. They discuss Israel's condition at the time, the role of Samson's parents and the importance of the Nazarite vow. The conversation emphasizes that God has a purpose for every person, even before they are born, and reflects on the importance of every human life.

In this inaugural episode of the Living Uncompromised podcast, hosts Rebecca Stuart and Jennifer Estes introduce the new official podcast for Not Our Words Ministry. They also introduce the new Bible study Samson. They discuss the importance of understanding the history of Israel, the significance of Samson's life and his role as a judge, and the overarching theme of living a life that is not uncompromised in faith. The conversation emphasizes the lessons to be learned from Samson's story, including the dangers of compromise and the importance of passing down faith through generations.