The Daily + Weekly by Vince Miller

Do you want temporary relief or lasting relief? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 6. I've titled this chapter "From Confusion to Clarity." In chapter 6, the Philistines have had enough of the Ark of God. Since capturing the Ark seven months ago, they have been tortured with the Black Plague and severe hemorrhoids. Next, they will devise a plan for how to send it back. Since they know it's a divine box, they petition their pagan priests to devise the plan, and here's what they decide to do in verses 3-9: They said, "If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you." And they said, "What is the guilt offering that we shall return to him?" They answered, "Five golden tumors and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines, for the same plague was on all of you and on your lords. So you must make images of your tumors and images of your mice that ravage the land, and give glory to the God of Israel. Perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you and your gods and your land. Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had dealt severely with them, did they not send the people away, and they departed? Now then, take and prepare a new cart and two milk cows on which there has never come a yoke, and yoke the cows to the cart, but take their calves home, away from them. And take the ark of the Lord and place it on the cart and put in a box at its side the figures of gold, which you are returning to him as a guilt offering. Then send it off and let it go its way and watch. If it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm, but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by coincidence." — 1 Samuel 6:3-9 When men are desperate, they will try almost anything and everything, won't they? But here is what is fascinating about the Philistine response. While desperate for relief, all they want is immediate relief of God. They are tired of being tormented and even believe God is tormenting them. They want God to stop, yet they are still not ready to submit their lives to God. They would prefer to rid themselves of God and his torment and return to life as it was without the Ark rather than submit their lives to God. This is how mankind tends to behave. When we are desperate and things are out of control, we want to get them back under our control. But before we get too judgmental, let's turn the application of this text toward a believer. When our lives are out of control, we may initially petition God. But if we were honest, most of us petition God to regain the control we feel we have lost. In behaving this way, we act pretty much like the Philistines do here. The Philistines just wanted to be relieved of God, and we only want God's relief. One is self-centered, and the other is self-righteous, yet both are selfish and sinful. What we want is similar even though it might have a religious appearance. We ask God for our will, assuming our will is his will, and thus, miss the opportunity to submit our will and find lasting relief. The Philistines weren't afraid to admit this because all they wanted was to be relieved of God, not submission to God. So, how about you? Are you desperate for relief today? If so, instead of seeking to regain control and pretending to pray God's will, why not submit your will to God? Here is my prayer for you today: God, I need relief. There are many things I could pray for right now, and there are many ways you could provide relief. But instead of asking you to do my will in this situation, I submit my will to you and ask you to do only your will until I fully surrender to all of your will. Amen. #SeekingGodsWill, #SurrenderingToGod, #FindingLastingRelief Ask This: How often do you find yourself seeking relief from God rather than seeking His will in challenging circumstances? What steps can you take today to more fully surrender your will to God, trusting His plans over your own desires? Do This: Submit your will and find relief. Pray This: Lord, in my desperation for relief, help me surrender my will completely to Yours, trusting Your plans and finding lasting peace in Your presence. Amen. Play This: Peace Be Still.

A big crisis will bring out bigger questions. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 6. I've titled this chapter "From Confusion to Clarity." In this chapter, we witness the Philistines' journey of parting with the Ark of God and its eventual return to Israel. This tale holds valuable lessons for guiding us from a state of confusion to one of clarity. Today, I am reading verses 1-2: The ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months. And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the Lord? Tell us with what we shall send it to its place." — 1 Samuel 6:1-2 When we encounter confusion in this life, we ask questions. As the issues get bigger, so do the questions that go with them. If the problem is small, we ask more tactical or strategic questions that are found in solutions we can provide. However, as the issues linger, becoming more sizeable, and solutions are out of our reach, the questions move from tactical to metaphysical. I have seen this a thousand times in my life. When people encounter tragedy, death, and crisis, our questions get bigger. Our questions become spiritual because we cannot make natural sense of them. One of the great questions that I believe every man must address is "What will you do with God?" or, in New Testament language, "What will you do with God's Son, Jesus?" This question is not just for philosophical pontification. It demands a decision that every man will meet in his lifetime. Just like the Philistines and Israelites here, every man must choose. Believers and unbelievers will be confronted by it. But when confronted by it, we must give an answer. We must decide to either rid ourselves of Jesus or receive him. That is the tension of this text and the tension of all life. So, my question for you today is: What will you do with Jesus? #FaithJourney, #BiblicalWisdom, #LifeDecisions Ask This: When faced with life's biggest questions and crises, how do you typically respond? Reflect on a recent situation where you felt confused or uncertain—how did you seek clarity, and what role did your faith play in that process? The Philistines had to decide what to do with the Ark of God, just as we must decide what to do with Jesus. How have you personally answered the question, "What will you do with God's Son, Jesus?" How does this decision impact your daily life and the way you handle challenges? Do This: Answer the question. Put an answer in the comments below. Pray This: God, when I face confusion and uncertainty, guide me to seek clarity through Your wisdom and truth. Help me to faithfully respond to the question of what I will do with Jesus, choosing to embrace Him wholeheartedly in every aspect of my life. Amen. Play This: Jesus Does.

Are you trying to find your way from chaos and confusion to clarity? Happy Father's Day, and welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 6. I've titled this chapter "From Confusion to Clarity." So far, in the story of 1 Samuel, we have been introduced to a few key figures, like Samuel and Eli, but rather quickly, we come upon a battle between the Philistines and the Israelites. Israel sustains devastating losses, and the Ark of God is taken. The problem for the Philistines is that the Ark of God proved to be a curse to them for about seven months. It tormented the five lords of the five cities with the Black Plague and severe hemorrhoids. The situation is so bad that their attention has turned from their victory over God to what to do with God. The chapter we are reading this week chronicles how the Philistines rid themselves of the Ark of God and how the Israelites received the Ark of God. Through their experiences, we uncover some profound lessons on how both unbelievers and believers find their way through chaos and confusion to clarity. The key verse of this chapter is verse 20, which reads: "And the men of Beth-shemesh said, 'Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?'" — 1 Samuel 6:20 If you read through the chapter, you will notice that it begins with big questions and ends with big questions. However, the questions at the beginning are very different from those at the end. The Philistines' initial question in verse two is: "What shall we do with the ark of the Lord?" The Israelites' final question in verse twenty is: "Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God?" As we compare these questions, we can see three distinct differences. First, the nature of the questions is different. The Philistines are grappling with how to handle an object of God, while the Israelites are wrestling with the very nature of God. Second, the motivation behind the questions is different. The Philistines are driven by self-preservation, while the Israelites are motivated by self-renunciation. Third, the responses to the questions are different. The Philistines' response to God is superficial, while the Israelites' response is spiritual. This chapter is bookended by two questions from two different people with two different responses that attempt to address the chaos and confusion in life. Eventually, the chapter concludes with one nation seeking clarity by ridding itself of God and the other finding clarity by returning to the reverence of God. We all face moments of chaos and confusion. Through these times, we are confronted with the most profound questions we will ever have about God and his work in this life. These questions either guide you to rid yourself of God or to reverence of God. But if you rid yourself of God, you will never find the clarity you need through the chaos of this life. Chaos and confusion will come again. Permanent clarity is only found if you are willing to come to the end of yourself and submit to the heavy hand of the Holy God. In full submission of all we are to God we find the clarity we need through every time of chaos and confusion in this life. So if you need this today, submit to him. God, on this Father's Day, we men submit our lives to you. We all have some form of chaos and confusion in our lives right now. We need your clarity and know this is only found bowed low before you. We are sons. You are the only Father. Lead the way we are ready to obey. Amen. #FaithInChaos, #FindingClarity, #SubmitToGod Ask This: How do you typically respond to moments of chaos and confusion in your life? What steps can you take to ensure your response draws you closer to God rather than pushing Him away? In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to God's authority? How can you practically begin to bow low before Him and seek His clarity in those situations? Do This: Submit to God. Pray This: Father, I surrender my chaos and confusion to You, seeking Your divine clarity and guidance. Help me trust in Your wisdom and revere You in every aspect of my life. Amen. Play This: I Surrender.

Do you see God's glory in this world? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory." So far, in Chapter 5, God has cleared his own path to glory. He has afflicted the Philistines with hemorrhoids, and in doing so, they have passed him around from Philistine town to town until there is a meeting of the five kings in Philistine. Here is how this chapter closes off in verses 11-12: They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, "Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not kill us and our people." For there was a deathly panic throughout the whole city. The hand of God was very heavy there. The men who did not die were struck with tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven. — 1 Samuel 5:11-12 If you recall, at the end of Chapter Four, the wife of Phinehas declared that the "Glory had departed from Israel." This was such a significant moment that in her death, she named her orphaned son Ichabod based on this declaration. While the glory has departed, it has not vanished. In Chapter Five, we learned that God's glory has been moving around independently, self-sustained, self-proclaiming, and finding its own way back home. God wants to work in harmony with his creation. However, when humanity desires to play God and seeks its glory, this won't work. Our glory and God's glory are no match. We either submit to the heavy hand of God, or we are subject to the heavy hand. It's better to submit to it than to be smitten by it. This life is full of God's glory. Through his revelation, we can see it everywhere. Today, anticipate it and point it out. See it moving and making its way. Look beyond the noise of propaganda, lawfare, war, hate, and violence and see his glory. God's glory is still moving. Then, when you see it, point to it, praise it, and proclaim it. It's far better to submit to the heavy hand of God than to suffer under it to the point of pain, pestilence, and punishment by death. #GodsGloryInMotion, #DivinePresence, #SubmittingToGodsHand Ask This: How can we actively recognize and celebrate God's glory moving in our lives and in the world around us, even amidst challenges and difficulties? In what areas of our lives do we struggle to submit to God's heavy hand, and how can we cultivate a posture of surrender and obedience to His will? Do This: Look for God's glory, point to it, and praise it. Pray This: Father, help me to see your glory moving in every aspect of my life and give me the full courage to submit my will, knowing that your heavy hand is for my good. May your presence be my constant guide, leading me closer to you, which is ultimately found each day. Amen. Play This: Here Comes The Glory.

Are you just moving your problems around? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory." So far, in Chapter 5, we've discovered that the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it back to Ashdod, and now it's given everyone in the land a bad case of hemorrhoids, and here is what happens next in verses 8-10: So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?" They answered, "Let the ark of the God of Israel be brought around to Gath." So they brought the ark of the God of Israel there. But after they had brought it around, the hand of the Lord was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumors broke out on them. So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But as soon as the ark of God came to Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, "They have brought around to us the ark of the God of Israel to kill us and our people." — 1 Samuel 5:8-10 When we began this chapter, we said five different lords governed five Philistine cities. What is happening here is one lord is passing it to the next until they finally concur that one lord is using the box to kill off another lord and his people. The irreverent capture of the Ark of the Covenant has led to disease, death, disorder, conspiracy, and conflict. God has worked the Philistines over without Israel needing to lift a finger. If they only would have just trusted the Lord! But there is an excellent lesson in this. We are all prone to move our problems around. I know I do this. You do, too. When we encounter problems, we instinctively look first for natural solutions. We find ways to rectify the situation by making corrections and adjustments. Once in a while, it works, but that does not necessarily mean it worked. It might have only been a temporary solution to a larger problem that we have moved around or moved for someone else to deal with. The people of Ashdod and Gath rid themselves of a problem, but they have not rectified it. They have merely moved it from themselves to someone else, and the people of Ekron are wise to this. They don't want to inherit a problem that demands a divine solution they are unwilling to accept. Had they just acknowledged God and accepted their wrong, they might have dealt with the situation and resolved it. But they were unwilling to acknowledge God or their sin, so instead, they moved the problem around. Today, when you face a problem, instead of looking at every problem as a natural issue needing your incredible solution, consider the potential for a divine problem and divine solution. Look at the situation in the same way God would. Most of the time, the issue arises because of some sin (personal or corporate), causing a problem you haven't yet identified. Look first for that, diagnose it, and then respond to it. You will get to the heart of the core issue much faster, and it's far better than continually moving it around. #TrustGod, #DivineSolutions, #BiblicalWisdom Ask This: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek natural solutions instead of seeking God's divine intervention? How can you start inviting God into these situations today? Reflect on a time when you moved a problem around instead of addressing the root issue. What steps can you take to ensure you confront and resolve issues with God's guidance in the future? Do This: Look for a divine solution first. Pray This: Father, help me recognize when I rely on my solutions instead of seeking Your divine guidance. Grant me the wisdom to address the root of my problems and the faith to trust in Your perfect plan. Amen. Play This: God Of Miracles.

BUY THE 1 SAMUEL JOURNAL Is God punishing you or preparing you? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory." So far, in Chapter 5, we've discovered that the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it back to Ashdod, setting it up in the temple of Dagon. The following day, the people awoke to find that Dagon had fallen prostrate before the Ark. Despite their shock, they propped him back up. The next morning, they discovered Dagon had fallen again with his head and hands cut off, which terrified them. Then we read verses 6-7: The hand of the Lord was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. And when the men of Ashdod saw how things were, they said, "The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for his hand is hard against us and against Dagon our god." — 1 Samuel 5:6-7 There are a couple of choices as to what disease this was, and we are not sure. Some think it was the Bubonic Plague transmitted by fleas and rats that spread to humans. Or it could have also been a massive break of hemorrhoids that afflicted the people. Either way, this outbreak was a major pain in the butt, so much so that they associated the affliction with the recent capture of the Ark. What is fascinating about this situation is that people who believed that they just defeated God now believe God was defeating them. They have seen enough occurrences to believe God is punishing them. At some point, we are all disciplined by God. Most of the time, discipline by God comes in the form of natural consequences stemming from disobedience to him or his authority in this life. These consequences inflict pain and compel us to pay attention, thus driving us to pay attention to God. For instance, if you are intoxicated and drive a vehicle and then get pulled over, there are numerous consequences. You will be arrested, ticketed, lose driving privileges, incur legal fees, face probation, and insurance increases. In this example, it is relatively easy to see the connection between our human defiance and God's divine punishment. It is even easier to see you have a biblical worldview that assumes God is the divine judge who governs all things and operates through human government to administer judgment for human defiance. But in the case of the Philistines, they did not have a biblical worldview. They held polytheistic views, but they were right in this situation to establish a divine connection. The "heavy hand of God's judgment" was afflicting them. Through natural circumstances, he was trying to get their attention, and they made the connection. What they neglected to do was worship him. Instead, they would dispose of him by sending the Ark of God to another town. Here is what you need to see today. When you experience affliction and discipline in life, you should pause and assess the divine signs. Afflictions by God are meant to get our attention. Take time to pause, reflect, and assess. Go to God in prayer and ask God to show you why this is happening in your life. Discern if God is afflicting you for disobedience or to drive you toward deeper obedience. Either way, God will likely show you something that he wants you to see. Remember, there are moments when we experience affliction without seeing the act of disobedience. For example, consider the stories of Job or even Jesus. Afflictions in both cases did not stem from disobedience but were designed to stretch their obedience. Both types of discipline and affliction have occurred in this story. Some people in Israel were not disobedient to God and yet were being disciplined, like Samuel and his family. On the other hand, God was directly disciplining others, like Eli and his family who had been blatantly disobedient. Either way, the right response is always to bow and worship the Lord. It is to submit to him and his discipline and be changed by his affliction. It is not to do what the Philistines do here and merely suppose it is God and then dispose of him. #DivineDiscipline, #GodsCorrection, #FaithJourney Ask This: When have you experienced a situation that felt like divine discipline? How did it impact your relationship with God and your understanding of His guidance in your life? How can you better recognize and respond to God's discipline in your daily life? How can this awareness transform your spiritual growth and obedience? Do This: Pause, reflect, and accept the afflictions and discipline of God. Pray This: Lord, help me recognize Your discipline in my life and respond with humility and obedience. Guide me to deeper understanding and faith, trusting that Your correction is for my growth and good. Amen. Play This: The Struggle.

What idol do you fear? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory." So far, in Chapter 5, we've discovered that the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it back to Ashdod, setting it up in the temple of Dagon. The following day, the people awoke to find that Dagon had fallen prostrate before the Ark. Despite their shock, they propped him back up. The next morning, they discovered Dagon had fallen again with his head and hands cut off. We read this in verses 4-5: Only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. This is why the priests of Dagon and all who enter the house of Dagon do not tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day. — 1 Samuel 5:4-5 This event created a lasting fear for the priests of Dagon and the Philistines. Many suggest this letter was written about three centuries later, indicating that God's intervention in the temple of Dagon lingered in the people's collective memory for an extended period. This moment clarifies that wooden or stone idols are not what terrifies mankind. Rather, what we fear are the idols we build in the construct of our minds. In fear of being nothing, we construct idols that make something of us. These idols aren't statues; they are ideologies founded on things that give us confidence in the flesh—our professions, possessions, and personal success. When these idols are threatened or fall, they generate fear and insecurity. For the Philistines, the fall of Dagon was a direct confrontation with the one thing they truly feared—powerlessness. Their idol, which they believed held power and protection, was shown to be powerless before the Almighty God. This left them fearful and uncertain, propping up their idol desperately trying to regain control and security. This attempt would never succeed. God instilled in them a terror that would never dissipate. What is interesting is that the Philistines never changed their minds about this fear. Instead of turning to the God of all Power, they continued in fear for hundreds of years. Unwilling to face their powerlessness, they were led into an endless cycle of fear and frustration. In contrast, a believer is called to recognize these moments as opportunities to trust more deeply in God. When our idols fall, it's a call to a new way and path. Instead of living in human fear, we should respond with holy reference, fearing the God with whom there is nothing to fear. So stop living in endless cycles of fear today, trusting only in ideologies based in the flesh. Fear the Almighty God, with whom there is nothing to fear—before him, all the other idols bow and are cut down. #TrustInGod, #OvercomeFear, #BreakIdols Ask This: What are some modern-day idols in your life that you rely on for security and confidence? How can you dismantle these idols and place your trust more fully in God? How does recognizing and facing your fears lead to a deeper faith and reliance on God? Share a time when confronting a personal fear helped you grow spiritually. Do This: Fear God, not idols. Pray This: Father, help me to recognize and dismantle the idols in my life that I have placed above You. Grant me the courage to trust in Your power and sovereignty, knowing that in You alone, I find true security and peace. Amen. Play This: Fear Is Not My Future.

Are you propping up an idol? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory." Yesterday, we discovered that the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it back to Ashdod, setting it up in the temple of Dagon. The following day, the people awoke to find that Dagon had fallen prostrate before the Ark. Despite their shock, they propped him back up. They then discovered this in verses 3-4: So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. But when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord, and the head of Dagon and both his hands were lying cut off on the threshold. Only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. — 1 Samuel 5:3-4 A Battle of Gods So, the same mysterious event occurs overnight, but this time, his head and hands are chopped off. The picture that plays in my mind is of two deities battling in this temple, and God takes a sword and chops off Dagon's head and hands. I know that in our time and our country, we don't prop up idols in the same way. Our idols are not man-made objects of stone and wood but are just as consuming. Propped-Up Idols More often than not, our idols are the ideologies we prop up in our minds. We prop up ideas, beliefs, and pursuits that consume our thoughts, time, and energy. Eventually, these propped-up idols establish strongholds of worship within our minds. Eventually, the pursuit of wealth, success, titles, and fame becomes our primary focus in thought and conversation. Possessions, achievements, and conquests dominate every conversation. Consequently, we become enslaved to our idolatrous ideology and its need for approval, validation, and acceptance from others. We mold our lives and identities around these propped-up ideas until they are abandoned on the threshing floor with their head and hands lopped off. Cutting Down Idols This is the hard-learned lesson of propped-up idols. If we have propped up an idol in our minds for too long, challenging it will require us to rethink everything. When they fall, we are prone to prop them up because we have become accustomed to them. Dealing with them is too much work when we have constructed our lives based on them. Only when the idol is cut down and chopped up do we face the fact that they can no longer be propped up, and we need to rethink the idols we have made in our minds. This is what the people of Ashdod were probably thinking to themselves—who is this God, and what will we do with him now that he has slaughtered Dagon? Stop Propping; Start Cutting But let's get practical: What idol do you need to stop propping up today? What idol stands between you and God? Tracing it back should be easy. You talk about it a lot. You think about it all the time. If you lost it, you would lose yourself. So what is it? Can you name it? If you know it, remember that you don't merely need to stop propping it up. You need to cut off its head and hands and come to the Lord before who stands no idol. #IdolsExposed, #ClearingThePath, #SeekingGod'sGlory Ask This: Reflect on the idols in your life: What beliefs, pursuits, or ideologies consume your thoughts, time, and energy? How can you start acknowledging and confronting these idols in your life? Consider the implications of propping up idols: What practical steps can you take today to confront and dismantle the idols that stand between you and a deeper relationship with God? How can you refocus your thoughts and actions on seeking God's glory above all else? Do This: Cut down an idol today. Pray This: Lord, help me identify and confront the idols in my life, surrendering them to You completely. Guide me in prioritizing Your glory above all else as I seek to align my thoughts and actions with Your will. Amen. Play This: No One Else (Tear Down The Idols).

Is God sitting in second place in your life? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory." Today, I am reading verses 1-3: When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon. And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 5:1-3 God Set Second The Philistines did with the ark what they would've done with any trophy taken in war. Notice the arrogance of the narrating verbs: they captured it, took it, brought it, and set it in the house of their idol god, Dagon. For the enemy, there could be no more powerful expression of victory. The Philistines, with Dagon, had triumphed over the God who defeated the powers of Egypt. However, overnight, something happened in their temple. We are not told what happened, only that the next day when the people enter the temple, they discover that Dagon has fallen to the ground. Dagon is found prostrate before the Ark of God. This surely frightened the people of Ashdod. God Never Sits Second The lesson is this: The Almighty will not sit in second place. He will not be used by his creation for his power or bow to the carvings that man constructs from his imagination. Both the Israelites and the Philistines were guilty of wrong treatment. Israel treated the Ark of God like a good luck charm and the Philistines like an inferior trophy of war. Because they fail to comprehend God's might, he smites them both and makes his own path back to Shiloh. So, let's apply this practically because most of you will not fight an actual war today. Put God First Let's say today, you claim a small victory in your life. Let's also assume that you claim this victory without a thought of God. Your pride takes hold, and you think, "I did it." Because you were successful this time, you repeat the same thing. If you meet with success again, this will train you to believe that you did it, you can do it on your own, and there is no need for God. Eventually, pride combined with the power of human effort takes over until you see no need to pray, consult the Spirit, or call on God. And this keeps going until you encounter a battle that is beyond your power or ability. Then, like Israel, you finally bring God into battle, but all you are doing is using his power to win your battle to get your victory. You will lose if you fail to see that you set yourself first and God sits second. It is interesting that this pride is evident in the actions of the Philistines, while it is less apparent in the conduct of the Israelites. However, it is the same pride that ultimately results in defeat. Stop putting God in second place in your life. God will not be satisfied with being a periodic part of your life. God demands to be at the center of everything. When you place God in second place, you put yourself in first place, and like Dagon, you will inevitably bow before the Almighty Lord, who can clear his path to glory with or without you. #PutGodFirst, #PriorityOfFaith, #ClearPathToGlory Ask This: Reflect on a recent victory or success in your life. How did you acknowledge God's role in that achievement, or did you attribute it solely to your efforts? How can you ensure that God remains at the center of your victories moving forward? Consider areas in your life where you may inadvertently place God in second place. What steps can you take to realign your priorities and ensure that God holds the primary position in every aspect of your life? Do This: Give God first place. Pray This: Lord, forgive me for the times I have placed myself before You and help me recenter my life around Your sovereignty, acknowledging Your presence in every victory and trial. Guide me to continually seek Your will above my own so that You may always reign first in my heart. Amen. Play This: First.

How do you respond to God's discipline? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. This chapter recounts the Philistines' capture of the Ark and the subsequent divine intervention that led it back to its rightful place. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory." At the end of the last chapter and the beginning of this chapter, Israel has sustained severe losses. The wife of Phinehas summarized it well: The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured. — 1 Samuel 4:22 The sad ending in Chapter 4 marks an abrupt conclusion to a once glorious period for Israel. It represents a dark time of profound loss for God's people. If you have experienced a similar moment in your life, you understand the feeling it brings. These moments are characterized by darkness and overwhelming despair, often leaving one uncertain of how to react. But then we come upon the key verse of Chapter 5. Verse 6 reads: The hand of the Lord was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. — 1 Samuel 5:6 The "heavy hand of God" is the great metaphor of this chapter. It describes God's tangible involvement in human affairs in profound and mysterious ways. But this metaphor takes us back to another place where similar language was used—Egypt. In the book of Exodus, God's "heavy hand" is displayed numerous times through mighty plaques against the Pharaoh that deliver his people from bondage (Exodus 3:19-20; 6:1; 9:3; 15:6-7). God's "heavy hand" had been an image of the forceful discipline he used to bring about his glory. Thus, in the previous chapter, we witness God's "heavy hand" against Israel. Then, in this chapter, we witness His "heavy hand" against the Philistines. I couldn't help but notice that Israel regrets God's "heavy hand" against them but then relishes His "heavy hand" against others. God disciplines us all. Sometimes, his hand is heavy, and other times, it is light. He disciplines us in public or private, great or small, and it always has a purpose. His discipline directs us to his glory. You see, God's glory never fades, but we fail to reflect it. He does not need us to sustain it, but he does want us to know it, enjoy it, celebrate it, praise it, never abuse it, use it, misuse it, and defame it. The key is submitting to his discipline. In Chapter 5, we will see the Ark of God move from Philistine town to town until it returns to Shiloh. (There is a map in the video today illustrating the journey). It is carried from Shiloh to battle at Ebenezer. Then, it is captured and taken into Philistine territory in Ashdod. Then, it is carried down to Gath, next to Ekron, and finally returned to Shiloh. Some mysterious "heavy-handed" events occur that hold fascinating lessons for us. And you will have to join us for the next six days to discover them. God Never Sits Second Chair. When Idols Fall, Don't Prop Them Up. What Idol Do You Fear? When God Becomes a Pain in Your Butt. Don't Move Your Problem Around. The Return of The Lord. #GodsDiscipline, #SpiritualGrowth, #DivineIntervention Ask This: How do you typically respond when faced with challenges or discipline, whether from God or otherwise? Reflecting on Israel's journey with the Ark in 1 Samuel 5, what lessons can you apply to your life regarding embracing God's discipline and seeking His glory? Do This: Submit to God's discipline and know his Glory. Pray This: Lord, help me to embrace Your discipline with humility and trust, knowing that Your guiding hand leads me closer to Your glory each day. Grant me the wisdom and strength to learn from Your lessons and reflect Your love to those around me. Amen. Play This: The Heart of Worship.

Are you ready to reveal God's glory where there is no glory? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 4. I've titled this chapter "Misusing Divine Power." In the first few verses of Chapter 4, we discover that the Israelites were at war with the Philistines. They lose two battles, killing 37,000 men. The Ark of God is taken because Hophni and Phinehas make another stupid decision. They are both killed, and a messenger brings back news: Eli, their father, falls out of his chair because he is fat, apathetic, and blind, breaking his neck and dying. And then this happens to Eli's daughter-in-law: Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death the women attending her said to her, "Do not be afraid, for you have borne a son." But she did not answer or pay attention. And she named the child Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. And she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured." — 1 Samuel 4:19-22 This chapter concludes with the fulfillment of God's prophecy against Eli and his household. In just a few hours, the impact of this prophecy on many generations is evident. Eli, a long-standing Judge, has tipped over and died. His sons, who were high priests, were also slaughtered. Additionally, his daughter-in-law dies during childbirth, leaving his grandson, Ichabod, orphaned. The repercussions are not limited to the family alone - 37,000 families have lost their sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. The spiritual dismay of Israel, a result of the loss of their high priests, is also significant. Furthermore, there is a looming fear of complete destruction as the glory of God has departed from the Tabernacle in Israel. If you are a father or grandfather and you are reading this with me today, I hope you feel compelled to step up your game because your spiritual apathy affects others. Like Eli, you can sit around, get old, blind, and fat, and become apathetic in your old age. Or you can get into the spiritual game and start doing something. My life was changed by a grandfather who refused to sit around in apathy in his old age. In his retirement, he taught me manners, self-care, and chivalry. He gave me driving lessons, taught me a work ethic, and demonstrated how to love, give, and forgive. He spiritually mentored me when I was desperate for a male role model. He tabernacled his life around my needs and then told me about a man who tabernacled his life on this earth to redeem my soul. The Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us, and we have seen his glory. — John 1:14. Through Jesus, where there was no glory [Ichabod], glory was revealed. Fathers and grandfathers, start fulfilling your duty to reveal God's glory today before it's too late. #RevealGodsGlory #SpiritualLeadership #FromIchabodToImmanuel Ask This: In what areas of your life do you see signs of spiritual apathy creeping in, and what steps can you take to actively cultivate a deeper connection with God? Reflecting on the legacy of Eli and his family, how can you ensure that your actions today positively impact future generations spiritually, especially as a father or grandfather figure? Do This: Step Up Your Game. Pray This: Father, help me to recognize and overcome any spiritual apathy in my life, so that I may faithfully reveal Your glory in all that I do. Empower me to lead with wisdom and love, leaving a legacy that honors You and blesses future generations. Amen. Play This: Here Comes the Glory of the Lord.

Feeling disillusioned by the state of national leadership? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 4. I've titled this chapter "Misusing Divine Power." In the first few verses of Chapter 4, we discover that the Israelites were at war with the Philistines. They engaged in two battles sustaining devastating losses, first 7000 dead, then 30,000 dead, until the Philistines claimed victory, captured the Ark of God, and then sent the Israelites running. Now Eli was ninety-eight years old and his eyes were set so that he could not see. And the man said to Eli, "I am he who has come from the battle; I fled from the battle today." And he said, "How did it go, my son?" He who brought the news answered and said, "Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great defeat among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured." As soon as he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.— 1 Samuel 4:15-18 What we witness here is not just a catastrophic defeat in battle. This is the end of an era. The end of 200 years of the nation of Israel being led by Judges. It is a sad ending that comes about by an apathetic Priest and Judge who fails to lead. But it also marks the beginning of a new chapter. Samuel, the great Judge, will lead us from a Theocracy led by Judges into a Monarchy led by Kings, a transition that brings with it the promise of hope and change. As I have aged, I have learned a thing or two about national leaders and government powers. There isn't one who isn't corrupted by some form of sin. Israel, God's people, would be led by Judges, Priests, Kings, and Prophets, and not one of these men and their systems were without sin. There was and is only one perfect leader. He is our Judge, Priest, King, and Prophet — Jesus Christ. Till he comes to reign earth again and take us home, he reigns within our hearts. He is the only perfect leader. Till Jesus comes, we will live under the leadership of some unfortunate leader or power. In the next four years, Americans will either be led by a babbling puppet president or a self-absorbed playboy. Those are the choices we have in our Constitutional Republic. It does not matter how you present or position either one of these men. Neither man is our Savior because neither is a match for the Savior. And that is what Eli just learned. His failures in leadership were no match for God's plan, promises, and power. Age, blindness, apathy, poor parenting, and his failure to lead were not an excuse. God held him accountable for all this, tipped over his chair, and took the reigns from another apathetic and pathetic leader. We have a ruler. He is the only ruler. He rules all creation. It doesn't matter who rules and reigns our nation. The only thing that matters is if God rules your heart. If he doesn't, then you will have hell to pay, just like Eli. #DivinePower, #SpiritualLeadership, #GodsSovereignty Ask This: Reflecting on Eli's leadership, how can we ensure we don't become apathetic in our roles of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities? Considering the contrast between human rule and God's sovereignty highlighted in this passage, how can we actively invite God to rule our hearts and guide our decisions in a world filled with imperfect leadership? Do This: Submit to the King. Pray This: Lord, help me recognize and resist the temptation of apathy in my leadership roles. Guide me to lead with integrity and passion, reflecting Your divine power and sovereignty in all I do. Have Your will with our national leaders. Amen. Play This: Champion.

Your sin can become a national crisis. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 4. I've titled this chapter "Misusing Divine Power." In the first few verses of Chapter 4, we discover that the Israelites were at war with the Philistines. They engaged in two battles sustaining devastating losses, first 7000 dead, then 30,000 dead, until the Philistines claimed victory, captured the Ark of God, and then sent the Israelites running. A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head. When he arrived, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out. When Eli heard the sound of the outcry, he said, "What is this uproar?" Then the man hurried and came and told Eli. — 1 Samuel 4:12-14 This is a tragic moment for Israel. In a short devotional, it's tough to capture how devastated God's people might have felt. The unnamed Benjamite makes the 20-mile run retreating from the battle and shows up wearing all the signs of a man in mourning "with his clothes torn and dirt on his head." The only way to capture the feeling of this moment is to imagine that you receive a call in the next few moments that your spouse or child was killed and then multiply it by 37,000. That's the message this man delivered to this city: 37,000 souls lost on the field of battle, including sons, husbands, and fathers. But let's not forget that all of this stemmed from the apathy of one man. Eli, the last in a long line of Judges, allowed his sons to continue to act in disobedience until finally, they did the unthinkable. They took the Ark of the Covenant from the House of the Lord into battle, which led to slaughter. Disobedient actions concern God, but so does disobedient inaction. Eli had plenty of time to deal with his sons' disobedience, but he didn't. He was apathetic. He took no action, and his inaction was counted as disobedience. This devious sin had devastating consequences for him, his family, his legacy, and 37,000 families who were also impacted. Listen carefully: your sin never only affects you. Disobedient action and disobedient inaction have consequences for everyone. Here's the application. Don't be spiritually apathetic to God today. Address your secret sin and stop hiding it. Address the issue in your marriage that you still need to address. Address your child who is acting in sin. Move from disobedient inaction into obedient action and rally those around you to godly action. If you keep putting it off, that situation will have the same devastating consequences in your life as it did to Eli, his family, and the nation of Israel because your apathy never affects only you; it affects everyone around you.

God's promises are greater than your plans. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 4. I've titled this chapter "Misusing Divine Power." In the first few verses of Chapter 4, we discover that the Israelites were at war with the Philistines. They engaged in a short battle between the towns of Ebenezer and Aphek. They sustained some losses, and then they got the crafty idea to bring the Ark of God to battle, so let's see how that turns out in the next reading, verses 5-11: As soon as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, they said, "What does this great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" And when they learned that the ark of the Lord had come to the camp, the Philistines were afraid, for they said, "A god has come into the camp." And they said, "Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness. Take courage, and be men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews as they have been to you; be men and fight." So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell. And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died. — 1 Samuel 4:5-11 Man Up And Fight As we can see, there was initial excitement about the idea. Even the Philistines were initially frightened by the understanding of how God had defeated an empire in Egypt that was far greater than them. But then the Philistines rally, resulting in a raging slaughter with 30,000 dead, and the ark is compromised. I find it especially interesting that if you look at this situation only from the perspective of the Philistines, you would be convinced that the victory resulted from courage in facing adversity and their resolve to "be men and fight." But we know it wasn't. This situation fulfilled the prophecy spoken by Samuel, stemming from the disobedience of Eli and his sons. God determined the outcome of this battle, not the Philistines or their courage. And because Israel had not trusted in God's power and tried to use his power for their pleasure, he was going to display his power without them. Limited Perspectives Make Wrong Deductions Humanity often has a limited perspective on God's plans. We can only see immediate events, so we make deductions based on what we can see. When we cannot see God's plans, we sometimes become uneasy. Instead of trusting God by faith and obeying him, we take matters into our own hands. In doing so, we justify our actions and make natural human deductions that do not align with God's intentions. Like the Philistines and the Israelites, we may think we need to "man up and fight." While this approach could lead to an occasional victory, it can also result in catastrophic failure. Regardless of the outcome, we must recognize that our deductions and connections may not necessarily be correct, even if we have manned up and fought. Both Israel and the Philistines were about to learn a hard lesson: God's promises are greater than their battle plans. God's Promises Versus Your Plans You have plans. You have career plans, financial plans, marital plans, family plans, and retirement plans. You battle for these plans. Sometimes, you think you need to put in more effort and fight harder. But occasionally, your plans will contest God's promises. Given your limited perspective, you will mistakenly think fight harder. Sometimes, you might win and wrongly think you did it, mustering more courage for another fight. Sometimes, you will lose, causing you to reflect and change course. Before you man up and fight, here are four preliminary actions: Immerse yourself in God's promises. Let God's promises inform your perspective and plans. Be obedient. Trust by faith. Then, man up and fight. If you don't do this first, you will only end up fighting against God, and no man can man up, fight, and win against God's promises. #GodsPromises #TrustHisPlan #FaithOverFear Ask This: How can you discern between your own plans and God's promises in your daily decisions and pursuits? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises, even when faced with uncertainty or adversity? Do This: Do all four actions. Pray This: Father, help me to surrender my plans to Your promises, trusting in Your wisdom and sovereignty over my life. Grant me the courage and faith to follow Your lead, even when it requires letting go of my own understanding. Amen. Play This: God of the Promise.

God's power is not your pleasure. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 4. I've titled this chapter "Misusing Divine Power." Today, I am reading verse 1-4, which states: Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek. The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was defeated before the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the field of battle. And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, "Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies." So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. — 1 Samuel 4:1-4 The contention between Israel and the Philistines will continue throughout this book, so it might be helpful to understand the tension between these two peoples. The Philistines and the Israelites, both relatively new to the region, emerged around the same time. The Philistines settled primarily in the coastal plain to the west of the hill country, establishing their dominance in five main cities: Ekron, Ashdod, Gath, Ashkelon, and Gaza. Each city was governed by a Philistine lord or king. This geographical and political context is crucial to understanding the dynamics of the conflict between these two peoples. When we begin Chapter Four, a battle unfolds. But since we have just started reading 1 Samuel, we would be wrong to think this was the first battle. This loss was only one of many battles that had been going on for some 200 years through the time of the Judges. For Israel, this loss in battle was one of many, and it was the last straw that broke the camel's back. You can see Israel returns to Shiloh conflicted about this. They concluded they were defeated by "the Lord" and not by the Philistines, which is perfect theology—making their theology right and their subsequent response wrong. The issue at hand for the Israelites is "Why?" Why has the Lord allowed this to continue for the last 200 years, even though they entered the land with such a promise of prosperity? The "Why" is probably threefold: The disobedience as a nation. The disobedience of Eli and his sons. The promise of punishment to Eli and his house is prophesied by Samuel. But rather than exploring the answer to "why" and seeing the connection to their disobedience, they took matters into their own hands. They decided if God would not use his power to give them victory, they would use his power for themselves. In failing to see God's "why," their theology makes a radical turn. They change their minds about what God is and is not able and capable of doing and make themselves the enemy of God. Listen to their reasoning again: "Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies." Initially, they proclaimed God did it. But now they deduce God's proximity is too far; therefore, they do something they should not have done—remove the ark of God from Shiloh. In the coming days, you will see the result of this wrong decision. This happens to believers on a personal level all the time. We are fine with God being sovereign and in total control of the events in our lives until we don't understand the "why." When his "why" evades us, we become irritated because we can only sustain so many losses until we change our minds about what God is or is not doing. We justify ourselves, assuming we are innocent of sin, and then take matters into our own hands because we don't like the mystery and the faith required when there is no answer to the "why." If you find yourself in this place today, wondering why things are happening, rest assured that there is an answer. God knows it and will reveal it in time. However, be careful not to misuse God's power for your own pleasure, as this could lead to an uncomfortable and challenging lesson. Instead of asking "why," have faith in God's timing and power and focus on the more important question: "How can I obey God today?"

Are you misusing God's power, thus missing his power? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 4. I've titled this chapter "Misusing Divine Power." Today, I am reading verse 22, which states: And she said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured." — 1 Samuel 4:22 This verse is the shocking moment in this chapter. It is a statement of national stupidity. Israel made foolish choices, thinking they could harness God's power for personal means, which led to the capture of the ark of God. For those unfamiliar, the ark was a sacred chest containing the Ten Commandments that rested in the Temple, symbolizing God's presence and power. Humanity has long been intrigued by God's power. Even if we don't fully comprehend the intricacies of religion, we know that God, by nature, is considered all-powerful. The idea that God's power could somehow be harnessed for our benefit is undeniably attractive. The thought of this takes me back to those old classic Indiana Jones movies, like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "The Last Crusade" where notorious explorers are allured by the proposition that the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail hold power that one could harness for personal pleasure and means. For many, God's power is exactly what draws them to God. Consider the businessman burdened by anxieties and challenges. In desperation, he comes to God, praying that God's power will give him success or prevent the success of his competitors. If God's power can do that, the businessman sees value in God. Or consider the unbeliever who is terminally ill. Even though they have lived a prayerless life, their illness brings them to one of those "Hail Mary Prayers" for God's healing power. If God can offer that, then they see some value in God. The applications of this twisted understanding of God's power are endless. But this is exactly what the followers of God in Israel attempt to do in 1 Samuel 4. Believers attempt to harness the power of the ark of God for their own personal means, resulting in a mass casualty event of proportions that is catastrophic to the people of Israel. And that is what the woman in this text has learned. Her husband (Phinehas), brother-in-law (Hophni), and father-in-law (Eli) are all dead because they misunderstood and misused the power of God. This entire chapter warns everyone about the misuse of God's power for personal pleasure. Harnessing God's power even in our fragilities may be alluring, but it's fatal. We might even try to camouflage our attempt to harness our power behind a religious front, but still, this is fatally wrong. With that, here are the six topics we will address in this chapter: God's Power Is Not Our Pleasure. God's Promises Are Powerfully Fulfilled. Personal Sin Becomes A National Crisis. God's Power Is Not Your Good Luck Charm. God's Power Reveals Godless Corruption. God's Judgement is Painful for Everyone. So get ready for a powerful chapter where we discover the God of all power. #MisusingDivinePower, #HarnessingGodsPower, #BiblicalWarnings Ask This: How do you discern between seeking God's power for personal gain versus aligning yourself with His will and purposes? In what areas of your life do you find yourself tempted to misuse or manipulate God's power for your own desires, and how can you realign your perspective to honor His sovereignty and wisdom? Do This: Don't misuse God's power. Pray This: Lord, help me surrender my desires for personal gain and align my heart with Your will, recognizing Your sovereignty over all things. Grant me wisdom to use Your power in accordance with Your purposes so that I may honor You in all aspects of my life. Amen. Play This: In Christ Alone.

When God is silent no more! Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verses 19-21, which states: And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 3:19-21 This passage describes Samuel's character. After receiving guidance from the Lord, he experienced spiritual growth and matured. The presence of the Lord was evident with him, in stark contrast to Eli, Hophni, and Phinehas. Furthermore, his words carried weight; people listened and remembered when he spoke. As a result, his reputation grew and surpassed others in his time, spanning from Dan to Beersheba, which is like saying from San Francisco to New York. We are given four distinct characteristics of Samuel. There are four things we could aim for as a follower. Receptivity to Spiritual Growth. Intimacy with the Lord. Speaking the Unforgettable Word. Reputation that Advanced. Most men want the fourth item without doing the other three. We want a reputation without putting in the hard work of being receptive, intimate, and teaching the Word. This is mainly because we confuse our fame with God's fame. It's not about our fame and reputation that we need to promote, but about advancing God's fame and His reputation. The chapter and book serve as something other than a self-help guide on how to become a great leader from the perspective of someone who was a great leader. Instead, the book focuses on how God used a man to usher in a new season for the people of Israel. It's worth noting that in times of crisis, God's initial response to a nation is not to send a political leader but to communicate His Word through a man. I believe God is looking for this man right now in our time: one who is receptive to growth, intimate with him, speaks his truth and is concerned about His fame, not his own. This is what we need. Are you that man? #GodSpeaksThroughMen, #SamuelEffect, #ReceptiveLeadership Ask This: Following Samuel's example, How can we cultivate a deeper receptivity to spiritual growth in our lives? How can we prioritize advancing God's fame over our reputation in our daily interactions and leadership roles? Do This: Be God's man: a receptive, intimate man of His Word. Pray This: Lord, help me to be like Samuel—receptive to Your guidance, intimate with You, and bold in speaking Your truth, all for the glory of Your name. May Your fame be my foremost concern as I seek to lead and influence others by Your will. Amen.

Are you willing to swallow the hard truth? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verses 15-18, it states: Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, "Samuel, my son." And he said, "Here I am." And Eli said, "What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you." So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him." — 1 Samuel 3:15-18 In the popular movie series The Matrix, the lead character, Neo, is given an option at the beginning of the film. He could take a red pill, enabling him to understand the truth outside the illusion of the Matrix. Or he could take a blue pill, allowing him to return to the illusion. Neo, of course, chooses the red pill, which opens his eyes to a discomforting truth. The life he had been living was nothing but an illusion. He was living a lie. This illustration fits here because Samuel and Eli have to swallow some troubling truths. But notice a few details about the two men. First, Samuel lay there all night, likely unable to sleep due to the troubling message about his mentor and feeling afraid to inform Eli about what God had said. Second, Eli calls Samuel as if he were a son, fully aware that God spoke to him but demanding to hear the truth about God's words. In a way, they both have a red pill to swallow. Samuel has to speak a hard truth. Eli has to accept a hard truth. I said this yesterday, but when God speaks, his truth is always a hard pill to swallow. God's truth declares that we are sinful, and then we have to accept the truth that we are sinful and need his salvation. Some people don't want to believe this truth. They prefer the blue pill. They buy into the illusion that they are good enough and that this life is all about pleasure and personal gratification. But ignoring the hard truth does us no good if we are going to be confronted by it at some point. If we are going to face judgment by God at the end of life, isn't it pointless to ignore the truth? Make today the day you make a change. Swallow the red pill, accept your sinfulness, and receive salvation and redemption before all you get is God's judgment. If this is you today and you are ready to make a change, pray this prayer along with me: God, I realize my life is ridden with sin. I accept this truth and need your salvation. I receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and his life, death, and resurrection as my means of redemption. I am ready to accept your truth and live by it all my days. In Jesus' name, Amen. If you prayed this today, reply and let me know. I would love to support you in some next steps. #EmbraceTheRedPill, #CourageousFaith, #FacingHardTruths Ask This: Reflecting on Samuel's hesitation to share God's message with Eli, consider a time when you've struggled to speak the truth in love. What steps can you take to cultivate courage and honesty in your relationships, even when it's difficult? In what areas of your life are you tempted to take the "blue pill" of denial rather than confronting uncomfortable truths? How can you actively choose the path of courageous faith, embracing God's truth, and pursuing transformation in those areas? Do This: Accept the truth from God, even when you don't like it. Pray This: Lord, grant me the courage to embrace the red pill of truth, confronting the uncomfortable realities in my life with faith and humility. May Your grace empower me to walk boldly in Your truth, trusting in Your redemption and transformation. Amen. Play This: Jesus, I Need You.

What do you do when God speaks and says something you don't like? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verses 11-14, it reads: Then the Lord said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever." — 1 Samuel 3:11-14 Samuel is not just receiving any communication but direct communication from God. Let that sink in. Samuel is hearing the voice of the Lord in the house of the Lord from the Lord Himself—inspiring and humbling. Four Realities About God's Voice To Man But I want to pause briefly and state four realities about this experience. First, every believer, at some point, wishes they could have an experience like this with God. Second, some think they are hearing God's voice when they are not. Third, others say they have heard God's voice and use it to coerce or control others. Fourth, and this is the vital point. You can hear from God and speak to God all the time. We hear from God in his Word. We are directed by God by his Spirit. We hear from God through other believers who are also in God's Word and led by the Spirit. We can speak with God in prayer, and God gives divine direction through events around us. You can have a very lively, vibrant, real communication with God all the time. This is one of the benefits of the Cross: Jesus made it possible for us all to access God at any time and anywhere (Eph. 3:11-12, Luke 23:44-47, John 14:6-7). When God Speaks, And You Don't Like It The startling issue of this communication from God is that it was a divine message with a damning message. God told young Samuel that his mentor, the High Priest of Israel, and his family would no longer have their sins atoned. That's eternal damnation by God. The message is "You are going to Hell." So, let me make an observation: God speaks a lot, but we don't listen. God's Word is His spoken word. If you want to hear from God, all you have to do is read His Word. In His Word, God has things to say about everything, but especially about you—your life, sin, vocation, family, finances, marriage, identity, and holiness. But here's the problem: When we read God's Word and hear his message, we don't like what he says because God demands a change. He is Holy, and we are not. This means that his message to us is not always positive and predictive but frequently painful because God demands change. By chapter three, two men—Eli and Samuel—had heard from God. Eli and his sons were given plenty of time to hear and change. They didn't, so they were damned. But, now it's Samuel's turn to hear from the Lord. Will he embrace the discomfort and deliver the message, or not? We will see... But what about you? Do you want to hear from the Lord? If so, gird up your loins. Embrace the discomfort. Do what God says. This is what it is like for a fallen creature to hear from the Creator of all Humanity. God, help us be courageous today. Please speak to us, and may we hear your truth, embrace the discomfort, and do what you demand. Amen. #GodsVoice, #DivineCall, #CourageousObedience Ask This: How can we discern between our own desires and God's voice when faced with challenging decisions or messages? In what areas of our lives are we resisting God's call for change, and how can we cultivate a willingness to embrace discomfort and obedience? Do This: Embrace the discomfort and do what God says. Pray This: Lord, grant me the courage to listen attentively to your voice, even when it challenges me to change. Help me embrace discomfort and walk in obedience, trusting in your wisdom and guidance. Amen. Play This: The Truth.

Three keys to unlocking divine direction. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verses 8-10, it reads: And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears." — 1 Samuel 3:8-10 Today, Samuel demonstrates how to unlock the divine direction that you want and need. Three keys: Key One | Persistence God called Samuel four times before he realized that God was speaking to him. Four times! You thought you were slow. Sometimes, we are all a little slow, but Samuel got something right. He was persistent in listening. We need the same persistence in how we listen. The world is noisy: there is political noise, business noise, financial noise, marital noise, household noise, emotional noise, and sometimes, it takes a lot of work to hear God through all the noise. This means you need to persist in listening. Don't quit listening for God after the first attempt or prayer. Listen longer because when you don't know what God's voice sounds like, you might have already heard it but just don't know it yet. Key Two | Guidance Samuel needed clear guidance to discern God's voice and how to respond. If you are confused about what God wants you to do, seek spiritual guidance from someone you know who hears from God. Samuel had Eli. Eli was not a perfect man, but he did provide Samuel with enough guidance on how to discern and respond. It was just enough for him to take the first step. There are believers around you who hear from God and who have just enough wisdom to guide you as well. Key Three | Readiness I love Samuel's statement, "Speak, for your servant hears." His posture and positional readiness are what is needed. Most believers want to hear from God but sometimes are not positionally ready for the answer. If you want to hear God's voice and get his direction, then you need to prepare your soul for divine guidance that may not be what you want to hear, do, or share with others. This is exactly what is about to happen to Samuel. Your posture must be that of the servant. When God speaks you need to ready yourself. If you desire to hear from God, confidently embrace these three keys: persistence, guidance, and readiness. By applying these principles, you will consistently unlock the divine direction you want and need. #DivineDirection, #HearingGodsVoice, #SpiritualGuidance Ask This: How can you cultivate a spirit of persistence in your daily life to better hear God's voice amidst the noise of the world? Who in your life can you turn to for spiritual guidance and support, and how can you actively seek their wisdom to discern God's direction for your life? Do This: Do the three keys. Pray This: Father, grant me the persistence to listen for Your voice, the humility to seek guidance from those who follow You, and the readiness to obey Your will, even when it challenges me. Help me to hear Your whispers above the clamor of the world and to faithfully follow where You lead. Amen. Play This: The Struggle.

Do you want to increase how you hear God's voice? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verses 2-7, which states: At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, "Here I am!" and ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, "Samuel!" and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. — 1 Samuel 3:2-7 Two Contrasts This section has two fascinating contrasts. First, there's a striking contrast between aging Eli's failing eyesight lying in darkness in his own place and young Samuel resting in the Temple near the ark under the evening lamp. The author wants us to see the strong contrast between the two men at this moment. One man is on his way out of the leadership, and the other is on his way in. Second, we encounter the phrase, "Samuel did not yet know the Lord." This line echoes the declaration made about Hophni and Phineas in the previous chapter, "They did not know the Lord." However, the distinction lies in their reasons: Eli's sons rejected the Lord, whereas Samuel hadn't yet had a personal encounter with Him. The word "yet" in the text promises future revelation: "Samuel did not yet know the Lord." Many of you know what happens next in the story. It's pretty spectacular. Four Principles for Tuning Into God's Voice But for now, let me suggest four great principles we can glean from this text for tuning into God's voice. Principle One | Put Yourself In Proximity To God. God is speaking. He has something to say to you about your present situation. But if you are not in proximity to God, like Eli, who is weary and in his own place rather than in the house of the Lord, it will be harder to hear his voice. Physical and spiritual proximity play a part in hearing from God. This means you have to stop being resistant to the Church and God and move closer to both. Let me make this simple and practical: Go to church this week. Stop being so judgmental about the program, people, praise, and preaching, and instead listen to what God is trying to say only to you through the program, people, praise, and preaching. I bet you hear God speak in a way you have not heard him speak in a while. Principle Two | Disobedience Hinders Hearing God. Hophni and Phineas were disobedient men and spiritual leaders who did not know the Lord because they did not listen to the Lord. So, if you live in disobedience to the Lord, don't expect to hear from the Lord. It's impossible to hear from the Lord in disobedience because you are not listening to the Lord but to the Enemy of the Lord. You cannot listen and act on what the Enemy says to do and expect to hear from the Lord. That logic doesn't work. Principle Three | Obedience Enhances Hearing God. When we are obedient to God, this will enhance the connection to God. As John Hammis once wrote: When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. — John Hammis, Trust and Obey. Principle Four | The More You Listen & Obey, The More You Know God. As the text states, "Samuel did not yet know the Lord." But once he learned to listen, he would remember his voice and know the Lord more and more. The same is true with us. The more we listen and obey God, the better we hear him and the more we know Him. If we continue listening and obeying, we will know him and hear from him more and more. So, commit to drawing closer to God. Get to know Him. Increase your reception by being in proximity, ending disobedience, and living in obedience. Tune into the whispers and get to know the Lord. He has the guidance and comfort you want and need. #ListenAndObey, #DivineWhispers, #SpiritualReception Ask This: How can you intentionally create space in your life to draw closer to God and hear His voice more clearly? Reflecting on times of disobedience and obedience in your life, what changes can you make today to enhance your receptivity to God's guidance and direction? Do This: Choose one of the four principles above and do it. Pray This: Lord, help me draw near to You with an open heart, eagerly listening for Your voice amidst the noise of life. Guide me to obedience and deeper intimacy with You so that I may walk closely with You and know You more fully each day. Amen. Play This: Trust and Obey.

Have you ever felt the weight of God's silence? Today, I will give you two suggestions for navigating it. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verse 1, which states: Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. — 1 Samuel 3:1 If you are a believer, there is no greater comfort than hearing from the Lord. At the same time, there is no greater discomfort when you want to hear from Him, but you sense that either He is not speaking or you are not hearing Him. More than a few times in my life, I have experienced this silence on matters of health, vocation, healing, finances, and marriage when I wanted an answer from God. This silence is disturbing and unsettling. Often, it leads to anxiety, confusion, and frustration that can mess with my head. In God's silence, my patience sometimes wears thin, and if I am not careful, my beliefs and thoughts will lead me to take matters into my own hands because I am weary of waiting on the Lord. Have you been there? We all have. The people of Israel were in the same place in 1 Samuel 3. They were in a time of silence when the "word of the Lord was rare." But the reason why was stated in Chapter 2 is that the priests at Shiloh, Eli's sons, "did not know the Lord" and behaved in contempt for God and the people (1 Samuel 2:12–17). So, if you are still waiting to hear from the Lord, let me make two simple suggestions. Stop Spending Time With People Who Don't Know The Lord First, stop spending time with people who do not know the Lord, even if they appear to know the Lord. Many people boast credentials, status, and education but are not grounded in the Lord (like Eli's sons). Their answers are based on secular ideologies and will lead you away from the Lord and further into silence. Start Spending Time With People Who Do Know The Lord Second, start spending time with people who know the Lord. These people are easy to find. They read God's word, listen to sound teachers, and share godly wisdom. In addition, increase your intake of God's Word and get around praying people who will pray for you. If you do both of these things, the silence will break for you as it did for God's people. God will send the light of hope to you through Samuel, even in the darkest and quietest moments. And then listen. God will speak, and you will know it. It will be easy to discern because it will be the voice of comfort in your present discomfort. Let's pray: God, please speak to those today to whom you have been silent. Please help them to eliminate the dissonance of this world. Put believers in their lives to whom you speak, and may your Word be a clear voice of comfort in their present season. Amen. #GodsSilence #SeekingHisVoice #SpiritualJourney

Do you want to hear from the Lord? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." In this chapter, we will witness Samuel's remarkable journey as he emerges as the next spokesman for God. The key verse of this chapter is verse 10, which reads: And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears." — 1 Samuel 3:10 From Boy to Prophet This verse represents a crucial moment in this book, in Samuel's life, and in the life of the nation of Israel. In this chapter, Samuel is about to undergo a significant transformation. He is transitioning from a boy serving in the temple to becoming a divine leader of God's people. It's like watching a disguised superhero enter a phone booth and emerge as this eager superhero ready to save the day. Into Silence God Speaks Yet this unveiling occurs because Samuel is a man who is willing to listen to God and speak His will. From his interaction with God, we will learn six ways to listen to God this week. Navigating Silence: Navigating times when God is silent (3:1) Increasing Reception: What prevents us from hearing God's voice (3:2-7) Recognizing His Voice: Learning to recognize God's voice (3:8-10) Painful Messages: When we recognize God's voice but don't like the message (3:11-14) Telling the Message: Telling others what God has told us (3:15-18) Becoming His Messenger: Declaring his message as his designated messenger (3:19-21) Amid life's noise and distractions, it's easy to miss God's call. But just as He spoke to Samuel in the quiet of the night, God desires to communicate with each of us today. Whether we're navigating moments of silence, wrestling with doubts, or grappling with the weight of His message, the key lies in our willingness to listen and respond, just as Samuel did: "Speak, for your servant hears." #ListenToGod #DivineDialogue #HeedHisVoice Ask This: How can we intentionally create moments of silence in our lives to better hear from God amidst the noise and distractions of our daily routines? How can we respond like Samuel when we sense God's prompting, moving from simply hearing His voice to actively obeying and sharing His message with others? Do This: Ready your heart and ears to hear from God. Pray This: Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to quiet my heart and mind, so that I may attentively listen for Your voice and faithfully respond to Your call, just as Samuel did. Help me to discern Your will and courageously share Your message with others, trusting in Your guidance and provision every step of the way. Amen. Play This: I'm Listening.

You never age out of spiritual leadership. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are immersing ourselves in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today I am reading verses 18-21: Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?" But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death. Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man. — 1 Samuel 2:22-26 Then, jumping down to verses 31-35, a man of God comes to Eli and delivers a message from God. Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. Then in distress you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. The 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. And this that shall come upon your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, shall be the sign to you: both of them shall die on the same day. And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever. — 1 Samuel 2:31-35 An Old Spiritual Leader There are some interesting details in both of these texts. Eli was very old. In fact, according to 1 Samuel 4:15, he was 98 years old. This suggests that he may have been out of touch with what was happening with his sons and their spiritual leadership. However, he eventually learned about their involvement in two forms of serious corruption. Using their power and position for personal gain. Using their power and position for sexual exploits. What you have are two boys who feel entitled and have become especially egregious in their behavior. But what makes these sins egregious is that they interfere with God's sacrifices and in his house, and the boys just simply don't care. Then Eli's "why" is as close as he gets to calling them to repentance. He approaches them like a helpless old man and father who has washed his hands of them. In addition, we know the boys are going to dismiss his extremely soft interrogation. An Indictment The most startling part of this text and chapter is the indictment by God in verse 25: "for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death." The boys had gone too far. Most of us reading this text don't like to hear this. But it's a serious mistake to assume that these boys and their stubborn, entitled, sacrilegious, and hard hearts should be blamed on God. The hardness of their hearts was their choice, and thus, we see God's judgment for that choice. And given what I read here, Eli should have been a little more engaged in guiding them to repentance. However, what is particularly interesting about this whole situation is that we never get the impression that Eli was a wicked priest. On the surface, he seems to be presented as a fairly "good" guy, but the way he deals with his sons and stewards the house of the Lord at the end of his life is not good. He is simply too old and lacks the fortitude to deal with his son's wicked conduct, which is not good. But when one father fails to do his job, another takes over. God, the Father of his nation, inserts himself where Eli fails to lead. An Ageless Responsibility This is an important message for fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers. The spiritual leadership of your family never ends. There is no time in your life when you age out or retire from giving your family spiritual correction and guidance. You cannot simply wash your hands of giving needed spiritual correction and direction. Sometimes, you need to muster some fortitude and call your family to repentance because you love them. It's not loving as a father to let them face judgment from the Heavenly Father. So, what sins do you need to address in your family, and how are you going to do it? #SpiritualLeadership #FamilyFaith #LegacyofFaith Ask This: How can you emulate Eli's initial concern and engagement with your family's spiritual well-being, despite any challenges or discomfort it may entail? Reflecting on the consequences of Eli's passive approach, how can you actively cultivate a culture of repentance and spiritual growth within your family, fostering open dial

Are you leading your kids spiritually? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are immersing ourselves in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today I am reading verses 18-21: Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, "May the Lord give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the Lord." So then they would return to their home. Indeed the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 2:18-21 One clear observation from this section is that Samuel and his parents (Elkanah and Hannah) remain faithfully devoted to God. Even Eli is reminded of this every year as they bring their sacrifices, and his mother provides Samuel with another robe. As a result, Eli continues to pass blessing after blessing to Elkanah and Hannah, who end up having not one child but six in all. The impact of parents who actively guide and spiritually support their children is significant. There is a remarkable contrast between the children of Elkanah and the children of Eli. Elkanah and his family were actively devoted to God and took their spiritual responsibilities seriously, even after Samuel had left. In contrast, Eli was more passive in his approach to parenting his sons, assuming they would just understand at some point, and if you have read ahead, you know they didn't. This chapter has really persuaded me to reflect on how I lead my children and take a few more steps in spiritually leading them. My role is not merely teaching them secular skills or new leadership techniques or persuading them to win friends and influence people; I am called to invest meaningful spiritual time, talent, and treasure in their lives. So how about you? Are you serving your family spiritually? Are you intentionally nurturing their faith, modeling godly character, and providing opportunities for them to grow in their relationship with Jesus? If not, commit to prioritizing your children's spiritual well-being. Pray for them fervently, teach them the Word of God diligently, and lead them by example as you walk in obedience to Christ. Invest time, energy, and resources into building a firm foundation of faith in their lives. May God bless your efforts abundantly as you faithfully serve your children, shaping them into the men and women of God He has called them to be. Remember, your children (just like Samuel) are a precious gift "lent to you by the Lord." They are only under your immediate care and direction for a short season. How you steward this season will have eternal significance. And for those who don't have kids or whose kids have flown the nest: keep praying, keep leading, keep speaking the truth, and keep asking the Father to draw them to him. He is the only perfect father even when you are not. Father, Thank you for all the children you have lent to us. Draw them to you all their days. Guide them through sin into your holiness. Be their redeemer and use them to advance your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen. #ParentingWithPurpose #SpiritualLeadership #FaithfulFamilies ASK THIS: How can you prioritize spiritual investment in your children's lives amidst the busyness of daily routines? Reflecting on the contrast between the families of Elkanah and Eli, what specific steps can you take to actively nurture your children's faith and spiritual growth? DO THIS: Do one thing to spiritually lead your family today. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and strength to lead my children spiritually, nurturing their faith and guiding them into a deeper relationship with You. May Your presence be evident in our home, shaping their hearts and lives according to Your will. PLAY THIS: Run To The Father.

Have you checked your greed lately? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today, I will read verses 13-17. The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand, and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they did at Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Moreover, before the fat was burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give meat for the priest to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you but only raw." And if the man said to him, "Let them burn the fat first, and then take as much as you wish," he would say, "No, you must give it now, and if not, I will take it by force." Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord, for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt. — 1 Samuel 2:13-17 Unethical Conduct In The Priesthood This text reveals a troubling reality of religious corruption and entitlement within the priesthood. Eli's sons, who served as priests, abused their authority for personal gain. Their actions weren't just selfish; they were sacrilegious. While priests were entitled to a portion of the sacrifices after they were presented, the sons of Eli went far beyond what was acceptable. Instead of honoring God's regulations, they exploited their position to snatch the best portions of the sacrifices being prepared by the worshippers. Imagine making preparations for your best offering to God, only to have it forcibly taken by one of the priest's servants. For worshippers, these sacrifices were deeply meaningful acts of devotion. Yet, Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's sons, showed no regard for the sacredness of these offerings. They intruded on families while their meat was cooking, taking what they desired and even demanding raw meat for themselves before the fat was burned—an act directly contrary to God's instructions. Their behavior was reprehensible, driven by greed and a blatant disregard for God. Unregulated Selfishness Can Become Sacrilegious Greed So, what do we learn? Every man, including spiritual leaders, can succumb to the temptation of selfish gain. If unchecked, it can spiral into insatiable narcissism and sacrilege, elevating oneself above God. Today, let's examine our own lives. Are there areas where selfishness or greed are taking root? Left unaddressed, they can lead us down a path of wickedness. Let's strive to regulate our desires and align them with God's will, guarding against the allure of selfish gain. #GuardAgainstGreed #SacrilegeInService #SpiritualLeadership Ask This: Reflect on a time when you were tempted to prioritize personal gain over honoring God and others. How did you navigate that situation, and what lessons did you learn from it? In what areas of your life do you see the potential for selfishness or greed to creep in? How can you actively guard against these tendencies and align your desires with God's will? Do This: Check your greed today. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize and resist the allure of selfish gain, guiding me to honor You in all that I do. Grant me the strength and wisdom to align my desires with Your will, that I may serve You faithfully and with integrity. Amen. Play This: Greed.

Are you ready to compensate for lost time as a husband, wife, father, or mother? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today, I will read two texts that illustrate this contrast again. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation. — 1 Samuel 1:16 Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. — 1 Samuel 2:12 Worthless Sons The word "worthless" here is harsh and vivid. It's Belial, which could be translated as Hannah being the "daughter of the Devil" or, in the case of Eli's boys, "sons of the Devil." The irony in the text is unmistakable. Eli indicts Hannah as worthless when his sons are the worthless ones. Eli is a man, father, and leader with extremely clouded judgment. He easily indicts an innocent, humble, and devout woman and misses the judgment passed onto him by his sons, who serve as spiritual leaders but "do not know the Lord." Too Late To Build Worth In my years of ministry, I have noticed that many believing men, like Eli, do not learn the burden of their roles as husbands, fathers, and spiritual leaders soon enough. They love the title and experiences of these roles but fail to see their spiritual significance. Therefore, later in life, they have regrets about the spiritual disposition of their wives, children, and even themselves. Some men believe it's too late to rectify the lost time and the ministry required to have a spiritual impact on their lives. But it's never too late. God can redeem anything and anyone at any point in life, and there are plenty of examples throughout the Bible. Had Eli stepped in and even stepped up a little, which he didn't, he could have turned his sons from worthless to worthy. See The Worthy One For this to happen in your life and your family, you have to stop dwelling on the past, lost time, and all your regrets. You need to stop focusing on yourself and focus on God's worth. God has endless worth, infinitely more than all your worthless years and every worthless regret. So, if you are a father, mother, husband, or wife, don't give up yet. Don't quit. Look again at Elkanah and Hannah. They never quit believing, obeying, trusting, and offering, even through their deep vexations. Then God provided and turned their sense of worthlessness into great worth. #RedeemingLostTime #FamilyRestoration #GodsRedemption Ask This: Reflecting on Eli's missed opportunities as a father and leader, what steps can you take today to prioritize your spiritual influence within your family? Considering Hannah and Elkanah's faith transformation amidst challenges, how can you cultivate a mindset of unwavering trust in God's ability to redeem and renew your family's story? Do This: See God's worth and spiritually lead! Pray This: Lord, help me release the weight of past regrets and embrace Your redeeming grace. Empower me to lead my family with wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith. Grant me the strength and perseverance to journey forward, trusting in Your ability to restore and renew all things according to Your perfect plan. Amen. Play This: Family.

Do you know a woman who is a spiritual warrior? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are immersing ourselves in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. We begin this chapter with Hannah, a woman, wife, and mother who stood on the side of God. This section is called Hannah's Prayer, and I am not going to read the whole prayer, but I do encourage you to read it. I will read the first verse of this prayer. 1 Samuel 2:1 reads And Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. — 1 Samuel 2:1 Her prayer is powerful. It read more like a war cry than that of a prayer by a barren housewife. And I love that we have a record of this. You see, we need godly women like this. Women who are fully committed to the Lord. Women who have been tested by life but relentlessly hold on in faith. Women who go to war in prayer for their families. Women that perceive their roles as wives and mothers as one of the most important vocational callings they will ever have in this life. Contrary to all the modern beliefs about women and their roles, Hannah understands and models what womanhood is supposed to look like. It oozes out of her in this prayer. She fights for her faith and battles in prayer for her family because she wants them all to know victory in the Lord. Later, we see how great her victory was. God not only gave her one son—Samuel—but gave her many. 1 Samuel 2:21 reads Indeed the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 2:21 If you are a woman listening today, I want you to know that believing men like us need believing women like you. We need you to war with us in the way only you can. And for the men listening today, you need to support your wife in her spiritual calling. Like Elkanah, you need to love her, nourish her, support her, and listen to her, for she is a woman who cries out in war for your legacy. #HannahsPrayer #SpiritualWarfare #WarriorWomen ASK THIS: How can we emulate Hannah's fervent prayer life in our own spiritual journey, especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty? In what practical ways can husbands support and encourage their wives in their spiritual calling, following Elkanah's example of love and support for Hannah? DO THIS: Support warrior women who are faithful to God. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the strength and faith of Hannah, to boldly stand in prayer and unwavering commitment to You, trusting in Your faithfulness to bring victory in my life and family. Help me, Lord, to honor and support the women in my life as they courageously walk in their God-given roles, striving for Your kingdom's sake. Amen. PLAY THIS: Warrior.

Are you taking a spiritual lead? Do you even know what this means? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are looking at 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 shows the contrast between the two families—one for God and one against God. But the family against God is surprising; it's a religious leader and his family. Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. — 1 Samuel 2:12 The contrast between Elkanah's family and Eli's family is remarkable. In the first chapter, we see a devout family. In the second chapter, we see a corrupt family. The first family is blessed. The second family is cursed. One becomes salvation for the people of God. The other leads to sacrilege and shame in the house of the Lord forever. If you are a father, mother, or spiritual leader in any capacity today and you read Chapters 1-2, you will observe something that cannot be ignored or missed. Your devotion to God and the spiritual leadership of your family are critical all the days of your life. Men, you need to lead your family spiritually. If you are not leading them spiritually, then you're not leading. Here's the problem I see evident in the lives of numerous believing. Most men and fathers concern themselves with mere material matters when it comes to their life and their families. They focus primarily on matters of financial provision and personal success. Then, they pass on this same burden and concern to their wives and children. Either directly or indirectly, they focus all their time and attention on matters of material success and appearance: educational excellence, athletic success, social status, and financial independence. Yet, I do want to recognize that excellence, success, status, and independence are necessary in some capacity. However, when that is all we ever concern ourselves with, these matters become all-consuming until we and our family finally bow to the gods of excellence, success, status, and independence, which at some point become corrupted by our selfish desires. This is precisely what happens with Eli and his worthless sons in Chapter 2. Eli has let go of the reigns of spiritual leadership. In my years of ministry to men, I have noticed that most believing men don't know how to lead spiritually. They don't even know what this means. They don't know how to lead themselves spiritually. Thus, they feel ill-equipped to lead their family spiritually. This deadly cycle of self-disqualification leads to spiritual insecurities that keep men from taking confident steps in the Spirit to lead. What happens is sin, selfishness, and vanity take over, and now the problem is so significant they don't know what to do. This happens a lot in believing families. Men, you are called to provide for your family. But there is a provision far more important than the natural provision you provide. It's spiritual provision, and you don't provide it. A heavenly Father provides it, but you must lead your family to him. If you are not pointing them to the Father who is their Provider, then you are providing your family with nothing but futile and natural resources that will not last, and at some point, will let them down. So today, point your wife and children to God. Lead them spiritually. Here are some actions you could take: Text them a verse from God's Word. Pray over them in person or by phone. Guide them through a problem and give them sound spiritual direction. You are called and commanded to do this all the days of your life. And don't do nothing. If you do nothing, you are no better than Eli. Soon, you will see the fate of a believing father who does nothing and who goes down in the chronicles of God's Word forever as a failed spiritual leader with worthless sons. Don't be that guy. #SpiritualLeadership #FamilyFaith #MenOfGod ASK THIS: Reflecting on your role as a spiritual leader, what specific actions can you take today to intentionally lead your family closer to God? How can you shift your focus from worldly success to spiritual growth within your family, and what practical steps can you implement to prioritize spiritual provision over material provision? DO THIS: Lead spiritually. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and courage to lead my family spiritually, guiding them closer to You each day. Help me prioritize their souls over worldly success, and empower me to exemplify Your love and grace in all I do. Amen. PLAY THIS: Lead Me.

Are you struggling to trust God's plan for your life? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a new series on 1 Samuel and are currently in chapter one. The theme of chapter one is the six people who influenced Samuel's life: So far, we have identified Elkanah, Peninnah, Hannah, Eli, Hophni, Phinehas, Samuel, and today the Lord. Today, verses 26-28. And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord." — 1 Samuel 1:26-28 1 Samuel 1 is not primarily about Hannah, Elkanah, or even Samuel. It is primarily about the Lord. This chapter may begin with God caring for Hannah and providing for her in her distress, bareness, and shame, but as we will see, in caring for Hannah, the Lord also cared for all of Israel. What he did for Hannah was not exclusively for Hannah. Unfortunately, this is how many want to read and understand the story because we want a God who saves us from our unique problems. We want a God who bows to serve and save us from our every need. But in this situation, God was not just serving and saving Hannah but all of Israel. Through one child, he provided an immediate path through their social unrest and hinted about another child who would save the world from all sin—Jesus. This is an essential lesson in divine providence. Sometimes, we understand acts of God as acts done only for us. This is a very arrogant assumption. The things God does might be done to us and might bring us pleasure, but they are not done only for us nor to please our will. They are done for his will at his pleasure and to accomplish his plan. God may do things for you that look like they are only for you, but usually, God has a greater plan in play. This is what Hannah understands in this statement at the end of chapter one. She even hints to Eli that he may not understand, but Samuel is one "lent" who will lend a hand in God's plan. Samuel's time has come to spend the rest of his days serving the Lord. I want you to know today that God does care about you, but he doesn't only care about you. He cares about all his children. This means that your life, will, plan, vision, and even your aspirations are not the only ones at play. God's will will win the day. Hannah understood this. She had her will, but then there was God's will. He provided for her, but then she did not get in the way of God's will. By doing so, she, her son, and her family became a beautiful part of the story of God. (Which, by the way, will stand in contrast to Eli and his sons in the coming chapters). The ultimate application of chapter one is this: God is at the center of the story. Don't let your will get in the way of God's will. See the connection of your story to his and become a beautiful part of the most remarkable story ever told. #DivineProvidence #SurrenderedFaith #GodsPlan ASK THIS: How can we cultivate a mindset of surrender, trusting that God's will surpasses our own desires and plans? In what areas of our lives do we struggle the most to align our will with God's will, and what steps can we take to surrender those areas fully to Him? DO THIS: Live in the will of the greatest story ever told. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to trust in Your divine providence and surrender my will to Yours, recognizing that Your plans for me are far greater than I can imagine. Guide me to align my desires with Your purpose and to become a beautiful part of Your remarkable story. Amen. PLAY THIS: God Is In This Story.

Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting or leadership? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a new series on 1 Samuel and are currently in chapter one. The theme of chapter one is the six people who influenced Samuel's life: So far, we have identified Elkanah, Peninnah, Hannah, Eli, Hophni, Phinehas, and today Samuel. Today, we will be at the end of the chapter in verses 23-28. Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish his word." So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, "Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord." — 1 Samuel 1:23-28 So I have several observations from this text: Dedicated as Lent First, Elkanah is presented as diligent and devout. He diligently makes his annual trips to the Tabernacle. In addition, he also affirmed his wife's right to make commitments to God, and he wants to support her in fulfilling these vows even though it will cost him a firstborn son from the wife he loves. In addition, the sacrifice he brings to the Tabernacle is sizeable, generous, and even lavish. A side note: husbands, you need to look for ways to support your wife's spiritual calling, especially when it honors the Lord. Prepared as Lent Second, Hannah is given only three precious years with her only biological son. From the day Samuel was conceived, Hannah knew her time with the "one God lent" (Samuel) would be short. Therefore, these years were preparation years for Samuel until he was lent back. As another side note: all believing parents would be blessed to think about their children in the same way, as ones being lent and prepared for an interdependent relationship in service to the Lord. Given as Lent Third, and one of the most intriguing aspects of this passage, is the wordplay in Hannah's statement. The phrases: 'granted me my petition,' 'I made,' 'I have lent him,' and 'he is lent' all stem from the same Hebrew word 'to ask,' which directly relates to the meaning of Samuel's name. This connection underscores the divine providence in Samuel's birth and Hannah's act of dedicating him to the Lord. Samuel's early years are marked by a unique perspective. He was one lent to them who would be lent back to God for a lifelong Nazarite vow. For a moment, consider how a perspective like this would change how you think about everything. Consider how it might affect how you parent, prepare, live, and give. Without a doubt, this child changed Elkanah and Hannah forever. I have three grown children now. Each has required a different type of leadership, direction, encouragement, and challenge. Thinking about how to lead them through their challenges has changed me as a father. Sometimes, it has been frustrating, but God has used each to shape and form my perspective as a father, husband, man, and leader. In some ways, God has used them to influence me, just like God used Samuel to influence his parents. But this only happened when I was willing to pay attention to the divine Father parenting me as I parent them. If you feel a little frustrated today as a parent or leader, try paying more attention to God's divine providence and plan. Worry less about what you want and pay attention to what God wants. When we align with God's divine plan, like Elkanah and Hannah did, the decisions along the way are a lot easier because many of them are already made. #ParentingWithPurpose #LentToTheLord #DivineParenting ASK THIS: How can you actively support and encourage your spouse's spiritual journey, as Elkanah did for Hannah, even when it requires personal sacrifice? Reflect on your role as a parent or leader. How might viewing your children or those you lead as lent to you by God influence your approach to guiding, nurturing, and preparing them for their own unique journey of faith and service? DO THIS: Get a new perspective from the Father. PRAY THIS: Father, help me emulate Elkanah's faithfulness and Hannah's surrender as I navigate my role as a parent, spouse, and leader, trusting in Your divine plan for those entrusted to my care. Guide me to recognize and embrace the opportunities to align my will with Yours, knowing that Your purposes far exceed mine. Amen. PLAY THIS: Changed.

Ready to break free from those negative influences? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a new series on 1 Samuel and are currently in chapter one. The theme of chapter one is the six people who influenced Samuel's life: So far, we have identified Elkanah, Peninnah, Hannah, Eli, and today Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. I will read a single verse today that quickly references these two men. It's verse three. Now [Elkanah] used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 1:3 Hophni and Phinehas remain obscure in this text but become essential to Samuel's backstory. We will learn more about these two malicious, devious, and worthless sons when we get into chapter two. When you discover their character, you will see a contrast between the fathers (Eli & Elkanah) and their sons (Hophni, Phinehas, and Samuel). As expected, social and parental influences significantly shape the sons mentioned in this story. Samuel's spiritual trajectory is much different than that of Hophni and Phinehas. But as Samuel grows, we will see his tender heart toward God and his willingness to listen to God shape his leadership and life more and more. Today, this made me think of all the parents and people who have influenced my life—some good, some bad, some spiritual, some secular. But as I have matured, I have also learned that I bear a burden. It is a burden to listen to the right parents and the right people. The best part is that it's easy to learn who to listen to because I have a Father. He is the best Father because he is the Father of all mankind. If I listen to this Father, I will find the most fulfillment and purpose in this life. That's the difference between the two fathers and the sons in this story. So, who are you listening to today? Are you listening to pop culture, popular media, posts on your socials, or to the Father who gives the best advice because he has your best interests in mind? #InfluenceMatters #ListenToTheFather #SpiritualTrajectory ASK THIS: Reflecting on your own life, who are the significant influencers shaping your spiritual journey? How can you discern which voices to listen to and which ones to filter out? Consider the contrast between the characters of Samuel and the sons of Eli. In what ways can you emulate Samuel's tender heart toward God and his willingness to listen despite the influences around you? DO THIS: Listen to your Father! PRAY THIS: Father, help me to discern Your voice amidst the multitude of influences in my life, guiding me toward fulfillment and purpose. Grant me the wisdom to listen to Your guidance above all others, shaping me into the person You desire me to be. Amen. PLAY THIS: I'm Listening.

Are your words building up or tearing down? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a new series on 1 Samuel, and we are currently in chapter one. The theme of chapter one is the six people who influenced Samuel's life: So far, we have identified Elkanah, Peninnah, Hannah, and today Eli, Israel's judge and priest. I am going to read verses 9-17, which pick up on this interaction between Hannah and Eli. After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, "O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, "How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you." But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation." Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." — 1 Samuel 1:9-17 Eli is an interesting character in Samuel's story. I really don't want to give too much away yet because you are going to get more to his story in the next four chapters, concluding with his tragic death, resulting from a fall from his chair. So, I want to hold off on giving you too much detail. But in this immediate text, we do catch a glimpse of Eli's character. We see that he is quick to make a judgment about a very humble and reverent woman. Who knows exactly why he does this, but he does, and I think this is a little interesting because he is supposed to be a judge. Most theologians consider him to be one of the final judges of Israel. Below is a sequential list of the judges of Israel if you want to see them: Othniel - 40 years (Judges 3:7-11) Ehud - 80 years (Judges 3:12-30) Shamgar - Time unspecified (Judges 3:31) Deborah and Barak - 40 years (Judges 4:1-5:31) Gideon - 40 years (Judges 6:1-8:35) Abimelech - 3 years (Judges 9:22) Tola - 23 years (Judges 10:1-2) Jair - 22 years (Judges 10:3-5) Jephthah - 6 years (Judges 10:6-12:7) Ibzan - 7 years (Judges 12:8-10) Elon - 10 years (Judges 12:11-12) Abdon - 8 years (Judges 12:13-15) Samson - 20 years (Judges 13:1-16:31) Eli - Not explicitly called a judge. Served as a high priest and judge during this time. Time unspecified (1 Samuel 1:9-4:18) Samuel - The final judge to transition Israel from judges to kings. Regardless, Eli's time marks the beginning of the end. As we will see, one of his failings was his lack of leadership as a father, which was a big black mark on his record as a priest and judge. Yet, we have to give him a little bit of credit because he does extend an important blessing to Hannah. This blessing would result in a son—Samuel. He would soon be conceived, born, raised, and ironically mentored by Eli, replacing him and ending the time of the judges. Isn't it interesting that the cursing and blessing come from the same mouth? My mouth has great power to speak amazing truths about Jesus that can lead people to Christ. At the same time, my mouth can speak sarcastic and hurtful things that wound other people. In addition, the older I get, the more I see the effect of my words. I was just telling my wife the other day that our three children speak the way they do to each other sometimes because of my biting sarcasm. And now, when I watch them do what I do, I don't like it because I know it can be taken too far and can wound others. At the same time, I am still humbled by how God uses my mouth to affect other people spiritually. There are testimonies I have heard time and time again from others about things I have said that have forever affected their lives. It's amazing that my mouth can have a powerful effect in both ways. It's sobering and humbling at the same time. But this is true with you, too. Just like it was for Eli. Do me a favor: Speak a blessing. Speak a blessing to your wife, children, friend, neighbor, or peer. And when you do say it with meaning. Look them in the eyes. Make sure you have their attention. Speak it clearly and see if God doesn't alter your impact. #BlessingAndCursing #PowerOfWords #SpeakLife ASK THIS: Reflecting on Eli's initial judgment of Hannah, how can we guard against making quick assumptions about others, especially in moments of distress or vulnerability? Considering the impact of our words, how can we intentionally use our s

Do you need provision from God in a present trial? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a new series on 1 Samuel and have just begun chapter one. The first chapter's theme is the six people who influenced Samuel's life: Elkanah, Peninnah, and today, Hannah. We are jumping down to verses 9-11. Hannah has slipped away from the family while in Shiloh and is headed to the Tabernacle by herself to pray. The text reads: After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, "O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." — 1 Samuel 1:9-11 Two things about Hannah stand out to me: her character and her commitment. Character First, Hannah has remarkable character. This account presents her as a humble wife, mother, and follower who is faithful from beginning to end. She is faithful through emotional distress, doubt, and mistreatment. She never gives up on what she believes God can do in her baren situation. She is inspirational because many people would have given up on God by now. Even Sarah gave up. She laughed at God. But not Hannah. She makes another trip to the Tabernacle year after year, even though Peninnah disdains her and Eli degrades her. Some believers are not properly prepared for this part of the spiritual journey—the long waits. We wrongly believe that the spiritual life should be easy and we should get quick answers from God. But this is not how it always works. Sometimes, it comes with long waits. In these times, what is required is faithfulness. That is how Hannah models faithfulness in a very long period of distress. Commitment Second, notice Hannah's commitment to God in her vow. This is a great vow, and I will show you why. But first, let's make sure we understand what a vow is. In the Old Testament, a vow was a solemn promise made to God. It was made on three occasions: in response to a blessing received by God, in a desperate situation calling on God, or in an act of devotion to God. When we think about vows today, we typically think about marital vows, which don't have the same weight they used to because we have subtracted God from them. Vows were made to God. They were taken very seriously and permanently binding as a vow to God should be. When God makes a vow to man, he makes good on it, and when we make a vow to God, we should make good on it. There were a few examples of these in the Old Testament: Nazirite Vow: The Nazirite vow is described in Numbers 6:1-21. It involved a period of consecration during which an individual abstained from alcohol, avoided contact with the dead, and refrained from cutting their hair. This vow was often taken for a specific period as an expression of dedication and devotion to God. This vow appears a little later in this chapter. Jacob's Vow: After Jacob has a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22), he makes a vow to God, promising to give a tenth of all he receives and to worship God faithfully if God will be with him, protect him, and provide for his needs. Jephthah's Vow: Jephthah, a judge of Israel, makes an infamous vow to God (Judges 11:30-31), promising to sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house if God grants him victory in battle. Unfortunately, he does win, and the first thing he sees exiting his home when he returns is his daughter, his only child. Hannah's Vow: In this text. Here's what I love about Hannah's vow. It is potent. It is the promise to give to God what Hannah has longed for her whole life. It is what is most precious to her that she doesn't presently have. Hannah vows to give up to God, the one thing she has always wanted. But she's not just giving up a child. She is agreeing to give up raising him. She is giving up her family continuity. She is giving her unconceived son to the Lord for a lifetime. That is a big deal. This is a potent vow, and she makes good on it. If you are paying attention to what I said, this sounds like God's covenant promise to Abraham in the divine son that was to come—his Son, Jesus. At least I hear echoes in her vow to God with God's vow to us. Then this happens: Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." And she said, "Let your servant find favor in your eyes." Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked f

Is there a rivalry holding you back? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a brand new series on 1 Samuel, and we have just begun chapter one. The theme of the first chapter is the six people who influenced Samuel's life. The first is Elkanah, Samuel's father. The second is Peninnah, Samuel's second wife. Before we read the text, let's set the stage for Peninnah. We know little about her, but her actions in verses 4-8 reveal a lot about her character and the dynamics of her relationship with Hannah. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?" — 1 Samuel 1:4-8 For context, it's crucial to note that during Elkanah's time, the place of sacrifice was in Shiloh, about fifteen miles north of their town. This was where the Tabernacle resided, as the Temple had not yet been constructed. This detail indicates Elkanah's devoutness, faithfully adhering to the command to go up to the Tabernacle for annual sacrifices. However, it's evident from the text that Elkanah shows favoritism toward Hannah over Peninnah. He seems unaware of the impact this has on their relationship, which is characteristic of many men. Sometimes, God-fearing men make decisions without considering their long-term effects. While Elkanah and Hannah likely decided together to find a concubine to bear children, they were evidently unprepared for the relational, emotional, and spiritual repercussions. One consequence is the escalating tension between the two wives, a complication of polygamy, with Peninnah becoming a rival, as the text describes. What strikes me about Peninnah's character is her propensity to provoke Hannah. She is mean-spirited, likely fueled by jealousy over Elkanah's greater love for Hannah. When love is unevenly distributed, it breeds contention and competition, leading to the kind of rivalry Peninnah incites. This contention escalated over time, taking an emotional and psychological toll on Hannah, evident in her bitter weeping and loss of appetite. It's intriguing how sin operates. When we act outside of God's will, sin's effects are insidious and far-reaching. One sinful act in a marriage can permeate every aspect of life, breeding bitterness, anger, regret, and sadness. And when someone in a marriage, like Peninnah, knows how to stoke that flame, it can rage into a consuming fire within us. If you are married and you feel this contention, don't add to it. What we need in marriage is not more rivalry and provoking. What Christian marriages need is more grace because we are both sinners who act sinfully and whose sin has a long-lasting effect. But back to the big picture. Samuel's family wasn't perfect. His father's sin led to a jealous wife who sowed rivalry within the family. Yet, despite this, God performed miracles, setting the stage for the birth of a new legacy. He opened Hannah's womb and gave them a biological child. Not just any child, but one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges. Maybe today, it's time for you to pray for the beginning of a new legacy—one beyond sin, rivalry, provoking, shame, and sadness. If so, come to the Temple, return to God, bring the sacrifice to him, and ask him to provide. Lord, we come before you, bringing all that we are—our sin and shame, our past, present, and future. We lay it all down at your feet. We humbly ask for your provision, knowing that we are unable to provide for ourselves. Amen. #InfluencesOfFaith #FamilyDynamics #GraceOverRivalry ASK THIS: Reflecting on the dynamics between Elkanah, Hannah, and Peninnah, how can we ensure that favoritism or comparison doesn't hinder our relationships with others, especially within our families? Considering the consequences of sin and rivalry within Samuel's family, what steps can we take to cultivate an atmosphere of grace and forgiveness in our own relationships, particularly in moments of tension or conflict? DO THIS: Mend any strained relationships. PRAY THIS: Lord, as I lay before you all that I am—my flaws, my struggles, and my hopes—I humbly ask for your guidance and grace to navigate the complexities of relationships with humility, forgiveness, and love. Amen. PLAY THIS: Lay It Down.

Do you feel small, like a nobody from nowhere? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a brand new series on 1 Samuel. As I mentioned yesterday, we will do an overview of the chapter on Mondays and then, for the following six days, a closer look at that chapter. The theme we are looking at in chapter one is the six people who influenced Samuel's life. The first of these is Elkanah, his father. What's interesting about Elkanah is that he is a nobody from nowhere. We know little about him and his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, all named in the text. Here are verses 1-3. There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh. — 1 Samuel 1:1-3 What does stand out when we read this text is that Elkanah had two wives. This is such a glaring observation that we should probably address it. Many of you know he's not the only man in the Bible who had more than one wife. Several prominent men in the Old Testament, like Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others, had more than one wife. There were about three reasons for this: The first apparent reason is personal pleasure and power. Such was the case with Solomon and his over 700 concubines. Second, it's worth noting that in patriarchal societies, unmarried women faced significant challenges in providing for themselves. They were often uneducated and untrained and relied heavily on male family members like fathers, brothers, or husbands for support and protection. Unfortunately, when this was absent, it led to desperate measures, like turning to prostitution or slavery. Therefore, sometimes marriage was a way to rescue a woman, another reason some men had multiple wives. The third reason is the instance here. Elkanah and his first wife, Hannah, were unable to conceive. Therefore, they probably agreed to take another wife (which should sound familiar because Abraham and Sarah did the same thing). Thus, Elkanah took another wife for reasons of family continuity. What is interesting about polygamy is that the Bible does not expressly condemn it. But fellas, before you get any crazy ideas, the Bible is very clear about the prescription of a godly marital relationship: one man with one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Like Abraham and Sarah, Elkanah and Hannah inherited problems that stemmed from their lack of faith. That's the bottom line of this situation. They lacked faith in believing God would provide, so they provided for themselves, which is what we do sometimes. When we don't have faith trusting God to provide, we try to provide for ourselves. And when we provide for ourselves, we incur the problems of providing for ourselves and not letting God provide. As we will see further down in chapter one, they incurred family tension, sexual insecurities, competition, contention, and shame. With this in mind, I would like to point out one tiny detail about Elkanah worth our attention: He is an Ephrathite. This area was later known as Bethlehem and became the birthplace of two other great men. This means the Prophet Samuel, King David, and the Messiah were all born in the same tiny, seemingly insignificant town and were great men in the great story of God. I love it when God does stuff like this. I would not put it past God for all three men to be born in the same location. Believers too often fail to see the opportunity for greatness in the small events of our lives. I know I do. With small seeds of faith in insignificant places and from apparent unimportant people, God can produce incredible things. So, if you feel insignificant, inconsequential, like you are standing at an impasse, instead of taking matters into your hands, hold on in faith. Cast your concerns to God. He sees things you do not. Trust in him. Don't get in his way. Great things are birthed in small seeds of faith. God, we bring our small seeds of faith to you today. We confess that, at times, we act like Elkanah, taking matters into our own hands. We recognize that your divine sight sees things that we cannot. Instead of doing things our way today, we are choosing to do them your way—by faith. Strengthen our faith and show us your ways. Do great things with us and through us. Amen. #FaithInSmallBeginnings #TrustGodsTiming #FindingPurpose ASK THIS: How can Elkanah's story inspire us to trust God's timing and provision in our own lives, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties? In what areas of our lives do we tend to take matters into our own hands, like Elkanah did, instead of relying on God's guidance and provision? How can we surrender those areas to God and walk in

GET THE 1 SAMUEL JOURNAL HERE: 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/1SamuelJournal Who are the people who have undeniably influenced your life? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a brand new series on 1 Samuel. As this is a rich and expansive story, I will provide a birds-eye view of the chapter each Monday, followed by six devotionals from that chapter for the next 31 weeks. This will allow us to explore the larger story at the beginning of the week and the smaller details for the remainder of the week. 1 Samuel is divided into three major parts that discuss three important men: Part One: The Story of Samuel (1 Samuel 1-8) Part Two: The Story of Saul (1 Samuel 9-14) Part Three: The Story of Saul and David (1 Samuel 15-31) But we begin in chapter one, and here are the first few verses: There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the other was Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. — 1 Samuel 1:1-2 The story begins with Samuel's father and the events surrounding Samuel's birth. In chapter one, we read about six different people—six men and women with undeniable influence. Over the next few days, we explore the lives of these characters, each with a unique story and impact. For some, it was a positive and spiritual influence, and for others, not so much. Stay tuned as we uncover and discover their roles in this story. As I have already hinted, this book predominantly tells the story of Samuel, a man with incredible spiritual influence. But here's the immediate backdrop. It's about 1050 B.C. Leadership was a burning issue in the minds of the people of Israel. For over 200 years after entering the promised land, Israel went through intense social turmoil, bordering on chaos, a little like the social turmoil we are experiencing in our country today but far worse. Joshua was the man who led them from the Desert to the Promised Land, but as we learn, people were not listening or following God because spiritual drift does not take long. Just before 1 Samuel, we discover a sobering observation at the end of the Book of Judges: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.—Judges 21:25. Israel was in the middle of a profound leadership crisis. But right on time, Samuel was born and emerged as one of the greatest Judges and Prophets in the history of Israel who would transition the nation from a Theocracy to a Monarchy led by three subsequent kings: Saul, David, and Solomon. Samuel would indeed be one of the great influencers in all of the Old Testament, but in chapter one, there are people who influenced him even before he was born. These people played a role in this story and had an influence, good or bad, on the events of his early life. We will look in detail at these people. But again let me ask that question, that I asked at the start: Who are the people who have undeniably influenced your life? There are people influencing you. Some positive and others negative. Their character, their attitudes, their lifestyles, their proximity, their choices, and their faith have an impact on you. So, who are you spending time with? At the same time, we are all leaders in some capacity, and we influence others. So the other side of this question is, how are you influencing the people around you? Does your character, attitude, lifestyle, proximity, choices, and faith positively impact those around you? As we read chapter one over the next week, I encourage you to take a personal assessment of those influencing you and the influence you have, and let's see what we learn and discover together from 1 Samuel 1. #InfluentialEncounters #ImpactfulConnections #UndeniableInfluences ASK THIS: Reflect on the positive influences in your life. How can you express gratitude to those who have shaped you for the better? Consider the negative influences you've encountered. What steps can you take to minimize their impact and surround yourself with more positive influences? DO THIS: Reflect on influence this week. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank you for the people you've placed in my life, both those who inspire me and those who challenge me. Help me to discern their influence wisely and to be a positive force in the lives of others. Amen. PLAY THIS: Jehovah.

Happy Mother's Day! And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, "I have asked for him from the Lord." — 1 Samuel 1:20 Today, we begin a new book of the bible, and it's fitting that today is Mother's Day because 1 Samuel begins with a humble and obedient mother. Her name is Hannah. Hannah is one of two wives married to a man named Elkanah, and why a man would want two wives perplexes me. But anyhow, this man has two. Their names are Peninnah and Hannah. As we read chapter one, we discover that Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. For this, Peninnah would relentlessly ridicule Hannah, which was mean and vicious and just one of many issues with having two wives (1 Samuel 1:6). Of course, this troubled Hannah to the point of emotional distress and loss of appetite (1 Samuel 1:7). Until finally, we discover that Hannah is pushed to her limits. She is at the Temple of the Lord by herself, weeping bitterly and praying in her distress (1 Samuel 1:10). As this is happening, insult is added to injury by a priest with absolutely no emotional intelligence that berates her, his name is Eli (1 Samuel 1:14). She begs him not to dismiss her. Then he offers Hannah this blessing in verse 17: Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." — 1 Samuel 1:17 Of course, in time, she gave birth to a son—but not just any son—Samuel. Samuel was a prominent Old Testament leader known for his dual roles as a prophet and judge. He was dedicated to God's service from a young age. As a prophet, he played a crucial role in spiritually guiding the nation of Israel. He also anointed the first two kings in the monarchy, Saul and David. But Samuel also served as a judge, settling disputes and leading the nation in crisis. His influence was longstanding and profound because he bridged the transition from the period of the Judges to the period of the Kings. Samuel's integrity, wisdom, and devotion to God left a lasting legacy, shaping Israel's history and demonstrating the importance of faithfulness and obedience in leadership. But note the seed through which his massive influence was born. It was through a humble and obedient mother who endured ridicule, who suffered heartbreak, and who prayed earnestly and faithfully to God. So today, let's celebrate mothers, the women of faith who inspire us to trust in God's promises and obey his will. Happy Mother's Day! #MothersDay #FaithfulMotherhood #HannahAndSamuel ASK THIS: Reflecting on Hannah's perseverance through ridicule and heartbreak, how can we apply her example of unwavering faith and persistence in our own challenges? Considering Samuel's influential role in Israel's history, how does his story inspire us to recognize the profound impact of godly motherhood in shaping future generations? How can we honor and support the mothers in our lives today? DO THIS: Celebrate and thank a faithful mother. PRAY THIS: Father, on this Mother's Day, I thank You for Hannah's steadfast faith and Samuel's impactful legacy. They remind us of the power of prayer and the influence of godly women. Bless all mothers today, and may they seek to be faithful to you just as Hannah was. Amen. PLAY THIS: A Mother Like You.

Are you tired of all the pointless drama? We begin 1 Samuel tomorrow, so get your 1 Samuel Scripture Journal from the website so you can follow along. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. — Galatians 6:16-17 I love the allusion in the closing text. If I were to put this text in my own words, Paul is saying: If you want to see and know the marks of Jesus, let me take off my shirt for you. Five times, I have been beaten with 39 lashes. I have been shipwrecked. I have been stoned and left for dead. Your pointless ritual of cutting off a tiny piece of your foreskin does nothing for you. Instead, try enduring a beating for sharing the Gospel, and then you will know the Gospel. So stop bothering me with these petty issues and join me in real suffering by proclaiming the Gospel just as it is. For the Gospel has all the grace you need to endure every issue in this life. Church, I have loved reading this letter with you. But never forget Paul's point. Adding anything to the Gospel makes it no Gospel at all. Salvation is by faith alone, not by works so that no man can boast except in Christ Jesus alone. #DramaFreeLiving #GraceInSuffering #GospelCenteredLife ASK THIS: How can we distinguish between the petty dramas of life and the enduring truths of the Gospel in our daily experiences? Reflecting on Paul's words, what steps can we take to prioritize proclaiming the Gospel above getting entangled in trivial matters, and how might this shift in focus transform our lives and relationships? DO THIS: Don't add anything to the Gospel. PRAY THIS: Father, help me discern what truly matters amidst life's distractions, and empower me to boldly proclaim the Gospel with unwavering faith and grace-filled endurance. May Your Spirit guide me to live a life that reflects the marks of Jesus, bearing witness to Your transformative love in all I do. Amen. PLAY THIS: The Power of the Cross.

It's all for God. It's his mission, his people, and his glory, not yours. We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.— Galatians 6:16 As Paul closes this letter, he wants the Galatians to know that they don't get to have their way with God's story. It's God's story about Israel. They only get to tell the story as it is. While there are Judaizers who want to modify and adjust it to their liking, God does not like this. I have often repeated a maxim that echoes this idea. It goes like this: The church is God's people, on God's mission, for God's glory. I repeat this maxim to myself to remind myself, as a leader and other leaders, that God is the only leader. We are merely followers of God even though he might give us the task of shepherding a few sheep in our lifetime. But as Paul clarifies, this is the best way to walk. It's to walk by this rule because it is the only way to find the peace and mercy we want and need. Friend, this is the most peaceful way to live life. Let God be God. Live by his rules, and don't make up your own. Are you ready to submit to his rules again? God, we submit our lives to you today. We remember again that you are telling your story for your glory, not our own. Father, may we follow you all our days and walk in all your ways. Amen. #GodsMission #HisGlory #SurrenderToGod ASK THIS: How can you actively surrender your plans and desires to God today, trusting in His mission and His timing? In what areas of your life are you tempted to assert your own control instead of submitting to God's leadership? What steps can you take to align your priorities with His will? DO THIS: Proclaim it today: It's his mission, his people, and his glory, not yours. PRAY THIS: Father God, today I humbly submit my life to Your perfect plan, recognizing that Your mission and Your glory far surpass my own desires. Help me to walk in Your ways, finding peace and joy as I surrender to Your leadership and follow Your story for my life. Amen. PLAY THIS: Come and Rest.

Are you boasting about the wrong things? We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.— Galatians 6:13 Paul is so familiar with twisted acts of legalism that he tells the Galatians (both Gentiles and Jews) how twisted the motives of legalism can be. Simply put, he says that some legalists will invade your churches and try to convince you to be obedient to the law, even though no one can be obedient to the law aside from Jesus, and then return to Jerusalem and boast about what they have done to you. This is insanity, but it's precisely what Paul says they will try to do, and he knows this is their motivation because he was a devout Jew before he became a follower of Jesus. But then he says this: But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. — Galatians 6:14-15 This is good, and here is why. What you boast about is what you care about. If you boast about the things of this world, then you care about the things of this world. But if you boast in the Lord, then you care about the things of the Lord. So let me give you a little life hack I have used to help retrain my mind, spirit, and soul. When people praise me for something I have done, I try to immediately deflect glory to God by responding with the phrase—"Praise The Lord!" Sometimes, at least in Christian circles, people dismiss this declaration as a little cliche. But for me, it is not. I use this statement to preach a truth to myself. You see, I need to be reminded that it is only by Jesus's redemption and salvation and the Spirit's gifts and power that I can do anything. So I proclaim this statement to preach this truth to myself when I am tempted to boast in myself. But by preaching this truth to myself, I am also preaching this truth to others that only the Lord is one that ever deserves praise. Thus, I am training myself while preaching to others, which is more than cliche; it's the truth. #BoastInTheCross #NewCreationInChrist #OvercomeLegalism ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you were tempted to seek approval or boast about your achievements. How can you shift your focus to give glory to God in similar situations moving forward? Consider the phrase "Praise the Lord" as more than just a saying, but a declaration of where your worth lies. How can this practice help you and others focus more on God's work in your lives rather than personal accomplishments? DO THIS: Proclaim it today, "Praise the Lord!" PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to boast only in Your cross, recognizing that all my accomplishments are gifts from You. Teach me to redirect every praise back to You, grounding my identity and worth in Your gracious love. Amen. PLAY THIS: Praise.

Are you scared of the truth because you are trying to please people? We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. — Galatians 6:12 There are all kinds of reasons we do the things we do. Sometimes, the motive is clear, and other times, the motive is murky. Sometimes, we do it for the payoff, and sometimes, we do it to avoid the consequences. Either way, there is always a motive, regardless of how conscious we are of it. At the close of Galatians, Paul shines a bright light on the dark motives of the false teachers. Simply put, he points out that they were cowards. They were afraid of standing up for the Gospel truth, so they adjusted the truth to their liking. To avoid persecution by fellow Jews, they adapted the teaching to appease people who might be politically powerful and stand in opposition to the freedoms of the Gospel. Turn on the news, and you will see the exact same drama unfold today. Political parties are either motivated by personal payoffs or to avoid the consequences of political losses. Their motivations may appear a bit murky, but they are not. They either do it to secure their position or avoid losing it because their positions are the means of retaining power and money for themselves. But in Galatians, we are not talking about the government. Paul is addressing the church. This is the one place we assume our leader's motives will be truthful and righteous. It's the one place we hope will be free from impure motivation. Yet we learn that even spiritual leaders are not infallible. I am not, and neither is your pastor. At some point, even spiritual leaders become susceptible to fear—fear of loss, fear of opposition, or fear of standing up for the truth as it is written. There are certain texts of the Bible that I read that still disturb me. When I read them, they test me. This internal dialogue happens where, for a second, I think, "How should I say this? Should I say it stronger or softer? Is there a way to avoid this topic or the offense?" This still happens to me because the living Word always has something to say to our rapidly changing culture, and as a result, there is a strong temptation to adapt the Gospel to our liking to ensure we don't lose butts in the seats and bucks in our wallets. So today, the call of this text is for all of us to address our motivations. But I also would like to ask you to do something specific. Pray for me and all our pastors. Pray that our motivations as your spiritual leaders will always be pure and that the Gospel message will stand tall amidst the pressure to please people over preaching the Gospel truth. #FearOfTruth #GospelIntegrity #CourageousFaith ASK THIS: How can you discern whether your actions are motivated by a desire to please others or by a commitment to proclaiming the truth of the Gospel? What steps can you take to ensure that your motivations align with God's truth, even when faced with pressure to conform to societal expectations or avoid conflict? DO THIS: Test your motives and pray for your pastor's purity of motive. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me examine my motives honestly and courageously, choosing to stand firm in proclaiming Your truth even when faced with the temptation to please people. Guide me in aligning my heart with Your will so that Your Gospel may shine brightly through my words and actions. Amen. PLAY THIS: God Help Me.

There are some things you need to do yourself. We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. — Galatians 6:11 There is a lot of speculation about why Paul says this. The most likely explanation is that Paul had a secretary who wrote the letter for him as he dictated. Then, at the end of the dictation, he took the pen from the secretary and finished the letter himself so they knew it was authentic. So, what do you need to do today that must be authentically from you? Is there a task or issue that only you can do? Whatever that is, do it. But as you do it think about why only you can do it. Often, there is a divine reason. The reason could be as simple as there is something God wants to do in you as you do something for others. So take up your task and address that issue, but give care to how you do it because God is going to do something in you as do something for others. #AuthenticAction #DivineDesign #UniqueCalling ASK THIS: What tasks or responsibilities in your life do you often delegate or overlook because you think someone else could handle them better? How might embracing these tasks with authenticity lead to personal growth and deeper connection with God? Reflect on a recent situation where you felt hesitant or reluctant to take ownership of a task or issue. What insights did you gain from today's devotional about the importance of embracing tasks that are uniquely yours? How can you approach similar situations in the future with a greater sense of authenticity and purpose? DO THIS: Get it done and do it with care for His glory. PRAY THIS: Father, help me recognize the tasks that are uniquely mine and grant me the courage and wisdom to embrace them with authenticity, knowing that through them, You are shaping me into the person You created me to be. Guide my actions today, Lord, so that I may fulfill my purpose and grow closer to You in the process. Amen. PLAY THIS: Rapha.

Ever felt like giving up on doing good when the world weighs heavy? We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. — Galatians 6:9-10 When we feel the weight of the world bearing down on us and witness conflicts within the church, it can be draining. This was the challenge faced by the churches in Galatia. External pressures coupled with internal disputes sowed seeds of exhaustion and frustration. Haven't we all experienced moments when we've had enough drama and just crave a break? Yet, it's precisely at these junctures that many believers grow tired of doing good. What's required is another act of kindness, motivated by the Spirit. Think of it like a critical moment in a football game—fourth down with just one yard to go, the game hanging in the balance. We're standing on the spiritual goal line, seconds ticking away, feeling weary, yet knowing we must execute one more crucial play—the most important one. Despite being behind, despite the internal squabbles on the team, we must deliver. The play needs to be solid and flawlessly executed. So, despite the burdens and conflicts you face today, hold firm. Do one more good deed because that deed might just tip the scales, leading to another small victory on the path of salvation—for you and your fellow believers. #DoGood #PerseveranceInFaith #RenewedStrength ASK THIS: Reflecting on your own experiences, when have you felt weary in doing good? How did you overcome that weariness, and what motivated you to continue pressing on? In what areas of your life do you currently feel the weight of weariness or frustration? How can you apply the encouragement from Galatians 6:9-10 to those situations, and what specific steps can you take to persevere in doing good despite the challenges? DO THIS: Do good yet again. PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me strength and perseverance to continue doing good even when I feel weary or discouraged, knowing that in due season, I will reap a harvest if I don't give up. Fill me with your Spirit, guiding me to be a beacon of kindness and love amidst the challenges I face today. Amen. PLAY THIS: Gratitude.

Are you living in eternal life now? Remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. This valuable resource will help you prepare for our upcoming sessions and ensure you're fully prepared to dive into this study. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. — Galatians 6:8 When Paul talks about sowing to the Spirit leading to eternal life, it adds a significant theological twist here at the end of the letter. It challenges his explanation up to this point that eternal life is solely a result of faith and not human works. However, Paul isn't negating faith by adding to it human works; instead, he's revealing the inseparable connection between faith and works. Sowing to the Spirit is living a life of faith, where every action, decision, and sacrifice is motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It's not focused on outward actions for the sake of outward actions but on the heart posture driving those actions. When we sow to the Spirit, we entrust our lives to God's guidance and surrender to his will, allowing him to shape and direct our choices. Therefore, "eternal life" in this text doesn't just refer to life after death. It's also about experiencing the fullness of eternal life with the Spirit in the here and now. Sowing to the Spirit leads to this abundant life that transcends earthly circumstances and extends into eternity. So, sowing to the Spirit isn't about earning salvation through our works; instead, it's about living out the salvation we've already received by faith. Our works are the natural outflow of our faith, evidence of our relationship with God. Through this faith-filled living, empowered by the Spirit, we truly experience the richness of eternal life. Therefore, Paul's message is twofold. First, continue to walk by faith, allowing the Spirit to guide and empower you in every aspect of life. Second, persevere in doing good, knowing your faith-filled actions have eternal significance and impact. It's not about striving to earn God's favor but about responding to the Spirit with faith, where every act of kindness and generosity reflects his grace at work within us. So do this today. Live in eternity now. #SowToTheSpirit #SpiritLedLife #EternalHarvest ASK THIS: How can you discern if your actions are being sown to the Spirit or to the flesh? What practical steps can you take to ensure your decisions align with God's will and reflect a Spirit-led life? Reflect on a recent decision or action you've taken. How might approaching similar situations with a mindset of sowing to the Spirit impact your choices and outcomes? DO THIS: Live in eternity now. PRAY THIS: Father, guide me to sow seeds of faith, love, and obedience, trusting in Your Spirit's leading as I navigate life's challenges and opportunities. May my actions reflect Your grace and bring forth a harvest of eternal significance, honoring Your name and glorifying Your kingdom. Amen. PLAY THIS: One Day.

Are you reaping the benefits of spiritual nourishment? Remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. This valuable resource will help you prepare for our upcoming sessions and ensure you're fully prepared to dive into this study. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. — Galatians 6:6-7 Let's start by recognizing that this verse speaks about what I do. My profession is, to some degree, like any profession. There should be this reciprocating effect, including sowing and reaping. The problem is that sometimes people justify not rewarding a pastor financially because they feel their only reward should be an eternal reward. But this is not the case. Pastors need sustenance, too, which comes not only in the form of a pat on the back. Paul addresses this not only here but also in 1 Timothy 5:18. His statement here to Timothy and the Ephesians church reads: For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." — 1 Timothy 5:18 The picture is of a muzzled ox. Why is this important? Because in Deuteronomy 25:4, God established a law for how farmers leveraged animals for their advantage. He understood that people would abuse even the rights of animals by working them to death for their benefit. And that they would become so selfish that they would muzzle them so that they could not "slow down" even for a quick bite. What Paul is pointing out here is that Pastors deserve their wages and that we are sometimes so selfish that we don't realize that our selfishness is a burden to pastors as well. Remember that this whole text is about burdens, and your pastor bears more than average. He is shepherding and bearing the burdens of the body continually. So don't add a more significant burden to his life by withholding the one thing you can give that he should reap. So give generously today to the pastors who have sown great things in your life. #SupportSpiritualLeaders #SowGenerosity #PastoralCare ASK THIS: How can you practically support your pastor or spiritual leader beyond financial means, demonstrating appreciation for their dedication and service? Reflect on a time when someone's teaching or pastoral care significantly impacted your life. How can you show gratitude and reciprocate their investment in your spiritual growth? DO THIS: Don't hold back. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me a heart of generosity to honor and support those who faithfully teach and shepherd me. Help me to recognize the value of their labor and to sow seeds of gratitude and provision into their lives. Amen. PLAY THIS: Surely.

Do you have a heavy burden or is it only a little load? Remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. This valuable resource will help you prepare for our upcoming sessions and ensure you're fully prepared to dive into this study. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. — Galatians 6:4-5 If you read the previous text and then read this one, you will feel like there is this apparent discrepancy. However, this is quickly resolved when we realize that Paul used two different words to refer to two situations. The word translated "burdens" from verse two refers to a "heavy load with an oppressive weight" that someone must carry for a long way. But the word "load" in verse five is a different word, which refers to a traveler's backpack. So, hopefully, you sense Paul's point. There are burdens and loads. There are burdens that require help from others, and then there are loads that you need to carry. In other words, you must empower yourself with discernment, understanding the weight and how much help you really need. Every believer in life has macro-burdens and micro-burdens. Some things concern believers together politically, economically, ideologically, sociologically, and theologically. And then there are things that only we can bear alone: marital problems, career challenges, sin issues, and health concerns. The key here is striking a balance. Not being so independent that we don't seek help from the church when it's needed and not being so dependent, we expect the church to solve all of our consequential needs. This balance is what makes us a supportive and thriving community. So, what's your burden today? Is it macro or micro? Is it heavy or light? Is it a big burden or just your backpack to bear? Discern the difference because some in the community have enormous burdens they need help with, and your load shouldn't take time and attention away from that. Besides, sometimes your burden is God's way of keeping you humble and trusting in him, and you might have to carry this backpack to the threshold of the pearly gates. #BurdensAndBackpacks #CommunitySupport #BalanceInFaith ASK THIS: Reflecting on your current challenges, do you tend to lean more towards seeking help from others or carrying your burdens independently? How can you strike a healthy balance between independence and community support in facing these challenges? Consider a recent burden or load you've been carrying. How might viewing it through the lens of discernment and trust in God's guidance change your perspective on its weight and significance in your life? DO THIS: Discern your burden from your load. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom to discern between burdens that require community support and loads I must carry alone, and help me find balance in seeking both independence and assistance. May I trust in Your guidance and lean on Your strength as I navigate life's challenges, knowing that You are always with me. Amen. PLAY THIS: Burdens.

Are you deceived by the myth of self-sufficiency? Don't forget to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. This invaluable resource will equip you for our upcoming sessions, ensuring you're fully prepared to delve into the Word of God! For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. — Galatians 6:3 Self-sufficiency is an arrogant myth. There is no such thing as self-sufficiency in the church. We all have burdens! Every one of us, from the oldest member to the youngest member, from the newest believer to the oldest believer, from staff members to occasional attenders, has burdens that cannot be borne by ourselves. This is precisely why Jesus came. Jesus came and bore the weight of all our burdens and left us with the Spirit so that we could bear each other's burdens. But as soon as we think "we are something" or can handle it alone, we are deceived. Thus, we will reject the Spirit and the relief found in the church. So, to those of you who have been told: You've got this. You're strong enough. You can manage. You have the strength. You can tackle it alone. You're capable. You're self-sufficient. You can take care of it. You're able to handle it on your own. You can get over it. Not one of these statements is true. If you are a believer, they are the farthest thing from the truth. To believe them is to live in self-deception. You need Jesus, his Spirit, and a Christ-fearing body of believers who can help you bear the burdens in your life. #BearingEachOthersBurdens #CommunityStrength #RejectingSelfDeception ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you believed you could handle a burden alone. How did that experience impact your relationship with God and your community of believers? In what ways can you actively seek support and share burdens with others in your church community this week? DO THIS: Offload your burdens or lighten the load for a needy brother today. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to recognize the deception of self-sufficiency and embrace the truth of my need for You and the community of believers. Grant me the humility to seek support and share burdens with others, as I trust in Your strength to sustain me. Amen. PLAY THIS: This Is Your Church.

Do you have a burden that needs bearing? Remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2 One of the beautiful aspects of the church is the presence of those who've walked the same paths as you. They've been entangled in the same traps you're caught in now. The church is filled with men who've faced marriage struggles, financial setbacks, career challenges, health problems, and the snares of repetitive sin. Just like you, they've been trapped and found their way out. They've gained spiritual insight through their mistakes and can assist you in finding deliverance and freedom from your current trap. You need these men, and they need you. They can direct you to freedom, and you're their opportunity for ministry, reminding them to remain in freedom. But to break free from your trap, you must humble yourself and make your way to church. Then, you'll need to connect with a brother who's walked the same road as you and share your burden with him. Next, you must listen and take to heart any good and godly advice you receive. And as you make progress, you'll be called to help others shoulder the burden you've carried and lead them to the victory and freedom you've discovered. In doing so, you're fulfilling the law of Christ. Just as Christ bore our burdens, you're bearing the burdens of others to direct them to the ultimate burden-bearer—Jesus, who carries all burdens and grants us freedom from every sin's entrapment. #CommunityOfFreedom #BearingEachOthersBurdens #WalkingTogetherInFaith ASK THIS: How can you actively seek out a fellow brother in Christ who has faced similar challenges to yours, and how can you initiate a conversation to share burdens and offer support? Reflecting on your journey of overcoming past traps and snares, how can you now step into a role of mentorship and support for others struggling in similar ways? DO THIS: Offload your burdens or lighten the load for a needy brother today. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me humbly seek out fellow believers who can walk alongside me, share my burdens, and offer godly wisdom and support. Guide me as I, in turn, extend my hand to others, bearing their burdens with love and pointing them toward the freedom found in You. Amen. PLAY THIS: Cast Your Burden.

Do you feel stuck? Do you need to get unstuck? Remember to go to the website and grab the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal today so you are ready to go when we begin! Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. — Galatians 6:1 One of the great things about the church is that it is filled with people who have walked the same path. There have been many times when I have been stuck in life, only to have a fellow believer who's been there offer invaluable help—coaching, guiding, and praying for me. Many Christians think they can go it alone, but the truth is, you can't. Eventually, you'll need others, just like I have, and the best part is, they'll need you, too. But as this text points out, it needs to be the right believer. It needs to be a believer who has been down the path, who knows the right steps to take, and who knows the right way to say it because they are attentive to the same issues in their lives. The wrong direction, given the wrong way, only tightens the trap and worsens the transgression. So, if you feel "caught" today, stop trying to resolve that issue alone. Turn to a believer who knows the way out, and you both will find freedom. #BreakFreeTogether #CommunityOverIsolation #StuckNoMore ASK THIS: Have you ever hesitated to reach out for help when feeling stuck or trapped? What barriers do you face in seeking support from fellow believers? Reflect on a time when you received valuable guidance or support from a fellow believer during a challenging period. How did their involvement impact your journey, and how can you extend similar support to others in need? DO THIS: Walk the tightrope and give attention to your pride. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me recognize when I need support from fellow believers and give me the humility to seek their guidance and encouragement in times of struggle. Grant me the wisdom to offer the same compassion and assistance to others on their journey towards freedom and growth. Amen. PLAY THIS: Stuck.