Israel and Philistia were so intertwined, there was nothing to pry them apart. Samson is God’s crowbar. God uses Samson’s sexual appetites, his violence, his pride, even his mouth to bring conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines. Imagine if Samson had been a praying man. If we could couple his gifts with a heart of integrity, Samson might have been one of the greatest men in history. If we can learn to have a real, authentic prayer life, where we come to God with teachable spirits, where we listen as well as speak, where we lift our concerns, but also pray for others…that prayer life will change us.

Scripture References: Judges 15:1-6, Judges 14:1-20

Related Topics: Empowerment, Gifted, Integrity, judgment, Repent, Sin, Strength, Submit to God, Useful, violence, world | More Messages from Dr. Jim Mann | Download Audio

From Series: "Judges: Broken Heroes"

After the death of Israel’s great leader, Joshua, Israel was in the land God promised them. “In those days, Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” In the tumultuous 300 year history described in the book of Judges, a cycle appears and reappears: sin, judgment, salvation…and back to sin. Throughout, God raises men and women as instruments of his salvation – but each hero proves to be broken and flawed, reminding us that only God can provide a perfect savior.