Vince Miller Podcast Vince Miller

Do you want temporary relief or lasting relief?
Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.
This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 6. I've titled this chapter "From Confusion to Clarity."
In chapter 6, the Philistines have had enough of the Ark of God. Since capturing the Ark seven months ago, they have been tortured with the Black Plague and severe hemorrhoids. Next, they will devise a plan for how to send it back. Since they know it's a divine box, they petition their pagan priests to devise the plan, and here's what they decide to do in verses 3-9:
They said, “If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but by all means return him a guilt offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand does not turn away from you.” And they said, “What is the guilt offering that we shall return to him?” They answered, “Five golden tumors and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines, for the same plague was on all of you and on your lords. So you must make images of your tumors and images of your mice that ravage the land, and give glory to the God of Israel. Perhaps he will lighten his hand from off you and your gods and your land. Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had dealt severely with them, did they not send the people away, and they departed? Now then, take and prepare a new cart and two milk cows on which there has never come a yoke, and yoke the cows to the cart, but take their calves home, away from them. And take the ark of the Lord and place it on the cart and put in a box at its side the figures of gold, which you are returning to him as a guilt offering. Then send it off and let it go its way and watch. If it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm, but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by coincidence.” — 1 Samuel 6:3-9
When men are desperate, they will try almost anything and everything, won't they?
But here is what is fascinating about the Philistine response. While desperate for relief, all they want is immediate relief of God. They are tired of being tormented and even believe God is tormenting them. They want God to stop, yet they are still not ready to submit their lives to God. They would prefer to rid themselves of God and his torment and return to life as it was without the Ark rather than submit their lives to God.
This is how mankind tends to behave. When we are desperate and things are out of control, we want to get them back under our control.
But before we get too judgmental, let's turn the application of this text toward a believer.
When our lives are out of control, we may initially petition God. But if we were honest, most of us petition God to regain the control we feel we have lost. In behaving this way, we act pretty much like the Philistines do here. The Philistines just wanted to be relieved of God, and we only want God's relief. One is self-centered, and the other is self-righteous, yet both are selfish and sinful. What we want is similar even though it might have a religious appearance. We ask God for our will, assuming our will is his will, and thus, miss the opportunity to submit our will and find lasting relief. The Philistines weren't afraid to admit this because all they wanted was to be relieved of God, not submission to God.
So, how about you? Are you desperate for relief today?
If so, instead of seeking to regain control and pretending to pray God's will, why not submit your will to God?
Here is my prayer for you today:
God, I need relief. There are many things I could pray for right now, and there are many ways you could provide relief. But instead of asking you to do my will in this situation, I submit my will to you and ask you to do only your will until I fully surrender to all of your will. Amen.
#SeekingGodsWil

A big crisis will bring out bigger questions.
Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.
This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 6. I've titled this chapter "From Confusion to Clarity."
In this chapter, we witness the Philistines' journey of parting with the Ark of God and its eventual return to Israel. This tale holds valuable lessons for guiding us from a state of confusion to one of clarity.
Today, I am reading verses 1-2:
The ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months. And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the Lord? Tell us with what we shall send it to its place.” — 1 Samuel 6:1-2
When we encounter confusion in this life, we ask questions. As the issues get bigger, so do the questions that go with them. If the problem is small, we ask more tactical or strategic questions that are found in solutions we can provide. However, as the issues linger, becoming more sizeable, and solutions are out of our reach, the questions move from tactical to metaphysical.
I have seen this a thousand times in my life. When people encounter tragedy, death, and crisis, our questions get bigger. Our questions become spiritual because we cannot make natural sense of them.
One of the great questions that I believe every man must address is "What will you do with God?" or, in New Testament language, "What will you do with God's Son, Jesus?"
This question is not just for philosophical pontification. It demands a decision that every man will meet in his lifetime. Just like the Philistines and Israelites here, every man must choose. Believers and unbelievers will be confronted by it. But when confronted by it, we must give an answer. We must decide to either rid ourselves of Jesus or receive him.
That is the tension of this text and the tension of all life.
So, my question for you today is: What will you do with Jesus?
#FaithJourney, #BiblicalWisdom, #LifeDecisions
Ask This:
When faced with life's biggest questions and crises, how do you typically respond? Reflect on a recent situation where you felt confused or uncertain—how did you seek clarity, and what role did your faith play in that process?
The Philistines had to decide what to do with the Ark of God, just as we must decide what to do with Jesus. How have you personally answered the question, "What will you do with God's Son, Jesus?" How does this decision impact your daily life and the way you handle challenges?
Do This:
Answer the question. Put an answer in the comments below.
Pray This:
God, when I face confusion and uncertainty, guide me to seek clarity through Your wisdom and truth. Help me to faithfully respond to the question of what I will do with Jesus, choosing to embrace Him wholeheartedly in every aspect of my life. Amen.
Play This:
Jesus Does.

Are you trying to find your way from chaos and confusion to clarity?
Happy Father's Day, and welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.
This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 6. I've titled this chapter "From Confusion to Clarity."
So far, in the story of 1 Samuel, we have been introduced to a few key figures, like Samuel and Eli, but rather quickly, we come upon a battle between the Philistines and the Israelites. Israel sustains devastating losses, and the Ark of God is taken. The problem for the Philistines is that the Ark of God proved to be a curse to them for about seven months. It tormented the five lords of the five cities with the Black Plague and severe hemorrhoids. The situation is so bad that their attention has turned from their victory over God to what to do with God.
The chapter we are reading this week chronicles how the Philistines rid themselves of the Ark of God and how the Israelites received the Ark of God. Through their experiences, we uncover some profound lessons on how both unbelievers and believers find their way through chaos and confusion to clarity.
The key verse of this chapter is verse 20, which reads:
"And the men of Beth-shemesh said, 'Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?'" — 1 Samuel 6:20
If you read through the chapter, you will notice that it begins with big questions and ends with big questions. However, the questions at the beginning are very different from those at the end. The Philistines' initial question in verse two is: “What shall we do with the ark of the Lord?" The Israelites' final question in verse twenty is: "Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God?"
As we compare these questions, we can see three distinct differences. First, the nature of the questions is different. The Philistines are grappling with how to handle an object of God, while the Israelites are wrestling with the very nature of God. Second, the motivation behind the questions is different. The Philistines are driven by self-preservation, while the Israelites are motivated by self-renunciation. Third, the responses to the questions are different. The Philistines' response to God is superficial, while the Israelites' response is spiritual.
This chapter is bookended by two questions from two different people with two different responses that attempt to address the chaos and confusion in life. Eventually, the chapter concludes with one nation seeking clarity by ridding itself of God and the other finding clarity by returning to the reverence of God.
We all face moments of chaos and confusion. Through these times, we are confronted with the most profound questions we will ever have about God and his work in this life. These questions either guide you to rid yourself of God or to reverence of God. But if you rid yourself of God, you will never find the clarity you need through the chaos of this life. Chaos and confusion will come again. Permanent clarity is only found if you are willing to come to the end of yourself and submit to the heavy hand of the Holy God. In full submission of all we are to God we find the clarity we need through every time of chaos and confusion in this life. So if you need this today, submit to him.
God, on this Father's Day, we men submit our lives to you. We all have some form of chaos and confusion in our lives right now. We need your clarity and know this is only found bowed low before you. We are sons. You are the only Father. Lead the way we are ready to obey. Amen.
#FaithInChaos, #FindingClarity, #SubmitToGod
Ask This: How do you typically respond to moments of chaos and confusion in your life? What steps can you take to ensure your response draws you closer to God rather than pushing Him away? In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to God's authority? How can you practically begin to bow low before Him and seek His clarity in those situations? Do This: Submit to God.

Do you see God's glory in this world?
Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.
This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory."
So far, in Chapter 5, God has cleared his own path to glory. He has afflicted the Philistines with hemorrhoids, and in doing so, they have passed him around from Philistine town to town until there is a meeting of the five kings in Philistine. Here is how this chapter closes off in verses 11-12:
They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not kill us and our people.” For there was a deathly panic throughout the whole city. The hand of God was very heavy there. The men who did not die were struck with tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven.  — 1 Samuel 5:11-12
If you recall, at the end of Chapter Four, the wife of Phinehas declared that the "Glory had departed from Israel." This was such a significant moment that in her death, she named her orphaned son Ichabod based on this declaration. While the glory has departed, it has not vanished. In Chapter Five, we learned that God's glory has been moving around independently, self-sustained, self-proclaiming, and finding its own way back home.
God wants to work in harmony with his creation. However, when humanity desires to play God and seeks its glory, this won't work. Our glory and God's glory are no match. We either submit to the heavy hand of God, or we are subject to the heavy hand. It's better to submit to it than to be smitten by it.
This life is full of God's glory. Through his revelation, we can see it everywhere. Today, anticipate it and point it out. See it moving and making its way. Look beyond the noise of propaganda, lawfare, war, hate, and violence and see his glory. God's glory is still moving. Then, when you see it, point to it, praise it, and proclaim it. It's far better to submit to the heavy hand of God than to suffer under it to the point of pain, pestilence, and punishment by death.
#GodsGloryInMotion, #DivinePresence, #SubmittingToGodsHand
Ask This: How can we actively recognize and celebrate God's glory moving in our lives and in the world around us, even amidst challenges and difficulties? In what areas of our lives do we struggle to submit to God's heavy hand, and how can we cultivate a posture of surrender and obedience to His will? Do This: Look for God's glory, point to it, and praise it.
Pray This: Father, help me to see your glory moving in every aspect of my life and give me the full courage to submit my will, knowing that your heavy hand is for my good. May your presence be my constant guide, leading me closer to you, which is ultimately found each day. Amen.
Play This: Here Comes The Glory.

Are you just moving your problems around?
Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.
This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory."
So far, in Chapter 5, we've discovered that the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it back to Ashdod, and now it's given everyone in the land a bad case of hemorrhoids, and here is what happens next in verses 8-10:
So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” They answered, “Let the ark of the God of Israel be brought around to Gath.” So they brought the ark of the God of Israel there. But after they had brought it around, the hand of the Lord was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumors broke out on them. So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But as soon as the ark of God came to Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, “They have brought around to us the ark of the God of Israel to kill us and our people.” — 1 Samuel 5:8-10
When we began this chapter, we said five different lords governed five Philistine cities. What is happening here is one lord is passing it to the next until they finally concur that one lord is using the box to kill off another lord and his people. The irreverent capture of the Ark of the Covenant has led to disease, death, disorder, conspiracy, and conflict. God has worked the Philistines over without Israel needing to lift a finger. If they only would have just trusted the Lord!
But there is an excellent lesson in this.
We are all prone to move our problems around. I know I do this. You do, too. When we encounter problems, we instinctively look first for natural solutions. We find ways to rectify the situation by making corrections and adjustments. Once in a while, it works, but that does not necessarily mean it worked. It might have only been a temporary solution to a larger problem that we have moved around or moved for someone else to deal with.
The people of Ashdod and Gath rid themselves of a problem, but they have not rectified it. They have merely moved it from themselves to someone else, and the people of Ekron are wise to this. They don't want to inherit a problem that demands a divine solution they are unwilling to accept. Had they just acknowledged God and accepted their wrong, they might have dealt with the situation and resolved it. But they were unwilling to acknowledge God or their sin, so instead, they moved the problem around.
Today, when you face a problem, instead of looking at every problem as a natural issue needing your incredible solution, consider the potential for a divine problem and divine solution. Look at the situation in the same way God would. Most of the time, the issue arises because of some sin (personal or corporate), causing a problem you haven't yet identified. Look first for that, diagnose it, and then respond to it. You will get to the heart of the core issue much faster, and it's far better than continually moving it around.
#TrustGod, #DivineSolutions, #BiblicalWisdom
Ask This: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek natural solutions instead of seeking God's divine intervention? How can you start inviting God into these situations today?  
Reflect on a time when you moved a problem around instead of addressing the root issue. What steps can you take to ensure you confront and resolve issues with God's guidance in the future? Do This: Look for a divine solution first.
Pray This: Father, help me recognize when I rely on my solutions instead of seeking Your divine guidance. Grant me the wisdom to address the root of my problems and the faith to trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.
Play This: God Of Miracles.

 BUY THE 1 SAMUEL JOURNAL





Is God punishing you or preparing you?
Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.
This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 5. I've titled this chapter "Clearing The Path To Glory."
So far, in Chapter 5, we've discovered that the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it back to Ashdod, setting it up in the temple of Dagon. The following day, the people awoke to find that Dagon had fallen prostrate before the Ark. Despite their shock, they propped him back up. The next morning, they discovered Dagon had fallen again with his head and hands cut off, which terrified them. Then we read verses 6-7:
The hand of the Lord was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. And when the men of Ashdod saw how things were, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for his hand is hard against us and against Dagon our god.” — 1 Samuel 5:6-7
There are a couple of choices as to what disease this was, and we are not sure. Some think it was the Bubonic Plague transmitted by fleas and rats that spread to humans. Or it could have also been a massive break of hemorrhoids that afflicted the people. Either way, this outbreak was a major pain in the butt, so much so that they associated the affliction with the recent capture of the Ark.
What is fascinating about this situation is that people who believed that they just defeated God now believe God was defeating them. They have seen enough occurrences to believe God is punishing them.
At some point, we are all disciplined by God. Most of the time, discipline by God comes in the form of natural consequences stemming from disobedience to him or his authority in this life. These consequences inflict pain and compel us to pay attention, thus driving us to pay attention to God.
For instance, if you are intoxicated and drive a vehicle and then get pulled over, there are numerous consequences. You will be arrested, ticketed, lose driving privileges, incur legal fees, face probation, and insurance increases. In this example, it is relatively easy to see the connection between our human defiance and God's divine punishment. It is even easier to see you have a biblical worldview that assumes God is the divine judge who governs all things and operates through human government to administer judgment for human defiance.
But in the case of the Philistines, they did not have a biblical worldview. They held polytheistic views, but they were right in this situation to establish a divine connection. The "heavy hand of God's judgment" was afflicting them. Through natural circumstances, he was trying to get their attention, and they made the connection. What they neglected to do was worship him. Instead, they would dispose of him by sending the Ark of God to another town.
Here is what you need to see today.
When you experience affliction and discipline in life, you should pause and assess the divine signs. Afflictions by God are meant to get our attention. Take time to pause, reflect, and assess. Go to God in prayer and ask God to show you why this is happening in your life. Discern if God is afflicting you for disobedience or to drive you toward deeper obedience. Either way, God will likely show you something that he wants you to see.
Remember, there are moments when we experience affliction without seeing the act of disobedience. For example, consider the stories of Job or even Jesus. Afflictions in both cases did not stem from disobedience but were designed to stretch their obedience. Both types of discipline and affliction have occurred in this story. Some people in Israel were not disobedient to God and yet were being disciplined, like Samuel and his family. On the other hand, God was directly disciplining others, like Eli and his family who had been blatantly disobedient.
Either way, the right response is always to bow and worship the Lor