The Daily + Weekly by Vince Miller

Is another's misconception your deception? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Here is the final verse in 1 Samuel 27: And Achish trusted David, thinking, "He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant." — 1 Samuel 27:12 Achish was convinced that David had turned his back on Israel, pledging allegiance to him for life. But David hadn't abandoned his people, faith, or God. But he was navigating a tight spot he got himself into. David's "deepfake" was a carefully crafted illusion that walked a fine line given the expanse of the deception. This moment reminds me that our decisions sometimes place us in situations where those around us misunderstand our position of faith. People will sometimes misjudge you, seeing your actions without understanding your loyalty to God. In these times, you must remember who you are and who you belong to. As you continue reading, you will see that David's loyalty to God never wavered, even in these tenuous circumstances. Remain faithful if you're in a tenuous situation. Unbelievers around you may perceive a different reality, but don't let that skew your reality or cause you ever to compromise your faith and integrity. Be loyal to God; when the time comes, be clear and uncompromised. Don't let others' misconceptions become your deception. #FaithfulLiving, #IntegrityUnderPressure, #StayTrue Ask This: How do you handle situations where others misjudge your actions or intentions due to your faith? In what ways can you remain faithful when surrounded by misunderstandings about your beliefs? Do This: Don't let a deepfake lead you to deception. Pray This: Lord, help me stay true to You, even when others don't understand my actions or intentions. Strengthen my resolve to honor You above all else. Amen. Play This: Truth Be Told.

What happens when skill becomes a snare? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. David is currently residing in Philistine territory under the shield of Achish, and he is battling enemies of Israel that Saul has left unaddressed. But listen to this interaction with David and Achish in 1 Samuel 27:10-11: When Achish asked, "Where have you made a raid today?" David would say, "Against the Negeb of Judah," or, "Against the Negeb of the Jerahmeelites," or, "Against the Negeb of the Kenites." And David would leave neither man nor woman alive to bring news to Gath, thinking, "lest they should tell about us and say, 'So David has done.'" Such was his custom all the while he lived in the country of the Philistines. — 1 Samuel 27:10-11 So David was battling enemies of Israel, but according to this text, he was telling Achish he was battling territories in Israel. This was an outright lie. But as you can see, Achish never found out about it because David was wiping everyone and everything out, so there was no paper trail. This is quite a cunning deception by David. It is hard to endorse what David chose to do in this situation. Yes, it was a tenuous situation. Yes, it was cunning. But David is also starting to slip up, and rather than trust in God with a sense of abandonment like he had before, he is now beginning to use his skill and strategy to save himself. And in my humble opinion, the deception and strategy used here remarkably resemble the situation with Uriah and Bathsheba. He uses deception to hide the pregnancy, deception to lure Uriah home, deception to persuade Uriah to sleep with his wife, and deception to put Uriah in a situation that leads to his death. David is trying to hide the paper trail. But in this case, he is trying to hide the paper trail of his sins from God, not Achish. As Sir Walter Scott once wrote: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive" This is the problem with deception. If you practice it even one time, and it works, you will practice it again. Eventually, deception will become entangled with your skill, and you will try your hand at deceiving God, which will bring you to ruin. David's skill once served him well, but that skill became a snare. My advice? Don't follow his example. Don't put yourself in situations that tempt you to deceive. Instead, stay reliant on God. Let Him be your shield, and practice obedience—not deception—in every situation! #TrustGodNotDeception, #LessonsFromDavid, #ObedienceOverStrategy Ask This: Where might you be tempted to rely on your own skill instead of trusting God's guidance? How can you pursue transparency with God in challenging situations? Do This: Don't be deceptive, ever! Pray This: Lord, help me to trust in Your ways above my own skills or strategies. Keep my heart honest and my steps obedient to You. Amen. Play This: Clear the Stage.

Waiting doesn't mean wasting time. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. David is currently residing in Philistine territory and the enemy king Achish gave him and his army a city called Ziklag where they resided which was right on the border of Philistine and Israelite territory, and here is what happened in the 16 months they resided here: But for today, let's dive into 1 Samuel 27:8-9: Now David and his men went up and made raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, for these were the inhabitants of the land from of old, as far as Shur, to the land of Egypt. And David would strike the land and would leave neither man nor woman alive, but would take away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the camels, and the garments, and come back to Achish. — 1 Samuel 27:8-9 While David is in the "land between," we learn that he does not just sit idly. He is busy doing what he has always done — engaging his call and God's anointed. He is using his time and skill to fight the enemies of Israel. The Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites were all long-standing enemies of the nation of Isreal that God ordered Israel to devote to destruction, which Saul had not addressed (Deuteronomy 7:1-5; 20:16-18) And there is some violence and gore that might be disturbing here, but you will see tomorrow more detail on why this is. If you are in a "land between," don't sit around idly. Act in obedience. Take the time to refine your God-given skills and talents and do what you see others are not doing that needs to be done. In the doing, God shapes you and reveals to you what you'll do next. #InBetweenSeasons, #ActInObedience, #FaithInAction Ask This: How can you use your current season to refine your God-given skills and purpose? What tasks or battles around you need action that others have left undone? Do This: Don't be idle. Be faithful. Pray This: Lord, help me to stay active and obedient, even in seasons of waiting. Strengthen my hands to do the work you've called me to today. Amen. Play This: Give Me Faith.

Are you in the "land between"? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We want you to live all in and know, grow, and go with Jesus every day. Check out the show that dropped yesterday on Spiritual Leadership In Your Family. This might be a helpful video if you have been trying to figure out how to do this. Also, we are just a few chapters away from finishing 1 Samuel. So, I want to prepare you for our next book. We are moving to the New Testament and will start the new year with the Book of James! So go to our website and get the Scripture Journal for this book. There is a link below the video or in the show notes. But for today, let's dive into 1 Samuel 27:5-7: Then David said to Achish, "If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be given me in one of the country towns, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?" So that day Achish gave him Ziklag. Therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day. And the number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a year and four months. — 1 Samuel 27:5-7 Achish allotted David a "land grant." In some ways, Achish believed that he was buying David's loyalty when, in reality, David was distancing himself from Achish. Ziklag was a border town between Philistine and Israelite territories. Allotted initially to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:31) and later to Simeon (Joshua 19:5), it was lost and came under Philistine control, where it remained until David received it. It was situated in the Negev territory, close enough to Israelite lands for David to maintain connections with his people, but still under Philistine rule, keeping him out of Saul's reach. This strategic positioning allowed David to gain resources and operate independently while avoiding complete alignment with either Israel or Philistia. It was the "land between." Are you living in the "land between"? If so, it's an uncomfortable, undefined space. David left the land of his people but had yet to step into his calling as king. For David, Ziklag was the land between. And sometimes, we find ourselves in similar places — in the middle of what was and what will be. Maybe you're between jobs, between relationships, or in a season of waiting for something God promised but has not yet delivered. In this "land between," God often works in hidden and unexpected ways. In Ziklag, God provided for David through unusual means — through Achish, the Philistine king, who, likely unknowingly, became a part of God's provision. It's a reminder that God can use anyone or anything to sustain us in our "land between." The people we least expect, the circumstances that seem out of our control — God is weaving all these elements together to prepare us for something greater. But this "between" season can stretch our faith, especially when we don't know how long it will last. Like David, who lived in Ziklag for 16 months, we often want to know the timeline. But the "land between" doesn't come with timelines and deadlines. God uses these spaces to prepare our hearts, refine our character, and strengthen our trust in Him. It's a holding place but also a growing place. If you're in that space today, trust that God is at work. He knows where you are and what you need. And just as David eventually left Ziklag to step fully into his calling, God will lead you out of your "land between" in His perfect timing. So, lean into this season. Grow. Trust. And have faith that God is shaping you for what's next. I love you and pray that even today, God will provide you with resources, reasons, and resolutions to your "land between." #ZiklagSeason, #FaithInTheWaiting, #TrustGodsTiming Ask This: In what ways are you experiencing a "land between" season right now, and how is God calling you to trust Him in it? How might God use unexpected people or circumstances to sustain you during this season? Do This: Be faithful in the land between. Pray This: Lord, help me trust You in this season of waiting, even when I can't see the full picture. Strengthen my faith and prepare me for what's next. Amen. Play This: Make A Way.

Don't let secular ideologies erode your faith. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We want you to live all in and know, grow, and go with Jesus every day. Check out the show that dropped yesterday on Spiritual Leadership In Your Family. This might be a helpful video if you have been trying to figure out how to do this. Also, we are just a few chapters away from finishing 1 Samuel. So, I want to prepare you for our next book. We are moving to the New Testament and will start the new year with the Book of James! So go to our website and get the Scripture Journal for this book. There is a link below the video or in the show notes. But for today, let's dive into 1 Samuel 27:3-4: And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal's widow. And when it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, he no longer sought him. — 1 Samuel 27:3-4 I mentioned this yesterday, but this could have easily been 2000-3000 people. It's an overwhelming invasion of people in the Philistine city of Gath, and there is no way this did not create social, economic, and religious disruption for either Achish or David. Although David sought temporary refuge in Gath to escape Saul's pursuit, he definitely faced new challenges when he exposed his people to the vanity of spiritually "uncircumcised" individuals. Living among the Philistines for sixteen months subjected David and his followers to ideologies and practices that were contrary to God's ways. In their quest for safety, the people became vulnerable to secular beliefs. We are engaged in an ideological battle in our time, one that is particularly evident in corporate workplaces, educational institutions, and across various forms of social and traditional media. Unfortunately, many believers are unaware of these threats, and in their passivity, they are being actively indoctrinated with beliefs that contradict the truth found in God's Word. What makes this situation even more concerning is that if believers do not regularly engage with God's Word, they may unknowingly accept these opposing ideas as truth, ultimately undermining their faith in God. This is the battle we fight today. Dial up your spiritual awareness today. Spend more time in God's Word. Test ideologies against God's truth. Stop being passive to secular ideas that don't make any sense. Talk with other believers and vet out the ideas that don't seem to align with God's Word. You are always being discipled. It is either by the secular or the spiritual. If you don't engage, you might look up one day to realize that you or maybe your family don't believe in God because you have been too passive for too long. For those of you who have seen this happen in your family and feel responsible for being too passive, I want you to know—it is never too late. Choose to stop being passive and get engaged in the battle. Believe the Father can draw them back. Be active in faith. Pray persistently. Engage in conversation. Be a godly example. Challenge any and all forms of passivity within your heart. Active faith conquers all past passivity. Father, we come to you to seek forgiveness for our passivity. We also ask that you draw our families and friends back to you and the truth in Jesus' name. Amen. #FaithInAction, #TrustGod, #RestoreFaith Ask This: How am I relying on my own strength instead of trusting God in my current challenges? In what ways can I actively engage and disciple my loved ones today? Do This: Stop being passive and engage. Pray This: Heavenly Father, help me to trust in You rather than my own solutions and to actively engage in discipling my loved ones. Strengthen my faith and guide my actions to reflect Your love and truth. Amen. Play This: Lion.

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Have you ever met someone whose words appeared genuine but felt unsettling? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Today, we. Here is what happens next in verses 22-25: And David answered and said, "Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the Lord gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the Lord's anointed. Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord, and may he deliver me out of all tribulation." Then Saul said to David, "Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them." So David went his way, and Saul returned to his place. — 1 Samuel 26:22-25 There are people in this life who make proclamations and pledges that are less than promising. You have known these kind of people. Their motives seem inconsistent or appear to have some hidden underlying agenda. David experienced this firsthand with Saul—numerous times. Saul confesses his sin, professes this to all, calls David "his son," and invites him to return. However, David knew Saul's heart better than even Saul did and saw right through his empty confession. Still, David's response was both gracious and wise. Instead of accepting Saul's invitation to return, he asked a young man to come and retrieve the king's spear. This was a profound statement about the nature of their relationship. David understood that genuine reconciliation between him and the king would require more than a show and spectacle; it would demand a change of heart and action. David's final words to Saul highlight a vital spiritual principle: "The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness." This is the law of sowing and reaping. What we sow in our hearts is reaped in our relationships. David's refusal to engage with Saul was a verdict on the hidden seed sown in Saul's heart. Saul sowed unrighteousness in his heart, and therefore, he reaped it in his relationship with David (and many others). And David was not falling for his empty words and hallow promises. We should always be discerning in our relationships. Believers should practice forgiveness and grace, but we must also recognize when words do not align with actions so as not to subject ourselves to vengeful people. This week, take a moment to evaluate your relationships. If someone consistently speaks one way but acts another, consider how you can maintain healthy boundaries while still demonstrating Christ-like love. Either it's time to have a candid conversation or, like David, extend grace while guarding yourself from ongoing harm. #Discernment, #HealthyBoundaries, #FaithfulRelationships Ask This: How can you discern genuine intentions in your relationships while still extending grace and forgiveness? Are there relationships in your life where words don't match actions? How will you address them? Do This: Evaluate and proceed with caution. Pray This: Lord, help me discern the true intentions of those around me and give me the wisdom to set healthy boundaries. May I extend grace while protecting my heart from harm. Amen. Play This: Trust In God.

Have you ever found yourself in a conflict where emotions ran high, and the path to resolution felt unclear? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Today, Saul is going to respond to David, who is standing on the hill holding his weapon and water jug. Here is what happens next in verses 17-21: Saul recognized David's voice and said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" And David said, "It is my voice, my lord, O king." And he said, "Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands? Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the Lord who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the Lord, saying, 'Go, serve other gods.' Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the Lord, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains." Then Saul said, "I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake." — 1 Samuel 26:17-21 David's statement to Saul includes curiosity about two items: The injustice: What David has done to deserve the justice of the Lord's army? The instigator: Who has stirred Saul to pursue him, God or man? Thus, David's reconnaissance mission was not about stealing Saul's weapon and water but about using them to gain intelligence into the injustice and instigator of the current inquisition. David understood that sometimes the battles we fight are not wars fought with weapons but wars fought off with careful questions and inquisitive words. In our own lives, we often find ourselves in similar situations. Maybe it's a conflict with a colleague or a misunderstanding with a friend or family member. The instinct is to react emotionally or defensively, but David shows us a different path. He chooses to address the issue head-on with wisdom. When you are in a verbal skirmish, pause and ask yourself the same questions David did. First, identify the injustice: What is the injustice in this situation? What have I done or not done that has led us to this point? Second, seek to understand the instigator: Who or what is instigating this conflict? Has a fear or misunderstanding ignited the flames of conflict? We can defuse situations by approaching conflicts with this wisdom before they escalate. Use thoughtful questions and words of mercy to seek clarity and understanding rather than allowing human emotions to guide your responses. David didn't return anger for anger, and neither should you. Be inquisitive and let your words be infused with grace, aiming for reconciliation rather than division, vengeance, and war. God, forgive me when I act with a vengeance. May my words and curiosity be filled with wisdom and mercy in every interaction today. #ConflictResolution, #WisdomInAction, #GracefulCommunication Ask This: What steps can you take to approach conflicts with curiosity rather than defensiveness? How can identifying the true instigator in a situation change your response? Do This: Seek wisdom and mercy in conflicts with intriguing questions. Pray This: Lord, help me to approach conflicts with a heart full of curiosity and grace, seeking understanding rather than division. May my words reflect Your wisdom and mercy in every interaction today. Amen. Play This: Kindness.

Stop Drifting & Come Home Stop Drifting & Come Home P P GET THE JOURNAL FOR THIS STUDY THE VINCE MILLER SHOW Do you feel like you are drifting spiritually? There is something and someone that could help. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. At this point, David and Abishai sneak into Saul's camp, swipe the spear and jar of water, and position themselves on a hill far from Saul. Here is what happens next in verses 14-16: And David called to the army, and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, "Will you not answer, Abner?" Then Abner answered, "Who are you who calls to the king?" And David said to Abner, "Are you not a man? Who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not kept watch over your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy the king your lord. This thing that you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, you deserve to die, because you have not kept watch over your lord, the Lord's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is and the jar of water that was at his head." — 1 Samuel 26:14-16 Have you ever found yourself drifting? Difting from responsibilities that you know are yours alone? We all drift. We get tired, possibly lazy, and drop the ball. That's precisely what Abner has done. He has dropped the ball. The one thing he was responsible for doing was protecting the Lord's anointed, but in this story, he is found sleeping on the job rather than doing his job. This puts everyone at risk, but especially the "Lord's anointed"—Saul! So David literally calls Abner out in front of everyone, which I assume was rather embarrassing for Abner, and Saul, and the entire army of 3000 men. No one likes this experience, especially when it happens publicly. But the truth is sometimes we all need it. So maybe today, if you are drifting, it's time to be vulnerable instead of made vulnerable. Be vulnerable about your spiritual drift. Get honest with yourself about it. Find a believer to help who is through the same drift and who can point the way out. If you can be vulnerable and vigilant, it will save you shame and a lot of public embarrassment. If this hits home today and you have been drifting and feel it's time for a more profound change, you need to know that sometimes the drift we experience isn't just about everyday slip-ups. It's the slippery slide of sin that separates us from God. It reveals a more prominent and deeper longing that can only be satisfied by God. The good news is that no matter how far you've drifted, God has not moved. He's right where he's always been, ready to welcome you home, no matter the distance of your drift. God invites you into a relationship where you don't just survive your spiritual drift—you thrive in a spiritual relationship with him. If you're ready to stop drifting and begin new, you can make a choice today. Choose to surrender your ways, will, weariness, and wandering and accept His salvation and leadership in your life. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection are the only solution to your spiritual drift. If you are ready to do that, you can choose Jesus right now. If you are ready to do that right now, write "I choose Jesus" in the comments below. Let me pray for you: "Jesus, I know I've been drifting, and I want to come back to You. I'm done wandering, and I'm ready to surrender my life to You. Forgive me, guide me, and help me walk with You daily. Amen." #SpiritualDrift, #ChooseJesus, #ComeHome Ask This: Where in your life do you sense a drift from God's purpose, and what steps can you take to refocus? Who could you reach out to for accountability and support in restoring your spiritual walk? Do This: Stop Drifting and come home. Pray This: Lord, I admit I've been drifting and need Your guidance to return to You. Help me surrender my heart fully and walk closely with You each day. Amen. Play This: Broken Together.

Are you fighting the right battles, or just charging into the chaos without a strategy? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. At this point, David and Abishai sneak into Saul's camp and steal the spear and jar of water from the head of his bed. Here is what happens next in verses 12-13: So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul's head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them. Then David went over to the other side and stood far off on the top of the hill, with a great space between them. — 1 Samuel 26:12-13 So the obvious question is, why does David take the spear and jar? "The spear" is Saul's instrument of leadership and aggression. "The jar of water" is Saul's source of sustenance in the desert wasteland. Without any act of violence, David symbolically disarmed Saul and took his life. This is a fascinating and strategic move by David. Years ago, I remember my daughter, during her teen years, hitting a phase where she refused to keep her room clean. This was an ongoing battle between her and her mother and I. We would go back and forth about this for months until finally, she drew a line with us and declared her room "eminent domain." We thought this was a bold move because it was "our house" in which "her room" resided. So, one day, when she was gone, I decided to take her door off the frame, hoping that her lack of privacy would motivate her to clean her room. When she returned home, she came stomping upstairs to protest that I had taken her door off her room. To which I responded, "That may be 'your room' but it's 'my door' and I will put 'my door' back on when 'your room' is clean." She spent the next seven hours cleaning her room because her privacy was more valuable than "her room." There are a lot of ways to fight battles. David's move was strategic. He didn't kill Saul. Instead, he targeted the symbols of Saul's power and sustainability—the spear and the jar. This choice spoke louder than violence because it demonstrated his stealth skill and targeted objects of value to Saul to corner him into a change of heart. Too often, we charge headlong into battles, attacking only the surface issues. We fight for the "room"—the immediate felt need—without considering the real need. For example, when I removed my daughter's door, I wasn't just trying to get her to clean up; I was targeting what mattered most to her: privacy and what mattered most to me: respect. The lesson was more than a lesson in a clean room—it was about responsibility, respect, and meeting the real underlying needs. When you encounter a challenge today, take a moment to ask yourself, "Am I fighting the right battle?" Avoid getting caught up in superficial issues and overlook the deeper needs. If you do, your battles might have more positive and godly results. #StrategicWisdom, #FightSmart, #DeeperLessons Ask This: What symbols of power or value in your life might you need to address to create lasting change? Are you focusing on surface issues, or are you targeting the deeper needs in your battles? Do This: Fight the right battle. Pray This: Lord, help me to see beyond the surface of my challenges and recognize the deeper needs that require attention. Grant me the wisdom to fight battles with strategy and grace, reflecting Your guidance in all I do. Amen. Play This: Surrounded.

Will you take the silent advantage or do what is right? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, Saul is on the hunt for David, determined to capture and kill him. David hears he is camped on the hill beyond him, so he and Abishai go on a reconisence mission. They sneak into the center of camp, where Saul and his commander are dead asleep, and Abishai suggests pinning Saul to the ground with his spear. Then here is how David responds in verses 9-11: But David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?" And David said, "As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord's anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go." — 1 Samuel 26:9-11 How do you respond when faced with an opportunity that would give you a silent advantage? Are you spiritually centered or privately selfish? At this point, we know David is tired of Saul's games. It has been years of going around in circles with this man. God has presently given him the upper hand by allowing him to sneak into the center of camp. He is standing at the head of the Commander and the King. He could easily take matters into his own hands and selfishly take advantage. Even Abishai sees the advantage. This is like that moment when you are in line at the grocery store, and the cashier hands you too much money in return. Do you choose to be silently selfish and take the advantage, or do you do what is spiritually right and righteous? Yet David's situation is not simply a matter of incorrect counting by a counter cashier. The man sleeping on the ground before him has acted unfairly and unrighteously for years. Saul has broken promises, divided him from his friends, taken his wife, driven his family into exile, and tried to kill him numerous times. Still, David stands over him and makes a just judgment even when persuaded and presented with the opportunity. David fought many battles. However, it is these battles that capture my attention most in his story. David fights valiantly with the enemy that lies within his own heart—the silent and persuasive battle with his own selfishness. How are you fighting these battles today? When given the opportunity for an unfair advantage do you take it? Financial Gain: Benefiting from overpayments or errors. Workplace Politics: Taking credit for others's work or insider information. Relationships: Exploiting trust or vulnerabilities. Competitions: Cheating to gain a win. Academics: Using unauthorized help or copying. Reputation: Exaggerating achievements. Business: Cutting ethical corners or withholding information. Leadership: Using authority for personal benefit. Job Searching: Misrepresenting qualifications. Social Influence: Slandering to gain a status. Legal Loopholes: Avoiding consequences through technicalities. Consider this list and examine your response when opportunities arise to gain these silent advantages. Remember some of the greatest battles you will ever fight are fought in silence with the sin and selfishness that lie within your own heart. Isn't it time to fight the silent battles and let God claim the victory? #IntegrityInAction, #UnseenBattles, #GodGetsTheGlory Ask This: When faced with silent opportunities for personal gain, do you pause to consider what choice honors God most? How do you respond when integrity challenges you to act righteously, even if no one else will ever know? Do This: Fight the battle with yourself! Pray This: Lord, help me to choose integrity over personal gain, even when no one is watching. Strengthen my heart to fight the silent battles that honor You alone. Amen. Play This: Great Are You, Lord.

Do you act too impulsively, derailing the mission? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, Saul is once again on the hunt for David, determined to capture and kill him. With new knowledge of David's whereabouts, he has assembled a hardened army of 3,000 men. Under the cover of darkness, they lie in wait, encamped near the last known location of David's men As the evening draws near, the tension thickens—what will unfold next in 1 Samuel 26:5-8? Then David rose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him. Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab's brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah, "Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?" And Abishai said, "I will go down with you." So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. Then Abishai said to David, "God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice." — 1 Samuel 26:5-8 David is fearless, isn't he? But don't forget, he knows Saul, the warriors of Israel, their tactics, and the opportune times to infiltrate their ranks. They are exhausted from a long trip and tired, and David knows gathering intelligence will aid him in understanding his next move. So David and Abishai go on a fast covert mission. What David does here is how every believer should attack sin in our lives. Like David, we should never rush headlong into battle without gathering a battle buddy and intelligence for the challenge. Abishai's eagerness to take immediate action can be tempting, yet it serves as a warning for the eager who want to "throw the spear." When we act too quickly, driven by impulsive emotions or the allure of immediate victory, we risk losing sight of the bigger mission, thus winning a battle and losing a war. We may even find ourselves trapped and surrounded holding a spear of sin in our hand. David's mission is clear: gather intelligence, understand God's will, and then take action. One consistent lesson David has taught us in all his years of running from Saul is not to act impulsively; he gathers intelligence, understands God's will, and then takes action. Today, you should do the same before reacting or responding to any challenge. First, gather intelligence about the situation. Second, take a moment to pray and ask God for insight into the problem. If you have time, journal your thoughts, pray aloud with a battle buddy, write out the pros and cons, and consult God's Word. If you don't have this kind of time, shoot up one of those "silent shotgun" prayers. The ones you say quickly in your head, like: "God, I need your help right now!" Do your best in the heat of the moment to align your actions with God's Will. In the battlefield of life, don't let impulse be your spear; gather wisdom and aim true before you strike. #WisdomInAction, #BattleReady, #FaithfulDecisionMaking Ask This: What strategies do you use to gather insight before responding to challenges in your life? How can prayer shape your decision-making process during moments of impulse? Do This: Gather wisdom, then strike. Pray This: Lord, help me to pause and seek Your wisdom before acting in haste. Grant me the clarity to align my decisions with Your will. Amen. Play This: The Battle Is Yours.

Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of conflict, wondering if there's a way out? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we will see a new encounter unfold between David and Saul. You thought Saul was done with David, but he is not. Let's dive into chapter 26, entitled "Restraint & Righteousness." Let's read 1 Samuel 26:1-4: Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?" So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road on the east of Jeshimon. But David remained in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, David sent out spies and learned that Saul had indeed come. — 1 Samuel 26:1-4 So we learn David was right back in the same wilderness where he had previously been chased—a barren, rugged place called Jeshimon, a wilderness "wasteland." This wasn't just a wasteland; it was symbolic of David's life—cut off from his community and clan and constantly on the run. Though Saul had once admitted his wrongdoing outside the cave of Engedi, here he is back to his relentless pursuit with 3,000 of Israel's elite troops. Despite David's hope that Saul's confession would result in a change, the spies' confirmation brought the cold reality: Saul was again back to his old tricks. David, however, did not react or run in despair when he heard Saul's troops were encamped on the hillside. Instead, he wisely gathered intelligence. This wasn't just tactical; it was David's steady, courageous faith at work. David understood that advantage often comes not from sheer strength or emotional responses but from seeking wisdom, practicing obedience, and taking action with faith, even in the wilderness moments of life. When you face repeated challenges or find yourself surrounded, don't let pressure push you into impulsive decisions. Pause for a moment seek wisdom, practice obedience, and take godly action. You will blessed if you do. The impulsive response often results in bloodshed and leaves you living with a lot of regret. #FaithUnderPressure, #WisdomInWilderness, #DavidAndSaul Ask This: How can you seek wisdom in your current challenges rather than reacting impulsively? What steps can you take to practice obedience during difficult times? Do This: Be wise under pressure. Pray This: Father, help me to remain steadfast in my faith during life's wilderness moments. Grant me wisdom and obedience to respond to challenges with courage and grace. Amen. Play This: God I Look To You.

Was it a divine event or only natural? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In yesterday's devotional, we saw that Abigail's appeal to David works. But now she has to return home to the celebration and tell her husband what she did. Let's see how this plays out in 1 Samuel 25:36-44: And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until the morning light. In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And about ten days later the Lord struck Nabal, and he died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "Blessed be the Lord who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing. The Lord has returned the evil of Nabal on his own head." Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her as his wife. When the servants of David came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, "David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife." And she rose and bowed with her face to the ground and said, "Behold, your handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord." And Abigail hurried and rose and mounted a donkey, and her five young women attended her. She followed the messengers of David and became his wife. David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and both of them became his wives. Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim. — 1 Samuel 25:36-44 I think it is essential to see the comparison between Saul and Nabal today. They are comparable men—wealthy, entitled, and benefiting from David's protection equally. Both had their lives spared by David, both had females who married David, both women confided in David to help him avoid inevitable disasters, and both men died under God's judgment. The comparison is remarkable. But the result is Nabal dies. In contemporary medical terms, it sounds like Nabal had an initial stroke and then fell into a coma and died of starvation. However, we cannot avoid David's divine diagnosis. When David hears about Nabal, he perceives a double divine blessing in this event. First, a blessing of vengeance by God for Nabal's insult. Second, Abigail's blessing of protection for holding him back from doing wrongful harm to Nabal. This is intriguing because we often wonder about God's use of natural means to bring justice and blessing. God often uses natural events as instruments of justice. For example, in Genesis 6-9, He brought justice to a corrupt world through the flood. Also, in Exodus 7-12, God sent plagues involving natural elements—frogs, hail, and darkness—to confront Pharaoh's defiance. In the same way, God also uses natural events to grant blessings. For example, in Exodus 16, he provided manna to sustain his people in the wilderness. Then, in Deuteronomy 11, God promised rain for crops as a reward for obedience, using natural weather to nurture provisions for his people. So, the question remains: Should we interpret Nabal's death as natural or divine? Did God do this? Or was this merely a natural circumstance? And the answer to this question is "Yes!" Like Nabal, we will all die. Death is God's judgment for all creation. What bothers us is the connection of death with God's divine providence. Are they connected? Should we see them as one and the same? David's answer is "Yes!" Those of you who believe in Jesus see the connection here. This is because a spiritual reality is more real than the natural. Your redeemed mind sees the divine work in the natural, and there is great hope for you. While you face physical death, you escape eternal death to live forever with God. When you die, you will be raised into eternal life! This is because those who call on the Lord receive the promise of eternal life in heaven, thanks to Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death. And for those who do not know this, you can enjoy this blessing right now by acknowledging Jesus as your Savior and Lord and choosing to live under his grace and blessings. I invite you today to trust in Jesus and choose life. We all will die as God has determined. But you can live now and forever with God. Surrender your life to Jesus right now. Acknowledge your sins, call on his mercy, and accept his gift of salvation—live now and into eternity with Jesus. Don't be foolish like Nabal, living and dying only to yourself, thus dying here and spending eternity in Hell. Death comes to us all. Choose life in Jesus and receive his blessings. If you're ready to make this decision, you can acknowledge Jesus right now. Take this step by saying out loud, "I choose Jesus." And if you just declared that, pray this short prayer with me: "Lord, I choose life. I recognize my need for You. I surrender my life to Your will, trusting in Jesus as my Savior. I want to live under Your grac

When God interrupts, do you listen? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In yesterday's devotional, we saw that Abigail interceded for Nabal's foolishness. Let's see if her charming approach works with David in 1 Samuel 25:32-35: And David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand! For as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there had not been left to Nabal so much as one male." Then David received from her hand what she had brought him. And he said to her, "Go up in peace to your house. See, I have obeyed your voice, and I have granted your petition." — 1 Samuel 25:32-35 Have you ever felt the weight of a confrontation and felt tempted to take matters into your own hands? Heated moments cloud our judgment and make it hard to see what God wants to do because we are too focused on what we want to do. In this text, David is hot. He is about to make a grave mistake. He is about to slaughter all the men of Nabal's house at the celebration of the year. But Abigail intervenes. And instead of ignoring her intervention, David interprets it as God's intervention. If you have been reading the story with me, there is an about-face in his attitude and actions. He goes from proclaiming acts of vulgarity to proclaiming a threefold blessing: A blessing to the Lord. A blessing for her wise discretion. And a blessing on her. You need this type of intervention in your life sometimes, especially when you are hot. We all do. But when the intervention shows up, you must see it, receive it, and change. Since many of you have been following me for a while through 1 Samuel, this again is one of those instances in which we see God's wisdom in choosing David. David was willing to see God's intervention and adjust his intention. As you face the challenges of today, be open to God's voice through the people he places in your path. When tempers flare and stress mounts, don't hesitate to pray for God's intervention. Then, when God intervenes, be willing to accept the interventions that interrupt your intentions. Don't plow over people and miss a prophetic voice from God. If you ignore these prophetic whispers, you might miss God's redirect and do something you regret. #Intervention, #DivineWisdom, #ListeningToGod Ask This: How can you better recognize and respond to God's interventions in your life during challenging moments? Who in your life embodies the wisdom of Abigail, guiding you toward God's will? Do This: Pray for divine interruptions in anger and stress. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize Your voice through the people You place in my life, especially in moments of anger or frustration. Grant me the humility to accept divine interventions that guide my actions and intentions. Amen. Play This: Interruptions (Comedy by Mark Lowry)

When God needs a voice of reason he sometimes sends a charming woman. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In this chapter, David sends some men to Nabal to seek generosity. Nabal refused and insulted David. David finds out about it and marches 400 men to confront David. But Abigail, Nabal's wife, will secretly try to intervene and appease David with an extensive goodwill offering. Let's see if this works in 1 Samuel 25:23-31: When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. She fell at his feet and said, "On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent. Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, because the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the Lord your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. And when the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you and has appointed you prince over Israel, my lord shall have no cause of grief or pangs of conscience for having shed blood without cause or for my lord working salvation himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant." — 1 Samuel 25:23-31 There are only a few female-initiated encounters between a man and a woman in the Bible: Adam and Eve (Gen 3). Judah and Tamar (Gen 38). Deborah and Barak (Judg 4). Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 3). The woman who anointed Jesus (Matt 26). Abigail and David (1 Sam 25). Of all these, this one is by far one of the most remarkable and longest addresses by a woman in the Old Testament. Abigail accomplishes three goals in this encounter: She intervened for Nabal. She proclaimed David's destiny. She prevented David from sinning. What captures me is how remarkable she is in her approach. First, she comes alone to the dark of the forest to intervene before a powerful man with 400 strapped men. Second, she brings food, the language of active men, to attempt to butter them up. Third, she takes responsibility for her husband, explaining that she should have been more careful to protect him from himself. She feels to blame because she did encounter David's initial messengers and thus feels responsible. Fourth, she uses a prophetic word about David's future to persuade him to look beyond this foolish man and moment into the future and not do something now that would alter his future. Fifth, she constantly calls him "lord," a title repeated 14 times in her speech that women use for their husbands. (Spoiler Alert) Abigail is about to become David's wife. This moment is an incredible moment made so by a charming woman. Here are the C-H-A-R-M-I-N-G qualities we see in Abigail: Courage – She bravely approaches David despite the danger. Humility – She lowers herself, calling David "lord" and offering herself as a servant. Awareness – Abigail wisely understands the situation and David's heart. Respect – She honors David's role and God's future for him. Mindfulness – Her careful actions show respect and wisdom. Integrity – Abigail's words align with her faith in God's plan. Nurturing – She brings provisions, showing care and peace. Godliness – Abigail acts out of reverence for God. Application for Unmarried Men If you are an unmarried man, take note of Abigail's qualities. Look and pray for a woman like this. You might find her in the most unexpected place and encounter. Application for Husbands For those who are married, Abigail's qualities should inspire us to pray over our wives. Pray that God nurtures these charming qualities in her. Affirm your wife's beauty today, and don't be the fool Nabal was. Application for Women Be this woman: C-H-A-R-M-I-N-G. Abigail is a charming woman even though her husband is an entitled fool. But her obedience to God is about to change her life forever. #WisdomInAction, #CharmAndCourage, #BiblicalWomanhood Ask This: When facing conflict, how can you seek wisdom to bring peace rather than escalate tension? What steps can you take to grow in humility, courage, or discernment today? Do This: Pray for a charming woman. Pray This: Lord, give me the wisdom and courage to bring peace and

Three lessons from a stupid man. You can learn from stupidity. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, we discovered that David sent some men to Nabal to ask for some generosity, and Nabal rejected and insulted David and his men. Today David and 400 of his men are coming to confront Nabal. Let's see what happens in 1 Samuel 25:14-22: But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, "Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him." Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. And she said to her young men, "Go on before me; behold, I come after you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal. And as she rode on the donkey and came down under cover of the mountain, behold, David and his men came down toward her, and she met them. Now David had said, "Surely in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him, and he has returned me evil for good. God do so to the enemies of David and more also, if by morning I leave so much as one male of all who belong to him." — 1 Samuel 25:14-22 There is a lot here, so let me make three observations and points today. First, one of Nabal's servants clarifies that David is a shepherd of shepherds. The young man makes numerous flattering comments that David's men were "very good" to them, they "suffered no harm," they "did not miss a thing," they were "a wall" to us. We learn that his first career as a shepherd had a principled impact on his second career as a leader of men. Never take for granted what God might be preparing you for in one part of your life for the next part of your life. David was the youngest in the family, and while shepherding might have seemed like a meaningless job in the hills of Bethlehem, God used it to prepare David for a career of leadership and protection over the hills of Israel. Sometimes, what appears to be drudgery at the moment might be divine preparation for later. So, if you feel like your present job is drudgery, pay less attention to the drudgery and more attention to the divine lessons. Second, it's evident that everyone in Nabal's family and on his staff knows he is worthless and resistant to feedback. The picture painted of Nabal is complete. He is more than a fool. He is rich and resistant to feedback, which makes him an "entitled fool." Nobody is more stubborn than a leader, husband, or father who is relatively skilled, rich, and resistant to feedback. But resisting all feedback from people, especially godly people, is foolish. Resistance stunts our growth, damages our relationships, and stalls spiritual maturity. When we go too far, it might lead to isolation, getting us fired, or, in Nabal's case, getting him killed. Don't be an entitled fool. Pay attention to feedback from a friend, family member, or colleague today. It might just be feedback from the Father. Third, a savior is inserted into the story—a noble wife and brave woman—Abigail. There is a lot to love about this woman, but notice the similarity between Saul and Jonathan and now Nabal and Abigail to David. David is about to find another ally in the house of an adversary. Like Jonathan had been to David, Abigail is about to be to David. You need allies in this life, godly men and women, to give you direction. Sometimes, you stumble upon them; other times, you must work and find them. Regardless, build alliances with godly believers in this life. They are a source of substance and sanity when stupid people do stupid things, and they might steer you away from becoming stupid yourself. #LeadershipLessons, #FoolishnessToWisdom, #FaithfulAllies Ask This: How can you identify areas in your life where feedback might help you grow spiritually and relationally? Who are the godly allies in your life, and how can you strengthen those relationships? Do This: Have godly allies, and don't be stupid. Pray This: Lord, help me recognize the valuable lessons hidden in my daily experiences and remain open to feedback that fosters my growth. May I build strong alliances with godly people who guide me through life's challenges. Amen. Play This: Christ Our Wisdom.

Have you ever said something foolish because you were thinking something foolish? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, we discovered that David traveled south and learned that Nabal, a wealthy man, was holding his annual sheep-shearing event and celebration. David was seeking a bit of generosity from his fellow countrymen because his men were hungry, and he had provided generous protection to Nabal's shepherds. To make his request, David sent ten young warriors to ask Nabal for help. Here is what happens in 1 Samuel 25:9-13: When David's young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited. And Nabal answered David's servants, "Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?" So David's young men turned away and came back and told him all this. And David said to his men, "Every man strap on his sword!" And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage. — 1 Samuel 25:9-13 Here are a few observations: Nabal pretends not to know David, but he knows who David is. Everyone knows who David is. Even Nabal's shepherds know because David has been protecting them. But Nabal's resistance becomes apparent when he refers to David as "the son of Jesse." This was Saul's derogatory name for David, which tells us he is aligned with Saul. Like the party division we witness in our country, Nabal has a political sign in his front yard, and it doesn't say, "Make Israel Great Again." (Probably too soon.) Second, to add insult to injury, Nabal compares David to a common slave and servant. He says, "There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters." Third, Nabal displays his selfishness in his response: "Shall I take my bread, my water, my meat, for my shearers?" My, my, my, my. Nabal's response is more selfish and sinister than simply saying no. He is treating his fellow countrymen who have treated him with respect and charity and returning it with rejection and contempt. David is insulted by this and arms 400 men to confront this foolish man. Compared to Saul, Nabal has no unique anointing and appointment by God. Thus, Nabal (whose name means "Fool") is living up to the definition of his name. Nabal is a fool not because of the political sign he has in his yard but because he lacks relational tack, godly wisdom, and awareness that God has blessed him with wealth to be a blessing. Nabal is a selfish and self-centered fool whose mouth spouts foolishness, and it's going to get him killed. Your mouth exposes your heart. You might be able to fake it till you make it for a while. But if you feel cornered, threatened, or attacked, your mouth will expose what your heart holds and your brain believes. Sometimes, what is stirring around in your heart and mind is not right or righteous. So before you say something foolish today, address the foolishness within your heart and mind. Otherwise, when you are cornered, threatened, or attacked, you might express foolishness and start a war you will not win. #GuardYourHeart, #SpeakWisely, #BiblicalWisdom Ask This: What foolish thoughts are lingering in your heart that could lead to harmful words? How can you speak with greater wisdom today? Do This: Address the foolishness in your heart and mind. Pray This: Lord, help me to guard my heart and mind so that my words reflect Your wisdom. Give me the strength to speak with grace and truth today. Amen. Play This: I Need You/Change My Heart, O God.

Do you ever give without expectation? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. So Samuel dies, and after the event, David returns south and here is what happens in 1 Samuel 25:4-8: David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, "Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall greet him: 'Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.'" — 1 Samuel 25:4-8 Here is the situation: After returning through the wilderness of Paran, David rejoins his men. We assume they are still about 600 men strong. Right about this time, he learns that Nabal is shearing his sheep, which would have been a significant event given the size of his flock. Given that his men are hungry and need a reprieve, David sends some men to greet Nabal, hoping for reciprocity in preserving and protecting them rather than plundering them, which would have been expected given the size of their army. David's request is simple: he hopes they can join the upcoming feast, celebrating Nabal's growing wealth. After all, David understands the life of a shepherd, having been one himself. He merely seeks a little goodwill in return for his already-established protection. In the coming verses, we will see Nabal's harsh and ungrateful response. It's disheartening when you do something good and it's met with a sour-hearted and selfish person. But our frustration is not just an issue of the other person. It sometimes stems from our unspoken and unmet expectations. When we give with the expectancy of receiving something in return—e.g., a simple thank you—and that doesn't happen, it stings. You may not be able to change the heart of a sour-hearted and selfish person, but you can change your heart and expectations. Practice giving without expectation. Buy a friend a meal, give a compliment, offer a gift, and work out the silent force of your expectations. Train your heart to give without expectation, and learn the heart of Jesus, who gave everything to humankind that could offer nothing in return. #GivingWithoutExpectation, #SelflessGenerosity, #HeartOfJesus Ask This: How can you practice giving without expectations in your daily life? What unspoken expectations do you need to let go of to foster a more generous heart? Do This: Give without expectation. Pray This: Lord, help me to give freely and generously without the weight of expectation, reflecting Your heart in my actions. Teach me to find joy in selfless giving, just as You did for us. Amen. Play This: Generous Giver.

Is your life dominated by fools or driven by wisdom? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Today, we begin a new chapter—1 Samuel 25. This one involves three characters: David, Nabal, and his wife, Abigail. You will see a warrior's anger, a fool's reckless pride, and a woman's humble wisdom. It will be easy to discern who is who in the story. Let's read verses 1-3: Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. — 1 Samuel 25:1-3 Samuel's death marks the end of an era, signaling a shift in Israel's leadership. This transition invites us to focus more tightly on David's leadership, which is still shaped by a lot of conflict on his way to becoming king. And in this chapter, we will see how David has to navigate a fool on his way to greater wisdom. As we dive deeper into this chapter, we will see a sharp contrast between Nabal and Abigail. Nabal, a wealthy man, embodies foolishness—his very name means "Fool." In stark contrast, Abigail, his wife is a woman of wisdom and discernment. This story of David's encounter of this couple reveals profound truths about the nature of our human relationships. So let me ask: Who are the Nabals and Abigails in your life? Think about your own experiences. Who embodies the "Nabal" in your life? Perhaps it's a colleague whose arrogance frustrates you, a family member whose pride blinds them, or even a friend who dismisses your input. This week, consider how you typically react to these individuals. Are you quick to anger, or can you step back and respond differently? Now, recall the "Abigail" in your life. Their discernment is rooted in humility and grace. Is there someone who approaches conflict with wisdom, patience, and understanding? This week, consider their wisdom and aim to embody their approach in your interactions. Here's your three-part challenge today: Identify: Take a moment to identify the names of the "Nabals" and "Abigails" in your life. Acknowledgment who they are. Reflect: For each "Nabal," ask yourself two questions: What drives their behavior? How can I respond differently? Act: This week, practice Abigail's humility and wisdom. When faced with a foolish act or a difficult conversation, pause, pray for wisdom, and respond with grace. You might be surprised by how your approach changes the dynamics of the relationships in your life. Remember, you can choose wisdom over folly. Make it a week where you don't just avoid fools and acting like a fool but actively fool the world with wisdom instead! #WisdomOverFolly, #AbigailAndNabal, #DailyDevo Ask This: How can I respond with wisdom when confronted by a "Nabal" in my life? What qualities of "Abigail" can I embody in my daily interactions? Do This: Act with wisdom not as a fool. Pray This: Lord, help me recognize my life's "Nabals" and "Abigails" and guide my responses with wisdom and grace. May I embody the humility of Abigail and reflect Your love in all my interactions. Amen. Play This: Christ Our Wisdom.

Do you take control or trust God? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In today's reading, we will be concluding Chapter 24. This chapter begins with David seeking refuge in Engedi while Saul learns of his whereabouts and pursues him with 3000 soldiers. Upon reaching the location, Saul unknowingly entered a cave where David hid. Despite having the opportunity to take Saul's life, David chose to spare him and instead risked his own safety by leaving the cave. The text takes an unexpected turn when Saul responds to David in a surprising manner, and this interaction is further elaborated in today's text 1 Samuel 24:20-22. And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house." And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. — 1 Samuel 24:20-22 Saul publicly acknowledges something everyone else has already acknowledged for years — David would be the next king. But Saul, in a sober moment, asks David to grant him two requests. First, he asked that David "not cut off my offspring" or that David not follow the ancient Near Eastern custom of killing all descendants of his dynastic predecessor. Second, he asked that David "not destroy my name out of my father's house," a request closely related to the first but underscoring the preservation of his name. Without hesitation, David pledged his oath to Saul, reaffirming the solemn promise he had previously made with Jonathan. David's unwavering commitment would later manifest in his benevolent act of providing sanctuary, bestowing a position of honor, and granting a generous inheritance to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–13; 19:29; 21:7). David's decision to spare Saul's life in that cave, even when it seemed like the perfect opportunity to eliminate his enemy, speaks volumes about the kind of man and leader David aspired to be—one ruled by faith in God. He saw beyond his need to control the situation, understanding that God controlled all things, including his future. We are called to live lives marked by faith that expresses the same qualities: mercy and grace, not vengeance. In this story, we catch a small glimpse of the Gospel. David's faith in God resulted in the salvation of himself, his 600 men, Saul, and his 3000 men. Not one man's life was lost in this moment. Not only that, it resulted in a double oath that extended Saul's family and name to future generations. In the same way, Jesus's faith in God extends salvation to all future generations. Like Saul, we who were delusional sinners blatantly rebellious to God in every way and deserving of God's vengeance were redeemed by a sinless man who offered us saving grace and mercy through sacrifice so that we might know God's grace to all future generations. Today, consider the capacity of faith in God to extend life rather than take it. Don't take matters into your own hands; trust in God's hand, and see the power of God's saving grace in every moment of your day. Extend grace because you've received the ultimate grace through Him. #FaithInAction, #ExtendGrace, #DavidAndSaul Ask This: How can you practice extending grace in your relationships, even when it's difficult? In what situations do you struggle to trust God's plan over your own? Do This: Have faith in God's grace. Pray This: Lord, help me to trust in Your plan and extend grace to others, just as David did with Saul. May my actions reflect Your mercy and love in every situation I face. Amen. Play This: Stand In Faith.

Are you playing the odds or trusting in the promises of God? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We have listened to David's speech after coming out of the cave to address Saul for the last couple of days. Today, we finally listen to how Saul responds in 1 Samuel 24:16-19. As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, "You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. — 1 Samuel 24:16-19 A Bipolar King After all that has happened, Saul's reaction is strange—almost bipolar. He shifts from being David's sworn enemy to calling him "son," a reminder that David is his son-in-law, despite his earlier rants where he referred to him only as "the son of Jesse." But here, Saul confesses his wrongdoing and David's righteousness. It's a moment of clarity, brief as it may be, where Saul recognizes David's honor and even asks God to reward him. Who would've predicted this outcome? David has been hunted like an animal by Saul, yet this moment reveals something profound—God's promise to David stands firm. Despite the odds, despite Saul's anger and jealousy, David's future as king remains secure because God declared it. When we face tough times and feel the odds stacked against us, it's easy to think that God's promises won't hold up. But this passage reminds us that no enemy, no circumstance, no obstacle can thwart God's plans for us. Like David, we can trust God to be faithful to His word. So, what promise from God do you need to hang onto today? Pick one below, read it, recall it, and rely on it. 7 Promises To Remember Here are seven promises you can cling to today as a believer in the Lord: 1 | God's Presence in Trials Matthew 28:20 – "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 2 | Strength in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9 – "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 3 | Peace Beyond Understanding Philippians 4:6-7 – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 4 | Provision for Needs Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." 5 | Victory Over Temptation 1 Corinthians 10:13 – "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 6 | Rest for the Weary Matthew 11:28 – "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." 7 | Love and Eternal Life Romans 8:38-39 – "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." #GodsPromises, #FaithInTrials, #DavidAndSaul Ask This: How can you remind yourself of God's promises during difficult times? What enemy or challenge are you currently facing that requires trust in God's faithfulness Do This: Pick a promise above, read it, recall it, and rely on it. Pray This: Lord, I thank You for Your unwavering promises and faithfulness in my life. Help me to trust in You, especially when I face challenges that seem overwhelming. Amen. Play This: Promises.

Are you trusting in your hand or the hand of the Lord? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Today, we continue our story with David, who revealed that he was in the cave with Saul. Bowed to the ground, with the corner of his robe in his hand, he finishes the speech of his life. Let's see how this concludes in 1 Samuel 24:12-15. May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes wickedness.' But my hand shall not be against you. After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand." — 1 Samuel 24:12-15 This part of David's speech is surgical. Here is why. The proverb "Out of the wicked comes wickedness" could easily be interpreted as an indictment of Saul. He was the one who was acting wickedly and possessed by an evil spirit. Yet David, ever so carefully, does not apply this to Saul but to himself, who had done no wickedness in this situation. Yet we all know that Saul is possessed and delusional. Saul is not in his right mind, and when he walks out of the cave, David puts his life in the hands of a known wicked man. But while I state this, this is not entirely true. Again, as he did with Goliath, David understands that he is not putting himself in the hands of Saul but in the hands of God. Twice, he states in this section, "May the Lord judge." David's battle at this moment was a battle of words and not swords, yet all the same, the battle was the Lord's. There are moments in our lives when we have to trust the hand of the Lord. It may look like we are putting ourselves in someone else's hand—a boss, friend, spouse, or legal representative where we, as a believer, there is always another person in the room—The Lord. Stop letting your old life and mind control how you think about life situations. If you have surrendered your life to the Lord, you have another hand on your side—the hand of the Lord. #TrustInGod, #FaithLikeDavid, #SpiritualBattles Ask This: In what situations are you tempted to trust in your strength or others instead of entirely relying on God's hand? How can you remind yourself to see God as the ultimate judge and defender during difficult or unfair circumstances? Do This: Trust in God's Hand, not your own. Pray This: Lord, help me embrace the power of my words in times of conflict, just as David did. Grant me the wisdom to choose truth and mercy over retaliation. May I prioritize relationships and maintain integrity in all my interactions, reflecting Your love and grace. Amen. Play This: Surrounded (Fight My Battles).

Sometimes, battles are fought with words and not swords. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In our story, David puts his men in a risky situation by not cutting down Saul in the cave while he has the chance. But he is left to deal with Saul, so he walks out of the cave to confront the situation and deal with Saul and the consequences. What we listen to in our devotional for the next two days is one of the great speeches of David's life. Let's see what he says in 1 Samuel 24:9-11. And David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Behold, David seeks your harm'? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, 'I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.' See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. — 1 Samuel 24:9-11 This moment marks a pivotal point in David's life, where battles are not won with swords but with words. David stands before Saul, a man who has relentlessly pursued him, and instead of striking him down, he seeks to convince Saul that he is not his enemy but, in fact, an ally. This act of bravery unfolds in front of his 600 men and the 3,000 soldiers standing ready to capture him. Consider the risk involved! David steps into the open, armed with nothing but his words and the truth about his actions. David's response teaches us that sometimes, our battles are fought with words rather than weapons. How you confront difficult situations can determine the outcome. David skillfully wielded his words. You, too, must also learn to fight this way in your life. Here are a few practices David deployed that you can use as well: Proclaim the Truth: David didn't trust in his feelings or the misguided counsel of his allies. He took a hard stand and proclaimed the truth about his situation. You should express your truth honestly, rooted in the right tone in your conflicts. Pursue Mercy: David had reason to retaliate but not the right to retaliate, so he pursued mercy instead. In your confrontations, you can opt for reconciliation rather than revenge. Remember, mercy can be a powerful tool for peace. Prioritize Relationships: David called Saul "my father," reminding Saul of their connection. In your conflicts, you can prioritize the people and positions involved, helping soften hearts and opening doors for resolution. Practice Integrity: David emphasized that he was not the treasonous man Saul believed him to be. In your battles, maintain integrity in your words and actions. Let your character shine through, serving as a witness to the truth. As you go about your day, remember that you may encounter battles where words hold more power than weapons. Like David, may you confront your challenges with truth, mercy, and a commitment to integrity. Fight well, knowing your words can be mightier than the sword. #DavidAndSaul, #PowerOfWords, #FaithInConflict. Ask This: In what challenging situation have you found it difficult to choose words over actions, and how can David's example inspire you to respond differently? How can you actively prioritize relationships and practice mercy daily, especially when facing conflict? Do This: Fight with words, not swords. Pray This: Lord, help me to embrace the power of my words in times of conflict, just as David did, and grant me the wisdom to choose truth and mercy over retaliation. May I prioritize relationships and maintain integrity in all my interactions, reflecting Your love and grace. Amen. Play This: Words.

Let God write the ending of the story. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, David put his men in a risky situation by not cutting down Saul in the cave while he had the chance. But what is left to deal with is Saul and the 3000 soldiers waiting for him and his men inside this kill box. Let's see what happens next in 1 Samuel 24:8. Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, 'My lord the king!' And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. — 1 Samuel 24:8 This moment is intense—David steps out into the open, revealing his location to Saul and his army. A situation where any other man might choose a defensive posture or fight for survival, David chooses the high road of faith. He trusts the Lord with the outcome, even when his life hangs in the balance. This bold move didn't make David the hero of the story—God was the hero. David's faith was in God to deliver him, not in his own ability to manipulate the moment. When we think about our own lives, there are times when we're faced with situations that feel like we're stepping into a dangerous "kill box" of sorts—risks that challenge our faith. It might be a career decision, standing up for what's right in your workplace, or even facing a personal conflict. The temptation to save yourself through manipulation or taking matters into your own hands can be strong. But just like David, we're called to put our faith in the Lord, trusting that He will be the one to deliver us—even if the risks seem high. Are you willing to trust God in the face of risk? This doesn't mean intentionally putting yourself in harm's way to test your faith. Instead, it means that when you find yourself in those dangerous places—spiritually, relationally, or physically—you trust in God's sovereignty over the outcome. Remember, your job isn't to be the hero. It's to allow God to be the hero through your faith. Today, dare to trust God with the results, even when the stakes are high. Boldly take the first step of faith and let God write the ending. #TrustInGod, #FaithOverFear, #GodIsTheHero Ask This: In what areas of your life are you tempted to take control instead of trusting God with the outcome? How can you take a bold step of faith this week, trusting God even when the risks seem high? Do This: Let God write your story. Pray This: Lord, help me to trust You when the risks are great and the outcome is uncertain. Give me the courage to take bold steps of faith, knowing that You are in control and will be my deliverer. Amen. Play This: My Story.

Opportunities that look divine are not always divine. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, David escaped to the Strongholds of Engedi; Saul pursued him with 3000 soldiers and then exposed himself by relieving himself in the cave David was in. So let's see what happens next in 1 Samuel 24:4-7. And the men of David said to him, "Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, 'Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.'" Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's robe. And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. He said to his men, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed." So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way. — 1 Samuel 24:4-7 Three critical moments in this story teach one valuable lesson in spiritual leadership. First | Misinterpreted Messages David's men confidently whisper to David that this is his divine opportunity. They apply an earlier declaration that God had made about the Philistines in Keilah (1 Samuel 23:4) to the present situation. But it's wrongly applied. David's men saw a "divine" opportunity to do something less than divine and altered God's message to match the present moment. We have all been guilty of this. It's easy to misinterpret or selfishly interpret promises of God when our emotions are heightened, or we feel cornered. The messages in our minds can be louder than the messages in God's Word. Second | Stealthy Sword With remarkable stealth, David manages to sneak up behind Saul while he's in a vulnerable moment—literally with his pants down—and cuts off a corner of Saul's robe. We cannot gloss over the fact that David's sword was incredibly sharp (we assume Goliath's sword), and his approach stealthy. Yet, instead of using the sword to chop off Saul's head (as he had with Goliath), he cut a corner of his garment. The deep conviction that struck David was powerful enough that it stopped in his tracks. This required incredible emotional restraint and faith in God. In moments when we hold power in our hands, it's critical to remember that great power is demonstrated in restraint and faith when we act according to God's will, not our own. Third | Confronting Counsel After David crawls back, he speaks to his men about his conviction. He realizes that cutting Saul's robe, while small in comparison to cutting off his head, was still dishonoring the Lord's anointed. David tore into his men with a strong rebuke. His allies counseled him to act and David confronted their counsel. Sometimes, our closest allies counsel us toward choices that seem good but violate God's will. In those moments, we need the courage to question and confront ungodly counsel—even when it seems reasonable and justified. Opportunities that look "divine" are not always divine. Opportunities are merely opportunities with two results—a godly result or an ungodly result. In threatening or emotional moments, it's tempting to see a divine moment that is not a divine moment. It is simply a selfish moment deceptively portrayed as divine. This makes me wonder if when David was crawling up behind Saul, he looked down at Goliath's sword and his reflection, thinking to himself: "Should I use the sword God gave me to cut down the enemy of God's anointed to cut down God's anointed?" As you are given opportunities today to lead, be cautious, especially when you are emotional or cornered. You might be given an opportunity to do something divine or less than divine. Then do God's will, not your own, because spiritual leadership is only spiritual leadership when it is spiritually alligned with God's Will. #DivineDiscernment, #SpiritualLeadership, #DavidAndSaul

Have you been exposed to or exploited by a compromise? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 24 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Decisions That Make Or Break Leaders." Yesterday, David escaped to the Strongholds of Engedi, and this week, our story in Chapter 24 takes place here. So let's settle in 1 Samuel 24:1-3: When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi." Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats' Rocks. And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. — 1 Samuel 24:1-3 Engedi is a beautiful oasis on the west side of the Dead Sea. You can still visit this location today; it looks like it did in David's time. It is a natural and untouched region. Engedi means "Spring of the Wild Goats" because the location features a beautiful natural, cold, freshwater spring that travels down a cavernous ravine opening toward the east. The source of freshwater attracted mountain goats, and in David's time, this area would have been covered in goats. Thus, Engedi is rightly named "Spring of the Wild Goats." So David and his 600 men retreat to this location to escape Saul. The only problem with the area is that it was a kill box. Once you travel the ravine back to spring, there is no means of escape unless you are a mountain goat. The caverns were impossible to climb as they were rocky and dangerous. So David and his men have to resort to hiding in a cave, probably not one cave, but many since there were 600 men and hundreds of possible caves in this location. This is the first time in our story that David is trapped and finds it impossible to run from Saul. David has been trying to run and avoid conflict with Saul, but now confrontation is inevitable. And wouldn't you know it, Saul has to duece. At least, that is what I would assume. If Saul has to take a leak, he is with 3000 men and takes a leak on the nearest rock, but that is not what he does. Saul enters a cave, lowers his pants, and squats to relieve himself. But out of all the caves in the Engedi, he happens into the one David is in. Coincidence? I think not! David is in a compromising situation, but so is Saul. David is trapped, and Saul has his pants down. Now David has a decision to make, which we will see play out tomorrow. All believers eventually find themselves on either side of a compromise. Either we have been exposed to a compromise, or we have been tempted to exploit a compromise. These moments test our integrity, beliefs, values, and, most importantly, our faith in an uncompromising God. Believers don't make compromises. They live and lead without compromise. These opportunities come in many forms but usually appear as alluring shortcuts that promise instant gratification but steal lasting gratification. So when you feel pressured to compromise, ask yourself: What will my actions reveal about my relationship with God? Then, turn back to an uncompromising decision because any other decision would be a crappy decision. #IntegrityMatters, #LeadershipDecisions, #FaithOverCompromise Ask This: In what areas of your life have you felt pressured to make compromises? How can you resist the temptation to make compromises moving forward? Do This: Don't compromise. Pray This: Father, help me recognize the moments of compromise in my life and give me the strength to stand firm in my integrity. May my decisions reflect my faith in You and lead others to see Your unwavering truth. Amen. Play This: God of All My Days.

Do you believe that God is your refuge in the storm? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, David barely escaped, and today, he ran to his 13th location after leaving King Saul's home. I wonder where that might be. Let's see in 1 Samuel 23:28-29: So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi. — 1 Samuel 23:28-29 The next chapter chronicles the "Strongholds of Engedi," which, in my opinion, is one of the most significant chapters in 1 Samuel. You do not want to miss a single day of devotionals. You need to stay with me for the entire week. Don't miss one. Tune in because the next seven days are incredible. For a moment think about how David felt after running for years to now the 13th location. He had zig-zagged across Israel to various locations to avoid the storm of Saul's unrighteous vengeance. This last week, I evacuated Bradenton, Florida, to head up the coast and stayed in Panama City, waiting out Hurricane Milton. I was only gone for three days, and I cannot tell you how emotionally and physically exhausted I was. When I returned, I was unprepared for how much physical labor needed to be done at my son's home (St. Petersburg) and my home (Bradenton). Just so you know, it looks like Haiti down here. Gas stations are out of fuel. There are down powerlines everywhere. Most fences are gone or scattered all over the street. Massive piles of trash and debris line every street. But you know what? I cannot imagine how David mustered spiritual fortitude and stayed centered in the Lord after 10-15 years of running from the storm of Saul's vengeance. It makes me wonder if I, as a believer, have become too soft, given the comforts and pleasures of my time. I mean, think about it. Three days running from a storm, and I was already feeling the weight of emotional and physical exhaustion. Yet David endured far worse—years of constant running, hiding, and uncertainty. He didn't have a comfortable place to land. There wasn't any relief on the horizon, just more running. And yet, through all that turmoil, he stayed centered in the Lord. The "Rock of Escape" wasn't just a geographical place for David but a spiritual reminder. In the middle of his storm, God provided a way out, a refuge, and renewed strength to keep going. And I think this is a lesson for us. When we face our own storms—short like mine or long like David's—it's easy to grow weary and question whether we can keep going. But the truth is, God is still our Rock of Escape. He meets us in the chaos and gives us the strength to endure, no matter how relentless the storm may feel. So, take a hard look at where you've placed your faith. Are you resting in your comforts, your routines, or your own strength? Or are you relying on the Lord as your refuge, your Rock? David's endurance wasn't because of his natural abilities. It was because he had learned to lean on the Lord through every challenge and storm. Let's learn from his example and put our faith not in our comforts but in the God of all comfort, who is our refuge when the storm rages on. Stay with me this week. We're just getting started. #RockOfEscape, #FaithInTheStorm, #GodIsOurRefuge Ask This: In tough times, how can you rely on God instead of your own strength? Reflect on a past personal storm and how God supported you. What lessons can you apply to current challenges? Do This: Trust God in your storm he is your Rock. Pray This: Lord, help me to find my refuge in You during life's storms, trusting in Your strength to carry me through uncertainty. Remind me that, like David, I can lean on You as my Rock of Escape, no matter how relentless the challenges may be. Amen. Play This: Firm Foundation (He Won't).

That's not a coincidence. It's an act of God. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, David was betrayed in Ziph by his people. This will now turn into a thrilling chase—a game of cat and mouse between Saul and David. Let's read 1 Samuel 23:19-24: Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land." — 1 Samuel 23:24-27 When the Ziphites reported David's location to Saul, he and his men retreated five miles south. It is becoming evident that Saul's intelligence is nowhere near superior to David's. Remember, David had inside sources, like Jonathan, and an ephod on his side. But the Wilderness of Maon was a very strategic move. It was a region of Israel with sharp, cavernous cliffs. As a result, one party could be standing on one side of a cliff with a cavern between them and the other party, making it challenging to reach them. But this did not stop Saul, who was desperate to capture and kill David. Saul made every effort while he had the chance. But right when Saul thinks he has him, another enemy attacks—the Philistines. They take advantage of the opportunity to raid Israel while their two prominent leaders and warriors are occupied 30 miles south. I have always found it interesting how God can use anything and anyone to save his people. Sometimes, God saves by cunning strategy, sometimes by divine intervention, and sometimes by using an enemy. In this instance, God uses an enemy to save a man of God from a man against God. Some might consider David's escape in the Wilderness of Maon a mere coincidence, but it is not. God's providence is evident in this moment. For those with a redeemed mind and a biblical worldview, we see this situation with faith, knowing that God provided salvation once again for David. Stop seeing situations in your life as mere chance or coincidence. Believers believe—that is why we are called believers. We believe in a living, risen, eternal God who guides and saves even in unusual ways. When you stop seeing situations in your life as coincidences, you will see God's deliverance more clearly, and as a result, your faith in God will grow and you will trust him more. At the same time, other people will think you are crazy because you see with a redeemed mind events that are never coincidences but acts of God. #GodsProvidence, #FaithOverCoincidence, #DivineIntervention Ask This: What are some moments in your life that initially felt like coincidences but turned out to be acts of God? How do these experiences strengthen your faith? How do you react to unexpected challenges? Can you choose to see God's hand in these situations instead of viewing them as mere chance? Do This: See God, not coincidences. Pray This: Father, help me to recognize Your hand in every circumstance and see Your providence in my life. Strengthen my faith so that I may trust You more deeply, even in unexpected challenges. Amen. Play This: Million Little Miracles.

Are you feeling a need for vengeance? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, we saw Jonathan come to encourage David's hand in the Lord. But today, encouragement has turned into discouragement. Let's read 1 Samuel 23:19-24 which reads: Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? Now come down, O king, according to all your heart's desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king's hand." And Saul said, "May you be blessed by the Lord, for you have had compassion on me. Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning. See therefore and take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you. And if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah." And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. — 1 Samuel 23:19-24 Presently, David is 25 miles south of Saul in Gibeah, hiding in Ziph's strongholds. The people of Ziph are attempting to get into King Saul's good graces by selling David out. But what you may not realize is that the Ziphites are not enemies. They are from the same tribe as David—Judah. His tribe, or his family, have just sold him out. While being encouraged by Jonathan, a different story is playing out in Gibeah. We can read how this affects David in Psalm 54. I am going to read the whole Psalm because it reveals how David felt and responded. O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them. With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. — Psalm 54 What we learn about David in this Psalm is how he handles betrayal. Rather than seeking his own deliverance and vengeance, he will let God deliver and seek vengeance. This requires tremendous strength. I've experienced moments in my life when I felt betrayed, and the urge for vengeance welled up inside me. I've wanted to channel my inner John Wick, Michael Corleone, or Frank Castle, longing for justice against those who wronged me. And let's be honest—if you reflect on your own experiences with betrayal, you know you've felt the same way at times. What is remarkable about David is that he felt this way, too. He felt betrayed and thought about vengeance but never acted on it. He dared to deal with his unrighteous motives, unholy emotions, and sinful thoughts, directing his mind, heart, and soul back to trusting in the deliverance of the Lord and not in his own deliverance. If you feel betrayed today, bring your betrayal to Jesus. Jesus knows your betrayal because he, too, was betrayed. Besides, you are not your own deliverer. There is a better Deliverer. His deliverance is better, and his vengeance is just and lasting. God, we bring all injustice against us to you. Deliver us from every trouble and give us triumph over our enemies. Amen #BetrayalToTrust, #GodsDeliverance, #ForgivenessJourney

Do you need to be encouraged by the hand of the Lord? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, we learned that Saul would hunt David down every day of his life. But in this not-so-delightful news, encouragement is about to come his way in the form of a message from a messenger. Let's listen in to 1 Samuel 23:15-18 which reads: David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, "Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this." And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. — 1 Samuel 23:15-18 In this chapter, the word "hand" is mentioned eight times. If you have your Scripture Journal, it would be worth scanning the chapter and circling the occurrences of this word. You will see that this word signals potential power shifts in the story, from the Philistines to Saul, to Keilah, and to David. In this particular instance, Jonathan has come to strengthen David's hand in the Lord. He has come to David in one of the low moments of his life to communicate that everyone knows something that David might forget in the emotional distress of his trial—that God's will is for David to be king, and in the meantime, he needs to hang on to the hand of the Lord. I cannot recount how many times believers have encouraged me at precisely the right moment when I am at an emotional low. Some of you have encouraged me in the Lord with your texts, calls, emails, and gifts of generosity. Without knowing it, there have been times when some of you acted at just the right time to strengthen my hand in the Lord. I also know that there have been times when my messages and devotionals have done the same for you. So, let's keep it going. Encourage someone's hand in the Lord today—as Jonathan did for David. Sometimes, a timely prompting of spiritual encouragement gives someone the courage to see beyond the present circumstances and continue trusting in the promises of the Lord. #StrengthInTheLord, #EncourageOneAnother, #GodsPromises Ask This: Who has been a "Jonathan" in your life, strengthening your hand in the Lord when you struggled? How can you do the same for someone else this week? Do This: Encourage someone in the Lord. Pray This: Lord, thank You for the people who strengthen me in my times of need and remind me of Your promises. Help me to be a source of encouragement to others, lifting their hearts toward You in their moments of struggle. Amen. Play This: Hand Of God.

What lessons have you learned from your long, arduous trial? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, David went over to Keilah and defeated an invasion of the Philistines, putting him within Saul's reach. Today, we will see how that turns out in 1 Samuel 23:13-14 which reads: Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition. And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand. — 1 Samuel 23:13-14 In this text, we notice that David's men continue to grow. He was around 400 men but now has grown to 600. They continue to run and avoid engaging in civil conflict with Saul. David seems to have given instructions not to engage with Saul. This is honorable, given that "Saul sought him every day" for over a decade. This was a long, arduous trial that had no end in sight. Have you ever endured a long, arduous trial like this with no end in sight? If you have, you know it can be both exhausting and exhilarating. As a pastor, I've seen many people walk through these seasons many times. I have also learned that believers enduring long, arduous trials often develop profound resilience and strength. Although the trials are unenjoyable in the present situation, they become trainers and teachers for future situations. At a point, a person emerges transformed, realizing the trial was not merely an obstacle but an opportunity to test and toughen their faith, revealing spiritual muscles that God will use for future feats. So, are you going into, in, or coming out of a long, arduous trial? If so, trust God through the obstacle and see the opportunity. Pay attention to how God is training you. Learn the lessons God is trying to teach. God just might be preparing you for something great. At this moment in our text, God was forging David's character as a man and leader. He was building his trust, patience, and resilience for the battles ahead. If you are a believer today who has been through a long, arduous trial, surely you have learned some timeless lesson. Do me a favor and share the lesson or lessons that your trial has taught you in the comments below. Some believers listening today are going through a trial, and they cannot see the opportunity but only the obstacle, and they need your encouragement today. The lessons you have learned could be the good news they need to lift their eyes to the opportunity God wants them to see. #ResilientFaith, #TrustGod, #LessonsInTrials Ask This: What lessons have you learned during your long trials that have strengthened your faith? How can sharing your experiences help others grow in their faith? Do This: Share the lesson of your trial. Pray This: Father, help me trust in Your guidance during my trials, knowing that You are shaping my character and faith through these challenges. Grant me the strength to encourage others with the lessons I've learned, reflecting Your faithfulness in my life. Amen. Play This: He Will Hold Me Fast.

Do you default to your will, convincing yourself it's God's will, or just to God's will? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, David went over to Keilah and defeated an invasion of the Philistines, putting him within Saul's reach. Today, we will see how that turns out in 1 Samuel 23:6-12 which reads: When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech had fled to David to Keilah, he had come down with an ephod in his hand. Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, "God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars." And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, "Bring the ephod here." Then David said, "O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O Lord, the God of Israel, please tell your servant." And the Lord said, "He will come down." Then David said, "Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?" And the Lord said, "They will surrender you." — 1 Samuel 23:6-12 An ephod was a cloth garment worn by Israel's high priests. It was made from fine and colorful materials; think of it as a long, lightweight, sleeveless vest worn over other clothing to distinguish a priest (see image here). Attached to it was a jem-covered breastplate. The garment was used during worship and to seek God's guidance because within a pocket of the ephod were the Urim and Thummim—objects used to discern God's will. So what are the Urim and Thummim? These objects are a bit of a mystery. We don't know exactly how they were used or what they looked like. We believe they were two small stones (maybe gems), one white and the other black. But in some way, they were used exclusively by a high priest to inquire of God and determine his will. The words Urim and Thummin literally meant "lights" and "perfections," so some believe that when light shone on them, they gave direction. Given this context, we can compare Saul and David in the text. If you remember back a few verses, Saul had just murdered all the priests, minus one who escaped—Abiathar. So the fact that he thinks God has given David into his hand is preposterous. This is how delusional Saul has become. He kills defenseless priests of God and then believes he is still hearing from God. It troubles me to say this but there are believers who can become this delusional. On the other hand, we have David. In the previous text, David consulted God twice before going to Keilah and will now do it again. He does it in the traditional way because God has given him a secret weapon—a surviving priest who slipped away with an ephod that no doubt had the Urim and Thummin. Notice the shift in the story: Saul has eliminated all means of hearing God's voice, and David has been given the means of hearing God's voice. This is a vital power shift in this story. If you want to do God's will, you have to be willing to hear God's will. This means you cannot eliminate all means of hearing from God and then justify the voice in your head as God's will. That's delusional. Instead, the better choice is to surround yourself with as many means of hearing God's will as possible, including God's Word, God's people, and God's Spirit, and engaging in intercessory prayer. #GodsWill, #Discernment, #FaithJourney Ask This: What practices or resources are you currently using to discern God's will in your life, and how can you deepen those practices? Can you identify a recent decision where you felt torn between your own desires and what you believed to be God's direction? How did you navigate that situation? Do This: Seek God's will, not your own. Pray This: Father, please help me to seek Your will above my own and to recognize the guidance You provide through Your Word, Your Spirit, and the community around me. May I be open to hearing Your voice and willing to follow the path You have set before me. Amen. Play This: I Lift My Eyes.

Do you like doing it your way or God's way? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." This week, you will see two men function as kings. One will do it his way. The other will do it the Lord's way. I will let you figure out which man does it which way. Let's begin with 1 Samuel 23:1-5 which reads: Now they told David, "Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors." Therefore David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the Lord said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah." But David's men said to him, "Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand." And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. — 1 Samuel 23:1-5 David has a lot going on in his life, doesn't he? But he never quits his job or abandons his calling. This is a good reminder. Sometimes, you will experience seasons where a lot is going on in your life. This is not a time to abandon your calling. This might be the time to lean into it more because the enemy is working to distract and divert you from the work God wants you to do. The enemy loves getting you all worked up about peripheral matters, so you won't worry about what actually matters. So, if your life is full, focus on fulfilling your calling. But if David moves to fulfill his calling and save the people of Keilah, he knows that this will put him between two enemies—the Philistines and Saul. Keilah was located on the west edge of Israelite territory, closer to Gibeah, where Saul was. So instead of pursuing his calling our selfish stubbornness, David does what a great spiritual leader would do: he inquires of God. Instead of being stubborn and seeking his will, he submits to the Lord and seeks his will. Great leaders never let their drive, determination, and desires override the will of the Lord. During the running years, David never forgot that the battle and the victory were the Lord's. You have to remember this, too. There is a calling God has on your life. You should live out this calling with drive and determination. But you should never let your will override the will of the Lord. It's the Lord who gave you this calling. The Lord has a way that he wants you to steward your calling. You should heed his direction so he wins and gets the glory through you. Your calling is not led by your will for your glory. God, we give our callings to you today. May we live it out with drive and determination, but never according to our will for our glory. Amen #GodsWay, #FollowYourCalling, #FaithfulLeadership

Leaders bear the responsibility for their decisions. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, Doeg slaughtered the entire priestly line of Ahimelech. But today, we learn one priest escapes. Let's find out who that is in 1 Samuel 22:20-23: But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. And David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping." — 1 Samuel 22:20-23 Abiathar is the sole heir of Eli's house, who remains according to the prophecy in Chapter 2. If you can remember, about 20 weeks ago, when we began this series, there was a man of God who prophecied against Eli because of his wicked sons, and he said: Only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men. — 1 Samuel 2:33 That prophecy has come true for Abiathar, the final heir of Eli. But notice two details. First, Abiathar does not cast any blame on David for what has happened to his father or his entire family. He comes in peace, seeking refuge. David provides refuge for him for all the days of his life and will be a high priest in his empire. Second, even though Abiathar doesn't blame David, David takes full responsibility for the events that led to his family's death. This is quite the comparison to Saul, who takes no responsibility at all. Great leaders take responsibility for their actions and inaction and the impact they have on others, no matter how big or small. This is a fundamental principle of leadership. Today, I want to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your leadership roles. Carefully consider any areas where you may need to start taking responsibility for your actions or inaction. Bear the weight of your leadership responsibility. Then, share your conviction with the people you lead and make the commitment to step up as a leader and provide the leadership they need. #LeadershipResponsibility, #AccountabilityInFaith, #FaithfulLeadership Ask This: In what areas of your leadership—whether at work, community, or home—do you need to take more responsibility for your actions and their impact on others? How can you create an environment of openness and accountability within your team or community, encouraging others to also take ownership of their roles? Do This: Take responsibility in one area of leadership this week. Pray This: Father, help me to embrace my leadership responsibilities with humility and courage, acknowledging the impact of my actions on those I lead. Grant me the wisdom to create a culture of accountability where we can support one another in our journeys of growth and service. Amen. Play This: I Have Decided.

Ungodly influences will affect your legacy. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, we ended our reading just as Saul ordered his soldiers to slay Ahimelech and his entire priestly line. They refused for obvious reasons. Here's what happens in 1 Samuel 22:18-19: Then the king said to Doeg, "You turn and strike the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword. — 1 Samuel 22:18-19 This event is genuinely saddening on so many levels. I hope you notice that Doeg didn't merely follow the king's orders; he took the opportunity to go above and beyond, leaving a bloody trail of devastation. He is a shepherd who slays every breathing creature in Nob. What's striking is that there's no indication Saul tried to stop this slaughter of surplus. On that day, Doeg revealed who he indeed was—an Edomite enemy, betraying the Israelites and destroying their priests at the will of a possessed Israelite King. The actions taken against Ahimelech echo the kind of judgment God decreed upon enemy nations. This moment is eerily reminiscent of what God commanded Saul to do to the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:3. Except this time, Saul finally follows through. Through his ruthless henchman, he finally enacts the kind of judgment he was commanded to impose on his people instead of the Amalekites. By the voice of Doeg, Saul is tipped over the edge and has now become a failure of monumental proportions. Saul's decline is shocking. The once reluctant leader has devolved into a ruthless tyrant, completely consumed by corruption. Like Pharoah in the time of Moses and Herod in the time of Jesus, Saul's decline turns him against his people and God. All men and leaders are susceptible to the same decline. I am, and so are you. As a believer, take time to identify one ungodly influence that has infiltrated the ranks of your life. Then, eliminate this influence. There is no reason to let one ungodly influence have decision rights in those emotional times of your life. These people don't care about you. They also don't care about the consequences of their flawed advice. They may even take advantage of you as Doeg did of Saul. #LeadershipLessons, #GuardYourHeart, #UngodlyInfluence Ask This: What ungodly influences have you encountered in your life, and how can you actively remove or address them to maintain your spiritual integrity? In what ways can we ensure that our leadership, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, remains aligned with God's principles rather than succumbing to corrupt influences? Do This: Eliminate one ungodly influence. Pray This: Father, help me to surrender my fears to You and trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You are always in control. May I seek to build a strong community of faith around me, supporting one another as we navigate life's challenges together. Amen. Play This: Honest.

Are you paranoid about the present conspiracy? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, we discovered Doeg, the foreigner, sold out Ahimelech, the Priest, and that he saw him in Nob supply David with supplies and a sword. So Saul, who is now furious, commands Ahimelech and his family of priests to come to Gibeah, only a couple of miles to the west. Let's read what happens in 1 Samuel 22:11-17: Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob, and all of them came to the king. And Saul said, "Hear now, son of Ahitub." And he answered, "Here I am, my lord." And Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?" Then Ahimelech answered the king, "And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honored in your house? Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little." And the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house." And the king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord.— 1 Samuel 22:11-17 This section is deeply disturbing. Saul is now so paranoid that he sees even his closest and most godly allies as foes rather than friends. Ahimelech presents to him a four-pronged and logical defense: He understood David as a loyal servant, son-in-law, and captain of his servants. He performed his royal duties as required. He affirmed his loyalty to Saul. He declared his non-involvement in a plot against the King. But none of this is convincing to Saul. David's actions, combined with Jonathan's, Michal's, Samuel's, and now Ahimelech's, confirmed by Doeg, are too much for the paranoia stirring around in Saul's mind. The circle of the conspiracy continues to grow, and Saul cannot see it any other way. Therefore, Saul pronounces a verdict as the high prosecutor in his court, and then his men refuse to act. I am sure the inaction of his men only confirmed his fears of a growing conspiracy. God is always up to something, and it's always righteous. But his righteousness will expose unrighteousness. Sometimes, we may interpret this as a conspiracy against us, especially when we are the ones opposing God by acting unrighteous. Saul's verdict exposes his desire to play God in this situation. Note that his words are the same as God's judgment for human sin in Genesis 2:17, "You shall surely die." But Saul is not God therefore his paranoia leads to an unjust verdict and the sentencing of a line of innocent and defenseless priests. Saul is paranoid and feels like he is losing control, but the text presents no sign that he has lost any control in the kingdom. Even David perceives himself to be Saul's subject and merely wants to keep himself and his family safe. He has no desire to take the kingdom from Saul's hand. Saul still has absolute control but is now completely controlled by his fears. Fear is an essential God-given emotion designed to signal you when you perceive a threat, danger, or something unknown. Fear is designed to alert you and prepare you to respond to a challenge. But when you allow fear to control you, you are prone to making irrational decisions founded in senseless conspiracies of your will rather than the sound certainty of God's will. There are so many things to be fearful of today: the economy, war, immigrants, storms, illicit drugs, party division, and the next election. At the same time, you also have personal fears that demand your immediate attention. But you cannot let any of these fears control you. Saul is an example of a man who is in complete control of a kingdom but acts like he is out of control because his fears are completely controlling him. Don't live life this way. It will drive you mad. Instead, let your fears drive your faith in God, who is the only one to be feared. #FaithOverFear, #CommunityInChrist, #1SamuelReflections Ask This: How has fear affected your decisions and relationships, and how can you shift to trust in God's sovereignty? How can you build support among your friends and family during fearful times? Do This: Stop constructing conspiracies in your mind, confide in the Creator, and fear him. Pray This: Father, help me to surrender my fears to You and trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You are always in co

Are you friends with too many deceptive opportunists? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, we discovered King Saul pouting in Gibeah. If you remember, Saul threw a tantrum, leaving his servants, who were mostly his family, in shock. Then, we assume this outburst was met with silence until one man breaks the silence. I wonder who that man might be? Let's read 1 Samuel 22:9-10: Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."— 1 Samuel 22:6-8 The man is Doeg. He was herding in Nob days before when he saw David, and he just happened to be here at Saul's outburst. Therefore, since he is an enemy slave, he will leverage an opportunity. He takes advantage of the silence and sells David and the priests out, leveraging his knowledge against Saul's people. You will see tomorrow that Doeg's opportunism will strike a deadly blow to Israel and its spiritual community. And it's not good. We live in very suspicious times. We are less trusting of legacy media, political messaging, social media, news propaganda, educational institutions, drug providers, and corporate policies than ever. While I don't think we need to embrace every conspiracy theory, I think it is good to be skeptical and to trust institutions and people less without abandoning them. Doeg is merely a sleeper opportunist. He is a foreigner who has infiltrated Israel because Saul has allowed it. Doeg is a skilled herdsman and will use his skill to herd the people of Israel against one another. He intentionally retained information and saw an opportunity to sell David out for his own benefit, turning the priests against Saul and his servants. Watch out for oppositional opportunists like Doeg in your life. These are people who do not care about you and will take advantage of your willingness to trust them, using that to their advantage at the cost of something in your life. They will sneak in, spy you out, and then sell you out and it is never an enjoyable experience. This occurrence here is going to turn deadly, ripping apart the house of God, as we will see tomorrow. Here is my advice: Go to a Bible-preaching church. Join a small group or form a close relationship with other believers. Marry a believer. Do business with people who are believers. Build lasting, trusting relationships with believing men and women. Stop spending time with so many Doegs, those who do not share your values, beliefs, and faith in God. Over time, they slip in and tear friendships apart, churches apart, marriages apart, and businesses apart. #CommunityMatters, #BewareOfOpportunists, #FaithfulConnections Ask This: Who are the "Doegs" in your life, and how can you better identify and protect yourself from their influence in your relationships? In what ways can you actively seek out and cultivate trusting relationships with other believers to strengthen your spiritual community? Do This: Decrease your Doegs. Increase disciples. Pray This: Father, please help me discern the intentions of those around me and build trusting relationships with fellow believers who will encourage my faith. Strengthen my community connections so that I can grow in my walk with You and support others in their journey as well. Amen. Play This: Relationship.

Do you feel insecure about the present political climate? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, David took his family to the stronghold in Moab and then left with his 400 men to the forest of Hereth. Today, the text is going to turn back to King Saul in Gibeah in 1 Samuel 22:6-8: Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, "Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day." — 1 Samuel 22:6-8 The last time we read about Saul, he had his spear in hand and hurled it at his son, Jonathan. Again, he has his spear in hand, probably because he is very concerned for his life. This is a possessed and paranoid king who is strapped with a weapon wherever he goes, and people continue to submit to his oppressive disposition. One of the reasons they submit is submitted in the text. Saul is paying for their allegiance by endearing the people of his tribe (the Tribe of Benjamin) with three things: fields, vineyards, and positions in the kingdom. It's important to pause here and notice the contrast of appearances between Saul and David. Saul sits in the comfort of his home atop a hill in his kingdom, peacefully in the shade of a tamarisk tree. David retreats to a cave and foreign lands outside his homeland, distressed and running for his life. However, the picture of Saul's security is only an illusion because deep insecurities are stirring within his heart. Saul realizes that the quid-pro-quo approach with his tribe (the Tribe of Benjamin) is no longer as effective as it once was because his oppression has become too much. David's tribe (the Tribe of Judah) just rallied around him in distress at the Cave of Adullam with no promises of quid-pro-quo. Thus we see Saul is creating a political divide within Israel, and the people feel it. But Saul's outburst gives him away. It makes him sound like a pouting child who is not getting his way and is throwing a tantrum. Essentially, he exclaims, "I give you everything, but no one tells me anything!" Saul's facade of security has been publicly exposed. Deep insecurities are driving him further into madness. He is not concerned about the things of God, God's people, or even his own tribe. His only concern is himself. Following his outburst, his people are silent. They are in shock at what he has declared, and no one dares to respond. And so Samuel's explicit declaration in 1 Samuel 8 about their desire to appoint a king like other nations is fulfilled a couple of decades later. Let's turn back and read what Samuel prophecied: "These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you … he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties.… He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his servants." — 1 Samuel 8:11, 12, 14. Political leaders do not care about you. They frequently begin with pure motives and good intentions, but if they stay in politics for long enough, their motives and intentions turn to securing favor for themselves and their families and finally winning just enough public favor for their next election. You might initially not like what I am saying and disagree with me on this, but don't ignore Saul's progression and Samuel's prophecy they are a standing pattern that has stood the test of time. Besides, in the end, this empire will not last very long. There are only three kings in Israel's monarchy: Saul, David, and Solomon. It lasts only long enough for the Temple to be built. (I wonder if God was trying to tell us something?) If you feel insecure about our present political climate remember: political leaders do not care about you, but there is one who does. His name is Jesus. He is the only King. Submit to him, and find your security in him; he will never let you down. God, today we put our trust in God, who is King, not the next king. Amen. #InsecureKings, #FaithInPolitics, #CommunityInChrist Ask This: How do Saul's insecurities mirror those of our leaders? How can we seek God's guidance to lead with authenticity and trust rather than fear? In challenging times, how can we build genuine community and support instead of superficial relationships that are based on others' insecurities? What practical steps can we take to foster genuine connection? Do This: Find security in God. Pray Thi

Are you living a legacy that leaves a wake? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Yesterday, David was in the Cave of Adullam, and God provided him with relationships and resources; today, he will head to the other side of the river into new territory. Let's see where he goes in 1 Samuel 22:3-5: And David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, "Please let my father and my mother stay with you, till I know what God will do for me." And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. Then the prophet Gad said to David, "Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah." So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth. — 1 Samuel 22:3-5 From the Cave of Adullam, David heads east (see map). He would have had to cross the hills and the Jordan River to reach Moab, east of Israel. What makes this interesting is that Moabites were one of Saul's enemies, whom he had successfully opposed in Chapter 14. This begs the question, "Why did he take his family here? Haven't we just tried running to an enemy, and it did not work out so well?" There is an intriguing answer. David understood that he had to get his family to safety. They ran a significant risk in coming to him, so he had to take them somewhere relatively safe. Even though the Moabites were enemies to Saul, David has distant family roots in Moab. David's great-grandmother and Jesse's grandmother was a famous Moabite—Ruth (Ruth 4:13, 18–22). Ruth's faithfulness paid off during her day and continued to pay off more than a century later. In Ruth's lineage, David found safety for his family until Saul was gone. Sin always leaves a wake of ongoing consequences. But so does our faithfulness. Don't underestimate the wake of your faithfulness to future generations. Your decision for Christ and the ongoing decisions you make for Christ can positively impact your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. So work out your salvation, be faithful, and live a legacy that leaves a wake felt by future generations. #FaithfulLegacy, #DavidAndRuth, #JourneyToSafety Ask This: How can you identify and strengthen the community connections in your life, especially during times of distress or uncertainty? How might these relationships impact your faith journey and the faith of future generations? Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to protect your loved ones. How did your faith guide you in that situation, and what lessons can you draw from David's example of seeking safety for his family? Do This: Live a legacy that leaves a wake. Pray This: Father, help me trust in Your provision as I navigate life's challenges, just as David did in his time of distress. May I cultivate strong connections within my community and leave a lasting legacy of faithfulness for future generations. Amen. Play This: The Blessing.

Are you hiding in a cave, feeling hunted, hated, and alone? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections." Don't miss the new drop of The Vince Miller Show at the link below. Yesterday, David was acting like an insane man in Gath, which was a short-lived retreat. Today, David will run to a new location, so let's see where he goes in 1 Samuel 22:1-2: David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men. — 1 Samuel 22:1-2 Adullam was about ten miles southeast of Gath, back into the hills, yet still twenty-plus miles south of Gibeah, Ramah, and Nob, where he had previously been. This puts him back in Israelite territory, but enemies would struggle to get to him because he is in the foothills (see map). In the Cave of Adullam, David is met with two great foes: distress and bitterness. These two words are potent and dripping with emotion in this text. If you want to know how David experienced these emotions, read Psalm 57 and Psalm 142, which recount David's cry to the Lord during this time. At some point, every believer will feel like David felt in the Cave of Adullam. We might not be hunted by an enemy King with an army like David was, but we will feel the same distress and bitterness. We will feel like we are sitting in a lonely, dark, cold cave alone. And in this distress, we should call upon the Lord. Cry out in emotion to God as David did. Read the two Psalms and cry out the same emotions, knowing you are not the only believer who has ever felt this way. But here comes the good news. God heard David's cry and sent a massive community to the rescue. In the Cave, God supplies relationships for David. He is reunited with his family. The family that seemed almost to desert him in the early chapters of 1 Samuel comes to him. These are the same brothers who used to tease him and the father who gave him over to the service of a now-possessed king. These relationships had to be an overwhelming comfort to David. Regardless of past hurts and hangups, they all came and attended to the soul of their son and brother. In the Cave, God supplies resources for David. God supplies him with 400 men—400 like-minded men who felt his distress, knew the injustice, and were willing to risk aligning with him and going forward with him. I assume this included even the older brothers, who used to tease him. Don't underestimate what God will do with you in your cave. I know David was literally being hunted and found refuge in an actual cave, but your cave is no different. It is filled with the same distress and bitterness. Your soul knows the same loneliness David felt. If you are in the cave with David, call on the Lord, who rescues and provides relationships and resources to those who call upon him. Never underestimate what God might do with you in the cave. God might be mounting an army of relationships and resources to rescue you. God, I pray you will be with those distressed and bitter today. In the cave, come to them and provide them with the relationships and resources that only you can provide that they each need. Amen. #CaveToCommunity, #GodsProvision, #FaithInDistress Ask This: In times of distress and isolation, how can you actively seek out and cultivate relationships that provide support and encouragement in your spiritual journey? Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "cave" of bitterness or loneliness. How did you experience God's presence during that time, and what lessons did you learn about relying on Him and the community around you? Do This: Run to the God of all resources. Pray This: Lord, in my distress and bitter moments, help me remember that I am never truly alone, for You are always with me. Grant me the courage to reach out for support and embrace the community You provide. Amen. Play This: Never Alone.

Are you wearing a temporary mask or a permanent one? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 21 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." Yesterday, David ran to Gath, the former home of Goliath, with Goliath's sword. The King of Gath realizes he is there, so let's see what David decides to do next. Let's read 1 Samuel 21:12-15: And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard. Then Achish said to his servants, "Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?" — 1 Samuel 21:10-12 So we discover that David is not just a shepherd, poet, musician, lover, and warrior but also an actor. Is there anything this strapping young man cannot do? And it is believable! He drools on himself and writes a little graffiti on the city's walls, and the King falls for it. David is labeled a madman. I assume that since he had seen King Saul act like a madman and got away with it, maybe he assumed he could get away with it, too. I don't know for sure, but it worked! But what captured my attention today is the stark contrast between Saul's tactics in Gibeah and David's in Gath. Saul surrounds himself with sanity to hide his insanity. David uses insanity to hide his sanity. For some reason, Achish's pronouncement of his insanity provides him with temporary safety until he can escape to the coming location. Occasionally, wearing a temporary mask is necessary in life-threatening situations. Enemies surrounded David; therefore, temporary pretending was needed to preserve his life. The problem is that many use this tactic as a perpetual means to maintain a persona that is not remotely true. Therefore, their playacting becomes a perpetual lie they tell about themselves. But this is not true of David. David's act was only temporary. While publicly pretending, he privately anchored his mind and soul to the truth about God in God's Word (as revealed this week in Psalm 34 and Psalm 56). This was not a permanent act by David, only temporary until he found a means of escape. If you must wear a mask as a temporary shield against an enemy, do so sparingly. Don't fake it until you make it, and then continue with the act only to become a fake. And since this is usually not needed, stop pretending, be authentic, take off the mask, and trust in God. #DavidOnTheRun, #AuthenticityInFaith, #TrustingGod Ask This: In what areas of your life do you feel pressured to wear a mask or pretend to be someone you're not? How can you seek God's truth to find your authentic self? David used a temporary act to escape danger, but he anchored his heart to God's truth. How can you balance the need for self-protection in difficult situations with a commitment to living authentically in your faith? Do This: Stop pretending and take off the mask. Pray This: Father, help me discern when it's necessary to wear a temporary mask for my protection while staying rooted in Your truth. Grant me the courage to remove false facades and embrace my authentic self as I navigate life's challenges. Amen. Play This: Let My Life Be Worship.

Are you trying to outrun your fears? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 21 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." Yesterday, David ran to Nob to Ahimelech, the priest. Today, he is going to run somewhere new. Let's read 1 Samuel 21:10-12: And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. And the servants of Achish said to him, "Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, 'Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands'?" And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. — 1 Samuel 21:10-12 If we go back to Chapter 5 in our study, we will remember that there were five main Philistine cities, and Gath was one of them. A Lord led each, and Achish led Gath. So David runs 23 miles southwest into Philistine territory, probably thinking that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." But don't forget Gath was the hometown of a great Philistine warrior named Goliath, and David had just acquired his sword. Even worse, once he gets there, his folk hero status precedes him as some of the servants of Achish quickly notice him and reference the folk song the Israelites sang about him. But David is aware of what is going on. He knows that running to Achish might provide temporary cover from Saul, but it might also put him in harm's way with Achish and the Philistines. Still, he runs the risk, and now his fears only increase, and he learns that a man can never outrun his fears. There have been a few times in my life as a man of God where adverse events keep happening to me that lead to waves of fear. When it is just one or two events, I am usually okay. But after a few similar events, questions began stirring in my mind. Eventually, I will fixate on one of two theories: either I have done something unrighteous to provoke these events, or my righteousness has provoked injustice that is hunting me down. Either way, this is a very lonely feeling; suspicions and fears begin to take hold in my mind, which is a direct attack on my faith in God. To this point, David has fought many great battles with great enemy warriors, but I think the battles within his mind are the most intriguing. So, let's back up a few days to our devotional on Sunday (see post here). If you remember, we said a couple of journal entries were made during this time. Songs that David wrote during his time in Gath. Psalm 56 is one. Listen to the song he secretly wrote during this very lonely time that tells us how he was fighting this battle in his mind: Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life. For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. — Psalm 56:1-13 Hopefully, you see that David realizes he may outrun Saul but he will never outrun his fears. He must fight his waves of fears in faith with the truth of God. This is what you have to do as well. When surrounded by fear, you cannot outrun your fears. You also cannot let the waves of your fears beat you down. You need to fight them by finding shelter on the Rock. Let the waves of your fears beat against the Rock of Your Salvation. God and his truth are firm and unchanging. Look down upon your fears, and do not be afraid. There is nothing man can do to you when you trust in God. God. Given all the events surrounding me and the waves of fear that beat against me, I choose to put my faith in you, the Rock of my Salvation. Amen. #FaithOverFear, #TrustInGod, #BattlesWithin Ask This: When fear overwhelms you, what practical steps can you take to shift your focus back to trusting in God? How do you typically respond when facing repeated challenges? Do you tend to question your actions or see them as opportunities to strengthen your faith? Do This: Have faith in God, and don't try to outrun your fears. Pray This: God, when fear overwhelms me and doubt creeps in, help me to place my trust entirely in You. I know that I can stand firm in Your strength, no matter what comes my way. Amen. Play This: Rock Of Ages - What A

Do you need provisions today? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 21 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." Remember, David runs to Nob, where the Tabernacle is located, and speaks with Ahimelech, the priest. Today, he asks Ahimelech for something interesting. Listen to 1 Samuel 21:8-9: Then David said to Ahimelech, "Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste." And the priest said, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here." And David said, "There is none like that; give it to me." — 1 Samuel 21:8-9 God's church is the place to find spiritual provision. David runs to the Tabernacle because he needs provisions. The Priest has no problem giving David this provision because he understands it was God's provision for David to begin with. God gave David the sword to slay Goliath, and Ahimelech understood this. This trophy was merely on loan, kept in the Lord's house for safekeeping. He understood that God was the owner and he was a mere steward of the things of God. The church should always be a place for us to find provision. Not just natural provisions (like bread and weapons) but a place for spiritual provisions. And why? Because they're God's provisions, to begin with. God is the provider of all provisions, both natural and spiritual. And we should freely give them because they were freely given to us. The church should be a place where humanity finds the spiritual provisions they need. The greatest of these needs is salvation. A provision you need that you cannot earn, for which God paid and freely gives to you. If you need his salvation, seek it; he provides it to all who call on his name and surrender to him. God, we surrender to you. We need your provision of your salvation. Amen. #GodsProvision, #SpiritualNeeds, #ChurchCommunity Ask This: Where in your life do you need to trust God more for His spiritual or physical provision, and how can the church support you in meeting that need? What provisions has God already given you that you might be holding onto too tightly rather than using them to serve others as a steward of His blessings? Do This: God provides salvation. Run to his house. Pray This: Lord, I acknowledge that all I have comes from You, and I trust You to meet my every need. Help me to rely on Your provision and use what You've given me to bless others in Your name. Amen. Play This: God Is Able.

Are your friends really foes and, therefore, hard to trust? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 21 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." Remember, David is at Nob, at the Tabernacle, talking with Ahimelech. There is someone present this day, a spy of sorts. Listen to 1 Samuel 21:7: Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. His name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul's herdsmen. — 1 Samuel 21:7 Doeg is a crucial figure in the next chapter, so note this occurrence and what we learn today. There are two details about Doeg worth noting. First, he is an Edomite, a people who have been enemies of God since the time of Moses. The big question is why King Saul allowed an Edomite a place of any authority in his kingdom. Second, we learn that he does not have a minor role. He is the "Chief Shepherd." If you recall, David was a shepherd, too, and we would assume he was one of the best. However, David can not be both a shepherd and a warrior, so Saul must choose someone else with this skill. But his choice is a captured opponent, illustrating again the deteriorating discernment of Saul, which will play into his evil hands in the next chapter because Doeg is not just a captured opponent and chief shepherd but a contracted spy. Sometimes, people who look like friends may actually be foes. This principle is so hard to teach young teens. During the impressionable teen years, when teens are desperate for acceptance, they sometimes surround themselves with compromising people, which leads to compromising decisions. This was a hard-learned lesson for each of my children. But adults fall for this, too. When building new relationships in new situations, we can assume that people have our best interests in mind, only to find out later that this is not entirely true. Thus, we learn time and time again that some people who look like friends might be foes. Once we get burned, we trust less, become less vulnerable, and become more suspicious of those who might be foes. Unfortunately, one application of this reality is within a church small group. Many men hesitate to join a small church group because they perceive members as foes rather than friends. This may seem like a copout, but in small to medium-sized churches, I think their concerns are legitimate. Opening up about our hurts and hangups is risky when we are concerned that someone might breach confidentiality and share that information with others. This was David's situation. All of David's present problems were within the church and his family. He did not know who he could trust or with whom he could be vulnerable. He was suspicious at every turn. He then turned to the men of God, Samuel and now Ahimelech, only to later discover that nearby Doeg was a spy who would sell them out. When we are in vulnerable situations, we need friends, not foes. But if we become vulnerable and get burned by a friend who was really a foe, it's hard to be vulnerable the next time. If this happens too often, we can become resistant to any form of vulnerability. But here is the rub: only by being vulnerable can we test a friendship and build lasting friends that stand the test of time. Vulnerability is difficult to learn, slowly gained, quickly lost, and risky to recover. This is why so many men have many issues with vulnerability. But you need to work through this. Past issues with foes are not present excuses for your lack of friends. You need at least one believing friend you can trust and be vulnerable with in this life. And it's not exclusively your spouse. It's someone of the same gender, with grounded biblical beliefs, who can speak the truth in love and give you the spiritual direction you need. So get a Jonathan, not a Doeg, and build a friendship that will last the test of time. #TrustWisely, #FriendshipMatters, #VulnerabilityInFaith Ask This: Who are the "Doegs" in your life—those you initially trusted but later realized may not have had your best interests at heart? How can you discern true friendship in the future? In what areas of your life do you struggle with vulnerability? What steps can you take to build authentic relationships that foster trust and support, similar to David and Jonathan? Do This: Be vulnerable and build a lasting friendship. Pray This: Father, help me to discern the true intentions of those around me, guiding me to build authentic friendships rooted in trust and faith. Grant me the courage to be vulnerable, knowing that in sharing my struggles, I can find the support and encouragement I need. Amen. Play This: I Surrender All.

Do you prefer rightness or righteousness? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, we released a new episode of The Vince Miller Show; check it out at the link or button below the video after you read the devotional. This week, we are in Chapter 21 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." Remember, David came to Nob, the location of the Tabernacle, and talked with the priest, Ahimelech. Here is the interchange today in 1 Samuel 21:3-6: Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here." And the priest answered David, "I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread—if the young men have kept themselves from women." And David answered the priest, "Truly women have been kept from us as always when I go on an expedition. The vessels of the young men are holy even when it is an ordinary journey. How much more today will their vessels be holy?" So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the Lord, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away. — 1 Samuel 21:3-6 So, let's back up and notice a critical detail in David's story. We notice that the first men that David runs as a man on the run are two holy men: Samuel, the prophet, and Ahimelech, the high priest. This is a natural impulse for any righteous man of God on the run. If you are being stalked by unrighteousness, the right thing to do is run to godly men who can provide you shelter, security, safety, and sustenance. If that is how you feel today, you need to stop trying to solve your problems on your own and run to a trusted believer, get relief, get understanding, and get prayer from them. Next, it is essential to note that it was customary for countrymen to help each other while traveling. Traveling in their time was much more challenging, and carrying food and supplies was a burden if you were moving fast. Travelers relied on people's hospitality when they came to a new town for things like shelter and food. So, David's request was not unusual. The problem is that Ahimelech only had some "Holy Bread," also known as "Shewbread." Twelve unleavened loaves were freshly baked every Sabbath and placed on a table before the Lord at the west end of the Holy Place in the Tabernacle. They were arranged in two stacks of six, like pancakes, on the table, symbolizing that God was the source of nourishment for each of Israel's tribes. According to religious law, only a priest was allowed to consume this bread, but Ahimelech, after a short assessment of David's sexual cleanliness, decided to give him some. This was so unusual that it became a memorable moment, recounted even by Jesus in the New Testament. Today, I want to read the text in Matthew 12 so you can see the point Jesus is making and how he credits Ahimelech's decision. But keep in mind while I read this text that the religious lawyers (the Pharisees) are questioning the judgment of the Great High Priest, and Jesus offers an explanation using the example of Ahimelech. At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." — Matthew 12:1-8 Jesus is making a valuable point: when believers value being right over being righteous or value being correct over being compassionate, we have missed the point because we want to make a point. In making our point, we prove we prefer the process of preserving our pride rather than pursuing goodness and mercy. Jesus is using our present story as a prime example of mercy for those who worship legalism and the letter of the law rather than worshipping the Leader who wrote, upheld, and accomplished the Law. However, we must be cautious when applying this principle to everyday life because rejection of legalism can lead to excessive liberty. Notice that Ahimelech is careful about extending his goodwill to David. He gives the bread and will replace it, but he wants to ensure it is being eaten in a way that will honor God. When you are being tested as a believer, you will encounter lonely moments when you feel like you are driving a winding road on a narrow cliff through a thick fog. During these moments, you will need sp

Do you feel you are being tested and find it hard to walk the razor's edge of righteousness? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Today, we released a new episode of The Vince Miller Show, "Beliefs That Hold You Back." Check it out at the link or button below the video. This week, we are in Chapter 21 of the Daily Devo. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." Here is the text for today in 1 Samuel 21:1-2: Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, "Why are you alone, and no one with you?" And David said to Ahimelech the priest, "The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, 'Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you.' I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place. — 1 Samuel 21:1-2 So, by nature, we should ask again, "What is with all the lying?" In the last chapter, David devises a plan to lie to Saul, and Jonathan tells the lie to test Saul. Here we have another instance. Before I answer your question, let me provide a little background for this moment. David runs to Nob (his next hideout from Saul) about two miles south of Ramah. Ramah is the home of Samuel, but Nob is the location of the Tabernacle, which was the Lord's temporary dwelling until Solomon built the Temple. Naioth, which is in Ramah, is an educational facility for training prophets and priests. Think of Naioth as a seminary where Samuel trained priests in his later years. One of the priests Samuel brought up and appointed was Ahimelech, who is just a mere 2 miles away in Nob. So David shows up in Nob, and Ahimelech is a little surprised. You will notice he is "trembling," probably because he has heard about the recent events with the mercenaries sent to kill David at Naioth, and the spirit of the Lord came upon them. True to form, Ahimelech is concerned and curious. And then David gives him an answer, which appears to be a lie. But I don't think David is lying. I think David means "The King" or "The Lord" when he uses the title "king" because he is standing before a priest who knows The King and King Saul's present issues. So, if you allow me a little latitude today (and this is pure speculation), if we insert this inference into the text, we might read the situation differently. So, let's reread David's statement, assuming he means "The King." "The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, 'Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you.' So, my guess, and it's only a guess, is that David is not lying. He stands alone before the priest, speaking of "The King," and I think Ahimelech is playing along. Based on the outcome of tomorrow's devotional and how Jesus refers to this instance in the New Testament, I think I am right. So, I think we encounter two men talking in code, trying to walk a careful socio-political and religious line while trying to keep themselves free from sin. But this is what it will be like for David for years. He is going to be challenged to walk on the razor's edge of so many matters, which we will see unfold in a variety of ways. This is one of many reasons why I think God chose David to be the second king of Israel. He was a man after God's heart, willing to be tested for years and walk the razor's edge between righteousness and unrighteousness every time. Are you being tested? Are you walking the razor's edge? If so, walk it carefully and cautiously because God might just be preparing you like he was preparing David. #TestedFaith, #WalkingInRighteousness, #FaithUnderFire Ask This: When have you felt like you were walking on the razor's edge in your faith, balancing between right and wrong? How did you navigate that moment? What steps can you take today to stay faithful to God when the pressure to compromise feels overwhelming? Do This: Submit to the test and let God prepare you. Pray This: Lord, when I feel tested and pressured to compromise, help me to walk faithfully in Your truth. Strengthen my heart to trust Your plan, even when the path feels difficult and unclear. Amen. Play This: Waiting.

Are you lonely, like David, a "man on the run"? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Remember, tomorrow, we will air a new episode of The Vince Miller Show entitled "Beliefs That Hold You Back." If you have Video Access on our website, this episode is already available; if not, wait until tomorrow. Be in prayer for this Show. We have invested a lot of time and money into this effort, and we hope this will reach out in a new way so others will be able to hear the Gospel. This week, here in the Daily Devo, we are in 1 Samuel 21. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." David will be on the run for a long time, approximately 12-15 years. In the last chapter, he ran to Naioth in Ramah to Samuel and then back to the rocks in Gibeah. In this chapter, he will run to Nob (the location of the Tabernacle) and then to Gath (the home of Goliath). There will be many more locations, 16 in all, that we will list in the coming chapters (i.e., the Cave of Adullam, the king of Moab at Mizpeh, "the stronghold" maybe Masada, the forest of Hereth, Keilah, the wilderness of Ziph, the wilderness of Maon, strongholds of Engedi, "the stronghold" maybe Masada again, the wilderness of Paran, and the finally back to Achish, the king of Gath.) So, I will not give you a key verse for this chapter this week. (If I did, I would pick 1 Samuel 21:4.) Instead, I will share a private excerpt from David's journal during this emotional time, which reveals a lot about what is going on in his mind. But first, I want you to imagine how lonely David felt in these moments. He has been separated from his family and will never speak to his biological father ever again. His father-in-law (King Saul) wants to kill him and has given a charge to the Israelite army to hunt him down. His wife (Michal) and best friend (Jonathan) cannot communicate with him. He cannot take refuge in Samuel in the Naioth at Ramah. David is a fugitive, a man on the run. At the end of this chapter, David hides in Gath, which is in Philistia, the enemy of Israel, and acts like a madman here to preserve his life from King Saul. There could be no more lonely moment for David. However, during this chapter, David made two journal entries, Psalms 34 and 56. And I want to read a portion of Psalm 34 for you today so you can see what David is thinking. The title of this Psalm in your Bible might say: "Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away." The name "Abimelech" is a title like "President" or "King," and the man this refers to is named Achish, or "Abimelech Achish" who is the focus of 1 Samuel 21:10-15. Here is what he writes. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! — Psalm 34:1-3 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. — Psalm 34:15-22 Even though David is alone and a man on the run, he knows he is never alone. And some of you need to hear this today. If God is with you, you are never alone. David preached, journaled, wrote, and sang this truth to his heart, mind, and soul. He put his hand to paper, his lip to song, his heart to prayer in those lonely moments in the enemy land, pretending to be a madman to stay alive as God's anointed, and God was with him. In lonely moments, never forget that with God, you are never alone. Preach this truth to your soul. Sing about it. Read about it. Write about it. Believe it. God is a deliverer. He is near, not far. And don't forget that during these years, God slowly built an army of hundreds of men around David who followed him from the Struggling Fugitive Years to the Soldiering Fighting Years. #NeverAlone, #FaithInTheWilderness, #GodWithUs Ask This: When have you felt most alone, and how did you remind yourself of God's presence during that time? Like David, how can you preach truth to your soul in moments of fear or loneliness? What practical steps can you take today? Do This: Preach to your soul, "I am not alone, God is with me." Pray This: Lord, in my moments of loneliness, help me to remember that You are always with me, even when I feel abandoned. Give me the strength to trust in Your presence and to find refuge in Your unfailing love. Amen. Play This: I Am Not Alone.

Are you a loyal friend to the end? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 20. I've titled this chapter "Friendship and Loyalty in Adversity." In yesterday's devotional, Jonathan worked on the plan, and now he has to communicate the bad news to David. Here's how it plays out in verses 35-42: In the morning Jonathan went out into the field to the appointment with David, and with him a little boy. And he said to his boy, "Run and find the arrows that I shoot." As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. And when the boy came to the place of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, Jonathan called after the boy and said, "Is not the arrow beyond you?" And Jonathan called after the boy, "Hurry! Be quick! Do not stay!" So Jonathan's boy gathered up the arrows and came to his master. But the boy knew nothing. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter. And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, "Go and carry them to the city." And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. Then Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, 'The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.'" And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. — 1 Samuel 20:35-42 I assume that although David and Jonathan have made a vow, David is cautious. If Jonathan signals that the coast is clear, David would be a little suspicious that King Saul is up to something, using Jonathan as a pawn. But that is not the case. The signal Jonathan sends is that David needs to run. So, from this point forward, David would be on the run for the next 12-15 years of his life. But notice the affection between the two men. This is affectionate but not sexual and relatively normal for this time and in this culture. I have visited several other cultures worldwide where it is not unusual for men to hold hands while strolling down the street or to kiss on the cheeks (not on the lips) during a greeting or departure. But do not be distracted by this cultural nuance unusual for us in North America and miss the heartfelt emotion and appreciation these men genuinely have for each other. They are heartbroken at this moment because they are a great duo. David and Jonathan are two epic duos in the Old Testament, and if Saul had not come between them, they would have built a powerful Old Testament legacy. But now they know that, given the circumstances, this will never be possible, and this is heartbreaking for them. It's a death blow to their souls because they know this is the last time they will ever interact like this for the rest of their lives. They only have the covenant vows they have made between their houses forever. Reading this epilogue this week reminded me to cherish and invest in the relationships that God has given me while I have them. You should do the same. God has given you relationships that are present for only a season. During these times, you should invest in them, pour your soul into them, learn from them, make covenants together, and enjoy them. There will be a day when they will end, so make sure to make the most of them and be a loyal friend while you still have the time. #LoyaltyInAdversity, #FaithfulFriendship, #BiblicalBonds Ask This: How can you invest in and strengthen the relationships God has given you, even when distance or adversity comes between you? What does true loyalty in friendship look like in your life, and how can you demonstrate it to those you care about? Do This: Be a loyal friend. Pray This: Lord, help me to be a loyal and faithful friend, even when challenges threaten to separate us. May I cherish the relationships you've blessed me with and honor the commitments I've made, trusting you in every season. Amen. Play This: Loyal.