What seen events have drenched your faith in the unseen God? 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." Remember, the nation of Israel is gathered at Gilgal. Samuel is proclaiming his final and historic address before the entire nation: But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. Now there...
Jul 31, 2024•6 min
Spiritual leaders always point out the real hero in the story. 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." Before I read the text, let me give you a little context. The nation of Israel is gathered at Gilgal. Samuel and Saul have gathered the people for a day of celebration, remembrance, and rededication. Think of this moment as a gathering on the National Mall. Samuel addresses the nation and refere...
Jul 30, 2024•7 min
What is going on behind the walls of your life? 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." Backing up, here's the context. The nation of Israel is gathered at Gilgal for a time of celebration and remembrance, and essentially, we are watching the transition of leadership from the time of the judges to the time of the kings. Samuel gives an address to all the people, and here is what he says in verses ...
Jul 29, 2024•6 min
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 ...
Jul 28, 2024•6 min
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 ...
Jul 27, 2024•4 min
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.” ...
Jul 26, 2024•4 min
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 s...
Jul 25, 2024•4 min
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, an...
Jul 24, 2024•6 min
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 fi...
Jul 23, 2024•6 min
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 al...
Jul 22, 2024•6 min
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...
Jul 21, 2024•4 min
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...
Jul 20, 2024•3 min
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 Lo...
Jul 19, 2024•8 min
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 ...
Jul 18, 2024•7 min
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...
Jul 17, 2024•3 min
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 d...
Jul 16, 2024•7 min
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 ...
Jul 15, 2024•5 min
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 Sau...
Jul 14, 2024•5 min
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...
Jul 13, 2024•5 min
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...
Jul 12, 2024•5 min
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 Sam...
Jul 11, 2024•3 min
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 w...
Jul 10, 2024•5 min
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...
Jul 09, 2024•4 min
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...
Jul 08, 2024•4 min
Do you have a big decision in front of you and need direction from God? 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." Over the next four chapters, we will resolve one major question: What kind of leader does God want? And the key text of this chapter reveals God's answer. It is 1 Samuel 9:17 , which reads: 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 peo...
Jul 07, 2024•3 min
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 s...
Jul 06, 2024•4 min
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...
Jul 05, 2024•3 min
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 ...
Jul 04, 2024•4 min
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 th...
Jul 03, 2024•5 min
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...
Jul 02, 2024•4 min
