Vince Miller Podcast

Do you act too impulsively, derailing the mission? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, Saul is once again on the hunt for David, determined to capture and kill him. With new knowledge of David's whereabouts, he has assembled a hardened army of 3,000 men. Under the cover of darkness, they lie in wait, encamped near the last known location of David's men As the evening draws near, the tension thickens—what will unfold next in 1 Samuel 26:5-8? Then David rose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him. Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab's brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah, “Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?” And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” — 1 Samuel 26:5-8 David is fearless, isn't he? But don't forget, he knows Saul, the warriors of Israel, their tactics, and the opportune times to infiltrate their ranks. They are exhausted from a long trip and tired, and David knows gathering intelligence will aid him in understanding his next move. So David and Abishai go on a fast covert mission. What David does here is how every believer should attack sin in our lives. Like David, we should never rush headlong into battle without gathering a battle buddy and intelligence for the challenge. Abishai’s eagerness to take immediate action can be tempting, yet it serves as a warning for the eager who want to "throw the spear." When we act too quickly, driven by impulsive emotions or the allure of immediate victory, we risk losing sight of the bigger mission, thus winning a battle and losing a war. We may even find ourselves trapped and surrounded holding a spear of sin in our hand. David's mission is clear: gather intelligence, understand God's will, and then take action. One consistent lesson David has taught us in all his years of running from Saul is not to act impulsively; he gathers intelligence, understands God's will, and then takes action. Today, you should do the same before reacting or responding to any challenge. First, gather intelligence about the situation. Second, take a moment to pray and ask God for insight into the problem. If you have time, journal your thoughts, pray aloud with a battle buddy, write out the pros and cons, and consult God's Word. If you don't have this kind of time, shoot up one of those "silent shotgun" prayers. The ones you say quickly in your head, like: "God, I need your help right now!" Do your best in the heat of the moment to align your actions with God's Will. In the battlefield of life, don’t let impulse be your spear; gather wisdom and aim true before you strike. #WisdomInAction, #BattleReady, #FaithfulDecisionMaking Ask This: Do This: Gather wisdom, then strike. Pray This: Lord, help me to pause and seek Your wisdom before acting in haste. Grant me the clarity to align my decisions with Your will. Amen. Play This: The Battle Is Yours.

Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of conflict, wondering if there’s a way out? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we will see a new encounter unfold between David and Saul. You thought Saul was done with David, but he is not. Let's dive into chapter 26, entitled "Restraint & Righteousness." Let's read 1 Samuel 26:1-4: Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul encamped on the hill of Hachilah, which is beside the road on the east of Jeshimon. But David remained in the wilderness. When he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness, David sent out spies and learned that Saul had indeed come. — 1 Samuel 26:1-4 So we learn David was right back in the same wilderness where he had previously been chased—a barren, rugged place called Jeshimon, a wilderness “wasteland.” This wasn’t just a wasteland; it was symbolic of David's life—cut off from his community and clan and constantly on the run. Though Saul had once admitted his wrongdoing outside the cave of Engedi, here he is back to his relentless pursuit with 3,000 of Israel's elite troops. Despite David's hope that Saul’s confession would result in a change, the spies' confirmation brought the cold reality: Saul was again back to his old tricks. David, however, did not react or run in despair when he heard Saul's troops were encamped on the hillside. Instead, he wisely gathered intelligence. This wasn't just tactical; it was David's steady, courageous faith at work. David understood that advantage often comes not from sheer strength or emotional responses but from seeking wisdom, practicing obedience, and taking action with faith, even in the wilderness moments of life. When you face repeated challenges or find yourself surrounded, don't let pressure push you into impulsive decisions. Pause for a moment seek wisdom, practice obedience, and take godly action. You will blessed if you do. The impulsive response often results in bloodshed and leaves you living with a lot of regret. #FaithUnderPressure, #WisdomInWilderness, #DavidAndSaul Ask This: Do This: Be wise under pressure. Pray This: Father, help me to remain steadfast in my faith during life's wilderness moments. Grant me wisdom and obedience to respond to challenges with courage and grace. Amen. Play This: God I Look To You.

Was it a divine event or only natural? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In yesterday's devotional, we saw that Abigail's appeal to David works. But now she has to return home to the celebration and tell her husband what she did. Let's see how this plays out in 1 Samuel 25:36-44: And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until the morning light. In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And about ten days later the Lord struck Nabal, and he died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "Blessed be the Lord who has avenged the insult I received at the hand of Nabal, and has kept back his servant from wrongdoing. The Lord has returned the evil of Nabal on his own head." Then David sent and spoke to Abigail, to take her as his wife. When the servants of David came to Abigail at Carmel, they said to her, "David has sent us to you to take you to him as his wife." And she rose and bowed with her face to the ground and said, "Behold, your handmaid is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord." And Abigail hurried and rose and mounted a donkey, and her five young women attended her. She followed the messengers of David and became his wife. David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and both of them became his wives. Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim. — 1 Samuel 25:36-44 I think it is essential to see the comparison between Saul and Nabal today. They are comparable men—wealthy, entitled, and benefiting from David's protection equally. Both had their lives spared by David, both had females who married David, both women confided in David to help him avoid inevitable disasters, and both men died under God's judgment. The comparison is remarkable. But the result is Nabal dies. In contemporary medical terms, it sounds like Nabal had an initial stroke and then fell into a coma and died of starvation. However, we cannot avoid David's divine diagnosis. When David hears about Nabal, he perceives a double divine blessing in this event. First, a blessing of vengeance by God for Nabal's insult. Second, Abigail's blessing of protection for holding him back from doing wrongful harm to Nabal. This is intriguing because we often wonder about God's use of natural means to bring justice and blessing. God often uses natural events as instruments of justice. For example, in Genesis 6-9, He brought justice to a corrupt world through the flood. Also, in Exodus 7-12, God sent plagues involving natural elements—frogs, hail, and darkness—to confront Pharaoh's defiance. In the same way, God also uses natural events to grant blessings. For example, in Exodus 16, he provided manna to sustain his people in the wilderness. Then, in Deuteronomy 11, God promised rain for crops as a reward for obedience, using natural weather to nurture provisions for his people. So, the question remains: Should we interpret Nabal's death as natural or divine? Did God do this? Or was this merely a natural circumstance? And the answer to this question is "Yes!" Like Nabal, we will all die. Death is God's judgment for all creation. What bothers us is the connection of death with God's divine providence. Are they connected? Should we see them as one and the same? David's answer is "Yes!" Those of you who believe in Jesus see the connection here. This is because a spiritual reality is more real than the natural. Your redeemed mind sees the divine work in the natural, and there is great hope for you. While you face physical death, you escape eternal death to live forever with God. When you die, you will be raised into eternal life! This is because those who call on the Lord receive the promise of eternal life in heaven, thanks to Jesus...

When God interrupts, do you listen? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In yesterday's devotional, we saw that Abigail interceded for Nabal's foolishness. Let's see if her charming approach works with David in 1 Samuel 25:32-35: And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand! For as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there had not been left to Nabal so much as one male.” Then David received from her hand what she had brought him. And he said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have obeyed your voice, and I have granted your petition.” — 1 Samuel 25:32-35 Have you ever felt the weight of a confrontation and felt tempted to take matters into your own hands? Heated moments cloud our judgment and make it hard to see what God wants to do because we are too focused on what we want to do. In this text, David is hot. He is about to make a grave mistake. He is about to slaughter all the men of Nabal's house at the celebration of the year. But Abigail intervenes. And instead of ignoring her intervention, David interprets it as God's intervention. If you have been reading the story with me, there is an about-face in his attitude and actions. He goes from proclaiming acts of vulgarity to proclaiming a threefold blessing: A blessing to the Lord. A blessing for her wise discretion. And a blessing on her. You need this type of intervention in your life sometimes, especially when you are hot. We all do. But when the intervention shows up, you must see it, receive it, and change. Since many of you have been following me for a while through 1 Samuel, this again is one of those instances in which we see God's wisdom in choosing David. David was willing to see God's intervention and adjust his intention. As you face the challenges of today, be open to God’s voice through the people he places in your path. When tempers flare and stress mounts, don’t hesitate to pray for God's intervention. Then, when God intervenes, be willing to accept the interventions that interrupt your intentions. Don't plow over people and miss a prophetic voice from God. If you ignore these prophetic whispers, you might miss God's redirect and do something you regret. #Intervention, #DivineWisdom, #ListeningToGod Ask This: Do This: Pray for divine interruptions in anger and stress. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize Your voice through the people You place in my life, especially in moments of anger or frustration. Grant me the humility to accept divine interventions that guide my actions and intentions. Amen. Play This: Interruptions (Comedy by Mark Lowry)

When God needs a voice of reason he sometimes sends a charming woman. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In this chapter, David sends some men to Nabal to seek generosity. Nabal refused and insulted David. David finds out about it and marches 400 men to confront David. But Abigail, Nabal's wife, will secretly try to intervene and appease David with an extensive goodwill offering. Let's see if this works in 1 Samuel 25:23-31: When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. She fell at his feet and said, "On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. Let not my lord regard this worthless fellow, Nabal, for as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and folly is with him. But I your servant did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent. Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, because the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from saving with your own hand, now then let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be as Nabal. And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your servant. For the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord, and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the Lord your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. And when the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you and has appointed you prince over Israel, my lord shall have no cause of grief or pangs of conscience for having shed blood without cause or for my lord working salvation himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant." — 1 Samuel 25:23-31 There are only a few female-initiated encounters between a man and a woman in the Bible: Gen 3Gen 38Judg 4Ruth 3Matt 261 Sam 25 Of all these, this one is by far one of the most remarkable and longest addresses by a woman in the Old Testament. Abigail accomplishes three goals in this encounter: What captures me is how remarkable she is in her approach. First, she comes alone to the dark of the forest to intervene before a powerful man with 400 strapped men. Second, she brings food, the language of active men, to attempt to butter them up. Third, she takes responsibility for her husband, explaining that she should have been more careful to protect him from himself. She feels to blame because she did encounter David's initial messengers and thus feels responsible. Fourth, she uses a prophetic word about David's future to persuade him to look beyond this foolish man and moment into the future and not do something now that would alter his future. Fifth, she constantly calls him "lord," a title repeated 14 times in her speech that women use for their husbands. (Spoiler Alert) Abigail is about to become David's wife. This moment is an incredible moment made so by a charming woman. Here are the C-H-A-R-M-I-N-G qualities we see in Abigail: CourageHumilityAwarenessRespectMindfulnessIntegrityNurturingGodliness Application for Unmarried Men If you are an unmarried man, take note of Abigail's qualities. Look and pray for a woman like this. You might find her in the most unexpected place and encounter. Application for Husbands For those who are married, Abigail's qualities should inspire us to pray over our wives. Pray that God nurtures these charming qualities in her. Affirm your wife's beauty today, and don't be the fool Nabal was. Application for Women Be this woman: C-H-A-R-M-I-N-G. Abigail is a charming woman even though her husband is an entitled fool. But her obedience to God is about to change...

Three lessons from a stupid man. You can learn from stupidity. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, we discovered that David sent some men to Nabal to ask for some generosity, and Nabal rejected and insulted David and his men. Today David and 400 of his men are coming to confront Nabal. Let's see what happens in 1 Samuel 25:14-22: But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.” Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys. And she said to her young men, “Go on before me; behold, I come after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. And as she rode on the donkey and came down under cover of the mountain, behold, David and his men came down toward her, and she met them. Now David had said, “Surely in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him, and he has returned me evil for good. God do so to the enemies of David and more also, if by morning I leave so much as one male of all who belong to him.” — 1 Samuel 25:14-22 There is a lot here, so let me make three observations and points today. First, one of Nabal's servants clarifies that David is a shepherd of shepherds. The young man makes numerous flattering comments that David's men were "very good" to them, they "suffered no harm," they "did not miss a thing," they were "a wall" to us. We learn that his first career as a shepherd had a principled impact on his second career as a leader of men. Never take for granted what God might be preparing you for in one part of your life for the next part of your life. David was the youngest in the family, and while shepherding might have seemed like a meaningless job in the hills of Bethlehem, God used it to prepare David for a career of leadership and protection over the hills of Israel. Sometimes, what appears to be drudgery at the moment might be divine preparation for later. So, if you feel like your present job is drudgery, pay less attention to the drudgery and more attention to the divine lessons. Second, it's evident that everyone in Nabal's family and on his staff knows he is worthless and resistant to feedback. The picture painted of Nabal is complete. He is more than a fool. He is rich and resistant to feedback, which makes him an "entitled fool." Nobody is more stubborn than a leader, husband, or father who is relatively skilled, rich, and resistant to feedback. But resisting all feedback from people, especially godly people, is foolish. Resistance stunts our growth, damages our relationships, and stalls spiritual maturity. When we go too far, it might lead to isolation, getting us fired, or, in Nabal's case, getting him killed. Don't be an entitled fool. Pay attention to feedback from a friend, family member, or colleague today. It might just be feedback from the Father. Third, a savior is inserted into the story—a noble wife and brave woman—Abigail. There is a lot to love about this woman, but notice the similarity between Saul and Jonathan and now Nabal and Abigail to David. David is about to find another ally in the house of an adversary. Like Jonathan had been to David, Abigail is about to be to David. You need allies in this life, godly men and women, to give you direction. Sometimes, you stumble upon them;...

Have you ever said something foolish because you were thinking something foolish? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, we discovered that David traveled south and learned that Nabal, a wealthy man, was holding his annual sheep-shearing event and celebration. David was seeking a bit of generosity from his fellow countrymen because his men were hungry, and he had provided generous protection to Nabal's shepherds. To make his request, David sent ten young warriors to ask Nabal for help. Here is what happens in 1 Samuel 25:9-13: When David's young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited. And Nabal answered David's servants, "Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?" So David's young men turned away and came back and told him all this. And David said to his men, "Every man strap on his sword!" And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage. — 1 Samuel 25:9-13 Here are a few observations: Nabal pretends not to know David, but he knows who David is. Everyone knows who David is. Even Nabal's shepherds know because David has been protecting them. But Nabal's resistance becomes apparent when he refers to David as "the son of Jesse." This was Saul's derogatory name for David, which tells us he is aligned with Saul. Like the party division we witness in our country, Nabal has a political sign in his front yard, and it doesn't say, "Make Israel Great Again." (Probably too soon.) Second, to add insult to injury, Nabal compares David to a common slave and servant. He says, "There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters." Third, Nabal displays his selfishness in his response: "Shall I take my bread, my water, my meat, for my shearers?" My, my, my, my. Nabal's response is more selfish and sinister than simply saying no. He is treating his fellow countrymen who have treated him with respect and charity and returning it with rejection and contempt. David is insulted by this and arms 400 men to confront this foolish man. Compared to Saul, Nabal has no unique anointing and appointment by God. Thus, Nabal (whose name means "Fool") is living up to the definition of his name. Nabal is a fool not because of the political sign he has in his yard but because he lacks relational tack, godly wisdom, and awareness that God has blessed him with wealth to be a blessing. Nabal is a selfish and self-centered fool whose mouth spouts foolishness, and it's going to get him killed. Your mouth exposes your heart. You might be able to fake it till you make it for a while. But if you feel cornered, threatened, or attacked, your mouth will expose what your heart holds and your brain believes. Sometimes, what is stirring around in your heart and mind is not right or righteous. So before you say something foolish today, address the foolishness within your heart and mind. Otherwise, when you are cornered, threatened, or attacked, you might express foolishness and start a war you will not win. #GuardYourHeart, #SpeakWisely, #BiblicalWisdom Ask This: Do This: Address the foolishness in your heart and mind. Pray This: Lord, help me to guard my heart and mind so that my words reflect Your wisdom. Give me the strength to speak with grace and truth today. Amen. Play This: I Need You/Change My Heart, O God.

Do you ever give without expectation? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. So Samuel dies, and after the event, David returns south and here is what happens in 1 Samuel 25:4-8: David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’” — 1 Samuel 25:4-8 Here is the situation: After returning through the wilderness of Paran, David rejoins his men. We assume they are still about 600 men strong. Right about this time, he learns that Nabal is shearing his sheep, which would have been a significant event given the size of his flock. Given that his men are hungry and need a reprieve, David sends some men to greet Nabal, hoping for reciprocity in preserving and protecting them rather than plundering them, which would have been expected given the size of their army. David's request is simple: he hopes they can join the upcoming feast, celebrating Nabal’s growing wealth. After all, David understands the life of a shepherd, having been one himself. He merely seeks a little goodwill in return for his already-established protection. In the coming verses, we will see Nabal’s harsh and ungrateful response. It’s disheartening when you do something good and it's met with a sour-hearted and selfish person. But our frustration is not just an issue of the other person. It sometimes stems from our unspoken and unmet expectations. When we give with the expectancy of receiving something in return—e.g., a simple thank you—and that doesn’t happen, it stings. You may not be able to change the heart of a sour-hearted and selfish person, but you can change your heart and expectations. Practice giving without expectation. Buy a friend a meal, give a compliment, offer a gift, and work out the silent force of your expectations. Train your heart to give without expectation, and learn the heart of Jesus, who gave everything to humankind that could offer nothing in return. #GivingWithoutExpectation, #SelflessGenerosity, #HeartOfJesus Ask This: Do This: Give without expectation. Pray This: Lord, help me to give freely and generously without the weight of expectation, reflecting Your heart in my actions. Teach me to find joy in selfless giving, just as You did for us. Amen. Play This: Generous Giver.

Is your life dominated by fools or driven by wisdom? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Today, we begin a new chapter—1 Samuel 25. This one involves three characters: David, Nabal, and his wife, Abigail. You will see a warrior's anger, a fool's reckless pride, and a woman's humble wisdom. It will be easy to discern who is who in the story. Let’s read verses 1-3: Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. — 1 Samuel 25:1-3 Samuel’s death marks the end of an era, signaling a shift in Israel’s leadership. This transition invites us to focus more tightly on David's leadership, which is still shaped by a lot of conflict on his way to becoming king. And in this chapter, we will see how David has to navigate a fool on his way to greater wisdom. As we dive deeper into this chapter, we will see a sharp contrast between Nabal and Abigail. Nabal, a wealthy man, embodies foolishness—his very name means "Fool." In stark contrast, Abigail, his wife is a woman of wisdom and discernment. This story of David's encounter of this couple reveals profound truths about the nature of our human relationships. So let me ask: Who are the Nabals and Abigails in your life? Think about your own experiences. Who embodies the "Nabal" in your life? Perhaps it's a colleague whose arrogance frustrates you, a family member whose pride blinds them, or even a friend who dismisses your input. This week, consider how you typically react to these individuals. Are you quick to anger, or can you step back and respond differently? Now, recall the "Abigail" in your life. Their discernment is rooted in humility and grace. Is there someone who approaches conflict with wisdom, patience, and understanding? This week, consider their wisdom and aim to embody their approach in your interactions. Here's your three-part challenge today: Identify:Reflect:Act: Remember, you can choose wisdom over folly. Make it a week where you don’t just avoid fools and acting like a fool but actively fool the world with wisdom instead! #WisdomOverFolly, #AbigailAndNabal, #DailyDevo Ask This: Do This: Act with wisdom not as a fool. Pray This: Lord, help me recognize my life's "Nabals" and "Abigails" and guide my responses with wisdom and grace. May I embody the humility of Abigail and reflect Your love in all my interactions. Amen. Play This: Christ Our Wisdom.

Do you take control or trust God? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In today's reading, we will be concluding Chapter 24. This chapter begins with David seeking refuge in Engedi while Saul learns of his whereabouts and pursues him with 3000 soldiers. Upon reaching the location, Saul unknowingly entered a cave where David hid. Despite having the opportunity to take Saul's life, David chose to spare him and instead risked his own safety by leaving the cave. The text takes an unexpected turn when Saul responds to David in a surprising manner, and this interaction is further elaborated in today's text 1 Samuel 24:20-22. And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house." And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. — 1 Samuel 24:20-22 Saul publicly acknowledges something everyone else has already acknowledged for years — David would be the next king. But Saul, in a sober moment, asks David to grant him two requests. First, he asked that David "not cut off my offspring" or that David not follow the ancient Near Eastern custom of killing all descendants of his dynastic predecessor. Second, he asked that David "not destroy my name out of my father's house," a request closely related to the first but underscoring the preservation of his name. Without hesitation, David pledged his oath to Saul, reaffirming the solemn promise he had previously made with Jonathan. David's unwavering commitment would later manifest in his benevolent act of providing sanctuary, bestowing a position of honor, and granting a generous inheritance to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–13; 19:29; 21:7). David's decision to spare Saul's life in that cave, even when it seemed like the perfect opportunity to eliminate his enemy, speaks volumes about the kind of man and leader David aspired to be—one ruled by faith in God. He saw beyond his need to control the situation, understanding that God controlled all things, including his future. We are called to live lives marked by faith that expresses the same qualities: mercy and grace, not vengeance. In this story, we catch a small glimpse of the Gospel. David's faith in God resulted in the salvation of himself, his 600 men, Saul, and his 3000 men. Not one man's life was lost in this moment. Not only that, it resulted in a double oath that extended Saul's family and name to future generations. In the same way, Jesus's faith in God extends salvation to all future generations. Like Saul, we who were delusional sinners blatantly rebellious to God in every way and deserving of God's vengeance were redeemed by a sinless man who offered us saving grace and mercy through sacrifice so that we might know God's grace to all future generations. Today, consider the capacity of faith in God to extend life rather than take it. Don't take matters into your own hands; trust in God's hand, and see the power of God's saving grace in every moment of your day. Extend grace because you've received the ultimate grace through Him. #FaithInAction, #ExtendGrace, #DavidAndSaul Ask This: Do This: Have faith in God's grace. Pray This: Lord, help me to trust in Your plan and extend grace to others, just as David did with Saul. May my actions reflect Your mercy and love in every situation I face. Amen. Play This: Stand In Faith.

Are you playing the odds or trusting in the promises of God? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We have listened to David's speech after coming out of the cave to address Saul for the last couple of days. Today, we finally listen to how Saul responds in 1 Samuel 24:16-19. As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. — 1 Samuel 24:16-19 A Bipolar King After all that has happened, Saul’s reaction is strange—almost bipolar. He shifts from being David's sworn enemy to calling him "son," a reminder that David is his son-in-law, despite his earlier rants where he referred to him only as “the son of Jesse.” But here, Saul confesses his wrongdoing and David's righteousness. It’s a moment of clarity, brief as it may be, where Saul recognizes David’s honor and even asks God to reward him. Who would’ve predicted this outcome? David has been hunted like an animal by Saul, yet this moment reveals something profound—God's promise to David stands firm. Despite the odds, despite Saul’s anger and jealousy, David’s future as king remains secure because God declared it. When we face tough times and feel the odds stacked against us, it’s easy to think that God’s promises won’t hold up. But this passage reminds us that no enemy, no circumstance, no obstacle can thwart God's plans for us. Like David, we can trust God to be faithful to His word. So, what promise from God do you need to hang onto today? Pick one below, read it, recall it, and rely on it. 7 Promises To Remember Here are seven promises you can cling to today as a believer in the Lord: 1 | God’s Presence in Trials Matthew 28:20 – “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2 | Strength in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 3 | Peace Beyond Understanding Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 4 | Provision for Needs Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” 5 | Victory Over Temptation 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 6 | Rest for the Weary Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 7 | Love and Eternal Life Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” #GodsPromises, #FaithInTrials, #DavidAndSaul Ask This: Do This: Pick a promise above, read it, recall it, and rely on it. Pray This: Lord, I thank You for Your unwavering promises and faithfulness in my life. Help me to trust in You, especially when I face challenges that seem overwhelming. Amen. Play This: Promises.

Are you trusting in your hand or the hand of the Lord? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Today, we continue our story with David, who revealed that he was in the cave with Saul. Bowed to the ground, with the corner of his robe in his hand, he finishes the speech of his life. Let's see how this concludes in 1 Samuel 24:12-15. May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes wickedness.' But my hand shall not be against you. After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand." — 1 Samuel 24:12-15 This part of David's speech is surgical. Here is why. The proverb "Out of the wicked comes wickedness" could easily be interpreted as an indictment of Saul. He was the one who was acting wickedly and possessed by an evil spirit. Yet David, ever so carefully, does not apply this to Saul but to himself, who had done no wickedness in this situation. Yet we all know that Saul is possessed and delusional. Saul is not in his right mind, and when he walks out of the cave, David puts his life in the hands of a known wicked man. But while I state this, this is not entirely true. Again, as he did with Goliath, David understands that he is not putting himself in the hands of Saul but in the hands of God. Twice, he states in this section, "May the Lord judge." David's battle at this moment was a battle of words and not swords, yet all the same, the battle was the Lord's. There are moments in our lives when we have to trust the hand of the Lord. It may look like we are putting ourselves in someone else's hand—a boss, friend, spouse, or legal representative where we, as a believer, there is always another person in the room—The Lord. Stop letting your old life and mind control how you think about life situations. If you have surrendered your life to the Lord, you have another hand on your side—the hand of the Lord. #TrustInGod, #FaithLikeDavid, #SpiritualBattles Ask This: Do This: Trust in God's Hand, not your own. Pray This: Lord, help me embrace the power of my words in times of conflict, just as David did. Grant me the wisdom to choose truth and mercy over retaliation. May I prioritize relationships and maintain integrity in all my interactions, reflecting Your love and grace. Amen. Play This: Surrounded (Fight My Battles).

Sometimes, battles are fought with words and not swords. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In our story, David puts his men in a risky situation by not cutting down Saul in the cave while he has the chance. But he is left to deal with Saul, so he walks out of the cave to confront the situation and deal with Saul and the consequences. What we listen to in our devotional for the next two days is one of the great speeches of David's life. Let's see what he says in 1 Samuel 24:9-11. And David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Behold, David seeks your harm'? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, 'I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.' See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. — 1 Samuel 24:9-11 This moment marks a pivotal point in David's life, where battles are not won with swords but with words. David stands before Saul, a man who has relentlessly pursued him, and instead of striking him down, he seeks to convince Saul that he is not his enemy but, in fact, an ally. This act of bravery unfolds in front of his 600 men and the 3,000 soldiers standing ready to capture him. Consider the risk involved! David steps into the open, armed with nothing but his words and the truth about his actions. David's response teaches us that sometimes, our battles are fought with words rather than weapons. How you confront difficult situations can determine the outcome. David skillfully wielded his words. You, too, must also learn to fight this way in your life. Here are a few practices David deployed that you can use as well: Proclaim the Truth:Pursue Mercy:Prioritize Relationships:Practice Integrity: As you go about your day, remember that you may encounter battles where words hold more power than weapons. Like David, may you confront your challenges with truth, mercy, and a commitment to integrity. Fight well, knowing your words can be mightier than the sword. #DavidAndSaul, #PowerOfWords, #FaithInConflict. Ask This: Do This: Fight with words, not swords. Pray This: Lord, help me to embrace the power of my words in times of conflict, just as David did, and grant me the wisdom to choose truth and mercy over retaliation. May I prioritize relationships and maintain integrity in all my interactions, reflecting Your love and grace. Amen. Play This: Words.

Let God write the ending of the story. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, David put his men in a risky situation by not cutting down Saul in the cave while he had the chance. But what is left to deal with is Saul and the 3000 soldiers waiting for him and his men inside this kill box. Let's see what happens next in 1 Samuel 24:8. Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, 'My lord the king!' And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. — 1 Samuel 24:8 This moment is intense—David steps out into the open, revealing his location to Saul and his army. A situation where any other man might choose a defensive posture or fight for survival, David chooses the high road of faith. He trusts the Lord with the outcome, even when his life hangs in the balance. This bold move didn't make David the hero of the story—God was the hero. David's faith was in God to deliver him, not in his own ability to manipulate the moment. When we think about our own lives, there are times when we’re faced with situations that feel like we’re stepping into a dangerous “kill box” of sorts—risks that challenge our faith. It might be a career decision, standing up for what's right in your workplace, or even facing a personal conflict. The temptation to save yourself through manipulation or taking matters into your own hands can be strong. But just like David, we’re called to put our faith in the Lord, trusting that He will be the one to deliver us—even if the risks seem high. Are you willing to trust God in the face of risk? This doesn't mean intentionally putting yourself in harm’s way to test your faith. Instead, it means that when you find yourself in those dangerous places—spiritually, relationally, or physically—you trust in God's sovereignty over the outcome. Remember, your job isn’t to be the hero. It’s to allow God to be the hero through your faith. Today, dare to trust God with the results, even when the stakes are high. Boldly take the first step of faith and let God write the ending. #TrustInGod, #FaithOverFear, #GodIsTheHero Ask This: Do This: Let God write your story. Pray This: Lord, help me to trust You when the risks are great and the outcome is uncertain. Give me the courage to take bold steps of faith, knowing that You are in control and will be my deliverer. Amen. Play This: My Story.

Opportunities that look divine are not always divine. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Yesterday, David escaped to the Strongholds of Engedi; Saul pursued him with 3000 soldiers and then exposed himself by relieving himself in the cave David was in. So let's see what happens next in 1 Samuel 24:4-7. And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's robe. And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed.” So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way. — 1 Samuel 24:4-7 Three critical moments in this story teach one valuable lesson in spiritual leadership. First | Misinterpreted Messages David’s men confidently whisper to David that this is his divine opportunity. They apply an earlier declaration that God had made about the Philistines in Keilah (1 Samuel 23:4) to the present situation. But it's wrongly applied. David's men saw a "divine" opportunity to do something less than divine and altered God’s message to match the present moment. We have all been guilty of this. It’s easy to misinterpret or selfishly interpret promises of God when our emotions are heightened, or we feel cornered. The messages in our minds can be louder than the messages in God's Word. Second | Stealthy Sword With remarkable stealth, David manages to sneak up behind Saul while he’s in a vulnerable moment—literally with his pants down—and cuts off a corner of Saul’s robe. We cannot gloss over the fact that David's sword was incredibly sharp (we assume Goliath's sword), and his approach stealthy. Yet, instead of using the sword to chop off Saul's head (as he had with Goliath), he cut a corner of his garment. The deep conviction that struck David was powerful enough that it stopped in his tracks. This required incredible emotional restraint and faith in God. In moments when we hold power in our hands, it’s critical to remember that great power is demonstrated in restraint and faith when we act according to God's will, not our own. Third | Confronting Counsel After David crawls back, he speaks to his men about his conviction. He realizes that cutting Saul’s robe, while small in comparison to cutting off his head, was still dishonoring the Lord’s anointed. David tore into his men with a strong rebuke. His allies counseled him to act and David confronted their counsel. Sometimes, our closest allies counsel us toward choices that seem good but violate God’s will. In those moments, we need the courage to question and confront ungodly counsel—even when it seems reasonable and justified. Opportunities that look "divine" are not always divine. Opportunities are merely opportunities with two results—a godly result or an ungodly result. In threatening or emotional moments, it's tempting to see a divine moment that is not a divine moment. It is simply a selfish moment deceptively portrayed as divine. This makes me wonder if when David was crawling up behind Saul, he looked down at Goliath's sword and his reflection, thinking to himself: "Should I use the sword God gave me to cut down the enemy of God's anointed to cut down God's anointed?" As you are given opportunities today to lead, be cautious, especially when you are emotional or cornered. You might be given an opportunity to do something divine or less than divine. Then do God's will, not your own, because spiritual leadership is only spiritual leadership when it is spiritually alligned with God's Will. #DivineDiscernment, #SpiritualLeadership, #DavidAndSaul

Have you been exposed to or exploited by a compromise? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 24 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Decisions That Make Or Break Leaders." Yesterday, David escaped to the Strongholds of Engedi, and this week, our story in Chapter 24 takes place here. So let's settle in 1 Samuel 24:1-3: When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, "Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi." Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats' Rocks. And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. — 1 Samuel 24:1-3 Engedi is a beautiful oasis on the west side of the Dead Sea. You can still visit this location today; it looks like it did in David's time. It is a natural and untouched region. Engedi means "Spring of the Wild Goats" because the location features a beautiful natural, cold, freshwater spring that travels down a cavernous ravine opening toward the east. The source of freshwater attracted mountain goats, and in David's time, this area would have been covered in goats. Thus, Engedi is rightly named "Spring of the Wild Goats." So David and his 600 men retreat to this location to escape Saul. The only problem with the area is that it was a kill box. Once you travel the ravine back to spring, there is no means of escape unless you are a mountain goat. The caverns were impossible to climb as they were rocky and dangerous. So David and his men have to resort to hiding in a cave, probably not one cave, but many since there were 600 men and hundreds of possible caves in this location. This is the first time in our story that David is trapped and finds it impossible to run from Saul. David has been trying to run and avoid conflict with Saul, but now confrontation is inevitable. And wouldn't you know it, Saul has to duece. At least, that is what I would assume. If Saul has to take a leak, he is with 3000 men and takes a leak on the nearest rock, but that is not what he does. Saul enters a cave, lowers his pants, and squats to relieve himself. But out of all the caves in the Engedi, he happens into the one David is in. Coincidence? I think not! David is in a compromising situation, but so is Saul. David is trapped, and Saul has his pants down. Now David has a decision to make, which we will see play out tomorrow. All believers eventually find themselves on either side of a compromise. Either we have been exposed to a compromise, or we have been tempted to exploit a compromise. These moments test our integrity, beliefs, values, and, most importantly, our faith in an uncompromising God. Believers don't make compromises. They live and lead without compromise. These opportunities come in many forms but usually appear as alluring shortcuts that promise instant gratification but steal lasting gratification. So when you feel pressured to compromise, ask yourself: What will my actions reveal about my relationship with God? Then, turn back to an uncompromising decision because any other decision would be a crappy decision. #IntegrityMatters, #LeadershipDecisions, #FaithOverCompromise Ask This: Do This: Don't compromise. Pray This: Father, help me recognize the moments of compromise in my life and give me the strength to stand firm in my integrity. May my decisions reflect my faith in You and lead others to see Your unwavering truth. Amen. Play This: God of All My Days.

Do you believe that God is your refuge in the storm? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, David barely escaped, and today, he ran to his 13th location after leaving King Saul's home. I wonder where that might be. Let's see in 1 Samuel 23:28-29: So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi. — 1 Samuel 23:28-29 The next chapter chronicles the "Strongholds of Engedi," which, in my opinion, is one of the most significant chapters in 1 Samuel. You do not want to miss a single day of devotionals. You need to stay with me for the entire week. Don't miss one. Tune in because the next seven days are incredible. For a moment think about how David felt after running for years to now the 13th location. He had zig-zagged across Israel to various locations to avoid the storm of Saul's unrighteous vengeance. This last week, I evacuated Bradenton, Florida, to head up the coast and stayed in Panama City, waiting out Hurricane Milton. I was only gone for three days, and I cannot tell you how emotionally and physically exhausted I was. When I returned, I was unprepared for how much physical labor needed to be done at my son's home (St. Petersburg) and my home (Bradenton). Just so you know, it looks like Haiti down here. Gas stations are out of fuel. There are down powerlines everywhere. Most fences are gone or scattered all over the street. Massive piles of trash and debris line every street. But you know what? I cannot imagine how David mustered spiritual fortitude and stayed centered in the Lord after 10-15 years of running from the storm of Saul's vengeance. It makes me wonder if I, as a believer, have become too soft, given the comforts and pleasures of my time. I mean, think about it. Three days running from a storm, and I was already feeling the weight of emotional and physical exhaustion. Yet David endured far worse—years of constant running, hiding, and uncertainty. He didn’t have a comfortable place to land. There wasn’t any relief on the horizon, just more running. And yet, through all that turmoil, he stayed centered in the Lord. The “Rock of Escape” wasn’t just a geographical place for David but a spiritual reminder. In the middle of his storm, God provided a way out, a refuge, and renewed strength to keep going. And I think this is a lesson for us. When we face our own storms—short like mine or long like David’s—it’s easy to grow weary and question whether we can keep going. But the truth is, God is still our Rock of Escape. He meets us in the chaos and gives us the strength to endure, no matter how relentless the storm may feel. So, take a hard look at where you’ve placed your faith. Are you resting in your comforts, your routines, or your own strength? Or are you relying on the Lord as your refuge, your Rock? David’s endurance wasn’t because of his natural abilities. It was because he had learned to lean on the Lord through every challenge and storm. Let’s learn from his example and put our faith not in our comforts but in the God of all comfort, who is our refuge when the storm rages on. Stay with me this week. We’re just getting started. #RockOfEscape, #FaithInTheStorm, #GodIsOurRefuge Ask This: Do This: Trust God in your storm he is your Rock. Pray This: Lord, help me to find my refuge in You during life’s storms, trusting in Your strength to carry me through uncertainty. Remind me that, like David, I can lean on You as my Rock of Escape, no matter how relentless the challenges may be. Amen. Play This: Firm Foundation (He Won't).

That's not a coincidence. It's an act of God. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, David was betrayed in Ziph by his people. This will now turn into a thrilling chase—a game of cat and mouse between Saul and David. Let's read 1 Samuel 23:19-24: Now David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah to the south of Jeshimon. And Saul and his men went to seek him. And David was told, so he went down to the rock and lived in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon. Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain. And David was hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them, a messenger came to Saul, saying, "Hurry and come, for the Philistines have made a raid against the land." — 1 Samuel 23:24-27 When the Ziphites reported David's location to Saul, he and his men retreated five miles south. It is becoming evident that Saul's intelligence is nowhere near superior to David's. Remember, David had inside sources, like Jonathan, and an ephod on his side. But the Wilderness of Maon was a very strategic move. It was a region of Israel with sharp, cavernous cliffs. As a result, one party could be standing on one side of a cliff with a cavern between them and the other party, making it challenging to reach them. But this did not stop Saul, who was desperate to capture and kill David. Saul made every effort while he had the chance. But right when Saul thinks he has him, another enemy attacks—the Philistines. They take advantage of the opportunity to raid Israel while their two prominent leaders and warriors are occupied 30 miles south. I have always found it interesting how God can use anything and anyone to save his people. Sometimes, God saves by cunning strategy, sometimes by divine intervention, and sometimes by using an enemy. In this instance, God uses an enemy to save a man of God from a man against God. Some might consider David's escape in the Wilderness of Maon a mere coincidence, but it is not. God's providence is evident in this moment. For those with a redeemed mind and a biblical worldview, we see this situation with faith, knowing that God provided salvation once again for David. Stop seeing situations in your life as mere chance or coincidence. Believers believe—that is why we are called believers. We believe in a living, risen, eternal God who guides and saves even in unusual ways. When you stop seeing situations in your life as coincidences, you will see God's deliverance more clearly, and as a result, your faith in God will grow and you will trust him more. At the same time, other people will think you are crazy because you see with a redeemed mind events that are never coincidences but acts of God. #GodsProvidence, #FaithOverCoincidence, #DivineIntervention Ask This: Do This: See God, not coincidences. Pray This: Father, help me to recognize Your hand in every circumstance and see Your providence in my life. Strengthen my faith so that I may trust You more deeply, even in unexpected challenges. Amen. Play This: Million Little Miracles.

Are you feeling a need for vengeance? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, we saw Jonathan come to encourage David's hand in the Lord. But today, encouragement has turned into discouragement. Let's read 1 Samuel 23:19-24 which reads: Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, "Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? Now come down, O king, according to all your heart's desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king's hand." And Saul said, "May you be blessed by the Lord, for you have had compassion on me. Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning. See therefore and take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you. And if he is in the land, I will search him out among all the thousands of Judah." And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. — 1 Samuel 23:19-24 Presently, David is 25 miles south of Saul in Gibeah, hiding in Ziph's strongholds. The people of Ziph are attempting to get into King Saul's good graces by selling David out. But what you may not realize is that the Ziphites are not enemies. They are from the same tribe as David—Judah. His tribe, or his family, have just sold him out. While being encouraged by Jonathan, a different story is playing out in Gibeah. We can read how this affects David in Psalm 54. I am going to read the whole Psalm because it reveals how David felt and responded. O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them. With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. — Psalm 54 What we learn about David in this Psalm is how he handles betrayal. Rather than seeking his own deliverance and vengeance, he will let God deliver and seek vengeance. This requires tremendous strength. I've experienced moments in my life when I felt betrayed, and the urge for vengeance welled up inside me. I've wanted to channel my inner John Wick, Michael Corleone, or Frank Castle, longing for justice against those who wronged me. And let's be honest—if you reflect on your own experiences with betrayal, you know you've felt the same way at times. What is remarkable about David is that he felt this way, too. He felt betrayed and thought about vengeance but never acted on it. He dared to deal with his unrighteous motives, unholy emotions, and sinful thoughts, directing his mind, heart, and soul back to trusting in the deliverance of the Lord and not in his own deliverance. If you feel betrayed today, bring your betrayal to Jesus. Jesus knows your betrayal because he, too, was betrayed. Besides, you are not your own deliverer. There is a better Deliverer. His deliverance is better, and his vengeance is just and lasting. God, we bring all injustice against us to you. Deliver us from every trouble and give us triumph over our enemies. Amen #BetrayalToTrust, #GodsDeliverance, #ForgivenessJourney

Do you need to be encouraged by the hand of the Lord? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way." Yesterday, we learned that Saul would hunt David down every day of his life. But in this not-so-delightful news, encouragement is about to come his way in the form of a message from a messenger. Let's listen in to 1 Samuel 23:15-18 which reads: David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. — 1 Samuel 23:15-18 In this chapter, the word "hand" is mentioned eight times. If you have your Scripture Journal, it would be worth scanning the chapter and circling the occurrences of this word. You will see that this word signals potential power shifts in the story, from the Philistines to Saul, to Keilah, and to David. In this particular instance, Jonathan has come to strengthen David's hand in the Lord. He has come to David in one of the low moments of his life to communicate that everyone knows something that David might forget in the emotional distress of his trial—that God's will is for David to be king, and in the meantime, he needs to hang on to the hand of the Lord. I cannot recount how many times believers have encouraged me at precisely the right moment when I am at an emotional low. Some of you have encouraged me in the Lord with your texts, calls, emails, and gifts of generosity. Without knowing it, there have been times when some of you acted at just the right time to strengthen my hand in the Lord. I also know that there have been times when my messages and devotionals have done the same for you. So, let's keep it going. Encourage someone's hand in the Lord today—as Jonathan did for David. Sometimes, a timely prompting of spiritual encouragement gives someone the courage to see beyond the present circumstances and continue trusting in the promises of the Lord. #StrengthInTheLord, #EncourageOneAnother, #GodsPromises Ask This: "Jonathan" Do This: Encourage someone in the Lord. Pray This: Lord, thank You for the people who strengthen me in my times of need and remind me of Your promises. Help me to be a source of encouragement to others, lifting their hearts toward You in their moments of struggle. Amen. Play This: Hand Of God.