1. What was the secret of Samson's strength? Hair, Samson, or God's power? If you said all three, you win the first round. God laid down the rules and supplied the needed energy. Samson only had to stay away from barbers, male or female. The hair really didn't do anything except serve as the visible evidence of the covenant. I'm tempted to say that of the three, Samson was the main person here...

2. What was the cause of Samson's downfall? The Philistines, a woman, or Samson? Again all three? You got it! No Philistine on earth or in hell has power over a man in covenant with God. But when the covenant was broken, the man was broken too, by the Philistines. Sure, sure, Delilah. We men love blaming our Delilahs and Eves, but a simple "no" is all it takes to stay alive and keep the covenant intact. Once more, Samson is the one taking the most blame here as he took credit above.

End of Bible story. Beginning of application. What is the secret of America's strength? Our military, our faith, or our God? Historically, nations that walk with God become strong in every way. Eventually nations and kingdoms and empires begin to walk away from Him, and they fall. Even nations that he Himself formed and called.

And what will be the cause of America's downfall, should it come? My answers are becoming obvious now. It won't be God's fault. Nor will it be the strength of Islam or some other world power. It will be the gradual walking away from our covenant with God, and God's hand slowly being taken from us.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." And vice-versa.

Lest I let us off with a political statement only, all of the above applies to me, also. Walk with God, prosper. Walk away from God, fall. Yes, Psalm 73. Yes, the wicked prosper. Yes, bad things happen to good people. Enough negative? Now, Jesus:

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you. In this My father is glorified, that you bear much fruit. So shall you be my disciples."