Does your situation need your solution, or is it a call to recall?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 12. I've titled this chapter "God is Faithful When We Are Not."

Today, we turn to the key verse of this chapter, which happens to be verse 24. It reads.

Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. — 1 Samuel 12:24

We will explore this statement in more depth as we read to the end of the chapter, but for now, I want you to notice the challenge Samuel presents to the people of Israel.

It's a call to recall.

Samuel is not a stupid man. He knows that the people are prone to drifting from God.

I have done a lot of boating in my life, and I know if your anchor is not set and secure, then you are going to be susceptible to drift. When winds and currents change, they are going to tug at that boat and pull and drag your anchor. At first, the movement is subtle and unnoticeable. You'll think you're still in the same spot, anchored firmly. But bit by bit, the anchor begins to loosen, and the boat begins to drift.

If you survey the history of the people of Israel, this is how they acted in their relationship with God. They have defining moments that anchor them to God and his faithfulness. But over time, the currents of life and fear of man result in drift and this pattern repeats again and again.

As Samuel nears the end of his life and as the time of the judges gives way to the time of the kings, he knows that the people are going to be susceptible to spiritual drift. He also knows that legislation and leadership are not the solution to this drift. The problem is more personal and specific. It's an issue of the heart. These problems keep arising because the heart of the nation is not anchored to God. They want other things, like a king, instead of God, who was, is, and always will be their King. And his desire is for them to anchor into Him again.

As I think about this today, I am compelled to evaluate myself. Am I drifting from God in any way? Is there a situation subtly and unnoticeably pulling on my anchor?

And, of course, I did think of one. One situation that has troubled me has been pulling on my anchor of trust. It has caused a subtle drift.

But the Good News of this text is that Samuel presents me with the solution for my spiritual drift. Let me read it again with a little emphasis:

Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

First, I must acknowledge the winds and currents of my fears and return to fearing the Lord. Second, I need to give my whole attention to serving God rather than serving myself and my ideas. Third, I need to realize that the currents of the situation may be trying to divide my heart, but God wants my undivided heart in every wind and against every wave.

But it's the closing of this text that really captures me. It's a simple life hack for spiritual drift. It's a call to recall. Samuel says, "Consider what great things [the Lord] has done for you."

Today, if you are evaluating your life and sense a subtle or significant spiritual drift, heed Samuel's call to recall. Simply recall a few of the great things the Lord has done for you. Write them down or share them with someone else. Doing this will help reset that anchor in fearing and faithfully serving God with all your heart.

#FaithfulLiving, #HeartCheck, #GodsFaithfulness

Ask This:
In what areas of your life are you relying on your solutions instead of seeking God's guidance and faithfulness?
How can you practice recalling and sharing the great things God has done for you to strengthen your faith and encourage others?
Do This:

Heed Samuel's call and recall God's faithfulness.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to shift my fears and anxieties to a deeper trust in You and to serve You with all my heart. Remind me daily of Your great deeds so my faith remains strong and unwavering. Amen.

Play This:

Evidence.

Have you gone back lately to the location where God's work began in you?

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."

In this chapter we have seen Saul's first test of leadership. He has left family farming behind for a profession of fighting. He has defeated the Ammonites across the river in Jabesh-Gilead.

Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. — 1 Samuel 11:14-15

Gilgal is important for five reasons. First, it was the site of the first encampment on the west side of the Jordan River. Second, it was the location of the twelve stones gathered from the basin of the Jordan River that served as a reminder of God's deliverance. Third, it was the first place the Passover was celebrated in Israel. Fourth, it was the location of the mass circumcision of the men in keeping with the covenant. Fifth, it was the location of the first Tabernacle.

Gilgal was a place of great significance, and Samuel will lead the people back here to mark another moment of remembrance. Here, they will renew the covenant, and Saul will be commemorated as king.

Just a month ago, I drove past the home where I spent most of my youth—my grandfather's home. I had not been back in more than 20 years. As I stopped in front of this house, I recalled several events that occurred there—but one moment stood out more than any other. It was the moment I repented of my sin on the threshold of the doorway of that home to God and my grandfather. For me, this was a sweet moment to remember.

Recalling and recounting your story and even returning to the places where these events occurred can be powerful. We each have places where God did incredible spiritual things in our lives. Returning to your "Gilgal" helps you to see back and see forward.

Today, recall a "Gilgal" in your spiritual journey. Recount the place and remember what God did for you here. Then, if you have the opportunity, share this moment with a friend, family member, or fellow believer, and take the time to remember all the great things that God has done.

#SpiritualJourney, #RememberingGilgal, #FaithMilestones

1. What specific event or place in your past has been a significant "Gilgal" where you experienced God's transformative work, and how has reflecting on it impacted your faith today?
2. How can revisiting and sharing your personal "Gilgal" moments with others help strengthen your spiritual growth and encourage those around you?

Return or recall your Gilgal.

Lord, I thank You for the significant moments in my life where You have worked powerfully and shaped my faith. Help me to revisit these milestones with gratitude and share their impact with others, so Your glory may be evident in all I do. Amen.

God In Every Moment.

Are you a leader who can claim victory with restraint?

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."

At this point in the story, Saul has defeated his first enemy. Nahash and the Ammonite army. But now he has to deal with a battle within. Here is the text in verses 12-13:

Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.” — 1 Samuel 11:12-13

So what happens here is a truism about leadership: One test of leadership leads to another. For the leader, the tests never end. If you lead, you will encounter challenges from outside and inside opposition that will test you continually. They will test not only your abilities, skills, and talents but also your character, integrity, and in whom you trust.

At this moment, Saul could have used this momentum to put down his dissenters, but he didn't. He regulated his desire and restrained himself because he understood something that some of the people failed to see—it was not his strategy, strength, or skill that worked salvation in Israel—it was the Lord. This is a remarkably humble statement from Saul. He did not always make declarations like this, but here, Saul's understanding of humility and trust in leadership is inspiring.

Believers who lead must have an undivided understanding that God is the ultimate leader. God is the King. If we truly submit to this belief, then when we encounter his salvation, it's his salvation. But this is where many spiritual leaders get it wrong. They conflate the salvation gained with something provided by their abilities, skills, and talents. As soon as a leader does this, they become king in their mind, and they will do anything to protect and preserve this, including putting down dissenters.

Today, if you sense you have made too much of yourself in a current situation or recent win, take another look at that situation. Review how you responded and what you thought of yourself. Instead of thinking so much of yourself, think about what God did and what he did that you could not do. Then if you failed to give glory to God, do that now. Thank him and celebrate him and the King. Maybe the next time you win, see the win as God's win, not yours, and lead faithfully through the daily tests that all leaders encounter.

#LeadershipLessons, #HumbleLeadership, #TrustInGod

1. In what areas of your life or leadership have you taken credit for a victory that truly belonged to God, and how can you redirect that credit to Him today?
2. How can you cultivate humility and trust in God’s guidance in your daily leadership, especially when faced with internal and external challenges?

Believe God is King, and you are not.

Lord, help me to recognize and celebrate Your hand in every victory, remembering that it is Your strength and not my own. Grant me the humility to lead with integrity and to trust in Your ultimate leadership. Amen.

King of Kings.

Are you surrounded by an enemy and feel like giving up?

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."

Here's what's happening in this chapter. Saul has been appointed king. He returned to family farming because his time for fighting had not yet come. Then, the Ammonite enemy, Nahash, came against an Israelite city called Jabesh-Gilead. Saul heard about it and gathered three hundred thirty thousand soldiers at a Bezek, about 10 miles away. Then the people of Jabesh-Gilead, knowing salvation is coming, communicate some "disinformation" to Nahash in verses 10-11:

Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will give ourselves up to you, and you may do to us whatever seems good to you.” And the next day Saul put the people in three companies. And they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch and struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. And those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together. — 1 Samuel 11:10-11

Today's text contains two pieces of vital military intelligence for the people of Jabesh. First, it confirms that Saul will attack with three companies from three different positions. Second, it confirms that it would happen early, between 3 and 6 a.m. This military strategy is very strategic, given that Saul has never been in battle, as far as we know, and he has never led people into a battle in his life. He devised an unexpected triple-coordinated attack in the wee hours of the morning.

But I think the most interesting aspect of this text is how the men of Jabesh use this military intelligence. They use it to stall the Ammonites. At first read, it looks like disinformation, but it's not. It's actually a statement of truth, trust, and faith in God that salvation is coming through Saul, who has never fought a battle in his life.

Today, face your challenges in the same way. God has given you access to all the military intelligence you need. It's all found in God's Word. There is plenty of intelligence in it to help you plan a defense or offense. God's intelligence enables you to fight against a spiritual enemy that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. And yet, I recognize that for some of you, the battle is close. The enemy has you surrounded. He has now infiltrated your ranks. He is bargaining with you and wants to make a treaty with you. But don't. Stall a little longer. Trust in faith. The God of your salvation is coming, and he is mounted with three companies of soldiers prepared to attack in the wee hours of the morning.

#FaithInTheBattle, #TrustGodsTiming, #DivineStrategy

1. How can you use the "military intelligence" found in God’s Word to prepare for and face the battles in your own life? Are there specific verses or principles that stand out to you as particularly relevant?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate trust and faith in God when you feel surrounded by challenges or difficulties? How can you apply the lesson of Saul’s unexpected victory to your current struggles?

Do not surrender to the enemy. Surrender to the Lord.

Lord, when I feel overwhelmed by the battles in my life, help me to trust in Your divine strategy and stand firm in Your Word. Grant me the strength and faith to hold on, knowing that You are always at work, preparing the way for my deliverance. Amen.

Surrounded (Fight My Battles).

Are you surrounded by defeat? Salvation is coming.

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."

Let's set up the scene. Saul has been appointed king. Nahash has besieged Jabesh-Gilead. Saul gives the nation orders to gather and come to the aid of the people of Jabesh-gilead. Then here is what happens in verses 8-9:

When he mustered them at Bezek, the people of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. And they said to the messengers who had come, “Thus shall you say to the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have salvation.’” When the messengers came and told the men of Jabesh, they were glad. — 1 Samuel 11:8-9

Four key details in this short text are insightful about the situation. First, Bezek is on the west side of the Jordan, and Jabesh is on the east side of the Jordan. Second, the two towns are about 10 miles apart, so Saul has an easy march to Jabesh. Third, three hundred and thirty thousand was a massive assembly. In fact, it was the second largest mounting noted in the Bible from the book of Genesis to 2 Kings. Fourth, after they mount to march against Nahash, Saul sends a message to the people of Jabesh that they are hours away from salvation and the defeat of the enemy.

There have been many times in this life when I have felt on the edge of defeat. We have all been there—surrounded, opposed, threatened, and hopeless. You might feel like this right now in your marriage, with your finances, because of a compulsion, due to your health, or in your career. These moments are terrifying. But nothing brightens the eyes and gives hope to the soul more than someone stronger with a message that guarantees deliverance.

In a very natural sense, Saul is going to gather the tribes to rescue the people of Jabesh-gilead. And [spoiler alert] there is going to be a great victory.

But this message of guaranteed victory is just a distant whisper of Jesus's victory over the enemy of sin in this world. Jesus conquered the seed of all sin that led to the oppression and hopelessness depicted in moments like this in Jabesh-gilead. Jesus rescues those who cry to him when they are on the edge of defeat because of sin. My friend, a message of salvation has been proclaimed, and the man of salvation has come, and his name is Jesus. Today, salvation can come to you, led by King Jesus and the angelic armies of God. But you must surrender to him as your Lord to know his total and complete salvation.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. — Acts 4:12

God, I come to you. I call on you as my Savior, recognizing that I am beaten down by the sins of others and the sin that lives in me. I need your salvation from sin. I choose to surrender all my life to you as my Lord and Leader. I will no longer lead my life, and I surrender to your leadership. I receive your eternal salvation and the joy that comes with this message. Amen.

#SalvationInChrist, #VictoryInFaith, #OvercomingDefeat

1. In what areas of your life do you currently feel surrounded by defeat, and how can you invite Jesus into these situations to bring His salvation and hope?
2. How can you share the message of Jesus' victory and salvation with others who may be feeling hopeless or defeated?

Surrender to Jesus's salvation and his Lordship.

Father, Help me to trust in your strength and surrender my battles to you. Amen.

Surrounded (Fight My Battles).

Do you feel torn between two different callings?

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."

To set up the moment. Saul has just been appointed king, and everyone was sent to their home. We are not sure how much time has transpired, but Nahash, an Ammonite enemy, has besieged Jabesh-Gilead. And now the word is going to get back to Saul. Here are verses 5-7:

Now, behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh. And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of the messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!” Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man. — 1 Samuel 11:5-7

There are numerous details in this text: First, the word about the capture of Jabesh-Gilead finally gets back to Saul. Second, when it does, the Spirit of God rushes back upon him for the second time. Third, Saul experiences what we call "righteous anger" because he is rightly angered at what has happened with God's people. Fourth, we learn that this all happens as Saul is farming and doing his family's job. Fifth, in his anger, Saul takes two of his oxen (a.k.a. drafting animals) and cuts them into pieces, essentially killing his career and livelihood. Draft animals were important and expensive assets in farming, and Saul used them to send a message to all the tribes of Israel. Fifth, Saul seizes this defining moment to step into his role and use it to unify the people of Israel.

In life, we all have defining moments. For Saul, this was one of those moments. While he was anointed and appointed the first king of Israel, he had yet to take hold of his kingship and become the warrior that God intended him to be. But here, the opportunity presents itself. Notice what he does. He kills his drafting oxen. He slaughtered his former way of life and used the slaughtered oxen to issue a call to all of Israel. By the way this is not the only time something like this happened in the Bible. Look up the story of Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19-21.

In my own life, I have had moments like this.

One of these moments happened when I was 20. My grandfather was dying of cancer, and I watched him painfully die for hours in a hospital bed. In the silence of that room, listening to his gasp for air, I knew that God was calling me to do for other men what my grandfather had done for me — disciple men. That was 34 years ago. That moment was a defining moment for me. A week later, I returned to college, and I "killed the oxen." I changed my field of study from business to the bible, and I began studying the Bible like crazy in hopes of one day being able to disciple other men like my grandfather had done for me, which is what we are doing right here. Daily discipleship provided to those who want to grow in their faith.

But to live out this calling, I learned one very valuable lesson. You have to kill the oxen, burn the ships, break the chains, and cut the lifeline. There has to be a point of no return where you decide to go all in and live out the calling God has given you. You cannot live in two callings. They will always compete for your time, attention, energy, and resources.

So I have only one question for you today. What oxen do you need to kill?

#FaithfulLiving, #DivineCalling, #BiblicalLeadership

1. What "oxen" in your life are holding you back from fully embracing the calling God has placed on your heart, and how can you take steps to "kill" them and move forward?

2. Reflect on a defining moment in your life when you felt God's calling. How did you respond, and what changes did you make to align yourself with His purpose for you?

Kill the oxen in your life.

Father, give me the courage to let go of anything that holds me back from fully embracing Your calling for my life. Help me to trust in Your plan and step forward with faith and determination. Amen.

Burn The Ships.