Vince Miller Podcast

Ever been gripped by fear one moment and overwhelmed by joy the next? It’s a jarring shift, but it’s where God often does His best work. "And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" — Luke 2:8-11 It was just an ordinary night for a group of shepherds—likely quiet, maybe a little boring. Then, out of nowhere, the sky exploded with the brilliance of heaven, and an angel appeared, terrifying them. Can you imagine the shock? Years ago, I bolted out of bed in the dead of night, convinced I’d heard something outside. Grabbing the handgun from my nightstand, I rushed outside into the darkness and cold, ready to defend my family. I made a heroic sweep of the house, only to later laugh about my bravery because I had swept the perimeter in nothing but my underwear and boots. I bet the shepherds had the same protective instinct—but at least they were smart enough to put on pants. But the angel’s words were clear: “Fear not.” So why these words? Because this wasn’t a moment to protect but to praise. The message they heard would turn their alarm into celebration: a Savior had come—not just for the elite but for ordinary men like them. And their response? They didn’t hesitate. They ran, leaving their flocks and fears behind to see the Savior for themselves. Human fear has a way of paralyzing us. But holy fear should not blind or bind us but loosen us toward celebrating what is right and righteous. The birth of Jesus proves that God will never abandon us to worldly fears. He steps into time with a message of hope, joy, and peace, turning our terror into triumph in a baby boy named Jesus. Fear retreats when we run in faith to Jesus. What fear do you need to leave behind today? Don’t just sit there—run to the Savior. Run from fear to the one who saves. #FearNot, #RunToJesus, #FaithOverFear Ask This: Do This: Run from fear to faith. Pray This: Lord, help me to release my fears and trust in Your good news of joy and salvation. Strengthen my faith to run toward You with confidence and peace. Amen. Play This: Fear is a Liar.

Sometimes, there’s nothing like the feeling of comfort of coming home. But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”— Matthew 2:19-20 There’s nothing like the comfort of home. I travel a lot, so I know that feeling well—the familiar bed, the space that’s mine, and the presence of family. Home offers belonging, a comfort that feels incomplete anywhere else. I imagine Joseph and Mary longed for that, too. Egypt wasn’t home; Nazareth was. It was where they grew up, where their family and friends lived. For months, maybe even years, they lived as strangers in a foreign land, protecting the Savior of the world while navigating a season of discomfort and uncertainty. Then, one day, another angel appeared to Joseph, bringing news that must have flooded them with relief: “It’s time to go home.” Herod was dead, and the season of displacement was over. I picture their gratitude as they packed up and began the journey back to a familiar place. But here’s the truth: comfort and discomfort often coexist in God’s plans. For Joseph and Mary, the comfort of going home came after enduring an uncomfortable season that shaped them. Life’s challenging seasons—those moments of uncertainty, stretching, and waiting—are no different for us. They feel foreign and unsettling, but they are also refining. And like Joseph and Mary, we’re never alone. Jesus is with us through every twist, every trial, and every unknown territory. God uses seasonal discomfort to prepare us for his sovereign comfort. Are you in an uncomfortable season right now? Maybe you are in a season today that feels like everything familiar has been stripped away. I cannot encourage you enough to listen closely and look around at what God is saying and doing. God speaks in our discomfort, just like he did to Joseph and Mary. You need to trust that he is present, working in your life, and leading you toward the comfort of home—at just the right time. Comfort is coming, my friend. Jesus, thank You for being my comfort in every season, even in the discomfort. Help me to trust You as You guide me through. Amen. #GodsTiming, #ComfortInChrist, #SeasonsOfFaith Ask This: Do This: Find comfort in Jesus. Pray This: Jesus, thank You for walking with me through every season, both comfortable and uncomfortable. Help me to trust Your timing and find peace in Your presence. Amen. Play This: God of All Comfort.

Have you ever wondered if Jesus understands your desperation? Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” — Matthew 2:13 Imagine the urgency of that moment. In the dead of night, Joseph is shaken awake by the angel’s command. Herod, consumed by jealousy and power, has issued orders to kill every child two years old and under, targeting their son. There’s no time to plan or pack carefully—just the overwhelming need to act now. Have you ever felt this kind of rush? I recall one frantic moment when I was traveling from Minneapolis to Pennsylvania. I had to sprint through Chicago O’Hare to catch my connecting flight. Running nearly a mile and a half with luggage in tow, lungs burning, and drenched in sweat, I barely made it. That desperate hurry sticks with me today, but it pales compared to Joseph and Mary’s flight. They weren’t rushing to catch a plane; they were running to save the life of God’s Son. The road to Egypt was grueling—a 1200-mile trek across dangerous and unfamiliar terrain. Yet they didn’t hesitate. They obeyed immediately, leaving everything behind to protect Jesus. Therefore, for a few months, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus became refugees in a foreign land. They sacrificed comfort, security, and community to follow God’s leading. But through it all, God provided. Here’s the incredible irony: 30 years later, the child Joseph protected would become his protector. The son Mary saved would become her Savior. Jesus, the refugee King, would grow up to offer the ultimate refuge—not just for his biological family but us all. The King who fled for refuge became the refuge for all. No matter where you’ve been or what you’re facing, Jesus is the refuge your soul longs for. He knows the fear, the pain, and the uncertainty of this world—He’s walked it Himself. Yet He overcame it all to offer you eternal hope. Come to Him today, lay your burdens at His feet, and find the security, salvation, and peace only He can give. Trust Him as your Savior, and experience the refuge of His unshakable love. #RefugeInChrist, #ObedienceInFaith, #JesusOurSavior Ask This: Do This: Take refuge in Jesus. Pray This: Lord, thank You for being my refuge and strength in times of fear and uncertainty. Help me to trust Your guidance and obey without hesitation. Amen. Play This: Refuge.

Have you ever felt like evil was winning? You are not alone. Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. — Matthew 2:16 Imagine the chaos and grief in the region of Bethlehem. Mothers clutching to their children as they were ripped from their hands, fathers powerless to protect them for fear of death, the air thick with anguish. All of it was the result of one man’s unbridled fear. Herod, a deranged and paranoid leader, felt his grip on power threatened by the news of a baby—a King foretold by prophecy. Herod was no stranger to violence. Historical records reveal he murdered his own wife and two sons to protect his throne. So when he was outsmarted by a few wise men, his rage boiled over into unthinkable evil. In an act of horrifying self-preservation, he ordered the massacre of every male child in Bethlehem, two years old and under. It’s hard to fathom this level of cruelty. Our best estimate is that about 100 boys were slaughtered—a devastating loss for such a small region. But even though Herod’s injustice was great, God’s justice was greater. In the shadow of Herod’s terror, God’s triumph continued. Jesus, the Savior of the world, was saved. A child born King destined to rule eternal has outwitted an evil king, and Herod didn't even know it. Evil plans of earthly leaders will never outwit our Eternal King. Are you facing an overwhelming situation? Do you feel like evil is winning? Trust the King. Evil does not win. That is an illusion we mistake for reality. Evil might seem great today, but God is greater. Our Eternal King cannot be outwitted, outmaneuvered, or outplanned. Trust him in every challenge and even the darkest of circumstances. There will be a time when his justice will break through the injustice. Trust the King. #GodsJustice, #EternalHope, #TrustTheKing Ask This: Do This: Trust the King. Pray This: Lord, when evil feels overwhelming, remind me that You are greater, and Your justice will prevail. Help me trust Your unshakable hope in every circumstance. Amen. Play This: Trust in You.

In the messes of your life, do you always see the Master’s plan? In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. — Luke 2:1-7 Imagine the exhaustion Joseph and Mary must have felt. A long, grueling journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem—a 90-mile walk on rocky and dusty terrain, navigating hills and valleys. Mary, who was heavily pregnant, likely felt every step in her weary body. And then, when they finally arrived, there was a final irritation: there was no room for them in the inn. They’re forced to find shelter among animals, with the King of Kings born in the humblest of places. To us, this moment looks chaotic and irritating. But look closer, and you’ll see the fingerprints of God. This is the Bible's only recorded account of Jesus’ birth, and the details are breathtaking. At first glance, it seems Caesar Augustus is flexing his imperial muscles, issuing a decree for a worldwide census. But behind Caesar’s throne sits another throne. From the holy throne, God orchestrated every moment, ensuring that Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem to fulfill the divine plan. The Bible is abundant with Old Testament prophecies pointing to this moment—prophecies fulfilled with such precision that the odds of one person meeting just eight of them are 1 in 10 to the 17th power. Consider these eight prophecies: Micah 5:2Isaiah 7:14Genesis 3:15Micah 5:2Isaiah 9:6-7Isaiah 11:12 Samuel 7:16Jeremiah 23:5 Caesar may have worn a crown and called for a count, but God wrote the whole account. God's power was so great that he used a Caesar, a census, a crowded inn, and even a cradle in a corral to set the stage for the most extraordinary story ever told. Every inconvenience, every hardship, every detail was a masterstroke in God’s perfect plan to bring a Savior into the world. What looked like a mess was the Master's plan. Is there a place in your life where God's plan has some details that you perceive as irritations? The God orchestrating every detail of Jesus’s birth still works his plan in your life today. Trust him! Trust him with irritations and inconveniences today. Remember, there is a Throne behind the throne. God is in ultimate control. He cares for even the smallest of details. One day, it will all make sense when the story is fully told. #GodsPlan, #TrustHisTiming, #SovereigntyInChaos Ask This: Do This: Don't be irritated by the mess. Trust the Master's plan. Pray This: Lord, help me trust Your perfect plan, even when life feels messy and uncertain. Remind me that every detail is in Your hands. Amen. Play This: He Has Done Great Things.

Matthew 1:21 reveals how God’s plan for Jesus’ birth completely upended Joseph’s life—and how it turned out infinitely better. When our plans fall apart, God’s perfect plan takes center stage. Discover how trusting His design can transform your life today. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 1:21 🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more devotionals that deepen your faith! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: When God’s Plan Wrecks Yours 1:30 – Matthew 1:21: A Plan Bigger Than Joseph’s Expectations 3:50 – Why God’s Plan Always Leads to Life 6:15 – The Struggle Between Our Plans and God’s Purposes 8:40 – Application: Surrendering to God’s Better Plan 💡 Reflection Questions: How have you seen God’s plan lead to something better after your own plans fell apart? What steps can you take today to surrender your plans to God’s purpose? 🙏 Pray This: Lord, thank You for giving me a purpose that goes beyond my plans. Help me to trust and surrender to Your perfect design every day.

Luke 1:39-41 captures an extraordinary moment when John the Baptist and Jesus "met" before they were born. A leap in Elizabeth’s womb declared the arrival of the Savior. This first celebration of Jesus reminds us that God’s plans are alive, active, and unstoppable, even in the quietest moments. 📖 Scripture: Luke 1:39-41 🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more devotionals that deepen your faith! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Joy Before Birth 1:20 – Luke 1:39-41: A Leap of Recognition 4:00 – God’s Plans Begin Before We See Them 6:15 – The Contrast Between John and Jesus 8:40 – Application: Celebrating God’s Hidden Work in Your Life 💡 Reflection Questions: How can you celebrate the small ways God is working in your life right now? What does John’s recognition of Jesus teach you about God’s active plans, even before we realize them? 🙏 Pray This: Lord, thank You for working in unseen and unexpected ways. Help me recognize and celebrate Your purposes, even in the small, quiet moments.

What shapes your commitment? "But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" — Matthew 1:20 Imagine Joseph’s dilemma. He’s engaged to Mary, but he learns she’s pregnant before their wedding. The weight of this news would crush most men. Joseph’s initial plan is understandable—quietly end the engagement, spare Mary public humiliation, and preserve his own dignity. But then God intervenes. In a dream, an angel reveals a greater purpose: Mary’s child is conceived by the Holy Spirit, and Joseph is to marry and raise this child as his own. God’s plan wasn’t just for Mary—it required Joseph’s full commitment, too. And here’s the catch: Joseph didn’t receive every detail of the plan upfront. He didn’t know how others would respond or all the challenges ahead. But he obeyed, choosing God’s way over his way. That’s what commitment looks like—surrendering our plans to God and trusting when we don't know all the details. Your spiritual commitment should never be contingent on you knowing all the details—it’s about trusting the One who does. What commitment has God called you to make or keep? Instead of debating and focusing on the unknowns, focus on being faithful to what God has already called you to do. Like Joseph, trust God’s purpose over your plans, knowing he reveals his will to those fully committed to him. #FaithfulMen #GodsPlanRevealed #ChristmasDevotional Ask This: Do This: Be committed—fully! Pray This: Lord, thank You for inviting me into Your greater purpose. Help me to trust You in the unknown and stay faithful to Your calling. Amen. Play This: God of All My Days.

Luke 1:20 shows how God used Zechariah’s silence to build unshakable faith. Sometimes, God quiets our doubts to reveal His greater plans. Discover how moments of silence can lead to deeper trust in His promises. 📖 Scripture: Luke 1:20 🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more devotionals that deepen your faith! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: How Silence Can Build Faith 1:30 – Luke 1:20: Zechariah’s Doubt and God’s Response 4:00 – The Purpose Behind God’s Silence 6:30 – How God’s Promises Unfold in Quiet Seasons 8:50 – Application: Trusting God When He Seems Silent 💡 Reflection Questions: How has a season of silence or waiting strengthened your faith in God’s promises? What areas of doubt can you surrender to God today, trusting Him to work in the silence? 🙏 Pray This: Lord, thank You for working even in the silence and teaching me to trust Your promises. Help me to listen and wait in faith.

Isaiah 9:6 reveals the promise of a perfect leader—Jesus Christ—sent to bring justice, peace, and hope. Tired of flawed leadership and broken systems? Look to the One who reigns with wisdom, strength, and love. Discover how Jesus is the leader your heart has been searching for this Christmas. 📖 Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more devotionals that deepen your faith! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Why We Long for Better Leadership 1:30 – Isaiah 9:6: A Promise of the Perfect Leader 4:00 – How Jesus Fulfills Our Deepest Needs 6:25 – What Makes Jesus the Eternal King? 8:50 – Application: Turning to Jesus as Your Leader 💡 Reflection Questions: 🙏 Pray This: Lord, thank You for sending Jesus as the perfect leader to guide my life. Help me trust His wisdom and follow His peace each day.

Malachi 3:1 speaks of a promise 400 years in the making—a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In a world full of doubt, this ancient message reminds us of God’s unshakable certainty and His faithfulness to keep His Word. Discover how Jesus, the fulfillment of this prophecy, offers hope that never fails. 📖 Scripture: Malachi 3:1 🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more devotionals that deepen your faith! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: The Weight of a 400-Year Promise 1:20 – Malachi 3:1: A Prophecy of Certainty 3:45 – John the Baptist: Preparing the Way for Jesus 6:15 – The Birth of Jesus: God’s Promise Fulfilled 8:40 – Application: How to Trust in God’s Certainty 💡 Reflection Questions: How does knowing God fulfills His promises strengthen your faith in uncertain times? How can you share the certainty of Jesus with others this Christmas? 🙏 Pray This: Lord, thank You for fulfilling every promise through Jesus and giving us a foundation of unshakable hope. Help me share this certainty with others.

Genesis 49:10 points to a promise fulfilled in Jesus, born to reconcile us with God and reign forever as King. Discover how this ancient prophecy, declared centuries before His birth, came to life in the most unexpected way—and what it means for us today. 📖 Scripture: Genesis 49:10 🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more devotionals that deepen your faith! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: The Promise Fulfilled 1:15 – Genesis 49:10: A Prophecy of the Coming King 3:30 – How Jesus Fulfilled the Prophecy in Bethlehem 6:45 – The Kingdom That Will Never End 8:20 – Application: Living in the Fulfillment of God’s Promise 💡 Reflection Questions: How does reflecting on Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy deepen your trust in God’s promises? In what ways can you boldly proclaim the glory of Jesus’ name this Christmas season? 🙏 Pray This: Lord, thank You for fulfilling Your promises through Jesus and offering hope to the world. Help me live boldly in celebration of His reign.

When human power crumbles, where will you place your hope? We have arrived. Our final devotional is 1 Samuel 31:11-13: But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days. — 1 Samuel 31:11-13 At the close of 1 Samuel, we read about an unexpected act of courage in the shadow of our tragedy. The brave men of Jabesh-Gilead, the very people Saul once delivered from shame and destruction in his first act as king (1 Samuel 11), embark on a daring mission to retrieve the desecrated bodies of Saul and his sons. Risking their lives, they travel through enemy territory to honor the memory of the king who had once been their redeemer. They bury his bones beneath a tamarisk tree, a poignant reminder of Saul's rise and fall. This moment is rich with contrasts. Once, Saul sat under a tamarisk tree (1 Samuel 22:6), spear in hand, commanding authority. Now, his remains rest beneath one—a reminder of our human frailty and the futility of misplaced hope. The people’s demand for a king “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:19–20) ends with that king stripped of glory, buried by night, and mourned in ashes. Yet, this is the end of 1 Samuel but not the end of the story. Saul’s death points us forward. While Saul’s kingdom was shattered by sin and pride, David’s rise offers hope. But even David—Israel’s greatest king—would fall short. No matter how noble, every human king serves as a shadow of the true King to come. Centuries later, another King would face humiliation, stripped and mocked by His enemies, His body hung for public scorn. But unlike Saul or any of Israel's subsequent kings, Jesus bore no sin of his own. He died not for failure but for the redemption of ours. His death was not the end but the turning point in history. Rising from the grave, he defeated death, securing a kingdom that will never fade. We end 1 Samuel learning one central and vital lesson: Hope in kings, presidents, and leaders will fail—hope in King Jesus will prevail. Don't put ultimate hope in human power. It will let you down every time. Only King Jesus reigns with perfect justice, eternal love, and unshakable victory. Saul’s tamarisk marked his end, but Christ’s empty tomb marks a beginning—a King with a kingdom without end. #KingJesus #EternalHope #TrueDeliverance Ask This: Do This: Hope in King Jesus who prevails. Pray This: Lord, help me to see the futility of trusting in human strength and to anchor my hope in Jesus, the true and eternal King. Amen. Play This: King Jesus.

When leaders step back, the enemy always steps in—don’t leave your family vulnerable to spiritual attack. King Saul is dead. An arrow wounded him, and he took his life by falling on his own sword. Then this happened in 1 Samuel 31:7-10: And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley and those beyond the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled. And the Philistines came and lived in them. The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. So they cut off his head and stripped off his armor and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people. They put his armor in the temple of Ashtaroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan. — 1 Samuel 31:7-10 The fall of Saul was a catastrophic failure of leadership. The nation's first leader, chosen and anointed by God, was now lying dead, with his sons slain by him, and enemies were desecrating his body and legacy. In addition, the Philistines wasted no time capitalizing on his defeat. They cut off his head, stripped his body, paraded his armor as a trophy, and hung his remains in public humiliation. Nearby Israelites, seeing their king crushed, fled their homes, leaving entire cities to be occupied by the enemy. This should be a sober reminder of the importance of leadership and the consequences of its failure. Saul's perpetual disobedience and downward spiral left a devastating wake on everyone and humiliated the nation, and the enemy seized the opportunity to mock, defile, and advance their cause. While this was a catastrophic illustration, we see shadows of this type of failure today. One is the breakdown of spiritual leadership in the home. Speaking directly to the believing men listening today, when you, as a husband and father, neglect your God-given role to lead in the home, you leave yourself and your family vulnerable. Then, your wife and your children grow up without a strong spiritual foundation, leaving them susceptible to the enemy’s lies about identity, purpose, and truth. It's not the church's responsibility to spiritually raise your family. It's your responsibility. Your passivity to obedience to God has the same effect as Saul's lack of spiritual leadership and disobedience to his family. This might be a graphic picture, but it is the truth. Someone is always discipling your family. If it's not you, it's Netflix, Disney, TikTok, and Snapchat, and they are very good at discipling your family. Then, one day, you look up to realize your family no longer believes in God; in addition, they act in defiance of God. Now you like Israel are looking at the devastation on Mount Gilboa. When we step back, the enemy steps in. Don't step back today! Step in! Step into spiritual leadership in your home, workplace, and community. One spiritual leader can make a home, workplace, church, and nation different forever. #LeadershipMatters #ObedienceToGod #FaithfulMen Ask This: Do This: Step in and step up in one place and one way today. Pray This: Father, help me to lead with integrity and faithfulness. Protect those I lead from the consequences of my failures, and guide me to always depend on You. Amen. Play This: War.

Your leadership impacts lives. Will it inspire faith or bring ruin? Today, we will read the conclusion of Saul's life. If you are ready, let's discover how it ends in 1 Samuel 31:4-6: Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together. — 1 Samuel 31:4-6 Saul's tragic end is more than a moment of personal failure—it’s a sobering picture of leadership disconnected from God. His story challenges us to evaluate how we lead and reminds us that leadership isn’t just about direction; it’s about dependence. In a moment of fear and despair, Saul chooses to take his own life rather than face capture by his enemies. His armor-bearer, overcome with grief, does the same. This event not only marks the end of Saul’s reign but also devastates those under his leadership—his sons, his armor-bearer, and his men all fall with him. Three Leadership Lessons: 1 | Leadership Without God is Unsustainable Saul's downfall didn’t begin on the battlefield. It began in his heart. By ignoring God's commands and chasing his own ambitions, he severed the source of his strength. Leadership apart from God will always falter under pressure. Whether we lead our families, our teams, or our communities, we must anchor ourselves in God’s wisdom, not our own. 2 | Leadership Always Impacts Others Saul’s choices weren’t isolated. They led to the death of his sons, his armor-bearer, and his men. As leaders, our decisions ripple through the lives of those we influence. Whether at home or work, we must ask ourselves: Are we leading people closer to God or farther away? 3 | Leadership Requires Leaning on God Saul’s fear overcame him because he relied on his own strength. Godly leadership doesn’t come from having all the answers but from leaning on the leadership of God. When we follow faithfully, we can lead courageously which inspires others to do the same. How will you lead? Will you try to lead on your own strength, as Saul did, only to collapse under the weight of your burdens? Or will you choose a better path—a path of surrender, trust, and courage found in God? The world needs godly leaders. Your family, your friends, your workplace, and your community need men and women who will step up, stand firm, and point others to Christ. It doesn’t require perfection, only faithfulness. Saul’s story may have ended in tragedy, but your story doesn’t have to. Today ask God to guide you in every decision, to strengthen you in every trial, and to help you lead others closer to Him. Leadership starts with faith and grows through daily dependence on God. Be the leader who inspires, encourages, and uplifts—because you follow the ultimate Leader, Jesus Christ. #LeadWithFaith #GodlyLeadership #FaithfulInfluence Ask This: Do This: Be a godly influence and leader. Pray This: Lord, I am ready to lead as You call me to lead. Help me depend on You in every decision and to guide others in a way that reflects Your truth and grace. Teach me to lead courageously and faithfully, always pointing others to You. Amen. Play This: Lead Me.

Every decision is a stone in the water—what kind of ripples are you leaving for others? We are in 1 Samuel 31. This is the final chapter and the conclusion of Saul's life. Let's read 1 Samuel 31:1-3: Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers. — 1 Samuel 31:1-3 This chapter marks the sobering end of Saul’s reign—a king who began with humility and promise but ended in tragedy. What started as a hopeful story unraveled into a heartbreaking warning. Saul’s repeated disobedience to God didn’t just undermine his leadership; it produced ripples of destruction that extended far beyond himself. The most striking proof of this is found in the deaths of his sons—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua—who perished alongside him. Saul’s failure wasn’t an isolated event; it created ripples in his family and the entire nation of Israel. This ripple effect reminds us of an unshakable truth: The ripples of our choices wash up in the lives of those we love. Are there choices you are making creating ripples you need to address? Those choices, whether big or small, can create ripples that affect others in ways we don’t always immediately see. But here’s the good news: repentance makes ripples, too. While sin spreads hurt, repentance spreads healing—and its reach is just as far and fast. Don’t wait for the waves of sin to crash further into your life or the lives of others. Take a moment today to align and adjust your steps. Stop the cycle of compromise, plant seeds of faithfulness, and let the ripple of obedience become a wave of blessing for generations to come. #RippleEffect #LegacyMatters #ChooseFaithfulness Ask This: Do This: Address your sinful ripple. Pray This: Father, thank You for showing me the impact my choices can have on others. Help me to reconcile where I’ve caused harm and to turn back to You in areas where I’ve strayed. Guide me to leave a legacy of faithfulness, obedience, and blessing for the next generation. Amen. Play This: Waves.

ANNOUNCEMENT: After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him. Two men, two battles—one ends in tragedy and the other in victory. Which will you be? We are in 1 Samuel 31. This is the final chapter and the conclusion of Saul's life. Let's read verse one: Now the Philistines were fighting against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. — 1 Samuel 31:1 In the dramatic conclusion of 1 Samuel, two men—David and Saul—are vivid examples of two opposite men. Their stories unfold simultaneously but in stark opposition. On the southern front, David is in Ziklag, a city devastated by Amalekites. He strengthens himself in the Lord, rallies his men, and rescues captives, turning defeat into triumph. Meanwhile, to the north, Saul faces the Philistines in the Jezreel Valley. Isolated from God, riddled with fear, and desperate, Saul seeks guidance from a forbidden medium. His final act is tragic—taking his own life on Mount Gilboa as his army crumbles. Two men, two outcomes. David’s end in Chapter 30 is marked by victory and generosity. After defeating the Amalekites, he shares the plunder with his men and the elders of Judah, fostering unity and gratitude. His reliance on God leads to restoration and blessing. Saul’s end in Chapter 31 is dramatically different. His life ends in despair, a tragic culmination of years of rebellion, disobedience, and rejection of God’s will. His defeat marks the collapse of his legacy. Both men faced battles, but their circumstances didn’t dictate the outcomes. Their hearts did. David’s heart was surrendered to God, leading him to fight with divine strength. Saul’s heart had long drifted from God, leading to his tragic downfall. Thus we learn: Circumstances test us, but our hearts will define us. Life presents us all with battles every day. The question isn’t if we’ll face them but how we’ll fight them—and with whom. Will you face them like David, battling with the Lord, finding victory and generosity even in adversity? Or will you face them like Saul, struggling in your strength, isolated, and ending in defeat? My suggestion is to live in Chapter 30, not Chapter 31. #HeartOfFaith, #BattleReady, #LiveVictoriously Ask This: Do This: Live in Chapter 30, not Chapter 31. Pray This: Father, grant me the strength to face my battles with unwavering faith and a heart fully surrendered to You. Help me choose victory and generosity, reflecting Your love in every circumstance. Amen. Play This: Jehovah.

ANNOUNCEMENT: After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him. Are you hoarding a blessing or being generous with it? David and his men enjoy a massive victory against the Amalekites. There is a minor disagreement when they return, and then when they return to Ziklag, David does this in 1 Samuel 30:26-31. When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord.” It was for those in Bethel, in Ramoth of the Negeb, in Jattir, in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa, in Racal, in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, in the cities of the Kenites, in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, in Athach, in Hebron, for all the places where David and his men had roamed. — 1 Samuel 30:26-31 David had just experienced a sensational victory, reclaiming what the Amalekites had stolen. After such an intense battle, it would have been easy for David to bask in the glory and hoard the spoils. Instead, David does something that reveals something remarkable about his character and leadership. When he returned to Ziklag, David took a portion of the plunder and presented it to the elders and others who had supported him over many years. These weren’t random gifts but deliberate acts of generosity toward those who had previously offered David and his men shelter, security, and safety. His message was clear: "Here is the Lord's provision." David's actions illustrate two vital principles of provision: Principle One | Recognize God's Provision David understood that the victory belonged to the Lord. By referring to the spoil as “from the enemies of the Lord,” he acknowledged that it wasn’t merely his success but God’s deliverance. When we achieve a victory or blessing, it’s important to remember that every good thing comes from God (James 1:17). Principle Two | Be Generous With God's Provision David’s generosity wasn’t about repayment but about recognizing relationships. He remembered those who had been faithful during his wandering years and used his blessing to strengthen those relationships. Our generosity reflects a heart of gratitude and humility, reminding us that we are stewards, not owners, of God’s blessings. We’re often tempted to hoard our wins, whether financial, professional, or personal. But David’s example challenges us to ask, “Who can I generously bless, when the time is right, with what God has given me?” You see, generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about sharing God’s glory and building his kingdom through his resources, that we have the honor of stewarding for a period of time. #Generosity #Stewardship #Gratitude Ask This: Do This: Be generous. Pray This: Lord, thank You for the blessings and victories You provide. Help me to remember that everything I have is Yours. Teach me to be generous and to use what You’ve given me to strengthen and bless others for Your glory. Amen. Play This: Generous Giver.

ANNOUNCEMENT: After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him. Is justice about fairness? David and his men enjoy a massive victory but meet up with the 200 soldiers they left behind on their return. Some worthless me who fought felt like the ones who were too tired did not deserve the spoils. Let’s listen to what David says about that in 1 Samuel 30:23-25. But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.” And he made it a statute and a rule for Israel from that day forward to this day. — 1 Samuel 30:23-25 Victory always feels sweet after a hard-fought battle. But sometimes, the sweet taste turns into bitter selfishness. David and his men had just celebrated an enormous defeat, reclaiming their loved ones and every possession. As they returned to the 200 men who had stayed behind to guard the supplies, an argument broke out. A small grouping of men who had fought wanted to deny the others who hadn't any share in the spoils, claiming they hadn’t earned it. But David’s response reveals a profound understanding of God's justice. David declares, “You shall not do so... with what the Lord has given us.” Davis will not let a few misguided men steal the joy of God's victory and justice. Instead, he shifts their focus back to God, reminding them that it was God's purpose, provision, and power that won the battle and that God alone returned what was taken. David understood that final justice belongs to God, which meant the blessings of victory are not something they could claim or selfishly divide based on human effort. Justice in human hands always leaves selfish fingerprints. Every one of us, at some point, thinks justice is about fairness as we define it. We believe it should be awarded to the worthy and withheld from the unworthy. But God’s justice operates differently. His justice is governed by his will, sacrifice, redemption, and grace. God's justice never plays by our selfish rules. It's a good thing it doesn't because we are all sinners deserving of eternal punishment. But by God's grace, we are saved through faith in the justice extended in the sacrifice of Jesus, his son, and our Lord. However, we should not interpret David's ruling as a mere declaration of "human fairness." David was more concerned about discipling and teaching his men about the nature and character of God as a leader of God's people. He wanted to ensure God's gracious and generous justice would be a lasting principle for the warriors of Israel. You and I are often like David’s men—quick to judge who deserves what based on our ideas of human effort and fairness. Our human grip on justice leaves selfish fingerprints on it. But when we let God handle justice, our perspective changes. And if we’re honest, that’s the only justice that matters because he is the only one who is righteous, just, and victorious. Remember David's response the next time you’re tempted to cling to what you believe you’ve earned or the next time you decide someone else isn’t worthy. The victories in your life aren’t yours alone—they’re gifts from God. His spoils are meant to be shared, not stockpiled. Step back today and ask yourself: Are you a reflection of God’s justice? Do you extend the same...

ANNOUNCEMENT: After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him. Are you a worthless guardian or a worthy giver? David and his men enjoy a massive victory, but they meet up with the 200 soldiers they left behind on their return. Those who were too tired to follow. Let’s look at today’s text from 1 Samuel 30:21-22 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them. Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.” — 1 Samuel 30:21-22 The victory was complete; the enemy was defeated, families were restored, and the spoils were theirs. But a crack was exposed as David and his men returned. Some men, described as “wicked and worthless,” refused to share the spoils with the 200 who had stayed behind. Their reasoning? "If they didn’t fight, they don’t deserve a bite." Their statement highlights a severe lack of spiritual perspective, which results in an attitude of selfishness. A few "worthless" men saw the victory as their achievement rather than God’s accomplishment. They failed to recognize that God's provision to find the fight, arrive at the perfect time for the fight, the strength to fight, and the spoils from the fight were all provisions from the Lord. Instead of having an attitude of gratitude toward God and others, they became guardians, drawing hard lines between who was "worthy" of the spoil and who was not. Thus, they showed themselves as "worthless." We are not so different. When God grants us success or blessings, how often do we claim them as our own? How often do we hold tightly to the spoils—our time, talents, resources, or victories—rather than sharing them generously? In our selfishness, we forget that every good thing comes from God (James 1:17). And when we cling to what is God's as if it were ours, we fail to reflect his generosity and become "wicked and worthless." Tomorrow, we will see how David responds to this. But for now, here is the charge: Be generous with what God has given you. Recognize that every victory, every blessing, and every resource is God's. Use it all to reflect God's goodness. Don’t guard the spoils; share them freely, giving him worth. #GenerosityOfGod, #Stewardship, #BiblicalLeadership Ask This: Do This: Be generous today. Pray This: Lord, help me to see every blessing as a gift from You and not my own achievement. Teach me to share generously, reflecting Your grace and goodness to others. Amen. Play This: Worthy of it All.