Do you want to increase how you hear God's voice?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verses 2-7, which states:

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. — 1 Samuel 3:2-7

Two Contrasts

This section has two fascinating contrasts.

First, there's a striking contrast between aging Eli's failing eyesight lying in darkness in his own place and young Samuel resting in the Temple near the ark under the evening lamp. The author wants us to see the strong contrast between the two men at this moment. One man is on his way out of the leadership, and the other is on his way in.

Second, we encounter the phrase, "Samuel did not yet know the Lord." This line echoes the declaration made about Hophni and Phineas in the previous chapter, "They did not know the Lord." However, the distinction lies in their reasons: Eli's sons rejected the Lord, whereas Samuel hadn't yet had a personal encounter with Him. The word "yet" in the text promises future revelation: "Samuel did not yet know the Lord."

Many of you know what happens next in the story. It's pretty spectacular.

Four Principles for Tuning Into God's Voice

But for now, let me suggest four great principles we can glean from this text for tuning into God's voice.

Principle One | Put Yourself In Proximity To God.

God is speaking. He has something to say to you about your present situation. But if you are not in proximity to God, like Eli, who is weary and in his own place rather than in the house of the Lord, it will be harder to hear his voice. Physical and spiritual proximity play a part in hearing from God. This means you have to stop being resistant to the Church and God and move closer to both.

Let me make this simple and practical: Go to church this week. Stop being so judgmental about the program, people, praise, and preaching, and instead listen to what God is trying to say only to you through the program, people, praise, and preaching. I bet you hear God speak in a way you have not heard him speak in a while.

Principle Two | Disobedience Hinders Hearing God.

Hophni and Phineas were disobedient men and spiritual leaders who did not know the Lord because they did not listen to the Lord. So, if you live in disobedience to the Lord, don't expect to hear from the Lord. It's impossible to hear from the Lord in disobedience because you are not listening to the Lord but to the Enemy of the Lord. You cannot listen and act on what the Enemy says to do and expect to hear from the Lord. That logic doesn't work.

Principle Three | Obedience Enhances Hearing God.

When we are obedient to God, this will enhance the connection to God. As John Hammis once wrote:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. — John Hammis, Trust and Obey.

Principle Four | The More You Listen & Obey, The More You Know God.

As the text states, "Samuel did not yet know the Lord." But once he learned to listen, he would remember his voice and know the Lord more and more. The same is true with us. The more we listen and obey God, the better we hear him and the more we know Him. If we continue listening and obeying, we will know him and hear from him more and more.

So, commit to drawing closer to God. Get to know Him. Increase your reception by being in proximity, ending disobedience, and living in obedience. Tune into the whispers and get to know the Lord. He has the guidance and comfort you want and need.

#ListenAndObey, #DivineWhispers, #SpiritualReception

Ask This:

1. How can you intentionally create space in your life to draw closer to God and hear His voice more clearly?
2. Reflecting on times of disobedience and obedience in your life, what changes can you make today to enhance your receptivity to God's guidance and direction?

Do This:

Choose one of the four principles above and do it.

Pray This:

Lord, help me draw near to You with an open heart, eagerly listening for Your voice amidst the noise of life. Guide me to obedience and deeper intimacy with You so that I may walk closely with You and know You more fully each day. Amen.

Play This:

Trust and Obey.

Have you ever felt the weight of God's silence? Today, I will give you two suggestions for navigating it.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." Today, I am reading verse 1, which states:

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. — 1 Samuel 3:1

If you are a believer, there is no greater comfort than hearing from the Lord. At the same time, there is no greater discomfort when you want to hear from Him, but you sense that either He is not speaking or you are not hearing Him.

More than a few times in my life, I have experienced this silence on matters of health, vocation, healing, finances, and marriage when I wanted an answer from God. This silence is disturbing and unsettling. Often, it leads to anxiety, confusion, and frustration that can mess with my head. In God's silence, my patience sometimes wears thin, and if I am not careful, my beliefs and thoughts will lead me to take matters into my own hands because I am weary of waiting on the Lord.

Have you been there? We all have.

The people of Israel were in the same place in 1 Samuel 3. They were in a time of silence when the "word of the Lord was rare." But the reason why was stated in Chapter 2 is that the priests at Shiloh, Eli’s sons, “did not know the Lord” and behaved in contempt for God and the people (1 Samuel 2:12–17).

So, if you are still waiting to hear from the Lord, let me make two simple suggestions.

Stop Spending Time With People Who Don't Know The Lord First, stop spending time with people who do not know the Lord, even if they appear to know the Lord. Many people boast credentials, status, and education but are not grounded in the Lord (like Eli's sons). Their answers are based on secular ideologies and will lead you away from the Lord and further into silence.

Start Spending Time With People Who Do Know The Lord Second, start spending time with people who know the Lord. These people are easy to find. They read God's word, listen to sound teachers, and share godly wisdom. In addition, increase your intake of God's Word and get around praying people who will pray for you.

If you do both of these things, the silence will break for you as it did for God's people. God will send the light of hope to you through Samuel, even in the darkest and quietest moments.

And then listen. God will speak, and you will know it. It will be easy to discern because it will be the voice of comfort in your present discomfort.

Let's pray:

God, please speak to those today to whom you have been silent. Please help them to eliminate the dissonance of this world. Put believers in their lives to whom you speak, and may your Word be a clear voice of comfort in their present season. Amen.

#GodsSilence #SeekingHisVoice #SpiritualJourney

 

Do you want to hear from the Lord?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 3. I've titled this chapter "Into Our Silence God Speaks." In this chapter, we will witness Samuel's remarkable journey as he emerges as the next spokesman for God. The key verse of this chapter is verse 10, which reads:

And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” — 1 Samuel 3:10

From Boy to Prophet

This verse represents a crucial moment in this book, in Samuel's life, and in the life of the nation of Israel. In this chapter, Samuel is about to undergo a significant transformation. He is transitioning from a boy serving in the temple to becoming a divine leader of God's people. It's like watching a disguised superhero enter a phone booth and emerge as this eager superhero ready to save the day.

Into Silence God Speaks

Yet this unveiling occurs because Samuel is a man who is willing to listen to God and speak His will. From his interaction with God, we will learn six ways to listen to God this week.

1. Navigating Silence: Navigating times when God is silent (3:1)
2. Increasing Reception: What prevents us from hearing God's voice (3:2-7)
3. Recognizing His Voice: Learning to recognize God’s voice (3:8-10)
4. Painful Messages: When we recognize God's voice but don't like the message (3:11-14)
5. Telling the Message: Telling others what God has told us (3:15-18)
6. Becoming His Messenger: Declaring his message as his designated messenger (3:19-21)

Amid life's noise and distractions, it's easy to miss God's call. But just as He spoke to Samuel in the quiet of the night, God desires to communicate with each of us today. Whether we're navigating moments of silence, wrestling with doubts, or grappling with the weight of His message, the key lies in our willingness to listen and respond, just as Samuel did: "Speak, for your servant hears."

#ListenToGod #DivineDialogue #HeedHisVoice

Ask This:

1. How can we intentionally create moments of silence in our lives to better hear from God amidst the noise and distractions of our daily routines?
2. How can we respond like Samuel when we sense God's prompting, moving from simply hearing His voice to actively obeying and sharing His message with others?

Do This:

Ready your heart and ears to hear from God.

Pray This:

Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to quiet my heart and mind, so that I may attentively listen for Your voice and faithfully respond to Your call, just as Samuel did. Help me to discern Your will and courageously share Your message with others, trusting in Your guidance and provision every step of the way. Amen.

Play This:

I'm Listening.

You never age out of spiritual leadership.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are immersing ourselves in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today I am reading verses 18-21:

Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death. Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man. — 1 Samuel 2:22-26

Then, jumping down to verses 31-35, a man of God comes to Eli and delivers a message from God.

Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. Then in distress you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men. And this that shall come upon your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, shall be the sign to you: both of them shall die on the same day. And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever. — 1 Samuel 2:31-35

An Old Spiritual Leader

There are some interesting details in both of these texts.

Eli was very old. In fact, according to 1 Samuel 4:15, he was 98 years old. This suggests that he may have been out of touch with what was happening with his sons and their spiritual leadership. However, he eventually learned about their involvement in two forms of serious corruption.

1. Using their power and position for personal gain.
2. Using their power and position for sexual exploits.

What you have are two boys who feel entitled and have become especially egregious in their behavior. But what makes these sins egregious is that they interfere with God's sacrifices and in his house, and the boys just simply don't care. Then Eli's "why" is as close as he gets to calling them to repentance. He approaches them like a helpless old man and father who has washed his hands of them. In addition, we know the boys are going to dismiss his extremely soft interrogation.

An Indictment

The most startling part of this text and chapter is the indictment by God in verse 25:

"for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death."

The boys had gone too far. Most of us reading this text don't like to hear this. But it's a serious mistake to assume that these boys and their stubborn, entitled, sacrilegious, and hard hearts should be blamed on God. The hardness of their hearts was their choice, and thus, we see God's judgment for that choice. And given what I read here, Eli should have been a little more engaged in guiding them to repentance.

However, what is particularly interesting about this whole situation is that we never get the impression that Eli was a wicked priest. On the surface, he seems to be presented as a fairly "good" guy, but the way he deals with his sons and stewards the house of the Lord at the end of his life is not good. He is simply too old and lacks the fortitude to deal with his son's wicked conduct, which is not good.

But when one father fails to do his job, another takes over. God, the Father of his nation, inserts himself where Eli fails to lead.

An Ageless Responsibility

This is an important message for fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers. The spiritual leadership of your family never ends. There is no time in your life when you age out or retire from giving your family spiritual correction and guidance. You cannot simply wash your hands of giving needed spiritual correction and direction. Sometimes, you need to muster some fortitude and call your family to repentance because you love them. It's not loving as a father to let them face judgment from the Heavenly Father.

So, what sins do you need to address in your family, and how are you going to do it?

#SpiritualLeadership #FamilyFaith #LegacyofFaith

Ask This:

1. How can you emulate Eli's initial concern and engagement with your family's spiritual well-being, despite any challenges or discomfort it may entail?
2. Reflecting on the consequences of Eli's passive approach, how can you actively cultivate a culture of repentance and spiritual growth within your family, fostering open dialogue and accountability?

Do This:

Never stop leading.

Pray This:

Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom and courage to lead my family in the paths of righteousness, never shrinking from the responsibility to guide them closer to You. Help me to embody Your steadfast love and discipline, nurturing a home filled with grace, repentance, and growth in faith. Amen.

Play This:

Confidence.

Are you leading your kids spiritually?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are immersing ourselves in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today I am reading verses 18-21:

Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the Lord give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the Lord.” So then they would return to their home. Indeed the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 2:18-21

One clear observation from this section is that Samuel and his parents (Elkanah and Hannah) remain faithfully devoted to God. Even Eli is reminded of this every year as they bring their sacrifices, and his mother provides Samuel with another robe. As a result, Eli continues to pass blessing after blessing to Elkanah and Hannah, who end up having not one child but six in all.

The impact of parents who actively guide and spiritually support their children is significant. There is a remarkable contrast between the children of Elkanah and the children of Eli. Elkanah and his family were actively devoted to God and took their spiritual responsibilities seriously, even after Samuel had left. In contrast, Eli was more passive in his approach to parenting his sons, assuming they would just understand at some point, and if you have read ahead, you know they didn't.

This chapter has really persuaded me to reflect on how I lead my children and take a few more steps in spiritually leading them. My role is not merely teaching them secular skills or new leadership techniques or persuading them to win friends and influence people; I am called to invest meaningful spiritual time, talent, and treasure in their lives.

So how about you?

Are you serving your family spiritually?

Are you intentionally nurturing their faith, modeling godly character, and providing opportunities for them to grow in their relationship with Jesus?

If not, commit to prioritizing your children's spiritual well-being. Pray for them fervently, teach them the Word of God diligently, and lead them by example as you walk in obedience to Christ. Invest time, energy, and resources into building a firm foundation of faith in their lives. May God bless your efforts abundantly as you faithfully serve your children, shaping them into the men and women of God He has called them to be.

Remember, your children (just like Samuel) are a precious gift "lent to you by the Lord." They are only under your immediate care and direction for a short season. How you steward this season will have eternal significance. And for those who don't have kids or whose kids have flown the nest: keep praying, keep leading, keep speaking the truth, and keep asking the Father to draw them to him. He is the only perfect father even when you are not.

Father,

Thank you for all the children you have lent to us. Draw them to you all their days. Guide them through sin into your holiness. Be their redeemer and use them to advance your kingdom.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

#ParentingWithPurpose #SpiritualLeadership #FaithfulFamilies

ASK THIS:

1. How can you prioritize spiritual investment in your children's lives amidst the busyness of daily routines?
2. Reflecting on the contrast between the families of Elkanah and Eli, what specific steps can you take to actively nurture your children's faith and spiritual growth?

DO THIS: Do one thing to spiritually lead your family today.

PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and strength to lead my children spiritually, nurturing their faith and guiding them into a deeper relationship with You. May Your presence be evident in our home, shaping their hearts and lives according to Your will.

PLAY THIS: Run To The Father.

Have you checked your greed lately?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today, I will read verses 13-17.

The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand, and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they did at Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Moreover, before the fat was burned, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give meat for the priest to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you but only raw.” And if the man said to him, “Let them burn the fat first, and then take as much as you wish,” he would say, “No, you must give it now, and if not, I will take it by force.” Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord, for the men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt. — 1 Samuel 2:13-17

Unethical Conduct In The Priesthood

This text reveals a troubling reality of religious corruption and entitlement within the priesthood.

Eli's sons, who served as priests, abused their authority for personal gain. Their actions weren't just selfish; they were sacrilegious. While priests were entitled to a portion of the sacrifices after they were presented, the sons of Eli went far beyond what was acceptable. Instead of honoring God's regulations, they exploited their position to snatch the best portions of the sacrifices being prepared by the worshippers. Imagine making preparations for your best offering to God, only to have it forcibly taken by one of the priest's servants.

For worshippers, these sacrifices were deeply meaningful acts of devotion. Yet, Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's sons, showed no regard for the sacredness of these offerings. They intruded on families while their meat was cooking, taking what they desired and even demanding raw meat for themselves before the fat was burned—an act directly contrary to God's instructions.

Their behavior was reprehensible, driven by greed and a blatant disregard for God.

Unregulated Selfishness Can Become Sacrilegious Greed

So, what do we learn?

Every man, including spiritual leaders, can succumb to the temptation of selfish gain. If unchecked, it can spiral into insatiable narcissism and sacrilege, elevating oneself above God.

Today, let's examine our own lives. Are there areas where selfishness or greed are taking root? Left unaddressed, they can lead us down a path of wickedness. Let's strive to regulate our desires and align them with God's will, guarding against the allure of selfish gain.

#GuardAgainstGreed #SacrilegeInService #SpiritualLeadership

Ask This:

1. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to prioritize personal gain over honoring God and others. How did you navigate that situation, and what lessons did you learn from it? 
2. In what areas of your life do you see the potential for selfishness or greed to creep in? How can you actively guard against these tendencies and align your desires with God's will?

Do This:

Check your greed today.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to recognize and resist the allure of selfish gain, guiding me to honor You in all that I do. Grant me the strength and wisdom to align my desires with Your will, that I may serve You faithfully and with integrity. Amen.

Play This:

Greed.

Are you ready to compensate for lost time as a husband, wife, father, or mother?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. Today, I will read two texts that illustrate this contrast again.

Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation. — 1 Samuel 1:16

Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. — 1 Samuel 2:12

Worthless Sons

The word "worthless" here is harsh and vivid. It's Belial, which could be translated as Hannah being the "daughter of the Devil" or, in the case of Eli's boys, "sons of the Devil."

The irony in the text is unmistakable. Eli indicts Hannah as worthless when his sons are the worthless ones.

Eli is a man, father, and leader with extremely clouded judgment. He easily indicts an innocent, humble, and devout woman and misses the judgment passed onto him by his sons, who serve as spiritual leaders but "do not know the Lord."

Too Late To Build Worth

In my years of ministry, I have noticed that many believing men, like Eli, do not learn the burden of their roles as husbands, fathers, and spiritual leaders soon enough. They love the title and experiences of these roles but fail to see their spiritual significance. Therefore, later in life, they have regrets about the spiritual disposition of their wives, children, and even themselves. Some men believe it's too late to rectify the lost time and the ministry required to have a spiritual impact on their lives.

But it's never too late. God can redeem anything and anyone at any point in life, and there are plenty of examples throughout the Bible.

Had Eli stepped in and even stepped up a little, which he didn't, he could have turned his sons from worthless to worthy.

See The Worthy One

For this to happen in your life and your family, you have to stop dwelling on the past, lost time, and all your regrets. You need to stop focusing on yourself and focus on God's worth. God has endless worth, infinitely more than all your worthless years and every worthless regret.

So, if you are a father, mother, husband, or wife, don't give up yet. Don't quit. Look again at Elkanah and Hannah. They never quit believing, obeying, trusting, and offering, even through their deep vexations. Then God provided and turned their sense of worthlessness into great worth.

#RedeemingLostTime #FamilyRestoration #GodsRedemption

Ask This:

1. Reflecting on Eli's missed opportunities as a father and leader, what steps can you take today to prioritize your spiritual influence within your family?
2. Considering Hannah and Elkanah's faith transformation amidst challenges, how can you cultivate a mindset of unwavering trust in God's ability to redeem and renew your family's story?

Do This:

See God's worth and spiritually lead!

Pray This:

Lord, help me release the weight of past regrets and embrace Your redeeming grace. Empower me to lead my family with wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith. Grant me the strength and perseverance to journey forward, trusting in Your ability to restore and renew all things according to Your perfect plan. Amen.

Play This:

Family.

Do you know a woman who is a spiritual warrior?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are immersing ourselves in 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 contrasts two families—one who stands with God and one in defiance. We begin this chapter with Hannah, a woman, wife, and mother who stood on the side of God. This section is called Hannah's Prayer, and I am not going to read the whole prayer, but I do encourage you to read it. I will read the first verse of this prayer. 1 Samuel 2:1 reads

And Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. — 1 Samuel 2:1

Her prayer is powerful. It read more like a war cry than that of a prayer by a barren housewife. And I love that we have a record of this.

You see, we need godly women like this. Women who are fully committed to the Lord. Women who have been tested by life but relentlessly hold on in faith. Women who go to war in prayer for their families. Women that perceive their roles as wives and mothers as one of the most important vocational callings they will ever have in this life.

Contrary to all the modern beliefs about women and their roles, Hannah understands and models what womanhood is supposed to look like. It oozes out of her in this prayer. She fights for her faith and battles in prayer for her family because she wants them all to know victory in the Lord.

Later, we see how great her victory was. God not only gave her one son—Samuel—but gave her many. 1 Samuel 2:21 reads

Indeed the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 2:21

If you are a woman listening today, I want you to know that believing men like us need believing women like you. We need you to war with us in the way only you can. And for the men listening today, you need to support your wife in her spiritual calling. Like Elkanah, you need to love her, nourish her, support her, and listen to her, for she is a woman who cries out in war for your legacy.

#HannahsPrayer #SpiritualWarfare #WarriorWomen

ASK THIS:

How can we emulate Hannah's fervent prayer life in our own spiritual journey, especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty? In what practical ways can husbands support and encourage their wives in their spiritual calling, following Elkanah's example of love and support for Hannah? DO THIS: Support warrior women who are faithful to God.

PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the strength and faith of Hannah, to boldly stand in prayer and unwavering commitment to You, trusting in Your faithfulness to bring victory in my life and family. Help me, Lord, to honor and support the women in my life as they courageously walk in their God-given roles, striving for Your kingdom's sake. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Warrior.

 Are you taking a spiritual lead? Do you even know what this means?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are looking at 1 Samuel 2. Chapter 2 shows the contrast between the two families—one for God and one against God. But the family against God is surprising; it's a religious leader and his family.

Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. — 1 Samuel 2:12

The contrast between Elkanah's family and Eli's family is remarkable. In the first chapter, we see a devout family. In the second chapter, we see a corrupt family. The first family is blessed. The second family is cursed. One becomes salvation for the people of God. The other leads to sacrilege and shame in the house of the Lord forever.

If you are a father, mother, or spiritual leader in any capacity today and you read Chapters 1-2, you will observe something that cannot be ignored or missed. Your devotion to God and the spiritual leadership of your family are critical all the days of your life.

Men, you need to lead your family spiritually. If you are not leading them spiritually, then you're not leading.

Here's the problem I see evident in the lives of numerous believing. Most men and fathers concern themselves with mere material matters when it comes to their life and their families. They focus primarily on matters of financial provision and personal success. Then, they pass on this same burden and concern to their wives and children. Either directly or indirectly, they focus all their time and attention on matters of material success and appearance: educational excellence, athletic success, social status, and financial independence. Yet, I do want to recognize that excellence, success, status, and independence are necessary in some capacity. However, when that is all we ever concern ourselves with, these matters become all-consuming until we and our family finally bow to the gods of excellence, success, status, and independence, which at some point become corrupted by our selfish desires. This is precisely what happens with Eli and his worthless sons in Chapter 2. Eli has let go of the reigns of spiritual leadership.

In my years of ministry to men, I have noticed that most believing men don't know how to lead spiritually. They don't even know what this means. They don't know how to lead themselves spiritually. Thus, they feel ill-equipped to lead their family spiritually. This deadly cycle of self-disqualification leads to spiritual insecurities that keep men from taking confident steps in the Spirit to lead. What happens is sin, selfishness, and vanity take over, and now the problem is so significant they don't know what to do. This happens a lot in believing families.

Men, you are called to provide for your family. But there is a provision far more important than the natural provision you provide. It's spiritual provision, and you don't provide it. A heavenly Father provides it, but you must lead your family to him. If you are not pointing them to the Father who is their Provider, then you are providing your family with nothing but futile and natural resources that will not last, and at some point, will let them down.

So today, point your wife and children to God. Lead them spiritually. Here are some actions you could take:

Text them a verse from God's Word. Pray over them in person or by phone. Guide them through a problem and give them sound spiritual direction.

You are called and commanded to do this all the days of your life. And don't do nothing. If you do nothing, you are no better than Eli. Soon, you will see the fate of a believing father who does nothing and who goes down in the chronicles of God's Word forever as a failed spiritual leader with worthless sons. Don't be that guy.

#SpiritualLeadership #FamilyFaith #MenOfGod

ASK THIS:

Reflecting on your role as a spiritual leader, what specific actions can you take today to intentionally lead your family closer to God?

How can you shift your focus from worldly success to spiritual growth within your family, and what practical steps can you implement to prioritize spiritual provision over material provision?

DO THIS: Lead spiritually.

PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and courage to lead my family spiritually, guiding them closer to You each day. Help me prioritize their souls over worldly success, and empower me to exemplify Your love and grace in all I do. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Lead Me.

Are you struggling to trust God's plan for your life?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

We are in a new series on 1 Samuel and are currently in chapter one. The theme of chapter one is the six people who influenced Samuel's life: So far, we have identified Elkanah, Peninnah, Hannah, Eli, Hophni, Phinehas, Samuel, and today the Lord.

Today, verses 26-28.

And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” — 1 Samuel 1:26-28

1 Samuel 1 is not primarily about Hannah, Elkanah, or even Samuel. It is primarily about the Lord.

This chapter may begin with God caring for Hannah and providing for her in her distress, bareness, and shame, but as we will see, in caring for Hannah, the Lord also cared for all of Israel. What he did for Hannah was not exclusively for Hannah. Unfortunately, this is how many want to read and understand the story because we want a God who saves us from our unique problems. We want a God who bows to serve and save us from our every need. But in this situation, God was not just serving and saving Hannah but all of Israel. Through one child, he provided an immediate path through their social unrest and hinted about another child who would save the world from all sin—Jesus.

This is an essential lesson in divine providence. Sometimes, we understand acts of God as acts done only for us. This is a very arrogant assumption. The things God does might be done to us and might bring us pleasure, but they are not done only for us nor to please our will. They are done for his will at his pleasure and to accomplish his plan.

God may do things for you that look like they are only for you, but usually, God has a greater plan in play. This is what Hannah understands in this statement at the end of chapter one. She even hints to Eli that he may not understand, but Samuel is one "lent" who will lend a hand in God's plan. Samuel's time has come to spend the rest of his days serving the Lord.

I want you to know today that God does care about you, but he doesn't only care about you. He cares about all his children. This means that your life, will, plan, vision, and even your aspirations are not the only ones at play. God's will will win the day. Hannah understood this. She had her will, but then there was God's will. He provided for her, but then she did not get in the way of God's will. By doing so, she, her son, and her family became a beautiful part of the story of God. (Which, by the way, will stand in contrast to Eli and his sons in the coming chapters).

The ultimate application of chapter one is this: God is at the center of the story. Don't let your will get in the way of God's will. See the connection of your story to his and become a beautiful part of the most remarkable story ever told.

#DivineProvidence #SurrenderedFaith #GodsPlan

ASK THIS:

1. How can we cultivate a mindset of surrender, trusting that God's will surpasses our own desires and plans?
2. In what areas of our lives do we struggle the most to align our will with God's will, and what steps can we take to surrender those areas fully to Him?

DO THIS: Live in the will of the greatest story ever told.

PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to trust in Your divine providence and surrender my will to Yours, recognizing that Your plans for me are far greater than I can imagine. Guide me to align my desires with Your purpose and to become a beautiful part of Your remarkable story. Amen.

PLAY THIS: God Is In This Story.

Feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting or leadership?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

We are in a new series on 1 Samuel and are currently in chapter one. The theme of chapter one is the six people who influenced Samuel's life: So far, we have identified Elkanah, Peninnah, Hannah, Eli, Hophni, Phinehas, and today Samuel.

Today, we will be at the end of the chapter in verses 23-28.

Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” — 1 Samuel 1:23-28

So I have several observations from this text:

Dedicated as Lent

First, Elkanah is presented as diligent and devout. He diligently makes his annual trips to the Tabernacle. In addition, he also affirmed his wife’s right to make commitments to God, and he wants to support her in fulfilling these vows even though it will cost him a firstborn son from the wife he loves. In addition, the sacrifice he brings to the Tabernacle is sizeable, generous, and even lavish. A side note: husbands, you need to look for ways to support your wife's spiritual calling, especially when it honors the Lord.

Prepared as Lent

Second, Hannah is given only three precious years with her only biological son. From the day Samuel was conceived, Hannah knew her time with the "one God lent" (Samuel) would be short. Therefore, these years were preparation years for Samuel until he was lent back. As another side note: all believing parents would be blessed to think about their children in the same way, as ones being lent and prepared for an interdependent relationship in service to the Lord.

Given as Lent

Third, and one of the most intriguing aspects of this passage, is the wordplay in Hannah's statement. The phrases: 'granted me my petition,' 'I made,' 'I have lent him,' and 'he is lent' all stem from the same Hebrew word 'to ask,' which directly relates to the meaning of Samuel's name. This connection underscores the divine providence in Samuel's birth and Hannah's act of dedicating him to the Lord.

Samuel's early years are marked by a unique perspective. He was one lent to them who would be lent back to God for a lifelong Nazarite vow.

For a moment, consider how a perspective like this would change how you think about everything. Consider how it might affect how you parent, prepare, live, and give. Without a doubt, this child changed Elkanah and Hannah forever.

I have three grown children now. Each has required a different type of leadership, direction, encouragement, and challenge. Thinking about how to lead them through their challenges has changed me as a father. Sometimes, it has been frustrating, but God has used each to shape and form my perspective as a father, husband, man, and leader. In some ways, God has used them to influence me, just like God used Samuel to influence his parents. But this only happened when I was willing to pay attention to the divine Father parenting me as I parent them.

If you feel a little frustrated today as a parent or leader, try paying more attention to God's divine providence and plan. Worry less about what you want and pay attention to what God wants. When we align with God's divine plan, like Elkanah and Hannah did, the decisions along the way are a lot easier because many of them are already made.

#ParentingWithPurpose #LentToTheLord #DivineParenting

ASK THIS:

1. How can you actively support and encourage your spouse's spiritual journey, as Elkanah did for Hannah, even when it requires personal sacrifice?
2. Reflect on your role as a parent or leader. How might viewing your children or those you lead as lent to you by God influence your approach to guiding, nurturing, and preparing them for their own unique journey of faith and service?

DO THIS: Get a new perspective from the Father.

PRAY THIS: Father, help me emulate Elkanah's faithfulness and Hannah's surrender as I navigate my role as a parent, spouse, and leader, trusting in Your divine plan for those entrusted to my care. Guide me to recognize and embrace the opportunities to align my will with Yours, knowing that Your purposes far exceed mine. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Changed.