Do you feel attacked by someone for doing what you thought was right?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 19. I've titled this chapter "When Enemies Pursue God Will Protect."

And there was war again. And David went out and fought with the Philistines and struck them with a great blow, so that they fled before him. Then a harmful spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing the lyre. And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. — 1 Samuel 19:8-10

David's success is irritating to Saul for four reasons:

1. Jealousy: Saul is irritated because he is jealous of David's success and popularity.
2. Divine Favor: Saul is irritated by God's blessing on David and the removal of his blessing.
3. Political Threat: Saul is irritated because David is a political threat to his throne and legacy.
4. Personal Insecurity: Saul is irritated because his perpetual sin has led to a deteriorating mental state and an increasingly harmful spirit.

It's heartbreaking to see Saul in this state. He is so spiritually troubled and irrational, that he's sitting inside Israel's safest house with a spear in his hand, ready to harm one of the greatest warriors of Israel. Thus Saul is going to close out his life a very irritated and irrational man, husband, father, and leader.

Godly success can occasionally provoke irrational opposition. When one lives according to God's will and encounters blessings and achievements, it can provoke negative reactions from opponents. Maybe not to the point where they are trying to shoot you, but they might sandbag you, gaslight you, or sideline you.

But how should we respond?

Here are two suggestions. First, it's important to acknowledge that opposition does not necessarily reflect on your character or abilities, but rather, it serves as a testament to the impact of God's work in your life. Second, you must understand at these moments that God’s protection is as real for you as it was for David.

Here are a few practical steps to help you feel the weight of ungodly opposition today:

1. Focus on God's mission: Like David, continue to pursue the path God has set before you, regardless of the opposition.
2. Seek God's protection: Pray for God's protection and wisdom as you navigate challenges.
3. Maintain Godly integrity: Respond to hostility with grace and integrity, knowing that your conduct can be a powerful witness.

Remember that all these points are based on the fact that you may encounter opposition because you have been faithful and obedient to God. When enemies come after you, rest assured that God will protect you. Stay firm and trust in God's provision.

#DivineProtection, #TrustInGod, #OvercomingOpposition

1. How can you actively seek and recognize God's protection when you face opposition or hostility, and what practical steps can you take to maintain your focus on His mission despite the challenges?
2. In what ways have you experienced jealousy or hostility from others due to your faithfulness and success, and how can you respond with grace and integrity while continuing to trust in God's provision and protection?

Focus on the mission, seek God's protection, and maintain integrity.

Lord, I trust in Your protection when I face opposition and hostility, knowing that You are my shield and refuge. Help me to stay focused on Your mission and respond with grace, relying on Your wisdom and strength in every challenge. Amen.

Every Giant Will Fall.

Do you have a family member who is super irritating right now?

If not, that person is probably you.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in a new chapter, 1 Samuel 19. I've titled this chapter "When Enemies Pursue God Will Protect."

And Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you. For he took his life in his hand and he struck down the Philistine, and the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?” And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.” And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan reported to him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before. — 1 Samuel 19:4-7

We need different types of godly friends—not just good friends, but godly friends who will have our backs and risk something to stand in the gap between. That is what David has in Jonathan. He has an ally, as we discussed in the last chapter. Still, we see he is also willing to advocate for him as a new member of the family, a warrior, and the one through whom the Lord worked great salvation in Israel, underscoring the importance of godly friends.

Jonathan is not oblivious to the situation in his family, and he is not going to sit around passively while this act of aggression and injustice takes place. He knows that his father's sinful progression toward David is ever-increasing. So he decides to step in to temper his father's spirit, advocate for his friend and brother-in-law, and bring peace to the men he cares about. Yet we all know this is hard to achieve in a family if the offended member cannot get beyond a past situation.

As long as I have lived, I have seen that most families have one member who harbors bitterness from past situations. There is usually also one member with emotional or behavioral issues. When these two attributes combine, this person plays the role of the angry, bipolar, grudge-holder. The problem in David's instance is that King Saul retains all the power in the family system, which is oppressive because his authority and decisions trump everyone else. Therefore, Jonathan steps in to play his role: the peacemaker. If you have read ahead, you will know that this is a mere temporary fix and that the next decade of David's life was a living hell running from the bitterness, anger, and aggression of his father-in-law. Nonetheless, David and Jonathan worked to honor God and Saul, his role, and their relationship through it all.

We all have difficult family members. My parents were challenging to love as a believer. But I also had to learn how to love and respect them even when our values did not align and remain faithful to biblical teaching to honor them as far as possible. Today, reflect on how you are doing with this in your family. Consider the person's role that irritates you, and then find a way to maintain peace and godly character as far as possible. We don't get to choose our family, but we are responsible for choosing to act in a God-honoring way.

When enemies pursue you need a godly friend.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in a new chapter, 1 Samuel 19. I've titled this chapter "When Enemies Pursue God Will Protect."

And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David. And Jonathan told David, "Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself. And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you." — 1 Samuel 19:1-3

This passage requires little explanation but contains a couple of crucial details. First, it marks the first time King Saul openly expresses his desire to kill David. Until this point, much of his scheming had been conducted in private, evidenced by his decision to give David command, put him in harm's way during battle, propose a dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins, and two previous spear attacks. Second, this also marks the first moment Jonathan walks a careful line between his friend and his father. This is a cautious matter for him because advocacy for a perceived enemy could be interpreted as treason.

But this draws attention to an essential point for believers. When enemies attack us, we need good and godly friends to help us through the situation. We cannot do situations like these alone. Jonathan, an ally to David, knows his innocence, is willing to advocate for him, and still has some power of persuasion over his father. While this might be a cautious matter, Jonathan is willing to risk his relationship and reputation for his friend.

You need friends like this—good and godly friends. But some of you are living this life without a single believing friend. Some of you have too many bar, boating, and betting friends but have no believing friends. What are you going to do when an enemy attacks? Who is going to advocate for you? Do you think those friends at the bar will advocate for you? I promise you they will not. They will bail on you, but they will never back you.

Build an infantry of mighty men around you. That's what David does, so he never battles alone, whether the battle is within or without. You will discover in this chapter that David turns to three friends who become instruments of protection for him: Jonathan, Michal, and Samuel. Two of the three happen to be children of King Saul.

#GodlyFriends, #FaithfulSupport, #ProtectionInPeril

1. Who are the godly friends in your life that you can rely on when facing challenges, and how can you actively support them in return?
2. How can you build and nurture a network of faithful allies who will stand with you and advocate for you in difficult times?

Get believing, friends.

Lord, thank You for the godly friends You have placed in my life who support and protect me in times of trouble. Help me to be a faithful ally to others and to build strong, Christ-centered relationships that reflect Your love and grace. Amen.

What A Friend.

Are you being pursued by an enemy?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in a new chapter, 1 Samuel 19. I've titled this chapter "When Enemies Pursue God Will Protect."

And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. — 1 Samuel 19:10

Most assume that David's path to the throne after the defeat of Goliath was easy. It was not. It was well over 15 years from when Samuel anointed him to the time he was finally appointed King of Israel. During this time, he battled with enemies within and without the ranks. Perhaps the most challenging was understanding how to fight with Saul, who was still God's anointed and appointed over the people of Israel.

Many believe leadership is an easy task. It is not. Leadership entails all kinds of battles. It's a firey test of battles fought within and without the ranks of leadership. But there is nothing like the moment when you experience the dual battle of enemies within and enemies without, which is what we will read in this chapter. David will fight battles with the Philistines only to come home and fight battles with his father-in-law.

One truth in this chapter gives hope to those attacked by enemies: if we are faithful to God, he will always provide an escape.

If you feel pursued or attacked by any enemy today, seek refuge in God. Don't take vengeance, battle alone, or take matters into your own hands. Let God fight the battle for you. He's a better warrior. He can see your battle. He knows the tactics of your enemy. He can find a just means of justice and deliverance when you cannot. Let him fight for you, and let him have the victory.

#DivineProtection, #FaithInTheBattle, #GodsDeliverance

1. In what areas of your life do you feel pursued or attacked by challenges or adversaries, and how can you invite God’s protection and guidance into those situations?
2. How can you apply David’s response to Saul’s pursuit in your own leadership or personal challenges, particularly when dealing with conflict or feeling attacked by others?

Let God fight every battle.

Lord, when I feel pursued and under attack, help me to trust in Your protection and seek refuge in Your strength. Guide me to rely on Your wisdom and let You fight my battles, knowing You will provide a way of escape. Amen.

Belong To You.

Are people conspiring against you?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we have read 1 Samuel 18. I've titled this chapter "Allies and Adversaries."

But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him, Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David's enemy continually. Then the commanders of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed. — 1 Samuel 18:28-30

This moment is insightful and inspiring for obedient believers. I hope you see the hope in this text. The hope is this: If you are with God, no one and no plan will ever be able to stand against you.

God is frustrating Saul's plans, which is frustrating him. Not only that, Saul's wicked plans are turned against him, revealing God's plan, which is becoming David's path to the throne. Saul, out of jealousy, anger, and fear, unintentionally writes an unstoppable plan for David to be the next king of Israel.

This is God.

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. — Psalm 33:10

God, we pray today for our lives, family, and world. We pray that you will frustrate the plans of the wicked and that we will never walk in their way. When the wicked conspire against you and us, their wickedness will be turned against them and revealed as the path and plan for the obedient. Amen.

#DivineVictory, #GodsPlan, #OvercomingAdversity

1. How have you experienced God's hand in turning your challenges or successes into opportunities for growth and more significant purpose? Reflect on a time when what seemed like a setback became a part of God's more excellent plan for you.
2. How can you respond to opposition or jealousy with faith and confidence, knowing that God can use these challenges to fulfill His plans in your life? How might you adjust your attitude or actions to align more closely with God's purpose during times of difficulty?

Let God frustrate them and reveal his plan for you.

Lord, thank you for turning my successes and challenges into opportunities for your greater purpose. Help me remain steadfast and faithful, trusting that you are using every situation to advance your plan and reveal your glory in my life. Amen.

Belong to You.

Are you being set up for an impossible task?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 18. I've titled this chapter "Allies and Adversaries."

Yesterday, we explored the time bomb of jealousy and anger through the actions of Saul and David in contrast. Now let's see how David moves through this experience in verses 12-16:

Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them. — 1 Samuel 18:12-16

This situation was a total setup by King Saul. We all have been victims of this type of deliberate manipulation. If you're envious and afraid of someone you see as a rival, you set them up to fail in front of their supporters. You give them an impossible task that will turn the people against them.

Human reason would suggest King Saul's plan was a "killer" plan. Keep in mind that David was only 15-17 years old. He couldn't even serve in the Israelite Army until he was 20, much less command a thousand troops. In Saul's mind, this "promotion" was a remedy for disaster. That is until we read verse 14 (our key verse of this chapter), where we learn that David was not only a giant killer but a killer leader. He's the golden boy, so Saul's devious plan backfires, further establishing David's fame.

I don't know if you know or have met people like this, but it can be mesmerizing and irritating at the same time, which is precisely what happens in our story. David is further mesmerizing to the people and further irritating to Saul.

But I want to draw attention to a tiny, often ignored detail.

When we have an anchored identity in Christ, the challenges before us look less challenging. Think about David and all the challenges he has faced over the last two chapters. He has been bullied by brothers, battled a giant, removed from his home, forced to play music before a bipolar-possessed jealous and angry king, and is now given an impossible job. How does a believer handle these challenges? Anchoring their identity and living by faith in the Lord is the only way.

Anchor your identity in the Lord. Refuse to let today's challenges alter your perception of God or shift your thinking about your relationship with the Lord. Have unwavering faith that God will abundantly provide all the resources you need. God has people and resources everywhere. He will undoubtedly supply what you need for your challenge, but you must trust God's unwavering strength and provision and boldly step into the challenge.

#FaithInChallenges, #GodsProvision, #OvercomingObstacles

1. What are some "impossible tasks" you’ve faced that seemed designed to make you fail? How did trusting in God’s strength change your perspective or outcome?
2. When you feel set up for failure, how can you better anchor your identity in Christ to face challenges with boldness and faith?

Anchor your identity and have faith.

Lord, when I face impossible tasks, help me to trust in Your strength and provision rather than my abilities. Anchor my identity in You, and give me the courage to step boldly into every challenge, knowing You will guide me through. Amen.

Nothing is Impossible.

Are you dealing with your anger and insecurity?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 18. I've titled this chapter "Allies and Adversaries."

At this point, jealousy is ticking down in King Saul against David, and let's see how this turns out in verses 9-12:

And Saul eyed David from that day on. The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David evaded him twice. Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. — 1 Samuel 18:9-12

If you have been following me for this series, you see a strong contrast here. Two men, both anointed by Samuel, would be kings of Israel. But now, a harmful spirit rushes upon Saul, and David, as commissioned, tries to soothe this harmful spirit with worship to the Lord.

David is fighting all kinds of battles, and they are all battles with a spiritual enemy. This time, the battle happens to be with an evil spirit possessing an ally, and the weapon in his hand is a weapon of worship. On the other hand, Saul holds a weapon of war in his hand and will misuse it against his ally, whom he perceives to be an adversary.

Insecure leaders act this way and often fight the wrong enemy. They see every attack as an attack against them because they incorrectly associate their identity with the attack. Therefore, when allies try to help, it only seems to hurt and then they hurl words or harmful objects in their hands.

King Saul is experiencing an undeniably harmful spirit. Those of you prone to anger know exactly what this feels like. You become consumed with rage when you perceive an attack. Then, all reason turns off, and you hurl words and objects. Unfortunately, you sometimes do this to people who are innocent of guilt and might be trying to help. You have to stop acting that way and get your heart and hands right with the Lord.

Looking back to the beginning of Saul's story, we see that this is not a sudden progression. It has been brewing for a long time. But Saul has never addressed it, and now it will result in a miserable end. Thus, Saul will become a lasting example of someone who starts with a flare and finishes with a fizzle. That's not the goal. The goal is to finish with a flare, but the only way there is to escape the devil's snare.

If you are possessed with anger, deal with it. Confess it to the Lord. Acknowledge your insecurities. Repent and reconcile with others.

And for those who have started with a fizzle, you need to know it is never too late to finish with a flare.

#SpiritualWarfare, #AngerAndInsecurity, #WeaponsOfWorship

1. How do you handle jealousy or insecurity when they arise, and what steps can you take to ensure you don't act out in anger towards those who are allies?
2. How can you use worship or positive actions to combat negative emotions and conflicts, similar to how David used his music to soothe Saul's harmful spirit?

Deal with your anger.

Lord, help me recognize and address the root of my anger and insecurity. Guide me to respond with worship and grace rather than hostility. Grant me the strength to see my allies clearly and to handle conflicts with wisdom and humility. Amen.

Raise A Hallelujah.