VinceMiller

If you are reluctant to lead, trust the divine pecking order. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." Today, we conclude Chapter 10, in verses 25-27: Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home. Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace. — 1 Samuel 10:17-27 Believers are reluctant to lead for many reasons, but one is that we fail to trust the divine pecking order. In this instance, a king was selected, but we all know God was not forfeiting his role as the King. God was still the King of all things. His justice would reign. At no point did the people of Israel cease to be his people. When we truly understand that God is sovereign, our reluctance should fade away. It is here that we discover we are not the leader. God is. We are merely his servants, selected for his service and to a particular task in his kingdom. Like Samuel or Saul, we, too, are selected for a unique role in God's Kingdom to serve his people. This perspective is easily lost in our self-interested times. Pastors, presidents, principals, politicians, and public servants forget this. When we do, we convince ourselves that our skills, talents, and abilities got us to where we are. We end up rejecting God because we have consciously left God behind by trying to be self-reliant and our own leader. Stop rejecting God. Trust his divine pecking order. Let him lead. See your role as a servant in his kingdom. If you do, you will listen more carefully, follow more willingly, and be less irritated with his decisions. #TrustGod, #DivineLeadership, #FaithfulServant Ask This: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's divine order, and how can you begin to surrender those areas to His leadership? How can recognizing God as the ultimate leader change your approach to serving others in your current roles and responsibilities? Do This: Trust God's pecking order. Pray This: Father, help me to trust in Your divine order and recognize Your sovereignty in my life. Guide me to serve faithfully as Your chosen servant, embracing my role in Your kingdom with humility and obedience. Amen. Play This: Without Hesitation.

Your strategies are never as good as God's plan. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." Today, we continue the story. Samuel is going to gather the nation again at Mizpah as he did in Chapter 7 after the Ark of Covenant was recovered from the Philistines. But on this day, Samuel is going to anoint Saul, the first king of Israel, in verses 17-27: Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.” Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home. Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace. — 1 Samuel 10:17-27 When they gather on this day, no one but Saul and Samuel know about God's selection of Saul as king. This was hidden from everyone. With this in mind, the people are probably a little concerned that this gathering is going to be a talk-down. And they are right. It is a talk down, but it results in them getting what they want. They will get a king. There are three teachable moments in this text: The Lord Is The Deliverer The first thing Samuel does after gathering the nation is communicate a message that has come directly from God. Samuel begins with, “Thus says the Lord," which is a declaration of a divine message to God's people. Samuel understood he was only a messenger between God and his people. In this instance, Samuel's initial exhortation was the reminder that God has always been their deliverer. As we know, they have a short memory and they need this reminder. In fact, believers in every generation have a short memory of what God has done. I know I, too, can get caught in a cycle of self-centered reasoning, forgetting what God has done in the past and how that parallels my present challenge. This is another reason why it is so important to read Scripture. It reminds us of all the things God has done that we so easily forget. Which leads to the next point. In their forgetfulness: The People Reject The Lord As Their Deliverer Your strategies are never as good as God's plan. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." Today, we continue the story. Samuel is going to gather the nation again at Mizpah as he did in Chapter 7 after the Ark of Covenant was recovered from the Philistines. But on this day, Samuel is going to anoint Saul, the first king of Israel, in verses 17-27: Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. And he said to the people of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you.’ But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your calamities and your distresses, and you have said to him, ‘Set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.” Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites was taken by lot; and Saul the son of Kish was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not be found. So they inquired again of the Lord, “Is there a man still to come?” and the Lord said, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” Then they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people away, each one to his home. Saul also went to his home at Gibeah, and with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. But some worthless fellows said, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace. — 1 Samuel 10:17-27 When they gather on this day, no one but Saul and Samuel know about God's selection of Saul as king. This was hidden from everyone. With this in mind, the people are probably a little concerned that this gathering is going to be a talk-down. And they are right. It is a talk down, but it results in them getting what they want. They will get a king. There are three teachable moments in this text: The Lord Is The Deliverer The first thing Samuel does after gathering the nation is communicate a message that has come directly from God. Samuel begins with, “Thus says the Lord," which is a declaration of a divine message to God's people. Samuel understood he was only a messenger between God and his people. In this instance, Samuel's initial exhortation was the reminder that God has always been their deliverer. As we know, they have a short memory and they need this reminder. In fact, believers in every generation have a short memory of what God has done. I know I, too, can get caught in a cycle of self-centered reasoning, forgetting what God has done in the past and how that parallels my present challenge. This is another reason why it is so important to read Scripture. It reminds us of all the things God has done that we so easily forget. Which leads to the next point. In their forgetfulness: The People Reject The Lord As Their Deliverer Because they fail to remember what the Lord has done for them, they turn to a human strategy and a human representative. They want a king “like all the other nations," so they petition God to "set a king over them." The sad irony is that the people insist even though their petition is a blatant rejection of God as their King. They no longer want to be a nation under God. They want to be a nation led by their own king, a struggle we still endure to this day. The present election cycle is evidence of this yet again. As disappointing as this is, each generation thinks it has a better plan than God does. From one generation to the next, we pedal our ideas on how companies, the church, and the country would best be led, how to structure it, how to reach lost people, how to train and disciple, how to build leaders, and the like. Every generation thinks that they have a strategy that is better than the last, and yet, most of the time, these strategies end up distracting attention from the King, who deserves the glory. God Gives Them What They Want In the end, God gives the people what they want. The selection process was by lots, which would, in modern terms, be selection by "rolls of sacred dice" (or two stones). But we really don't know how they did this here since Scripture is silent on the exact method Samuel used. This process probably took a while, but you will notice that in the end, the people trust the process. Samuel and Saul knew ahead of time who the lot would fall to, as do we, but the people of Israel did not. They wrongly want a king but they rightly trust the divine process (or at least most of them do). There is a profound lesson in this text. Sometimes, God gives us our solutions even when they are not what we need. He does this because our solutions never thwart his plan. But he will use our solutions and strategies to teach us a hard lesson about his plan and drive us back to faith in God and away from trusting our strategies. Today, take time to consider areas in your life where you might be relying more on human solutions rather than having faith in God's guidance. Are you seeking solutions and security through career strategies, relationship plans, or financial tactics more than through God? Once you recognize these misplaced priorities, set them aside and put your faith in God, trusting in His provision and protection over your plans. If you do, the provision and protection you get from God will be better than any provision and protection you can provide for yourself. #GodsPlan #FaithOverStrategy #TrustInGod Ask This: How can you actively remind yourself of God's past faithfulness in times when you're tempted to rely solely on your own plans and strategies? Reflecting on your current challenges, what steps can you take today to align more closely with God's plan for your life, trusting His provision and guidance over your own understanding? Do This: Stop leading with your strategies. Pray This: Father, help me remember Your faithfulness in all circumstances. Guide me to trust Your plan over my own strategies. Lead me closer to You, where true peace and fulfillment are found. Amen. Play This: Famous For (I Believe).

Are you ready to break the deceptive silence about your faith in God? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." Today, we continue the story. Saul arrives back home, and this is what happens in verses 10-16: When they came to Gibeah, behold, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them. And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, “What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” And a man of the place answered, “And who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” When he had finished prophesying, he came to the high place. Saul's uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To seek the donkeys. And when we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.” And Saul's uncle said, “Please tell me what Samuel said to you.” And Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found.” But about the matter of the kingdom, of which Samuel had spoken, he did not tell him anything. — 1 Samuel 10:10-16 This section explains what Saul said and did not say after he returned home. Let's look at both seperately: What Saul Said When Saul comes to his home in Gibeah, the Spirit of God rushes upon him, and he joins the other prophets and begins prophesying. Let's note that the word "prophesy" has two intended meanings: to foretell or forthtell. Most of the time, when someone prophesies in the Old Testament, they speak God's Word or repeat something declared by God's Word. In this case, that is what Saul is doing. He is not foretelling events like Samuel did for him. Instead, he is forthtelling God's Word. When we get to Chapter 19, this will happen again when Saul returns to Ramah (1 Samuel 19:23-24). In the New Testament, something similar happened at Pentecost. The Spirit fell upon believers after Jesus ascended, and the people experienced the Spirit of God. Onlookers were confused by this, thinking they were intoxicated, but they were simply experiencing the overwhelming power of God, evidenced by the way they communicated. Because the Spirit was now dwelling in them, their minds changed, and their mouths expressed this change. But let's get back to Saul. What happens next clarifies that this rushing of the Spirit upon him was not permanent (like New Testament believers) but momentary. What Saul Did Not Say Next, Saul is confronted by his uncle. His uncle must have been aware that Samuel was the great prophet and that more was up because of how long Saul was with the prophets, confirmed by the occurrence of the prophesying. What is surprising here is that Saul's response was honest but deceptively incomplete: he told him about the message of the lost donkeys but failed to tell him he would be the first king. This is strange, and scripture is silent about why this is. Even so, we witness two distinct men in this text: one who is strikingly open and bold about God's Word and the other who is silent and ashamed about God's Word. These two distinct men will show up again and again in Saul's story, and it will be his undoing. This is a challenge for many believers. We act one way when we are with believers and another way when we are with the world. We are outspoken when we are with believers but deceptively silent when we interact with the world. This representative hypocrisy is exactly what prevents the advancement of the Gospel. We are deceptively concealing the whole truth of the Word of God. Given our time, it is interesting that this is exactly what the world wants us to do. They want us to keep silent about our faith in the institutions of the world, but we shouldn't be. Our time and the people in these places need the Word of God. Those who speak up and break the threshold of these concerns will usher in a new season, breakthrough representative hypocrisy, and become whole men and women of God. So, break through your spiritual reluctance today. Speak God's Word to someone you know to whom you've not spoken God's Word. Break the threshold of deceptive silence and start telling the whole truth about God. #BoldFaith, #SpeakGodsTruth, #BreakTheSilence Ask This: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to speak openly about your faith, and what steps can you take to overcome this reluctance? Reflect on a recent situation where you chose to remain silent about your faith. How might the outcome have been different if you had spoken up and shared God's truth? Do This: Breakthrough the silence with one person today. Pray This: Lord, give me the courage to speak Your truth boldly and without hesitation. Help me to overcome my fears and be a faithful witness of Your love and grace in every situation. Amen. Play This: Speak Life.

Do you know your leadership boundaries? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." Today, we continue the story where Samuel anoints Saul in a significant moment and foretells a series of events that will shape his leadership journey. He also issues instructions for the upcoming week until Saul reaches Gilgal. Let's read verses 7-9: Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you. Then go down before me to Gilgal. And behold, I am coming down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, until I come to you and show you what you shall do.” When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day. — 1 Samuel 10:7-9 What Samuel is doing here is telling Saul that he is chosen to be Israel's king, but it comes with limitations. He is given the role of leadership, but his leadership is given boundaries. In other words, he can do what his "hand finds to do," but not anything and everything his "hand finds to do." This is an outstanding leadership and discipleship lesson in the relationship between God and his people. The structure of Israel's national leadership is God is King. Next, Samuel functions as the judge and communicates as the go-between. Then the prince, that is Saul, comes in a distant third. The structure of this monarchy was different from that of the surrounding nations, whose kings thought themselves to be gods and even worshiped themselves as gods. This leadership tension is an enduring struggle in any company, church, or country. We have all seen how catastrophic a company, church, or country can be with a narcissistic authoritarian leader at the top. However, this issue with the leader is not controlled by legislation, constitutions, amendments, or competing systems of government. It is something that a leader must submit to within their heart. Only a believer indwelled by the Holy Spirit who has submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ can moderate the selfish inclinations that rebel against God's order. Today, submit again to the pecking order of God. Surrender those selfish inclinations to do what "you want to do." Let the Spirit prompt you to surrender to God as King and stop trying to be the king. You are not. You are no match for the king. #LeadershipLessons, #BiblicalGuidance, #FaithJourney Ask This: How can you apply the principle of submitting to God's order in your current leadership roles, whether at work, at home or in your community? In what areas of your life do you struggle with the desire to be in control, and how can you surrender these to God and trust His plan? Do This: Submit to the Spirit and the King. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize and submit to Your divine order in my life, embracing the boundaries You have set for my leadership. Grant me the humility to surrender my desires and follow Your will wholeheartedly. Amen. Play This: Only King Forever.

Are you desperate to know God's call for your life? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." Today, we pick up the story where Samuel has anointed Saul, the first king of Israel. But Samuel wants Saul to know that this is not something he has made up. It is the Word of the Lord. Therefore, he gives Saul three predictive signs as confirmations on his journey home. Here are verses 2-6: When you depart from me today, you will meet two men by Rachel's tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah, and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys that you went to seek are found, and now your father has ceased to care about the donkeys and is anxious about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?”’ Then you shall go on from there farther and come to the oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from their hand. After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim, where there is a garrison of the Philistines. And there, as soon as you come to the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre before them, prophesying. Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. — 1 Samuel 10:2-6 Samuel is not your modern televangelist. He describes three extremely detailed events that confirm God's Word and Saul's appointment as king. So today, I want to look closer with you at the three confirmations that Saul will encounter on his journey home: Confirmation One: Two Men With A Message The first stop was Rachel's Tomb. We might not know who Rachel was, but Saul knew. Rachel was a matriarch of Israel. She died while giving birth to the last of the sons of Israel—Benjamin. And Saul is one of her descendants. Saul is a Benjamite. Saul would stop at her tomb and meet two men there. The symbolism in the encounter at this 800-year-old tomb is profound. Just a few days ago, he left his father's home as a peasant farmer, and now he would return as the first king of the people of Israel. His livelihood as a farmer would pass away, but as he leaves his ancestor's tomb, he would be transformed into the one who would fight for God's people, leaving a permanent mark on Israel's history. Confirmation Two: Three Men With Two Loaves The second stop is a lone oak tree at the base of Mt. Bethel. Although the oak is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible, trees like the oak and terebinth were common landmarks for travelers in remote regions. At the tree, Saul would meet three men traveling up to Bethel with supplies for a sacrifice. Upon meeting Saul, the men would offer him a portion of their food. If you recall, just a few days before, as Saul was traveling through these hills, he and his servant ran out of provisions of bread. But the journey home would be different. He would receive divine provision as God's chosen man. Confirmation Three: Two Opposing Groups The last stop is Saul's home. Yet, as Saul returns, he witnesses two odd events: a garrison of Philistines and a group of praising and prophesying prophets. This bizarre scene is the tension that would define the calling for the rest of his life—a tension between God's people and God's enemies. Upon witnessing these two groups, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, transforming him into a different man. Remember, these three signs were confirmations of God's Word to Saul and God's selection of him as king. So you would think Saul would move ahead with some level of spiritual confidence, but as we will see, his appointment will be met with fear and trepidation instead. When God Confirms His Word To You God's Word is confirming. This is because God's Word is perfect, unchanging, and timely. God's Word is not just for Samuel and Saul; it is for you. If you are trying to understand this life and your unique calling, God's Word will clarify and confirm it. You can clarify and confirm your calling and purpose by regularly reading it, hearing it communicated by others, or confirming it in and through divine occurrences. So, if you feel concerned or confused about the events of your life and your calling, here is what you need to start doing. Increase your intake of God's Word. Start reading it more. Take it off the shelf, dust it off, and break open the binding of those unfolded pages. Read it and trust it and its divine providence over your feelings. Put yourself around grounded believers and look around for what God is telling you. God has a unique calling for you, just like he had for Samuel and Saul. The best place to live this life is right in the middle of that call. You may not be called to be a king over God's people or a prophet who can predict the future, but God is eager to tell you his purpose for you in this life, and it can be read right here, in God's Word. #GodsConfirmation #EmbracingDivineCall #SaulsJourney Ask This: Reflecting on Saul's journey and the confirmations he received, how can we discern and embrace God's confirmations in our own lives today? What steps can we take to recognize and respond to God's calling with confidence? Consider the significance of the symbols and events in Saul's journey—such as meeting the men at Rachel's tomb and receiving provisions under the oak tree. How can ordinary encounters and provisions in our lives serve as confirmations of God's presence and guidance? What examples from your own journey can you share where you've seen God's confirmation in unexpected ways? Do This: Read more of God's Word to find your calling. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize and embrace the confirmations You provide in my life, just as You did for Saul. Guide me to walk confidently in Your calling and purpose for me, trusting in Your perfect and unchanging Word. Amen. Play This: Lead Me On.

Is God calling you to call something out or to a calling of greater capacity? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." Today, we pick up the story in verse one: Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies. And this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you to be prince over his heritage. — 1 Samuel 10:1 So, to recap: The night before, Saul was unaware of what was going on. He thought he was still searching for his father's lost donkeys. But then, unexpectedly, he found himself at the head of a special banquet and sleeping on a bed on the roof of Samuel's house. The next morning, as he was leaving the city, Samuel accompanied him. After sending his servant ahead, Samuel took out his anointing oil, which had previously only been used to anoint priests, and anointed Saul. He respectfully kissed Saul and declared him to be the prince or king of Israel, explaining his role: to reign over and save the people. This is a key moment in the story. So, let me speak to Samuel's and Saul's reading with me today. First, for the "Samuels," which would include anyone in spiritual leadership of any kind, whether in the home or the church, sometimes you need to stop and speak into the divine moments of life. When you feel God is about to do something or is presently doing something, stop and point it out. You have a responsibility to do this. Sometimes, it needs to be done privately, as Samuel does here. Other times, it needs to be done publicly, as Samuel will do in the coming verses. But either way, stop and speak it. "Samuels," or "spiritually mature believers," should see God's work more readily, and there are apparent moments in everyday life that are walking along that we should stop and speak into with greater reverence. In my own life, I have missed many of these moments, but today I stop and speak into them with greater frequency, especially in my family with my wife and children. And you should, too. Second, for the "Sauls," which would include anyone being called to a new and special task in this life, sometimes you need to stop trusting your feelings and start trusting the unchanging Word of the Lord. Saul had already received several divine confirmations up to this point through circumstances, a prophet of the Lord, and there would be several more signs to come. However, given all this, he refused to trust the leading, the Word, the signs, the anointing, and the confirmation of the Spirit. Saul, unfortunately, only trusted his feelings because the capacity of the task was too great for him. So if the task God has given you seems too great like it was for Saul, my exhortation to you today is—good. Step into this great task in faith, knowing you cannot do it and let God do it, and when it is done, praise the God who did it through you. #DivineCalling, #AnointedForGreater, #FaithfulObedience Ask This: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's divine moments in your life, whether privately or publicly, to speak into them with reverence and obedience? In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to trust God's leading over your feelings? How can you actively step out in faith, embracing the tasks God has called you to, knowing He will equip and guide you? Do This: Call out divine work, and trust faith, not your fears. Pray This: Father, help me to recognize and respond obediently to Your divine appointments in my life, trusting Your guidance over my understanding. Empower me with faith to embrace the tasks You have called me to, knowing that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Am Play This: Trust In God.

Are you embracing your calling with spiritual confidence or reluctantly? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 10. I've titled this chapter "The Appointed But Reluctant Leader." The key verse of this chapter is verse 6, which reads: Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. — 1 Samuel 10:6 This entire chapter is interesting to read. It starts with Samuel's very detailed prophecy about Saul's journey home. Then Saul heads home, and the Spirit falls upon him as he goes. When he gets home, Saul conceals his impending appointment as king of Israel. Samuel then gathers the nation to select the next king, and after a lot of lots cast, the lot falls to Saul. But Saul cannot be found when called upon because he is hiding in some pile of baggage or equipment and is reluctantly dragged out before the people. What we discover is Saul is an anointed and appointed but reluctant leader. Yet smack dab in the middle of this experience, we read that the Spirit of the Lord would rush upon Saul and change him into another man. Strange right? So, let's make some notes about the Spirit and his work through time. In the Old Testament, the falling of the Spirit upon individuals was rare but critical. It marked God's empowerment for specific moments and tasks. Saul's experience in this text was momentary, divinely confirming him as the first king. But while rare in the Old Testament, this event foreshadows a greater reality for believers in the New Testament age. After Jesus's ascension came the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost, and from this moment forward, every believer receives the sustaining power and presence of the Spirit for living the spiritual life. I meet believers all the time who feel insecure about their spiritual gifts and calling. Like Saul, we are called but concerned and, therefore, feel some initial intimidation. But we must remember and believe that the Spirit not only rushes upon us momentarily but resides within us permanently. He is apportioned to us to empower us for God's work. Today, if you feel intimidated about the work God has called you to do, stop defaulting to trusting in your feelings about the feat before you. Trust in the sustaining power of the Spirit so you don't react like Saul. As you will see in this chapter, it would be stupid for the tallest man in all the land to hide in the baggage when he was anointed and appointed the king of Israel. In the same way, it would be stupid for you to trust in your feelings over the incredible power of God's Spirit that lives within you. The Spirit that lives in you is the same person and power that raised Jesus from the dead. So stop cowering and hiding today. Come out from behind the baggage. With a Spirit-filled confidence, step into the tasks God has for you because the Spirit of the Risen Savior resides within you. #SpiritualCalling, #EmbraceYourCalling, #SpiritEmpowerment Ask This: How can you actively recognize and embrace the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life, especially when faced with challenges or opportunities for leadership? Reflecting on Saul's initial reluctance, what steps can you take to overcome insecurity or inadequacy when God calls you to lead or serve? Do This: Trust the Spirit, not your feelings. Pray This: Father, empower me with Your Spirit today so that I may embrace Your calling confidently and courage, stepping boldly into the tasks You have appointed for me. Help me to trust in Your presence within me, guiding me through every challenge and opportunity. Amen. Play This: Same God.

Read the update on Everett. Would you like to know God's providential leading for your life? 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, we pick up at the point of the story where Saul and Samuel have now completed their meal and are making their way back to town. Saul still does not quite understand what is going on, but he is treated as the guest of honor, and now they head back to the home of Samuel. Our text picks up in 1 Samuel 9:25-27, which reads: And when they came down from the high place into the city, a bed was spread for Saul on the roof, and he lay down to sleep. Then at the break of dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Up, that I may send you on your way.” So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street. As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to pass on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.” — 1 Samuel 9:25-27 Everything that has happened in Chapter 9 is chilling. God's providence is all over this. After eating his last bites of bread and sleeping in the hills of Ephraim on the ground for three days, Saul concludes with being given the finest meal and bed and then having an early morning discussion with the last and greatest prophet in the time of the Judges. As the servant goes ahead of them, Samuel discloses to Saul his future—that God's Word is that he (Saul) will be the first King of Israel. I assume that Saul had completely forgotten about the lost donkeys by now. I think we far underestimate the power and providence of God's Word. God's Word has a timeless effect. We tend to only think about His Word as words on a page. But the Words of God have far more consequence. Samuel, as a steward of God's Word, understood this. As the Word of the Lord had come to Samuel for the first time many years earlier at Shiloh (1 Sam. 3:7), Samuel was about to make the Word of God known to Saul for the first time. God's Word directs all of life. By His Word, God created life. By His Word, nations rise and fall. By His Word, kings come and go. His Word is providential. Yet, to experience God's providential leading, we must hear and obey His Word. But here's the best part: God made it easy for us all to hear his providential leading. He made His Word flesh in Jesus. Jesus was the living Word of God who walked with us (John 1:14). During Jesus's life, he spoke about the Word God gave him. He lived obediently to God's Word. He died and rose again as God's Word predicted. And he did this so you could hear and obey the Word of God. The moment that Saul and Samuel share in this text about God's Word, you can experience it today. You can know God's providential leading for your life. All you need to do is pick up God's Word, read it daily, and do it as prescribed, and you will know God's amazing providential leading. #DivineGuidance #GodsWord #ProvidenceInAction Ask This: How does Saul's journey in 1 Samuel 9 demonstrate the importance of being open to unexpected encounters and God's providential leading in our own lives? In what ways can we cultivate a deeper sensitivity to God's Word today, ensuring that we not only hear but also faithfully obey His guidance in our decisions and daily life? Do This: Hear and listen to God's Word and discover his providential leading. Pray This: Father, help me to trust in Your providential guidance and to faithfully follow Your Word in every aspect of my life. May I be open to unexpected encounters that reveal Your purposes and strengthen my faith in Your perfect plan. Amen. Play This: I Come To The Garden Alone.

Are you recognizing God's providential guidance in the circumstances of life? 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, we pick up at the point of the story where Saul and his servant are out looking for their father's lost donkeys and decide to see the prophet Samuel to get some help finding them. And now the two men meet. Our text picks up in 1 Samuel 9:18-24, which reads: Then Saul approached Samuel in the gate and said, “Tell me where is the house of the seer?” Samuel answered Saul, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is on your mind. As for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not set your mind on them, for they have been found. And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father's house?” Saul answered, “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” Then Samuel took Saul and his young man and brought them into the hall and gave them a place at the head of those who had been invited, who were about thirty persons. And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Put it aside.’” So the cook took up the leg and what was on it and set them before Saul. And Samuel said, “See, what was kept is set before you. Eat, because it was kept for you until the hour appointed, that you might eat with the guests.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day. — 1 Samuel 9:18-24 Did you notice all the little divine moments in this text? The timing of the initial meeting. As ordained by God, God led Saul to Samuel, the man he was to anoint the first prince of his people. The resolution of the lost donkeys. As ordained by God, the lost donkeys of Kish have been found as prophecied by Samuel. The preparation of the great banquet. As ordained by God, Saul shows up at just the right time. Remember, he is out of bread as he has been on a multi-day quest only to find that on the eve of this day, he would enjoy a great feast as the guest of honor for whom the best portion of the meal was preplanned. The revelation of Saul's lifelong calling. As ordained by God, Saul would discover that he would transition from a popper to a prince. All the issues in the story get resolved suddenly: God's selection of the first king, Kish's lost donkeys, Saul and his servant's need for food, and the remarkable discovery of Saul's lifelong calling. When I seek God's guidance, I always look for how God will resolve issues in a way that only he can. Nothing happened here that Samuel or Saul made happen, yet none of what happened was happenstance. Both were simply obedient men who took simple steps of faith. Yet in the middle of nowhere land, a farm boy from a nowhere town would be appointed the first king over God's people, one of the great leadership roles in the nation of Israel. God still works like this. He does things like this all the time in my life, and he does stuff like this in your life, too. You need to start seeing them, giving recognition to them, and stopping dismissing them as happenstance and coincidental. If you do, the next time you are in one of those moments where you are lost and desperate for his direction, you will become less irritated by the need for regular obedience and mundane activities and see God's providential, not circumstantial work. #DivineGuidance, #RecognizingGodsHand, #TrustingProvidence Ask This: How can we become more aware of God's providential guidance in our daily lives, especially during challenging or uncertain times? What practical steps can we take to trust God's timing and direction rather than rely solely on our own understanding or efforts when making decisions and navigating life's uncertainties? Do This: Start seeing and learning God's guidance and providence. Pray This: Father, open my eyes to recognize Your providential guidance in every circumstance and strengthen my faith to trust Your perfect timing and plans for my life. Amen. Play This: Peace Be Still.

What if, on this ordinary day, God revealed something extraordinary to you? 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, we pick up at the point of the story where Saul and his servant are out looking for their father's lost donkeys and decide to go see the prophet Samuel to get some help in finding them. Our text picks up in 1 Samuel 9:15-17, which reads: Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen my people, because their cry has come to me.” When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall restrain my people.” — 1 Samuel 9:15-17 What we learn here is that Saul's ordinary search is becoming more extraordinary, and Saul doesn't know this quite yet. He still thinks he is looking for his father's lost donkeys when Samuel is going to reveal something greater. I find this laughable because often, this is exactly how I have seen God's providence work in my life. I am simply living out my life, doing what I am supposed to be doing with character and excellence, and then God reveals something else that he would have me do by God through someone else, and it is often something of greater leadership, responsibility, and influence. There are two important details about the role Saul will be anointed and appointed to. First, he would be anointed as a "prince over God's people" and not as a king, as God would remain the King. This is slightly different from what the people demanded, even though they would eventually call Saul their king. Second, Saul would have a specific purpose, which was to "save God's people from the hands of the Philistines." This is a very specific calling and purpose that Saul would fulfill for the rest of his life. Remember this: if you are seeking God's guidance, remain faithful. Do what God has called you to do with willingness and excellence, and then look up. One day, you might encounter a fellow believer who will guide you to your next calling on the road of life. #DivineGuidance #PurposeInOrdinary #FaithJourney Ask This: How can you cultivate a mindset of readiness and openness to unexpected opportunities for God's guidance in your daily life? Reflect on a time when God surprised you with a new calling or responsibility. How did you respond, and what did you learn about trusting in His providence? Do This: Remain faithful and look for God's guidance. Pray This: Father, help me to faithfully follow Your lead in the ordinary moments of my life, trusting that You have greater plans beyond what I can see or understand. Guide me with Your wisdom and grace as I seek to fulfill Your purposes with excellence and humility. Amen. Play This: Lead On Good Shepherd.

Are you overlooking God's divine providence? 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, we pick up at the point of the story where Saul and his servant are out looking for their father's lost donkeys. They have exhausted their efforts, but they have heard there is a man of God close by, so they decide to inquire of him. Our text picks up in 1 Samuel 9:7-14, which reads: Then Saul said to his servant, “But if we go, what can we bring the man? For the bread in our sacks is gone, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?” The servant answered Saul again, “Here, I have with me a quarter of a shekel of silver, and I will give it to the man of God to tell us our way.” (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for today's “prophet” was formerly called a seer.) And Saul said to his servant, “Well said; come, let us go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was. As they went up the hill to the city, they met young women coming out to draw water and said to them, “Is the seer here?” They answered, “He is; behold, he is just ahead of you. Hurry. He has come just now to the city, because the people have a sacrifice today on the high place. As soon as you enter the city you will find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat till he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now go up, for you will meet him immediately.” So they went up to the city. As they were entering the city, they saw Samuel coming out toward them on his way up to the high place. — 1 Samuel 9:7-14 What we discover in this text is a diversion from seeking natural solutions by natural efforts to seeking natural solutions by spiritual efforts. Saul has exhausted all his natural means and now turns to spiritual means. There is "a well-known prophet" living in the vicinity, so his servant persuades him to visit him to find a resolution in their search for a few lost donkeys. And as they approach the place where Samuel lives, the timing is providential. Samuel and Saul meet as God has determined. And in the coming text, we will see how providential this moment is. Here is the application today. Most of the time, we seek natural solutions to natural problems. Sometimes, that might be all that is needed. But believers should always look beyond the natural events, problems, and solutions in this life. God works through natural events to reveal supernatural things. He works through minor problems that are solved by natural means. He also works through big issues that are solved by spiritual means. When we realize that these are all his workings, we will see God's work more often and realize that he is always and perpetually guiding and leading us to see his will. You will see in the coming text that Samuel understood this, but Saul had yet to learn this. Today, try to see God's work and guidance in everything that happens throughout your day. For example, when you solve a natural problem by natural effort, look beyond your ingenuity to the spiritual gift God imparted to you as the force behind this natural solution and praise God's supernatural work through you. If you start seeing life this way, you will see divine providence in all the moments of life, deepening and enriching your daily walk with the Lord. #DivineGuidance, #GodsTiming, #SeekingProvidence Ask This: How often do you rely solely on your own efforts to solve problems, and how might you actively seek God's guidance in those situations? Reflect on a recent experience where you've seen God's providence at work, whether through a natural solution or a spiritual intervention. How can recognizing His hand in these moments deepen your faith and trust in His guidance? Do This: See providence in everything today. Pray This: Father, help me to recognize Your guiding hand in every aspect of my life, whether in small everyday challenges or significant decisions. May I trust in Your timing and seek Your wisdom, knowing that You are always working for my good. Amen. Play This: God Omniscient, God All Knowing.

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.