Episodios

  • Testing Your Alliances & Avoiding Snakes | 1 Samuel 11:1-4

    Testing Your Alliances & Avoiding Snakes | 1 Samuel 11:1-4
    Jul 22 2024
    Don't be deceived by slippery alliances. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 11. I've titled this chapter "The First Test of Saul’s Leadership." I am going to be reading verses 1-4 today, which state: Then Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh-gilead, and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” But Nahash the Ammonite said to them, “On this condition I will make a treaty with you, that I gouge out all your right eyes, and thus bring disgrace on all Israel.” The elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days' respite that we may send messengers through all the territory of Israel. Then, if there is no one to save us, we will give ourselves up to you.” When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul, they reported the matter in the ears of the people, and all the people wept aloud. — 1 Samuel 11:1-4 There are three interesting details in the opening of this chapter. First, it is important to note that Jabesh-gilead is on the eastern side of the Jordan. It was the stretch of land from the river looking toward the desert. There were two and a half tribes that had their homes on the eastern side. They were vulnerable to enemies from the east, like the Ammonites, because of the separation by the river. Second, even though the Ammonites have already gained control of Jabesh-gilead they engage them in a proposal. The agreement was to take control peacefully but at the cost of the right eye of all the people. Removing the dominant eye would be an identifier and weaken any future revolt. Third, Nahash agrees to a seven-day interlude, and we are not told why. This was probably because he knew these people were more than a single city and tribe, and he did not want to risk awakening the sleeping giant of Israel, which he did. As this story develops, we discover two lessons that are especially applicable to believers. First, we should be guarded and cautious about engaging in relationships, doing business, or entering into agreements with a person or group who does not share our values and beliefs, especially if we suspect they intend to harm us. Second, we have a spiritual obligation and priority to engage in relationships, do business, and enter into agreements with other believers who need our support and services. We can all agree that there is a spiritual enemy who opposes the work and the people of the Lord. This enemy seeks to divide, weaken, and conquer believers like Nahash did here. In fact, the Hebrew word Nahash means "snake," which is the same Hebrew word used for the serpent in Genesis 3:1-24. One way to avoid being deceived by a snake is to avoid relationships with them and be in relationship, do business, and enter into agreements with brothers and sisters in the faith. There was a time in my life when I was more open to engagements with people who were not Christians and with whom I did not share biblical values. But after you have been burned a few times by slimy friends, slippery deals, and bitten by deceptive agreements, you learn that it's better to be burned by a believer who might turn back to fear God than one who will have you enter into an agreement only to pluck out your eye, subject you to slavery, cut your off from your family forever. What's ironic about this exhortation is there are Christians out there today who will contest this. There are young men and women dating people who are not believers, who believe that one day they will persuade the other person and then enter into a permanent marital covenant based on the hope of conversion because they feel compatible with the person on the other end. There are business owners who engage in agreements with vendors and suppliers who do not share biblical values in hopes of influencing them for the kingdom, only to wake up one day and realize that they have compromised their biblical values to maintain the momentum, money, and market value of their product and services. There are employees who work in companies whose corporate values do not match with biblical values, while these companies and corporations oppress believers and force them to celebrate sin that the bible opposes. Do you see how slimy and slippery the work of the serpent is? Today, thoroughly assess your relationships, agreements, and deals. Prioritize building biblical relationships and engaging in partnerships with like-minded individuals. In a world of uncertainty, we must come together, support, and rely on each other. Our collective strength is powerful if we prioritize supporting the efforts of fellow believers. #SpiritualDiscernment, #BiblicalLeadership, #GuardYourHeart Ask This: How can you evaluate the integrity of your current relationships and agreements to ensure they align with your biblical values? What steps can you take to address any misalignments? In what areas of your life are you currently facing pressures or temptations to...
    Más Menos
    6 m
  • From Start to Finish: Saul's Test of Leadership | 1 Samuel 11:13

    From Start to Finish: Saul's Test of Leadership | 1 Samuel 11:13
    Jul 21 2024

    Are you ready to have your leadership tested from beginning to end?

    Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

    This week, we are in 1 Samuel 11. I've titled this chapter "The First Test of Saul’s Leadership."

    The key verse of this chapter is verse 13, which reads:

    But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.” — 1 Samuel 11:13

    This statement by Saul is awesome. It demonstrates his ability to steward the leadership authority he was given by God. Throughout this chapter, we will watch as Saul fights for the vulnerable, defeats enemies, leads the people to salvation, and even (right here) spares those who were early dissenters.

    This chapter is a profound example of Saul's spiritual leadership. But as we all know, Saul begins well yet ends poorly. And guess what? God is concerned about how you start but even more about how you finish this life. You begin this life in a deficit, as a sinner. God's hope is that you will finish this life as victorious saints, holding dearly to his salvation until we take our last breath. Saul did this life in reverse, exactly the opposite of what he intended for you to do, which led to a tragic end.

    I recently competed in a 10-mile obstacle event. About 6 miles in, I came to one of those American Ninja Warrior obstacles with the ascending and descending monkey bars, rotating wheels, and rope swings. As I was approaching, I slowed my run to decrease my heart rate and found an open lane that I wanted to get in. Five steps away from my lane, a 30-year-old guy in pretty good running shape jumped right in front of me. I was a little irritated with him but I bit my tongue thinking, he is young and probably ready to go. So he stood there, wiped his hands, and then he could tell he was out of breath. He had run too hard to the starting line. He stood there for about 90 seconds, trying to catch his breath, while I became more and more irritated with him. I looked for another lane, but there wasn't one, so I waited until he finally took the leap about 2-minutes in. He grabbed the first bar and fell straight into the pool of water beneath. Seconds later, I jumped up and flew over him and this 54-year-old man completed the obstacle while he was wading in the water below. I don't share this to gloat, but your enthusiasm at the start is irrelevant if you are not prepared from the start to finish the race.

    So today, set your sights on the finish. Aim to finish well because it's irrelevant how you start the race of life. The only thing that matters is how you finish.

    #LeadershipTested
    #FinishStrong
    #SpiritualLeadership

    Ask This:

    How does Saul's decision to spare those who opposed him challenge your own approach to handling dissent and opposition in leadership roles?

    Reflecting on Saul's journey from a promising start to a tragic end, what steps can you take today to ensure you finish your own race of faith well, consistently honoring God until the end?

    Do This:

    Set your eyes on the finish and then come in sliding.

    Pray This:

    Father, guide me in stewarding the leadership roles You've entrusted to me with humility and wisdom, reflecting Your grace and mercy in all decisions. Help me to finish my race faithfully, keeping my eyes fixed on You until the very end. Amen.

    Play This:

    O Come To The Altar.
    Más Menos
    4 m
  • Reluctant to Lead? Trust God’s Pecking Order | 1 Samuel 10:24-27

    Reluctant to Lead? Trust God’s Pecking Order | 1 Samuel 10:24-27
    Jul 20 2024

    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:
    1. 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?
    2. 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.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • God's Plan Is Better Than Our Strategies | 1 Samuel 10:17-27

    God's Plan Is Better Than Our Strategies | 1 Samuel 10:17-27
    Jul 19 2024
    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. ...
    Más Menos
    8 m
  • Break The Deceptive Silence About God | 1 Samuel 10:10-16

    Break The Deceptive Silence About God | 1 Samuel 10:10-16
    Jul 18 2024
    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.
    Más Menos
    7 m
  • The Boundaries of the Leader | 1 Samuel 10:7-9

    The Boundaries of the Leader | 1 Samuel 10:7-9
    Jul 17 2024

    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.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • Divine Confirmations When Looking For Your Call | 1 Samuel 10:2-6

    Divine Confirmations When Looking For Your Call | 1 Samuel 10:2-6
    Jul 16 2024
    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 ...
    Más Menos
    7 m
  • Called Out To A Greater Calling | 1 Samuel 10:1

    Called Out To A Greater Calling | 1 Samuel 10:1
    Jul 15 2024

    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:
    1. 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?
    2. 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.
    Más Menos
    5 m