Podcasts about judges 14

May 17, 2026

This Sunday we continue our series, Jesus Over Everything! Join us as Pastor Scott teaches on compromise.   Summit Park Church is a life-giving church in Lee's Summit, MO, with an incredible kids program, Bible-centered teaching, and an encouraging atmosphere for the whole family. Plan your visit at https://www.summitparkchurch.com. 425 SW Oldham Pkwy, Lee's Summit, Missouri 64081.

My wife and I love to leave the windows open - to air out the house, especially in the fall and spring when the temperature is just right. However, as it gets into summer… that's when the flies start to come in. At first, all of the buzzing is miserable, but after a while, it doesn't seem to bother us as much anymore. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that sin is kind of like those flies. At first, it eats away at you and ruins a good thing. But after a while, the good thing is still ruined, yet it doesn't bother you nearly as much as it used to. Today, if God is convicting you of a sin, maybe it's time to close the windows.

Judges 14–15 centers around the story of Samson, but the main point is clear: God is the hero of the story. The post A One-Man Army (Judges 14 & 15) appeared first on Lookout Valley Baptist Church.

Samson's Marriage | Judges 14: 1-20 by The Journey Southern Illinois

Spring cleaning is a much-needed time of the year. It's a time to reflect on all the valuables we have, all the garbage we need to get rid of, and address the pile of things sitting on the counter that we've grown to ignore. The more we clean, the more we realize just how much we've gotten used to living in a mess. It's really easy to want to think you're living in a clean home, but you don't realize how dirty it's been getting right under your nose. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that sin works in the same way. It creeps in, and even though you think you're doing well, you've been lowering your standards time after time.

One of the greatest joys in life for toddlers is a nice, warm cup of milk. It's even more refreshing after a nice, long nap. The problem is, sometimes that's all they want. Dinner may be getting close, but their impatience means that the only thing their taste buds will really get to experience is milk. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that we have natural desires, but often get too impatient for them to be filled in God's timing. Maybe for you, “dinner” looks like a promotion at your job, but your “milk” is quitting and finding a job elsewhere. Don't let your fleshly desires be the ruler of your life when God has better things in store for you.

An evening ritual my wife and I share is fresh popcorn. It didn't start that way. It used to be that occasionally, I'd offer to make some for both of us, and since she'd decline, I would only measure out enough kernels for myself. However, I'd only get to enjoy half of what I made… thus, the portions increased, and the habit was formed. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that there are far too many instances in life where you might be tempted by your surroundings. If you really do not want popcorn… well, it's really hard to abstain when you can smell it and reach it. Sometimes, it may be better off if you leave the room before it consumes you.

The heaviest deadlift ever recorded exceeded an insanely heavy 1,120 pounds. For context, the lifter could have been holding a nine-foot grand piano, and the player. It also means that the record holder could have lifted an adult horse all by himself. Talk about strength! I can barely lift myself out of bed in the morning! In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that too often, we try to rely on our own strength. The fact of the matter is, no matter what your deadlift record is, sin will still be too heavy for you. You can't overcome it by sheer force. It can only be overcome by the blood of Jesus, who died on the cross to set you free.

Even though God still used Samson's bad decisions, it came with chaos and struggle

Did you know that the average credit card debt per cardholder in the U.S. is around $6,000? Maybe you have more, or maybe you've been disciplined enough to have less. The promise of instant gratification has led to debts looming over the heads of many, and they end up paying more in the long run. Too often, people believe that, since they can't afford that new toy right now, they can swipe their American Express and pay it back later. In the same way, Pastor Mark teaches today that many believers have a hard time waiting for the treasures of heaven, so they indulge in sin now, racking up a debt that only Jesus could pay.

One great truth of Christianity is that God can even use our weaknesses and failures

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Today, Will Carlisle is joined by the mysterious Jordan Kauflin as we continue our study through the book of Judges. Whether you're on a walk, driving to work, or doing chores around the house, we hope you join us today on “Our Daily Rhythm.”

Judges 14

07 Judges 14-15; 19 Psalms 69; 1 Corinthians 11

Striving for Revival – Judges 14 (B) - 05/01/2026

Striving for Revival – Judges 14 (A) - 04/30/2026

The 1 Timothy 4:13 Project is a daily journey through Scripture, inspired by the biblical instruction: “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”  Join Pastors David and Beverley Sumrall, undershepherds of the Cathedral of Praise, as they read through the entire Old Testament in 2025, accompanied by their daughter, Pastora Alisha Sumrall-Lozano, who will share timeless wisdom from the Book of Proverbs.   Cathedral of Praise is a Christian church dedicated to Jesus and His Word, with campuses across Metro Manila and branches worldwide.     Today's Scripture Reading:  [Proverbs 11:14-15] by Pastora Alisha Sumrall-Lozano  [Judges 14:1-15:20] by Pastor David E. Sumrall   Subscribe to the 1 Timothy 4:13 Project: https://cathedralofpraisemanila.com.ph/1-timothy-413-project/  Learn more about Pastor David Sumrall: https://linktr.ee/davidsumrall  Subscribe to Pastor Beverley Sumrall's Podcast: Praise Moments  Get to know Cathedral of Praise: https://linktr.ee/cathedralofpraise  Subscribe to Cathedral of Praise TV: Cathedral of Praise TV  Visit our website: https://cathedralofpraisemanila.com.ph  Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cop.manila  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathedralofpraiseph  Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/COPmanila  2026 1 Timothy 4:13 Project 

Pastor Doug reads and comments on Judges 14.

Audio only The Savior and His Bride Andrew Farr Download

Join us for our midweek study through the book of Judges.

Join our Senior Pastor, Rev. Steve Hogg, every weekday morning as he gives his insight on a chapter from the Bible. At First Baptist Church Rock Hill, we exist to Love God, Love People, and Make Disciples. Connect with us on: Twitter - @FBC_RH Instagram - @fbc_rh Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistRH​​

Today, Fr. Mike begins to read Samson's story and points out that Samson, despite his physical strength, has a lot of weaknesses. The readings are Judges 12-15 and Psalm 146. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Judges14:1–16:31 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

Daily Morning Prayer (3/23/26) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalm 110-113; Judges 14; John 10; Metrical Psalm 8:4-94 What's man, (say I) that, Lord, thou lov'st to keep him in thy mind? Or what his offspring, that thou prov'st to them so wondrous kind? 5 Him next in pow'r thou didst create to thy celestial train; 6 Ordain'd with dignity and state o'er all thy works to reign. 7 They jointly own his pow'rful sway; the beasts that prey or graze 8 The bird that wings its airy way; the fish that cuts the seas. 9 O thou, to whom all creatures bow within this earthly frame, Through all the world how great art thou! How glorious is thy Name.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Morning Prayer (3/23/26) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalm 110-113; Judges 14; John 10; Metrical Psalm 8:4-94 What's man, (say I) that, Lord, thou lov'st to keep him in thy mind? Or what his offspring, that thou prov'st to them so wondrous kind? 5 Him next in pow'r thou didst create to thy celestial train; 6 Ordain'd with dignity and state o'er all thy works to reign. 7 They jointly own his pow'rful sway; the beasts that prey or graze 8 The bird that wings its airy way; the fish that cuts the seas. 9 O thou, to whom all creatures bow within this earthly frame, Through all the world how great art thou! How glorious is thy Name.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Join Rod and Janice Hembree on Bible Discovery as they delve into Judges 14. Explore the fascinating story of Samson, his encounters with the Philistines, and the lessons from his life. Discover insights into ancient Beth Shemesh, and learn about the cultural and religious context of Samson's time.

Judges 14&15

20 Proverbs 23; 07 Judges 14-19; 19 Psalms 52-56; 43 John 21; 44 Acts 1-3

A lesson in humility- God gave Samson a great victory when he slew a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. In his great exhaustion after battle, Samson cried out to God for water to revive him. God wants us to be just as dependent on Him in the battle than afterwards in our victory.

"AA" and "CC"- Samson was chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines. He was raised in a Christian home. He was set up for success, but he had a couple big problems. Samson had authority without accountability, and consecration without communion.

Part 2: The downward spiral of Israel's apostasy (Judges 3:7-16:31), continued Samson (Judges 13:1-16:31), continued Samson and the…

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to George Truesdale from Cocoa Beach, FL. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 14:19-20 And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men of the town and took their spoil and gave the garments to those who had told the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father's house. And Samson's wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man. — Judges 14:19-20 Samson is furious. He's lost his bet, been manipulated by his wife, and humiliated in front of his enemies. In rage, he storms down to Ashkelon and kills thirty men to settle the score. And here's the shocking part—the Spirit of the Lord rushes upon him. This is where it gets tricky. God still used Samson's actions to confront Israel's enemies. But Samson's heart was in the wrong place—driven by anger, not obedience. He would confuse God's power with God's approval. Just because God uses you doesn't mean he approves of how you're living. This is a hard pill to swallow. A sermon can land even if the preacher's hiding sin. A business deal can succeed even if corners were cut. A gift can look fruitful while the heart is far from God. Power and results don't always equal God's pleasure. Samson's story warns us—God's calling is irrevocable, but his approval rests on obedience. His Spirit may still work, but sin always leaves wreckage. Samson was used by God, yet left broken, angry, and estranged. Don't mistake God's patience for permission or his power for a green light. What he wants most isn't just results—it's your heart. ASK THIS: Where have you been tempted to measure God's approval by your success? Is there an area of your life where you're "winning" but not obeying? What's one area you need to realign with God's will today? DO THIS: Identify one place in your life where results have blinded you to disobedience. Confess it to God in prayer. Commit one act of obedience this week that costs you something but honors God. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You that You still work through weak and broken people like me. Keep me from confusing Your power with Your approval. Align my heart with Yours so that my life brings You pleasure, not just results. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Heart of Worship."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Ronald Stephans. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 14:15-18 "On the fourth day they said to Samson's wife, 'Entice your husband to tell us what the riddle is, lest we burn you and your father's house with fire. Have you invited us here to impoverish us?' And Samson's wife wept over him and said, 'You only hate me; you do not love me. You have put a riddle to my people, and you have not told me what it is.' And he said to her, 'Behold, I have not told my father nor my mother, and shall I tell you?' She wept before him the seven days that their feast lasted, and on the seventh day he told her, because she pressed him hard. Then she told the riddle to her people. And the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, 'What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?' And he said to them, 'If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle.'"— Judges 14:15-18 Samson's wife was terrified. Her own people threatened her life, so she turned the pressure onto Samson. For seven days, she cried, nagged, and manipulated until Samson finally caved. He betrayed his own secret because he couldn't stand the weight of her demands. That's the trap of people-pleasing. We think giving in will relieve the pressure. But it only leads to more loss. Samson lost the bet, his dignity, and the trust he had placed in his wife—all because he couldn't stand firm under pressure. Here's the truth: if you live for people's approval, you'll die by their rejection. Family expectations, cultural pressure, the need to please everyone at the holiday table—these are heavy loads. However, when you give in just to maintain peace, you often lose yourself, and sometimes you lose God's blessing in the process. The call of Scripture is clear: seek to please God first. Paul put it this way in Galatians 1:10: "If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." That doesn't mean we stop loving people. But it does mean we draw boundaries and learn to stand firm in truth, even when the pressure is unbearable. ASK THIS: Where in your life do you feel the heaviest family pressure? How are you tempted to compromise truth just to keep others happy? Do you believe pleasing God first will actually free you from the weight of people-pleasing? DO THIS: Name the main source of pressure in your life right now. Pray over it, asking God for courage to honor Him above all. Set one healthy boundary this week with a person or situation that drains you. PRAY THIS: Father, I confess I often give in to people instead of standing firm in You. Give me courage to please You first, even when the pressure is heavy. Amen. PLAY THIS: "The Stand."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And today's a special one—it's Thanksgiving Day. Today's shout-out goes to Marcus Sanfilippo from Flagler Beach, FL. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 14:10-14 "His father went down to the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, for so the young men used to do. As soon as the people saw him, they brought thirty companions to be with him. And Samson said to them, 'Let me now put a riddle to you. If you can tell me what it is, within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes, but if you cannot tell me what it is, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes.' And they said to him, 'Put your riddle, that we may hear it.' And he said to them, 'Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet.' And in three days they could not solve the riddle." — Judges 14:10-14 Samson had just been given a miracle—God's Spirit gave him victory over a lion. Days later, instead of remembering that moment with gratitude, he turned it into a riddle at a party. He literally gambled with God's blessing, making it about his wit and his pride. That's the danger for us, too. Instead of letting God's gifts draw us to worship, we make them about us. We downplay His provision, take credit for His work, or use His blessings for our own advantage. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day where we stop, notice God's gifts, and give Him glory. But how often do we blow past His blessings—treating them casually, like Samson did? Gratitude guards God's glory, but pride gambles it away. When you see the hand of God in your life—answered prayers, provision, protection—don't turn it into a joke, a boast, or a throwaway moment. Slow down. Say thank you. Point the glory back to Him. Thanksgiving isn't just one day on the calendar. It's a lifestyle that protects us from Samson's mistake—taking a gift and making it a game. ASK THIS: What blessings in your life have you treated casually instead of giving thanks? How can gratitude change the way you see God's provision? Where has pride robbed God of the glory He deserves in your story? What are three specific things you can thank God for today? DO THIS: Write down a list of 10 things you're thankful for right now. Share at least one of them with your family or friends at the table today. Take one blessing you've been tempted to take credit for, and thank God out loud for it. End your Thanksgiving by praying a prayer of gratitude, not just for food, but for His faithfulness. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for every gift You've given me. Forgive me for the times I've taken Your blessings lightly. Today I give You glory, not just for the food on my table, but for every victory and every provision in my life. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Give Thanks."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Tom Reid from Elma, NY. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 14:7-9 Then he went down and talked with the woman, and she was right in Samson's eyes. After some days he returned to take her. And he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion, and behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey. He scraped it out into his hands and went on, eating as he went. And he came to his father and mother and gave some to them, and they ate. But he did not tell them that he had scraped the honey from the carcass of the lion. — Judges 14:7-9 Samson returns to the place of his battle—the lion he killed. The carcass is still there, but now it holds something unexpected: honey. Sweetness from death. Provision from decay. That's a strange image, but it mirrors how life feels. Struggles often leave us staring at carcasses—loss, regret, brokenness. We stand there asking, "Why did this happen? Can anything good come out of this mess?" In those moments, it feels pointless. Empty. Even cruel. But here's what Samson's discovery whispers: what feels wasted may still hold hidden sweetness. God is able to bring nourishment from the very places you thought were only marked by loss. Your struggle may feel like a dead end, but God can make it a doorway. That diagnosis. That divorce. That failure. That season of grief. It might feel like nothing more than a carcass in your life. But don't miss this—God specializes in bringing blessing out of brokenness. Samson scraped honey from the carcass of a lion; Jesus brought life out of the grave. The greatest sweetness came from the greatest struggle—the cross. So if you're staring at something that feels wasted, don't walk away too quickly. God may be preparing honey where you only see death. ASK THIS: Where in your life are you staring at a "carcass" and struggling to see hope? How have you seen God bring sweetness out of hardship in the past? What would change if you believed God was already working in your pain? How does Jesus' victory at the cross give you hope in your present struggle? DO THIS: Identify one struggle you currently see as pointless. Ask God specifically to show you where He is working in it. Share one "sweetness from struggle" story with someone today to encourage them. Each time you feel bitterness this week, pray: "Lord, turn this into honey." PRAY THIS: Father, I confess that sometimes my pain feels wasted. But I trust You can bring sweetness from struggle, just as You brought life from death at the cross. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Graves Into Gardens."

In this week's Faith + State conversation, Vince Miller and Minnesota House Rep. Elliott Engen walk through Judges 14, the beginning of Samson's story — a man who lives by one destructive creed: "It is right in my eyes." From forbidden relationships to rage-fueled decisions, Samson becomes a mirror for the crisis in our culture today. Elliott shares a shocking real-life story from Hamline University — including a crowd cheering the murder of a political figure — revealing how far we've drifted from basic morality. Vince connects the dots from Samson's implosion to the cultural chaos we're witnessing now, reminding us why truth, restraint, and God's authority matter more than ever. If you've ever struggled with anger, impulse, moral drift, or the pressure to conform, this episode gives you clarity and hope. And if today is your day to choose Jesus — drop: "I choose Jesus" in the comments.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Bill McKenna from Allentown, PA. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 14:5-6 Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring. Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done. — Judges 14:5-6 Picture the scene: Samson's on his way to Timnah, strolling through a vineyard, when suddenly a lion leaps out with a roar. A man barehanded against a lion? Not a fair fight. But here's the game-changer: "The Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him." Samson's strength wasn't in his biceps. It wasn't in his willpower. It was the Spirit of God filling him, empowering him to do what no man could do alone. Here's what you need to know today: you are weaker than you think, but God's Spirit is stronger than you imagine. We face lions of our own—temptation, fear, depression, conflict at work, struggles in marriage. And most of us try to muscle through with grit, discipline, or positivity. But raw willpower always runs out. God never meant for you to fight alone. What made Samson different wasn't his muscles—it was God's might. And that same Spirit now lives in every believer. It lives in you. You might feel weak. But weakness is the very place where God shows his might. Trust his power not your willpower. ASK THIS: Where are you trying to face life's lions in your own strength? When was the last time you leaned on God's Spirit instead of willpower? What might change if you truly believed the Spirit lives in you? How do you need to invite the Spirit into your battles today? DO THIS: Identify one "lion" you're facing this week. Stop and pray specifically: "Holy Spirit, fill me for this battle." Read 2 Corinthians 12:9 and commit it to memory. Each morning this week, start your day by declaring, "I fight with the Spirit, not my strength." PRAY THIS: Holy Spirit, I admit I'm weak on my own. Fill me with Your power today. Help me face the lions in my life with the strength that only comes from You. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Same Power."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Paul Davis from Stewartstown, PA. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 14:4 His father and mother did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel. — Judges 14:4 Samson just made a terrible choice—demanding a Philistine wife. To his parents, it looked like rebellion, a total collapse of God's plan. And honestly, they weren't wrong. But then the writer adds this line: "It was from the Lord." Now, that doesn't mean God approved of Samson's sin. But it does mean Samson's failure didn't derail God's purpose. God was still moving the story forward. And this is where so many of us stumble. We think, "I blew it. That affair. That addiction. That habit I can't kick. That thing I said I'd never do again—I did it. God's done with me." Men and women both carry this lie: that past sin or current struggle is the period at the end of their story. But God writes commas where we write periods. He takes the mess and makes it part of His mission. Your sin may disqualify you, but God's grace requalifies you. God never excuses sin. Sin always wounds. But sin doesn't get the final word—God does. Think about it: if God can weave Samson's lust into His larger purpose, if He can turn Peter's denial into boldness, if He can transform Paul the persecutor into Paul the preacher—don't you think He can redeem your story too? So stop living like you've been benched. Your are not benched. God wants you in the game. Confess. Repent. Then trust that God's hand is bigger than your failure. ASK THIS: Where do you feel like sin has put a period at the end of your story? Do you believe God can weave even your failures into His plan? How does Samson's story challenge your view of God's sovereignty? What step of faith could you take today to live as if grace is bigger than sin? DO THIS: Write down one sin you think has disqualified you. Read 1 John 1:9 and thank God that forgiveness is real. Replace the lie, "God is done with me," with the truth, "God is still working in me." Share this truth with one person who feels stuck in shame. PRAY THIS: Father, I often believe the lie that my sin is the end of my story. Remind me today that grace has the final word and that You are still working through me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Grace Greater Than Our Sin."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Brad Cook from Florien, LA. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 14:1-3 "Samson went down to Timnah, and at Timnah he saw one of the daughters of the Philistines. Then he came up and told his father and mother, 'I saw one of the daughters of the Philistines at Timnah. Now get her for me as my wife.' But his father and mother said to him, 'Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?' But Samson said to his father, 'Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.'" — Judges 14:1-3 Samson is supposed to be Israel's deliverer. God had set him apart from birth. Yet his story begins with three little words: "I saw her." That's desire talking. Not prayer. Not obedience. Just raw appetite. His parents tried to speak wisdom, reminding him of God's call and boundaries. But Samson steamrolls their counsel: "She is right in my eyes." Sound familiar? Our culture preaches this same sermon every day: "If it feels right, do it. If it looks good, grab it." But following every impulse never leads to freedom—it leads to chains. Samson thought he was chasing love, but really, he was surrendering his future to lust. What you chase will control you. If you chase money, it'll run your life. If you chase approval, you'll be enslaved to other people's opinions. If you chase lust, it'll eat away at your soul. Every man and woman wrestles here. Maybe it's the late-night scroll, the car you can't afford, or the relationship you know isn't wise. The pull feels so strong. But here's the warning—unchecked desire will drive you further than you ever planned to go and cost you more than you ever wanted to pay. Instead, surrender your desires to the One who made you. Don't ask, "What feels right to me?" Ask, "What is right in God's eyes?" ASK THIS: What desires tend to hijack your decision-making? Whose counsel do you usually ignore when you're set on something? Where are you tempted to say, "It's right in my eyes," even when God says otherwise? What's one area where you need to stop chasing and start surrendering? DO THIS: Take a pause before making your next big decision. Ask: "Am I chasing this because it feels right in my eyes or because it's right in God's eyes?" Call one trusted friend and share one area where you feel your desires tugging. Ask them to pray for you this week. PRAY THIS: Father, you know the desires that pull at me. Teach me to want what You want, not what feels right to me. Keep me from trading Your will for my cravings. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Give Me Jesus + Closer."

Samson had incredible strength to tear apart a lion, yet couldn't tame his own desires. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations—strong in some areas but weak in others?Sin damaged Samson's life, but it couldn't destroy God's grace and power to restore him. Even after his greatest failures, God used him mightily. The same is true for us today. In this message, Pastor Louis reminds us no matter how damaged our lives may seem, God's grace is greater than our failures. His resurrecting power offers new beginnings.

Samson gets a bad wrap from many pastors and commentators. He is often credited with breaking his Nazarite vows. He is portrayed as a drunkard with no care for the uncleanness of corpses. The only part of the vow that Samson is said to have obeyed was the bit about cutting his hair, that is until his hair was cut. But when we read the story of Samson and pay attention, we will discover that Samson is never once recorded as having a drink or eating a grape. And the concern about corpses of often misunderstood and misapplied. Samson does have a weakness, but it is not wine. It is a much more fundamental weakness that causes him to make the terrible decisions that he makes. His weakness is women. And not just any women. Philistine women.

This episode features a full length Bible study taught by Pastor Jack Abeelen of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.If today you prayed with Pastor Jack to receive the Lord, we'd love to hear about it and get you started on the right foot. Visit us online at: https://morningstarcc.org/born-again/To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.

In this week's sermon, Pastor John reveals how sin pulls us lower when our passions rule instead of Jesus. Through Samson's story, we see that selfishness and pride ultimately lead to destruction. Yet even in our failures, God is still at work and nothing will stop His redemptive power through Christ.

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Today, Fr. Mike begins to read Samson's story and points out that Samson, despite his physical strength, has a lot of weaknesses. The readings are Judges 12-15 and Psalm 146. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.