Judges 13:8-25 - Manoah asks the Lord to send the man who told his wife they would have a son to instruct them on what to do with the child. God answers this prayer, and Manoah and his wife experience an interesting encounter with the angel. Manoah's response is one of fear, but his wife's is one of faith. Specifically, faith that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. 

Judges 12:7-13:7 - Today, we are introduced to the next judge of Israel, Samson! When the angel comes to Samson's mother, he has a very specific calling for him to fulfill. He was to be a Nazarite from the time in the womb until the day he died. In today's episode, we uncover what that means and how we too have specific callings to fulfill in our lives. 

Judges 12:1-6 - Today, we get to the end of the story of Jephthah. He is confronted by the men of Ephraim concerning the battle against the Ammonites, and though they were wrong in their confrontation, Jephthah's response is equally terrible. And in order to determine what people were Ephraimites, they made them say a specific word that would give them away. In this episode, we see that our speech can also give us away! So we need to be mindful of what comes out of our mouths. 

Judges 11:29-40 - Today, we see Jephthah make a vow to God somewhat hastily, and it ends up causing him great heartbreak. Through the episode, we learn what the Bible teaches us about our word. When we say something, it matters! And when we make promises, we need to keep them, especially when those promises are made to God! 

Judges 11:1-28 - In today's episode, we are introduced to a judge named Jephthah. He was the son of a harlot. Yet, God used him to deliver Israel! But when the first attack came, he wasn't reactionary. He responded with words first. He responded with control. We too, when we are attacked can learn to lean on the Spirit of God and respond with self control. 

Judges 10:6-18 - In today's episode, we see Israel again turning away from the Lord and serving other gods. But when things start to get oppressive again, they again cry out to God! It seems that when things are going well they forget God, and when things are going bad, they turn to God. Too often, we are the same. But we should recognize our need for God at all times! Both on our worst days, and on our best! 

Judges 10:1-5 - In today's episode, we are introduced to two different judges of Israel. We don't know much about them. And yet, God saw it fit to have their names documented in Scripture. Their service was just as important to God as the service of more well-known characters in the Bible! 

Judges 9:1-57 - Gideon had many sons! One of them, from a concubine in Shechem. This son was named Abimelech. And when Gideon died, Abimelech desired to rule. As a result of his evil schemes to become king, a lot of destruction comes about. All of his brothers are killed, and eventually, he destroys the people he rules. Ultimately, he meets his demise as well. God will exact judgment upon wickedness. 

Judges 8:22-35 - As great of a victory as Gideon and the people of Israel just saw, it didn't keep them from experiencing great defeat shortly thereafter. One wrong decision causes them to worship the past victory rather than the God who gave them the victory. 

Judges 8:1-25 - As the Midianites are running from Gideon and his army, we see some others asked to join in the working of God. One group of people get angry because they feel their part will not be recognized, and another group decides not to get involved at all. We learn that there are no small parts in the work of God. And we should be involved no matter how small, and with the right motives!