READ Judges 14
Samson desires a Philistine wife.

INSIGHT
Some people are strongly gifted and seem to see results, regardless of their personal
worthiness. This is true of Samson. It is difficult to imagine a more unworthy vessel for
the work of God. It is a challenge to decide if he carelessly disregards wisdom and the
Word of God or whether his decision-making ability is somehow impaired. Nevertheless,
in spite of his exceedingly foolish escapades, God uses him to bring judgment on the
Philistines who have flaunted their hostility toward Jehovah.

PRAYER
Give God praise that He uses His people even though we are all unworthy vessels:
Lord, our Lord,
How magnificent is your name throughout the earth!  
You have covered the heavens with your majesty.  
From the mouths of infants and nursing babies,  
You have established a stronghold
On account of your adversaries
In order to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I observe your heavens,
The work of your fingers, the moon and the stars,
Which you set in place, what is a human being
That you remember him, a son of man  
That you look after him? (Psalm 8:1-4).

Pray this confession as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I know, Lord,
That a person’s way of life is not his own;
No one who walks determines his own steps.  
Discipline me, Lord, but with justice —
Not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing
(Jeremiah 10:23-24).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
Where moth and rust destroy
And where thieves break in and steal.    
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,    
Where neither moth nor rust destroys,
And where thieves don’t break in and steal.
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater appreciation of God’s mercy
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Teach us to number our days carefully
So that we may develop wisdom in our hearts
(Psalm 90:12).