READ Judges 16
Samson is subdued and later dies in his final act of resistance.

INSIGHT
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also
Reap” (Galatians 6:7). Samson’s lustful foolishness finally catches up with him, and in a
profound example of bad judgment, he discloses the secret of his strength to a woman
who had betrayed him repeatedly. Samson violates his Nazarite vow, and all his power
leaves him. His eyes are gouged out and he dies, not avenging the Lord against the
Philistines but avenging the loss of his own eyes. It is a heartbreaking conclusion to a
life that is tragic-tragic not only because of what it was, but even more for what it could
have been.

PRAYER
Thank the Lord and give Him your praise. By His grace, we can escape consequences similar to those Samson experienced by living for Him:
Hallelujah!  
I will praise the Lord with all my heart
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
All that he does is splendid and majestic;  
His righteousness endures forever.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;  
All who follow his instructions have good insight.  
His praise endures forever (Psalm 111:1, 3, 10).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
And he carried our pains;  
But we in turn regarded him stricken,
Struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced because of our rebellion,  
Crushed because of our iniquities;  
Punishment for our peace was on him,
And we are healed by his wounds
(Isaiah 53:4-5).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this
affirmation to the Lord:
This is eternal life:
That they may know you,
The only true God,
And the one you have sent — Jesus Christ
(John 17:3).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Greater love for the lost
• Mission work in Africa
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Now may the God of hope
Fill you with all joy and peace
As you believe  
So that you may overflow with hope
By the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).