Guest Pastor David Murphy

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Judge #1: Othniel
Judges 3:7-11 (NLT) The Israelites did evil in the LORD’s sight. They forgot about the LORD their God, and they served the images of Baal and the Asherah poles. Then the LORD burned with anger against Israel, and he turned them over to King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim. And the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim for eight years.
But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help, the LORD raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge. He went to war against King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram, and the LORD gave Othniel victory over him. So there was peace in the land for forty years. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died.

LESSON: It’s not enough to be gifted and obedient; we must depend on the Spirit’s power in everything we do.

Judge #2: Ehud

Judges 3:12-7 (NLT) Once again the Israelites did evil in the LORD’s sight, and the LORD gave King Eglon of Moab control over Israel because of their evil. Eglon enlisted the Ammonites and Amalekites as allies, and then he went out and defeated Israel, taking possession of Jericho, the city of palms. And the Israelites served Eglon of Moab for eighteen years.
But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help, the LORD again raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man of the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver their tribute money to King Eglon of Moab. So Ehud made a double-edged dagger that was about a foot long, and he strapped it to his right thigh, keeping it hidden under his clothing. He brought the tribute money to Eglon, who was very fat.

LESSON: Be fully available to God—even when you feel limited or less than capable.

Judge #3: Shamgar

Judges 3:31 (NLT) After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath rescued Israel. He once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad.

LESSON: Stand strong and give what you have, even if there are limited resources.

NEXT STEPS

• Depend Daily - Begin each day this week with a simple prayer: “Holy Spirit, I depend on You today. Lead me, empower me, and help me not to rely on myself.”
• Be Available - Ask God to show you one area where you’ve been holding back because you felt inadequate and say yes to His leading.
• Use What You Have - Identify one resource, relationship, or skill you already have that could serve God or someone in need this week and act on it.