VinceMiller

Are you looking for God's guidance today? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 9. I've titled this chapter "Guided By God." Today, our text is 1 Samuel 9:3-6, which reads: Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, “Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.” And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them. When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come, let us go back, lest my father cease to care about the donkeys and become anxious about us.” But he said to him, “Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor; all that he says comes true. So now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.” — 1 Samuel 9:3-6 With a political revolution brewing among Israel's leaders, we are transported to an insignificant rural family and the Hill Country of Ephraim. The Hill Country of Ephraim was a 15-mile long by 27-mile wide stretch of land consisting of large V-shaped hills, making finding a few lost donkeys a near-impossible task. Still obedient to their father, these two young men went out on their search. Coming up empty-handed, they find themselves in the land of Zuph, which should be a familiar place for us since this is precisely where this story began. In 1 Samuel 1:1, this is where Samuel's great-great-great grandfather resided, which is no coincidence. The two young men are about to turn back here but decide to consult with a prophet who might give them spiritual guidance for this impossible task. While they would not find the lost donkeys, they would find something more significant—Saul's calling as the first king of Israel. This story presents a simple yet profound lesson for those seeking God's guidance. Faithful obedience is always where we find God's guidance and, with it, our calling and purpose in this life. This is how it worked for Saul and every great believer and leader you read about in the Bible. This is how it has always worked in my life, too. I know some believers are seeking guidance from God and looking for their unique purpose and calling in this life. Sometimes, this search can be disorienting, confusing, and even irritating. When we are confused and irritated like this, we can be tempted to act in disobedience, which only obscures the righteous path. The most important thing we can do is to take another small step of obedience, even if it seems like the path leads nowhere. Sometimes, the path that appears to lead to nowhere is exactly where God wants us to be, and it is usually right here that God reveals the plan and purpose he has for our lives. So, if you want to know God's plan and purpose for you, live in the adventure of faith and take a small step of obedience, even if it seems to lead nowhere. #FaithfulObedience, #GodsGuidance, #DivinePurpose Ask This: In what areas of your life do you feel lost or directionless, and how can you take a small step of obedience today to seek God's guidance? Reflect on a time when you followed God's leading, even when it didn't make sense. How did that step of faith reveal His plan and purpose for you? Do This: Be obedient and discover your calling. Pray This: Lord, help me to trust Your guidance and take steps of obedience, even when the path seems unclear. Reveal Your purpose for my life as I walk faithfully with You each day. Amen. Play This: Run To The Father.

What signs are you looking for when seeking God's direction? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 9. I've titled this chapter "Guided By God." Today, our text is 1 Samuel 9:1-2, which reads: There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. — 1 Samuel 9:1-2 When we need God’s direction, we often look for visible indications of his guidance. This text presents the first characteristics of the man Samuel appointed as the first king of Israel. Here are three. First, we are given his name, Saul, which means “to ask.” His name is almost providential since the people had just been asking for a king (1 Sam. 8:10). Second, Saul is described as a "handsome young man," someone who stood out physically. Third, "he was taller" than anyone else, illustrating his distinct stature among the people of Israel. Saul walks onto the stage out of nowhere, fitting the prototype of what God knew they wanted—a divine, tall, and handsome man from among the people. However, before reading too much into his physical characteristics, we must remember there is more to the story. But here are a couple of keys to remember when looking for direction from God. First, when seeking guidance from God, you must set aside your private desires and personal preferences. You need to focus on God's best for you, not what you think is best. If you are only focused on what you think is best, you may wrongly see God's will in something that is merely your will. This could be confirmation bias and not God giving you direction. Second, when seeking guidance from God, you must look beyond physical attributes and characteristics. Saul's name and appearance were impressive, but there was still more to the story. Some things will happen in the coming Scriptures that will support these initial indicators. Still, you cannot let superficial characteristics and attributes be the only determining factors in God's direction. You need to look a little deeper for spiritual confirmation from God. Look beyond the surface. Seek God's confirmation through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel. Don’t be swayed by what merely looks good or feels right. Dig deeper, trust in God’s guidance, and you’ll find the path he has laid out for you. #GodsGuidance, #SeekHisWill, #SpiritualDiscernment Ask This: When seeking God’s direction in your life, how can you ensure that your personal desires and preferences don’t overshadow His will for you? Think about a time when you relied on outward appearances or initial impressions to make a decision. How might you approach similar situations differently by seeking deeper spiritual confirmation from God? Do This: Seek divine guidance alone. Pray This: Lord, help me to set aside my personal desires and seek Your will above all else. Guide me to look beyond the surface and discern Your direction through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel. Amen. Play This: Be Thou My Vision.

Have you recently made a bad decision? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us." Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:21-22, which reads: And when Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey their voice and make them a king.” Samuel then said to the men of Israel, “Go every man to his city.” — 1 Samuel 8:21-22 This is a sad and solemn moment in Israel's history, and Samuel finds himself at a crossroads. Despite his reservations, he was directed to acquiesce to the people's desires as directed by God. There are a few items worth touching on here. First, this had to be an arduous decision for Samuel. He was old and wise enough to know that this change would have far-reaching consequences. Like a father with a wayward son, he could warn them of the dangers, but he knew they would have to make their own choice and learn from it. Second, Samuel, as a great judge, never compromised his role. He listened to the people and, with integrity, brought their requests to God. Then, he communicated with God and relayed the messages given to him by God to them. It takes great restraint to do this when you know you could alter the situation with a subtle manipulation. Third, it's also worth noting that he doesn't immediately give them what they want. Instead, he sends them home, possibly to think about it. But their bias has set in, and they are convinced that they want a king and are determined to have one. Israel made another bad decision, one that would result in numerous complications in the future. They rejected God as their King and chose instead to have a mortal reign over them. This choice would ultimately teach them many hard lessons about kings—one we are still learning in our own time—that there is only one just and righteous king—the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. If God is truly King, then he cannot be voted out. Our plans never outmaneuver his plan, even when we plan to reject him. Thus, our plans never prevent his plan. We could make a lifetime of flawed plans, but nothing will stop the Eternal King. Right into this story, during the reign of an oppressive Roman King, God inserted a sinless son into the story by royal appointment, who would live, die, and rise again as the King of Kings. So, while this moment is sad, salvation from sin will come because our lifetime of bad decisions will never stop the King of Kings. #TrustGodsPlan, #KingOfKings, #FaithfulLiving Ask This: How do you respond when you sense that your desires conflict with God's will, and what steps can you take to align your heart with His plans? In what areas of your life have you tried to assert control, and how can you surrender those areas to the sovereign reign of the King of Kings? Do This: Turn to the King in every regret. Pray This: Lord, help me to trust in Your sovereign plan even when my own desires and insecurities cloud my judgment. Grant me the wisdom to seek Your will and the courage to follow it faithfully. Amen. Play This: Mended.

Have personal insecurities made you stubborn and unreceptive to God's plan? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us." Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:19-20, which reads: But the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” — 1 Samuel 8:19-20 This is a powerful example of human stubbornness. The Israelites, despite being warned, demanded a king. Samuel had clarified the consequences, but they refused to listen. They so desperately wanted to be like other nations that they ignored the wisdom of God’s messenger because their hearts were set on their desires. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? We might not be desperate for a king, but we have all stubbornly pursued our plans. Like Clark Griswold, we have our ideas about our vacations and want them to go our way. Only when our way disappoints do we see the situation in another way. Being less trivial, we have all been stubborn at some point. We have all ignored the truth of Scripture, the wisdom of godly counsel, and the nudge of the Holy Spirit. Then our hearts become hardened, and the truth will not seep in. Therefore, we miss and dismiss the warning that directs us to the path of truth. This situation reminds us of how stubborn we can all be, and sometimes, we need to examine our hearts. Sometimes, we need to spade the hardened soil of our hearts and become receptive to God, wise men, wisdom, and truth. Take a moment today to seek God’s wisdom in any area where you’ve been stubborn. Pray for the humility to listen and the courage to follow God's guidance. Share your reflections with a friend and invite them to walk with you in this new experience of faith. #GodsPlan #Insecurities #SpiritualGrowth Ask This: How can identifying and addressing my personal insecurities help me become more receptive to God's guidance in my life? Reflecting on a recent situation where I've been stubborn, what steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and openness to God's plan moving forward? Do This: Share an insecurity and get wisdom from a godly friend. Pray This: Father, help me to recognize and confront the insecurities that hinder my trust in Your perfect plan. Grant me humility and wisdom to surrender my stubbornness and follow Your guidance wholeheartedly. Amen. Play This: Come To The Table.

Are you sure you want to do that? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us." Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:10-18, which reads: So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking for a king from him. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen and to run before his chariots. And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his servants. He will take the tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and to his servants. He will take your male servants and female servants and the best of your young men and your donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” — 1 Samuel 8:10-18 That sounds fun. Sign me up! But as ironic as it is, that's precisely what God's people decided. Even though Samuel carefully itemized a number of things a king would take from them. Did you hear the list? Did you notice the repetition of the verb "to take"? Samuel clearly delineated that a king would “take” their: Sons (v. 11) Daughters (v. 13) The best of their fields (v. 14) The best of their vineyards (v. 14) The best of their olive orchards (v. 14) A tenth of their produce (v. 15) Their servants (v. 16) Their young men (v. 16) Their donkeys (v. 16) Then Samuel closes with this hand-washing declaration, "And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” We all make foolish decisions. But when we make foolish decisions, conscious of the consequences, we make fools of ourselves. And then, as Samuel declares, there will come a day when we want salvation from our foolish decisions. At this moment, we will cry out like fools. Do you know how you stop making foolish decisions? You get wisdom from wise men who know God and heed their instruction. So if you are insecure and need wisdom today, ask a man wiser than yourself! #WisdomInAction, #GodlyDecisions, #BiblicalLessons Ask This: How have past decisions, driven by insecurity or fear, impacted your life, and what could you have done differently with the wisdom you have now? Who are the wise men in your life you can turn to for godly advice, and how can you intentionally seek their counsel more often? Do This: Seek wisdom in every insecurity. Pray This: Lord, grant me the wisdom to seek and heed godly counsel in my decisions. Help me to trust in Your guidance and avoid the pitfalls of my own foolishness. Amen. Play This: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me.

Are you insecure and about to make a stupid request or decision? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us." Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:7-9, which reads: And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.” — 1 Samuel 8:7-9 Famous Last Words of Insecure People When we are insecure, we are all prone to making decisions we later regret. I've been there too. But if we're not careful, these insecurities, often based on untruthful biases, can lead to irreversible consequences. Here are some famous last words of insecure people who end up making stupid decisions: "But all my other friends are going." "There might be drinking, but I won't drink." "One look won't hurt." "She came onto me." "I didn't know how old she was." "I needed a ride, so I got in the car." "It's just one little lie." "Nobody will ever find out." "I'm just trying to fit in." "I'll quit before it gets too serious." "It won't happen to me." "Just this once." "It's just a harmless joke." "I can stop anytime I want." "It's not like I'm hurting anyone." "I'm sure it's no big deal." "Everyone else is doing it." "I'm just blowing off steam." "It's not my fault." "I'm too stressed to care right now." If we back up one verse, we read Israel's famous last words: “Give us a king to judge us.” Right Problem & Wrong Solutions Here is what is so interesting about this situation. God responds by instructing Samuel to give them what they want. The people of Israel have legitimately identified the right issue (Samuel's impending leadership transition) but regrettably presented the wrong solution. They are so committed to the wrong decision that they do not see it as a direct rejection of God as King. Yet God tells Samuel to give them what they want. Fascinating! When you face an insecure moment and a big decision, the best thing you can do is set your desires aside and seek God's desires. Our Will & God's Will Our will is deceptively devious. It finds justification in circumstances, comparisons, and confirming voices. Sometimes, we perceive these confirmations as God's Will when they are not. We might be conflating our will with God's Will, and God might even give you over to your will because that is what you want. Get wiser when you are insecure. The next time you feel uncertain or insecure, try this: Set your desires aside for a moment. Take a fresh look at the situation and assess the problem. Consider your solution, and then consider God's solution. As Samuel does for Israel, play your will and God's Will out. Then compare the outcomes, and maybe next time, in your insecurity, you won't make the same stupid decision that Israel did here that changed the course of their history forever. #InsecurityAndDecisions #SeekingGodsWill #WisdomInChoices Ask This: Reflect on a time when your insecurities influenced a decision. Looking back, how might seeking God's perspective have led to a different outcome? How can you distinguish between your will and God's will when faced with important decisions? What practical steps can you take to align more closely with God's desires in uncertain moments? Do This: Seek God's Will, not your own. Pray This: Father, in moments of insecurity, help me set aside my desires and seek Your wisdom above all else. Guide my decisions so that they may reflect Your will, not mine, and lead me closer to You each day. Amen. Play This: God Will Work It Out.

Are insecurities driving you to your own solutions? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us." Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:4-6, which reads: Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. — 1 Samuel 8:4-6 Here are a few details worth noting. First, it's the elders who initiate the move to a monarchy. If we look back a few chapters, we'll recall that it was also the elders who devised a plan to solve a previous crisis, resulting in the loss of the Ark of God in a war against the Philistines. Their reasoning here is no better. Previously, they wanted to use God, but now they want to reject Him. But let's look closer at their reasoning because it's a little twisted. The issue at hand is the succession within the judiciary. They are worried about Samuel's old age and his sons' misconduct, which raises concerns about who will lead after him. Essentially, they are in need of another judge. In the past, they encountered problems with Eli and his sons. However, their current proposal is baffling because it fails to address the problem and actually contradicts their own analysis. Despite this, they do not seem to realize the flaw in their plan. If their genuine concern is about the nation turning away from the Lord, then the solution is not to replace the Lord with a man who with lord over them. What they actually need is another judge who will keep the people loyal to the Lord. And this is what irritates Samuel; he, as you will see, understands the twist in their request as the rejection of the Lord. The elders' reasoning and decision stems from a common human tendency—to rely on tangible solutions in moments of insecurity rather than on the Lord. They overlook the fact that their real need isn't just a king but a judge who will lead them toward obedience to God. This reveals a profound truth: When our insecurities define us, we often seek superficial solutions that fail to address the root issues. How often do we, like the elders of Israel, look for quick fixes to our problems—placing our trust in human institutions, achievements, or relationships rather than in God? When we feel insecure about the future, our jobs, or our families, we may rush to take matters into our own hands, seeking control where only God's guidance can provide true direction. Take time today to identify an area of insecurity in your life that you have been trying to address with world effort and natural solutions. Pause and pray, asking God for wisdom and trusting Him to lead you. Surrender your fears and uncertainties to Him, and commit to following His guidance, even if it means stepping into the unknown. #TrustingGodOverMan #InsecureSolutions #SeekingDivineGuidance Ask This: How often do you find yourself seeking human solutions to your insecurities instead of relying on God's guidance? What steps can you take to shift your trust more fully to Him? Reflect on a time when you rushed to find a quick fix for a problem that ultimately didn't address the deeper issue. What did you learn from that experience, and how can you apply that lesson to your current challenges? Do This: Trust God in the insecurity. Pray This: Father, forgive me for the times I've sought worldly solutions out of fear and insecurity. Help me trust in Your wisdom and guidance, surrendering my anxieties to Your loving care. Amen. Play This: A Mighty Fortress.

Are your insecurities overshadowing your faith? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us." Today, our text is 1 Samuel 8:1-3, which reads: When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice. — 1 Samuel 8:1-3 First, as we read these verses, we are drawn to the comparison between Eli and his sons and Samuel and his sons. Many commentators have attempted to dissect the similarities and differences, but one detail stands out. Samuel was a faithful follower and judge of Israel throughout his life. Second, as a parent and spiritual leader, these verses especially cause me to stop and reflect. When I read them, I immediately insert myself into the story and play forward the lives of my children. I think about my daughter, both of my sons and my son-in-law. More than anything in this life, I want them all to know Jesus. I hope what is said here will never be told about my children. Yet I also realize that my children have to make their own decisions about Jesus and that I have a spiritual responsibility to lead them, but I am not spiritually responsible for them. Let me pause and say this is also true for you. You have a spiritual responsibility to not for your children. I know parents are reading this devotional today who have children who do not fear or follow the Lord. They have turned aside, and your heart is heavy for them. All I can tell you is that you should never give up hope. Here are four things you can do. First, you can pray for them. Second, you can speak the truth to them. Third, you can live obediently to Jesus and pray this impacts them. Fourth, you can hold onto all hope. If this is you today, I will pray for you and your children today. But back to the text. Two factors create tension in the chapter. The first factor is Samuel's old age as a judge and leader. The second factor is the looming reality that they lack a suitable successor because his sons are unjust judges. Isn't it interesting that old age and disobedient children create a leadership concern, which gives the opportunity to wedge God out of the nation? You cannot make this up. The timing of this text and what is happening in our country are fascinating. These two factors open the door to all kinds of insecurity about the future. They create a swelling concern that is not resolved by faith in God but faith in a man—the appointment of the first king of Israel. God will be edged out as King, and the people will insist on a king like all other nations. And it is right here in human history where the Theocracy ceases, and the Monarchy rises. Leadership insecurities can cause people to think irrationally and act disobediently. This is true in a nation, a business, a church, or a family. The important thing is to anticipate the insecurities or acknowledge them when they occur and find the right solutions for them. Looking ahead in the chapter, the insecurities anticipated create a bit of a national crisis, which leads the people to find the wrong solution to the wrong problem, which complicates their relationship with God. Here's a prayer for you today: God, today I pray for all parents with children who do not believe in you. Please draw them back to you. Help us be faithful in praying for them, speaking the truth to them, and modeling obedience. And God, in all our insecurities, lead us to faith in you and not faith in mankind. Amen. #FaithfulParenting, #TrustInGod, #OvercomingInsecurity Ask This: How can you actively demonstrate your faith and trust in God to your children, even when they seem to be straying from His path? In what areas of your life are insecurities leading you to seek human solutions rather than trusting in God's guidance and provision? Do This: Be faithful in your insecurities. Pray This: Lord, help me to trust You completely with my children's lives and to guide them with faithfulness and love. Grant me the strength to overcome my insecurities and to lead by example, always pointing them toward You. Amen. Play This: With Confidence.

Are you ready to trust your insecurities to the security in God? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 8. I've titled this chapter "When Our Insecurities Define Us." When anyone reflects on the events of their life, they will always remember key moments that signify high points and low points. I can easily recall several high and low points in my life, and I'm sure you can too. When these moments are connected, they form the narrative of our lives. Chapter 8 is a defining low point in the story of God and Israel. As you will see, this is the moment the nation of God rejected God as its leader. So, for all you nationalists out there, our departure from being a nation under God is not a recent occurrence; it happened hundreds of years ago. The key verse of this chapter is 1 Samuel 8:7, which reads: And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them — 1 Samuel 8:7 The people of Israel, gripped by insecurity, demanded a king to lead them, like the surrounding nations. Despite Samuel's warnings, their fear and desire to conform overshadowed their faith and trust in God. This choice marked a pivotal shift—rejecting God's authority in favor of human authority. Now, let's drive this point closer to home. Think about your own life. What moments have defined your journey? Have there been times when your insecurities drove you to marked moments that distanced you from God? Maybe it was the pursuit of approval by others, a decision made out of fear, or a relationship that dishonored your faith. Just like Israel, we all face moments where we let our insecurities define us. But here's the good news: our defining moments don't have to end in rejection. We can redefine them through repentance and a renewed commitment to God's leadership. Take some time today to reflect on a defining moment in your life where insecurity led you away from finding your security in God. Write it down and be honest about how it impacted your relationship with God. Then, prayerfully ask God to help you redefine that moment. Seek His guidance and wisdom to turn that past insecurity into a testimony of His grace and power in your life. Remember, it's never too late to let God redefine your story. Trust in his leadership and allow him to turn your past insecurities into a future marked by faith and security in him. #InsecurityToSecurity #TrustGodsLeadership #RedefineYourStory Ask This: How can you identify moments in your life where insecurity has influenced your decisions or actions? What steps can you take to trust God's security instead? Reflect on a specific instance where you prioritized human approval or worldly standards over God's guidance. How did this impact your relationship with God, and what changes can you make today to realign with His leadership? Do This: Seek security in God. Pray This: Father, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking your forgiveness and guidance. Help me embrace repentance, trusting in your mercy and power to restore and bring peace to my life and community. Amen. Play This: In Christ Alone.

Have you had enough and want a change in our church and country? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 7. I've titled this chapter "Stand Up And Make A Declaration." After two decades had passed, Samuel called the nation to repent. He gathered them at Mizpah for national repentance. As they do, the Philistines surround to attack, and God responds with a mighty sound, and then the Israelites follow suit and drive the Philistines away. Let's listen to how they respond and God's reward for their return in 1 Samuel 7:12-17: Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel delivered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites. Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah. And he judged Israel in all these places. Then he would return to Ramah, for his home was there, and there also he judged Israel. And he built there an altar to the Lord. — 1 Samuel 7:12-17 Repentance Effects Everyone The effect of this call to repentance is profound. It has a long-lasting impact on three groups of people. First, on the Philistines, who were subdued and restrained for the rest of Samuel's life. Second, on the Amorites (a.k.a. the Canaanites), who ceased to be a threat because of Israel's victory over their common enemy, the Philistines. Third, on the Israelites, who witnessed firsthand the deliverance by God in the most vulnerable of moments. Don't forget that Israel was about to be wiped out. The entire nation was gathered in a valley unarmed, fasted, and emotionally vulnerable. Their enemy was armed and ready on every side. Their only hope was divine intervention, and God did intervene. Repentance Is Personal & Corporate I talk to many people in our time who want to see change happen in the church and our country. Based on what we have read in this chapter, I am convinced we think about the path to this change all wrong. The path to change is not with a better preacher, policy, politician, or president. The path to change is repentance, both personal and corporate. This means: If you want change in your family, you need to repent and call your family to repentance. If you want change in your church, your pastor needs to repent and call the church to repentance. If you want change in your denomination, the head of your denomination needs to repent and then call the churches to repentance. What happened in this moment can still happen today. It can happen right now with you. Make Is Personal I know someone reading this today who feels just like Israel felt here in the middle of Chapter 7. You feel hopeless. You feel alone. You feel surrounded by an enemy who is perched to annihilate you. If that is you, I am telling you, there is hope. Turn or return to God. Reject the meaningless ideologies and idols that have let you down and call upon the only God who saves. Repentance is when we bring our sinful motivations, thoughts, and actions to God and ask God to take a stand. We are not taking a stand—we are going low—but asking God to take a stand. The benefits are great because those who repent will be rescued, freed from fear, and established in the Lord's territory. Eventually, you will see that your repentance will impact everyone around you. #RepentanceAndRestoration #DivineIntervention #EbenezerStone Ask This: How can you personally apply the principle of repentance, both individually and within your community or family, to seek God's intervention in areas where you need His help? Reflecting on Samuel's leadership and the Israelites' response to God's deliverance, what steps can you take to establish "Ebenezer stones" in your own life—symbols of God's faithfulness and deliverance—to remind you of His ongoing work and presence? Do This: Repent. Pray This: Father, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking your forgiveness and guidance. Help me embrace repentance, trusting in your mercy and power to restore and bring peace to my life and community. Amen. Play This: Nothing Else.

Are you surrounded by challenges with no way out? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 7. I've titled this chapter "Stand Up And Make A Declaration." Let's recap the story a bit. Israel, having lost and regained the Ark of God, defiled the Tabernacle and found themselves in a 20-year hiatus from worship and sacrifice. But after two decades had passed, Samuel called the nation to repent. He gathered them at Mizpah for national declaration and spiritual restoration. But right at this moment, the plot thickens. Let's listen to 1 Samuel 7:7-11: Now when the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” So Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. And Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car. — 1 Samuel 7:7-11 An Intense Battle This is quite an intense moment. Imagine for a moment you are the people of Israel. You and your entire family are gathered with the rest of the nation. You are unarmed, fasted, and in a vulnerable emotional state. In the middle of this event, word spreads that the five lords of the Philistines with their armies are gathered around you. You look up to the surrounding territory to see they have you surrounded. Logically, you face destruction. Surrounded & Vulnerable Completely vulnerable, there is only one possibility—salvation by the Lord. Therefore, the people beg Samuel to pray for their salvation, so he does. With the enemy within sight, Samuel responds with prayer and sacrifice, something he has not done in twenty years. Then God makes a mighty thundering sound that throws the Philistines into confusion. I should stop and make a note here. The people of this time had a unique understanding of military combat. They believed every military conflict (victory or defeat) played out on two planes: the natural and the supernatural. Therefore, any unusual phenomenon during a military operation would be interpreted as evidence of a deity at work (Joshua 10:11; Judges 5:4, 20–21). In this case, the loud and unexpected thunder, whatever it was, was immediately understood by the Philistines as a bad omen, which was supported by the fact they were attacking them in the middle of the worship of their God, causing mass panic. Israel immediately understood this as an answer from the Lord from Samuel's prayer and sacrifice and took advantage of the mass hysteria. So let me make three points of application. One | Grasp The Battle First, the enemy always strikes when you are weakest and most vulnerable. This is what he always does in my life. The enemy loves to wear down believers; he is relentless. He knows your weaknesses, vulnerable moments, fears, and failures. If he sees you are about to turn to God, he will send the full force of his armies against you to defeat you. Two | Gird Your Mind Second, when the enemy strikes at these vulnerable moments, you get to make a strategic choice. You can look at the situation from a natural or supernatural perspective. This mindset you adopt will change how you view this situation and will impact your next decision. The choice is either the enemy and natural forces are in control, or God and his supernatural force are in control. Three | Get Out And Fight Third, when you surrender to God, assuming you do, you still need to listen for God and join him in the fight. Surrendering to God does not mean we surrender the fight. We need to fight, but we need to fight the right enemy in the right way. The only way to do this is to get behind the God who fights ahead of us in every battle. Today, you might feel just like Israel, surrounded and vulnerable. If so, grasp the battle, gird your mind, and get out and fight.

Is it time for us to gather for a day of repentance? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 7. I've titled this chapter "Stand Up And Make A Declaration." As I have been reading Chapter 7, the thought has been gnawing at me. Is it time for the church to usher in a day of repentance? Listen as I read 1 Samuel 7:3-6: And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the Lord only. Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel at Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah. — 1 Samuel 7:3-6 If you've followed me through this book, you've witnessed a narrative unfold. It's the tale of a nation liberated by God from Egypt, who meandered through the desert and was guided into the Promised Land. However, God's nation gradually strays over the next 400 years. The religious leaders become so corrupt and wicked that they lose the Ark and drift far from God. The nation, enduring a twenty-year lament, finds itself without a means to worship or offer sacrifices to God. But in this moment of national despair, a beacon of hope emerges. Samuel, the final judge of Israel, steps forward. It's important to note that a man of God will guide Israel back, not a policy, president, power, or politician. It's a righteous man with a righteous plan, ready to rally the nation to repentance. I have read these verses many times this week, and they stir something in me: a desire to call believers in our time to repentance. But before you and I go and get too excited about this, the message that must be delivered is not easy. It's a stern message. It's a divisive message. It's a clarifying message. It's a personal message. It's a message that requires us to declare we stand against the idols of our time, like the: Idol of Relativism: that rejects absolute truth and exchanges the truth of God for a lie. Idol of Gender Fluidity: that rejects biblical views of God's created order and gender as (binary) male and female. Idol of Critical Race Theory: that rejects biblical reconciliation by resurrecting past sins against races, promoting division. Idol of Abortion: that rejects the sanctity of life at conception and elevates our rights and us as a god. Idol of LGBTQ+ Rights: that rejects biblical teachings on sexuality and marriage. Idol of Secularism: that rejects biblical faith and values and marginalizes believers in the marketplace. But here is the problem with all these idols and ideologies. It's more than just the culture that has welcomed them. It's the church. All of these idols have found their way into the church. Therefore, what Samuel does here is not only courageous but also hard, divisive, clarifying, and personal. It's a call to reject and rid themselves of specific idols, repent, and return to the Lord. Spiritual change can happen. But it will only occur when a righteous man leads the way. This means we have to repent first and lead the way. It means we must draw some defining lines for ourselves, our families, and the church. #RepentanceRevival, #ReturnToGod, #SpiritualAwakening Ask This: How can we identify and confront the idols in our own lives and in our church community? What practical steps can we take today to initiate a personal or communal day of repentance and spiritual renewal? Do This: Repent and rid yourselves of idols. Pray This: Father, I humbly come before You, seeking Your guidance and strength to identify and remove any idols that have crept into my heart and community so that we may fully turn back to You in repentance and renewal. Amen. Play This: Coming Back.

Do we need a move by God or a move by man? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 7. I've titled this chapter "Stand Up And Make A Declaration." Yesterday, we left off with a stark truth: If you choose moral flexibility, God will allow it. But be warned, you will be living without God. This lifestyle, devoid of God's presence, carries significant spiritual and national implications. I believe this is the critical juncture we find ourselves in today. Then we read this in 1 Samuel 7:3-4: And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” So the people of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and they served the Lord only. — 1 Samuel 7:3-4 For me, the pivotal moments of Chapter 7 are both in verse 3, "And Samuel..." and "If you..." After twenty long years, a man of God, Samuel, rises to the moment. Scripture is silent here on why it takes twenty years. But I know that when we are left to our sin, we have to get well beyond the short-lived rewards of sin to see the consequences before a person or a nation turns back. Some see it sooner than others only because they have seen the cycle before. But most of the time, it takes us a while to see the devastating consequence of sin. Yet, amid this national and spiritual crisis, our leading man, Samuel, stands up and proclaims a return. It's not a return of the Ark of God but a return of Israel’s wayward heart to God. Moving the Ark of God around is not going to help. What is needed is a movement of their hearts to God. And Samuel declares this movement has three features: First, they need to “put away” the beliefs and practices they have adopted over the last twenty years. Second, they need to "return to the Lord,” which is not a show of sadness and worldly regret but of turning back to God and away from the lifestyle they have adopted. Third, the need to do it “with all their heart” demands a single-minded, wholehearted commitment to God. I think our culture and time long for a fresh move by God. But too many believers wrongly assume that God needs to spark this movement. Instead, Samuel clarifies that God has not moved. It's the nation that has moved. What they need to do is return to the God they have moved away from. It's a return that must be characterized by the features listed here. The way to start is by making a move. Is there a belief or practice you need to let go of to fully return to the Lord with all your heart? What is the practice that has become an idol? What steps will you take today to rid your thoughts, attitudes, and actions of it? And what new thoughts, attitudes, and actions are you committed to bringing to the Lord? After you do this, share it with others and invite your family, church, and community to join in. #RepentanceRevival, #ReturnToGod, #SpiritualRenewal Ask This: What beliefs or practices in your life have subtly taken the place of God's rightful place in your heart? How can you actively "put away" these distractions to return wholeheartedly to God? Reflecting on Samuel's bold stand and call for national repentance, what steps can you take today to lead others in your influence toward a more profound commitment to God?

Do you want to live with the Lord or without the Lord? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 7. I've titled this chapter "Stand Up And Make A Declaration." Today's scripture is 1 Samuel 7:2, it reads: From the day that the ark was lodged at Kiriath-jearim, a long time passed, some twenty years, and all the house of Israel lamented after theLord. — 1 Samuel 7:2 After the Ark of God was taken from Shiloh, it never returned. This verse chronicles a sad moment because the Ark of God will remain in this location for almost 50 years, not just for the next 20 years. It will stay here until King David requests that It be paraded up to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). As modern readers, we often fail to see the effects of what has happened. The wicked sons of Eli removed the Ark of God, defiling the Tabernacle. This meant there was no longer a holy place for worship and sacrifice. Failed spiritual leadership caused a rift and drift from God, and the consequences devastated the religious nation. Thus, there is a long two decades of lament for these actions. This concerns me about our time and our nation. If we want to live without the Lord, the Lord will allow us to live without him. If we turn to the New Testament book of Romans, Paul has something to say about this. This is a reading from Romans 1:21-32 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. — Romans 1:21-32 If you want moral flexibility, God will let you have it. But here's the deal, you will live without God. A life lived this way, without God, has all kinds of national and individual spiritual consequences. I believe this is the time in which we live. But there is a way back, and to see that you will have to show up tomorrow. But for now, reflect on this question: Do you want to live with the Lord or without the Lord? #ChooseGod #ReturnToGod #SpiritualConsequences Ask This: How can we recognize areas in our lives where we may be drifting away from God's presence, similar to the Israelites during the time of 1 Samuel 7? In what practical ways can we ensure that our worship and devotion to God remain sincere and faithful, even amidst the distractions and temptations of modern life? Do This: Ask this and answer honestly: Do you want to live with the Lord or without the Lord? Pray This: Father, help me to discern when I am drifting from Your presence and guide me back into a deeper relationship with You. Strengthen my resolve to honor You in all aspects of my life, reflecting Your glory to those around me. Amen. Play This: Trust In God.

Are you aware of God's presence in your life? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 7. I've titled this chapter "Stand Up And Make A Declaration." We begin this chapter with 1 Samuel 7:1 reads: And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took up the ark of theLordand brought it to the house ofAbinadab on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to have charge of the ark of theLord. — 1 Samuel 7:1 First, I think it's crucial, as it relates to this text, to recall the journey of the Ark of God for the last few chapters. First, the Ark was in Shiloh. This was where it was supposed to be, inside the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. But the wicked sons of Eli removed the Ark of God and brought it into battle using it like a good luck charm and then lost it to the Philistines. Then the Philistines take it, assuming a victory over God. But God strikes them with a plague and hemorrhoids, and they pass it from town to town until they are ready to be rid of it. Then it ends up in Beth-Shemesh. But the priest inappropriately handled it, and God struck 70 of them dead, which may have been the whole lot of them. Now, like the Philistines, the Israelites are frightened of it. So this is where we pick up in verse one. Israel had to decide what to do with it. They don't take it back to Shiloh, which is pretty close, and we are not told why. There could be many reasons, one of which might be the desecration of the Tabernacle by Eli's sons. But they take it about 15 miles up the road to Abinadab's house (who was one of the remaining priests) and consecrate his son (Eleazar),and they keep the Ark of God in their house. Here's a thought for you. Imagine that the Ark of God appeared at your doorstep today. How would your thoughts, attitudes, and actions change? I bet the way you lead would shift. I bet how you care for your wife, the words you choose, and even the media you consume would change. I assume your thoughts and attitudes would transform, as well. But this is not a hypothetical thought. God's presence is not confined to a box. His Spirit lives within every believer. The power of the Holy God is with us wherever we go. We are a temple of the Holy Spirit. So, if this is the case, we should live with each moment of every day with a healthy awareness of holy reverence and divine dread in us, consecrating every thought, attitude, and action. Dwell on that today, and live like it. #GodsPresence #DailyDevotional #LiveInHisLight Ask This: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily routines and interactions? Reflecting on today's message, what practical steps can you take to consecrate your thoughts, attitudes, and actions to honor God's presence in your life? Do This: Dwell on the presence of God in you, and act like it. Pray This: Father, help me to live each day with a deep awareness of Your presence within me. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions to reflect Your holiness and grace to those around me. Amen. Play This: Here in the Presence.

Are you ready to make a declaration? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 7. I've titled this chapter "Stand Up And Make A Declaration." For me, this chapter underscores the importance of personal commitments that are publicly declared to God. In the early 1800s, a preacher named Charles Finney revolutionized the way we publicly declare our faith with what he dubbed the "Altar Call." This call, absent from many churches today, was an invitation to step forward in a service and. proclaim Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Influential figures like Billy Graham and ministries like Promise Keepers adopted it as a. The narrative in 1 Samuel 7 will read and feel like this. It's an "Altar Call" given by Samuel to the entire nation of Israel. It's a monumental day in their history, with interesting details and occurrences that I will let unfold naturally. But at the conclusion of the day, Samuel sets up a monument. They stand up a stone to commemorate and remember the commitments that they have publicly made to God. This leads us to the key verse of this chapter. 1 Samuel 7:12 reads: Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” — 1 Samuel 7:12 Of course, some of you know this verse because it was popularized by a well-known Hymn, "Come Thou Fount." One of the verses sings: Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by thy help I’ve come; This moment of this song recalls this moment in Israel's history. It's a song that calls us to reflect on a great day of repentance in Israel's history. All believers need moments like this. We need standing-stone moments to remind us. There is nothing special about the markers or the monuments—all they are meant to do is remind us of the commitments and covenants we have made personally and publicly with God. Today, look back on some of those moments when you stood up a stone in your relationship with God. Reflect on two questions. Where were you when you stood up a stone, and what change did you commit to make with God? Share them in the comments below, and let's celebrate the Ebenezers we have stood up in our lives. And if you are ready to make a declaration to God, you can take this moment to stand up a new stone. #DailyDevo, #DeclareYourFaith, #StandUpForGod Ask This: When was the last time you publicly declared your faith in God, either through words or actions? How did that moment impact your relationship with Him? Reflecting on your spiritual journey, what "stones" or markers can you identify where God has shown His faithfulness and helped you overcome challenges? How can these reminders encourage you to continue growing in your faith today? Do This: Share a standing stone moment below. Pray This: Father, thank you for moments of declaration and commitment in my journey with You. Help me to continually raise my Ebenezer, acknowledging Your faithfulness and seeking deeper intimacy with You each day. Amen. Play This: Come Thou Fount.

Are you tired of the confusion and ready to find clarity? 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 Ark of God is taken and returned. Seventy men of Beth-shemesh have been struck dead, and the chapter closes with this declaration and resolution. Verses 20-21 read: Then 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?” So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the Lord. Come down and take it up to you.” — 1 Samuel 6:20-21 Clarity In Humility Sometimes, when we read the text, we don't fully connect with the severity of such moments. But God is serious—very serious. Both the Philistines and the Israelites made themselves enemies of God. They chose to live outside his righteousness, so they became the focus of his justice. Their arrogance and disobedience only added to their problems, creating more confusion to the point that they just wanted to be rid of the Ark of God. I cannot imagine how the terror these people felt. If you are living through a season of confusion, the only place you will ever find clarity is in humility before God. Once in a while, you might find your way through confusion with a tactic, strategy, or clever ingenuity. But occasionally, the confusion in your life will be so intense and immense that it will humiliate you. And the only proper response in these moments is to go low before the Holy God. It's to get on your knees and tell God you don't know what to do and are ready to do only what he wants you to do. This is usually a humiliating and terrifying experience, yet it's right here where men are transformed from being their own manto being God's man. Are you confused today? Go low before the Holy God, for no man can stand before him. #ClarityThroughHumility #SeekingGodsWill #FromConfusionToClarity Ask This: How can you cultivate a more profound sense of humility in your daily life, especially during times of confusion or uncertainty? Reflect on a recent experience where you faced confusion or difficulty. How did your response align with seeking God's clarity, and what adjustments can you make moving forward? Do This: Go low! Pray This: Father, in moments of confusion, I humble myself before You. Please give me clarity of mind and heart to discern Your will and follow Your direction faithfully. Amen. Play This: Gracefully Broken.

Do you really want to know what's in the Ark of God? 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 Ark of God returns. The priests offer a sacrifice upon the return, but they make a fatal mistake: And he struck some of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they looked upon the ark of the Lord. He struck seventy men of them, and the people mourned because the Lord had struck the people with a great blow. — 1 Samuel 6:19 One Quick Peek We're curious beings, aren't we? I've been curious since my teens. I remember taking things apart to understand how they worked. But as I've grown older and wiser, I've learned there are lines and limits to curiosity. Sometimes curiosity pays off positively; other times, it brings severe consequences. In our relationship with God, it's good to be curious about Him and His will in our lives. Yet, we must tread carefully when our curiosity leads to selfish thoughts, attitudes, or actions. God sets boundaries that shouldn't be crossed. When we defy these boundaries, we distance ourselves from Him and face the consequences. Why Do The Priests Peek? Here's the big question: Why did these 70 priests of God dare to peek into the Ark? They knew better—they were explicitly instructed never to touch, open, or even look inside it. That's basic priestly training. Their curiosity may have stemmed from eagerness to see if the Philistines took anything from the Ark, or perhaps it was their first chance to see it outside the Tabernacle. Whatever the reason, their disobedience cost them their lives. What Was In The Box? So, are you curious? Do you want to know what was in the Ark of God? I know you do. According to Hebrews 9:4, the Ark contained three objects: The Tablets of Stone: The tablets on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. Aaron's Rod: This was a stick that belonged to Aaron, who was a high priest of Israel. A Jar of Manna: This was the bread that God provided for the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert. They represented the rule, protection, and provision of God. Hard Lessons for Men of The Cloth God's boundaries apply to all. His justice doesn't spare insiders who defy His will. Recent events involving prominent spiritual leaders prove this point. For example, consider James McDonald, Ravi Zacharias, Bill Hybels, and the latest, Tony Evans. For some, this is heartbreaking, but it is simply a strong reminder. Curiosity within God's will is safe and beneficial, but beyond it lies danger. So be curious, but don't be tempted to step outside the will of God. #CuriosityAndConsequences, #GodsBoundaries, #WisdomInObedience Ask This: How can we maintain a healthy balance between curiosity and obedience in our daily walk with God? Reflecting on times when curiosity led to positive outcomes versus negative consequences, how can we apply lessons from the priests' mistakes to our own lives today? Do This: Be appropriately curious. Pray This: Father, help me discern between healthy curiosity that seeks Your will and selfish curiosity that leads astray. Guide me to honor Your boundaries, knowing Your wisdom protects and guides me always. Amen. Play This: Every Direction.

Here is something you should always do when walking into a confusing season. 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, after enduring the consequences of holding the Ark of God for seven months—plagued by both the Black Plague and severe hemorrhoids—the Philistines decided they couldn't bear it any longer. Their solution was to send the Ark back. They placed it on a cart led by a couple of milk cows and watched as it returned to Israel. Here's what unfolds next in verses 13-16: Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it. The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there. A great stone was there. And they split up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the box that was beside it, in which were the golden figures, and set them upon the great stone. And the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices on that day to the Lord. And when the five lords of the Philistines saw it, they returned that day to Ekron. — 1 Samuel 6:13-16 Intriguing Details This is a pretty interesting moment. The Philistines are satisfied with returning the Ark of God, and the Israelites are also satisfied with its return. But there are four details worth noting: The five kings of Philistine followed behind the Ark of God the entire way back to Israel. The town it comes to is called Beth-Shemesh, the closest Israelite town. The cows stop at a great stone, which they took as a divine sign that God wanted a sacrifice to be made. They strip down the cart and sacrifice the animals as burnt offerings right there on the spot. Then the five kings return. But the most intriguing detail was the town it came to: Beth-Shemesh. This town was not just any Israelite town; it was the home of the priestly tribe, the Levites. This tribe should have been especially careful in following Torah guidelines regarding the proper treatment of the Ark of God. However, in the coming verse, we see that in their excitement, they will fail to adhere to the appropriate care of the Ark of God (Num 4:15, 1 Chr 15:11–15). Strict Obedience When we seek clarity in confusion, we must commit ourselves to strict obedience to God. The priesthood, led by Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, had strayed. Their sinful actions led to the capture of the Ark of God. After its return, we would have expected Israel and the priesthood to repent and resume strict adherence to the Law's customs during the seven months that followed. However, as we will see in the coming verses, they drifted too far. Pain and punishment were about to become their harsh teachers. Our Strict Obedience If you are going through a confusing time in your life, let the wisdom of these Scriptures train you. It's essential to make every effort to obey God strictly. Nothing makes a confusing situation worse than sinful reactions; it only brings unnecessary attention to yourself and your sin. So, if you are facing a difficult divorce, recent layoff, financial crisis, or family conflict, stop making stupid and sinful choices. Instead, strive to be as strictly obedient in this season as possible. Seek the wisdom you need in the Word of God and only make right and righteous decisions. This will prevent further complications and bring clarity to your confusion. If this happens to be you today. Here's a prayer for you today: God, give me clarity in my time of confusion. May my actions and reactions be in strict alignment with your Word and ways. Amen. #ClarityThroughObedience #SeekingGodsWisdom #FromConfusionToClarity Ask This: How can we maintain strict obedience to God's Word in the midst of confusion or challenging circumstances in our own lives? Reflecting on the story of Beth-shemesh and their response to the Ark's return, what steps can we take to ensure our reactions to God's interventions align with His will and bring clarity rather than confusion? Do This: Be obedient in seasons of confusion. Pray This: Father, grant me the strength to obey Your Word diligently in times of uncertainty, seeking clarity and wisdom in every decision I make. Guide my steps and actions to reflect Your will, bringing honor to Your name and peace to my heart. Amen. Play This: Clarity.

Are you trying to discern what God wants you to do? 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. Some pagan priests devised a plan to rid themselves of the Ark, and they decided to try this unusual experiment with a couple of cows. Here is how this plays out in verses 7-12: 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.” The men did so, and took two milk cows and yoked them to the cart and shut up their calves at home. And they put the ark of the Lord on the cart and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumors. And the cows went straight in the direction of Beth-shemesh along one highway, lowing as they went. They turned neither to the right nor to the left, and the lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh. — 1 Samuel 6:7-12 Test It For some reason, after seven months of torture, the Philistines are still unsure if God was behind the disease and pestilence that had struck their land. It had poisoned people, weakened wealth, and created conflict among their people. Yet still, the five kings of Philistine wonder if this is just a coincidence or if it is the God of the Ark. So they devise a plan to deploy a cart that will carry the ark, pulled by milk cows, to test and see if the God of the Ark takes it home. Milk It The pagan priests decided to use milk cows, not draft animals. Typical draft animals in their day were castrated oxen mainly because they were strong, steady, and orderly. Milk cows would not be the choice, mostly because they were tribal and protective mothers who primarily produced milk. Strapping them to a cart, freshly separated from their young, was a remedy for disaster. But we see they respond unexpectedly. They head directly for the closest Israel territory, lowing as if they were being called and guided to their home. This was highly unusual given all the factors that could have gone awry. Discern It God, by nature of his supreme authority, is always "leading the cart" of his creation. Yet there are times in our lives when his leading is more difficult to discern. When it is difficult, we will often look for his leading in and through the circumstances of this life. We look for his move so we can determine our move. We are trying to discern his general revelation, or how he reveals himself to us through the natural world and human experience. General revelation has a whole lot to say about God. The apostle Paul clarifies this in Romans 1:19-20: For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. — Romans 1:19-20 Thus, through general revelation, we, like the Philistines, are without excuse. God demonstrates through creation that he exists. But we don't just have a general revelation. We have more specific revelations. God gave us Jesus, Scripture, and the Spirit. He also gave us a means to talk with him in prayer and a means to hear of him through the wisdom of other believers. When it comes to discerning God's leading, we have all kinds of resources at our disposal daily and all the time. Seek It So, if you need direction today, you could look merely to general revelation. Or, if you don't want to wait through seven months of torment and track down a couple of milk cows, you could turn to the resources and tools God has already given you. But I will leave it up to you. #DiscerningGodsWill, #SeekingClarity, #DivineGuidance Ask This: How can you distinguish between God's leading and mere coincidence in your own life circumstances? What specific steps can you take today to deepen your reliance on God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel from fellow believers? Do This: Seek general and specific revelation. Pray This: Father, help me discern Your will clearly amidst life's uncertainties, relying on Your guidance through Scripture, prayer, and the wisdom of others. Strengthen my faith to trust in Your leading with confidence and obedience. Amen. Play This: Lead Me On.

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.