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This week we have an opportunity to hear Tim Robertson's inspiring talk that was delivered at Ascend Summit 23 in February. We can't recreate the warm atmosphere of 120 men after they've sung their hearts-out, but we can still plumb the depth of Tim's message on Mighty Men.

David’s Mighty Warriors - 2 Samuel 23:8-17
These are the names of David’s mighty warriors:
Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.

Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty warriors, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.

Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.

During harvest time, three of the thirty chief warriors came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord. “Far be it from me, Lord, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.

Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.

Ten Challenges:

1. Show Up - Just like Josheb, Eleazar and Shammah, we need to show up and be present with those around us in moments of struggle or difficulty. We need to stand on the front line with them. 
2. Take Your Stand - In verses 10 and 12, the three mighty men took their stand, they stood their ground in the face of the oncoming Philistines, but also when their own troops were retreating. These three guys stayed, they didn't run away, and God turned their defeat into victory. So, be confident in the king of kings who is in you. 
3. Turn Your Excuse Into Opportunity - Eleazar persevered despite difficult circumstances. Despite his exhaustion, he stayed and fought, and God brought about victory. What are the situations and limitations that you face that bring about inactivity that you need to persevere through so that God can bring about victory? (Money? Time? Energy? A feeling of inadequacy or being afraid?)
4. Be Relational - Josheb, Eleazar and Shammah, all served together. They stood NEXT to each other. They weren't acting independently. They served together not as Lone Rangers but as the Musketeers. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, we’re told that “Two are better than one”. 
5. Be Grace-Filled - Eleazar stayed and defeated the enemy single-handedly, but we see that he was gracious enough to share the spoils of war even with those who fled. We need to not write people off when they fail, but instead, extend a hand of both forgiveness and grace. Just like the story of Jesus and Peter. 
6. Be Courageous - Shammah took his place boldly in the middle of the field. He wasn’t concerned in the face of the enemy! We're told time and time again to not be afraid and to take courage. This is relational too. When we encourage, we give courage, we speak courage into their life. Call it out and call it out in others. 
7. Fight For Your Supply Lines - You need to defend what God has given you. Just like Shammah defended his field of lentils, Daniel for prayer, Esther for identity, Paul for grace and freedom, and John for truth. You need to fight against corruption or distortion by the devil in order to maintain a strong faith. 
8. Honour The Past - Just like the men who brought back water to honour and thank David, we need to honour and thank those who have helped us in our journey. 
9. Invest In The Future - In verse 33, we read that a man called Jonathan was one of the 30. Jonathan was the son of Shammah. Shammah was already investing in his son. It's not just about our success, but it's about the success of others. So who are you investing in? Who are you calling greatness out of, generationally? Who are you training, mentoring, and building up? 
10. Live The Mission - Just like David’s men, we have all been called according to His purpose. We've all got different gifts, but we share the mission of total allegiance to King Jesus and to see his kingdom extended right across the world.

ASCEND  CAMP 23
Friday 30th June to Saturday 1st July 2023.
Put 100 guys in the middle of a forest with mouth-watering food, a warming bonfire, music, inspiring & informative words and for those who like them - a few easy challenges including a climbing wall.. and it's hardly surprising they come back changed-men. If you want to be sure of getting a place and having a shot at the climbing wall, please sign up asap here.

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