The Daily Devo by Vince Miller

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. Navigating Silence: Navigating times when God is silent (3:1) Increasing Reception: What prevents us from hearing God's voice (3:2-7) Recognizing His Voice: Learning to recognize God’s voice (3:8-10) Painful Messages: When we recognize God's voice but don't like the message (3:11-14) Telling the Message: Telling others what God has told us (3:15-18) 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: 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? 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. Using their power and position for personal gain. 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: 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? 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: How can you prioritize spiritual investment in your children's lives amidst the busyness of daily routines? 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: 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? 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: 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? 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: How can we cultivate a mindset of surrender, trusting that God's will surpasses our own desires and plans? 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: How can you actively support and encourage your spouse's spiritual journey, as Elkanah did for Hannah, even when it requires personal sacrifice? 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.

Ready to break free from those negative influences? 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, and today Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. I will read a single verse today that quickly references these two men. It's verse three. Now [Elkanah] used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. — 1 Samuel 1:3 Hophni and Phinehas remain obscure in this text but become essential to Samuel's backstory. We will learn more about these two malicious, devious, and worthless sons when we get into chapter two. When you discover their character, you will see a contrast between the fathers (Eli & Elkanah) and their sons (Hophni, Phinehas, and Samuel). As expected, social and parental influences significantly shape the sons mentioned in this story. Samuel's spiritual trajectory is much different than that of Hophni and Phinehas. But as Samuel grows, we will see his tender heart toward God and his willingness to listen to God shape his leadership and life more and more. Today, this made me think of all the parents and people who have influenced my life—some good, some bad, some spiritual, some secular. But as I have matured, I have also learned that I bear a burden. It is a burden to listen to the right parents and the right people. The best part is that it's easy to learn who to listen to because I have a Father. He is the best Father because he is the Father of all mankind. If I listen to this Father, I will find the most fulfillment and purpose in this life. That's the difference between the two fathers and the sons in this story. So, who are you listening to today? Are you listening to pop culture, popular media, posts on your socials, or to the Father who gives the best advice because he has your best interests in mind? #InfluenceMatters #ListenToTheFather #SpiritualTrajectory ASK THIS: Reflecting on your own life, who are the significant influencers shaping your spiritual journey? How can you discern which voices to listen to and which ones to filter out? Consider the contrast between the characters of Samuel and the sons of Eli. In what ways can you emulate Samuel's tender heart toward God and his willingness to listen despite the influences around you? DO THIS: Listen to your Father! PRAY THIS: Father, help me to discern Your voice amidst the multitude of influences in my life, guiding me toward fulfillment and purpose. Grant me the wisdom to listen to Your guidance above all others, shaping me into the person You desire me to be. Amen. PLAY THIS: I'm Listening.

Are your words building up or tearing down? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a new series on 1 Samuel, and we 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, and today Eli, Israel's judge and priest. I am going to read verses 9-17, which pick up on this interaction between Hannah and Eli. After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” — 1 Samuel 1:9-17 Eli is an interesting character in Samuel's story. I really don't want to give too much away yet because you are going to get more to his story in the next four chapters, concluding with his tragic death, resulting from a fall from his chair. So, I want to hold off on giving you too much detail. But in this immediate text, we do catch a glimpse of Eli's character. We see that he is quick to make a judgment about a very humble and reverent woman. Who knows exactly why he does this, but he does, and I think this is a little interesting because he is supposed to be a judge. Most theologians consider him to be one of the final judges of Israel. Below is a sequential list of the judges of Israel if you want to see them: Othniel - 40 years (Judges 3:7-11) Ehud - 80 years (Judges 3:12-30) Shamgar - Time unspecified (Judges 3:31) Deborah and Barak - 40 years (Judges 4:1-5:31) Gideon - 40 years (Judges 6:1-8:35) Abimelech - 3 years (Judges 9:22) Tola - 23 years (Judges 10:1-2) Jair - 22 years (Judges 10:3-5) Jephthah - 6 years (Judges 10:6-12:7) Ibzan - 7 years (Judges 12:8-10) Elon - 10 years (Judges 12:11-12) Abdon - 8 years (Judges 12:13-15) Samson - 20 years (Judges 13:1-16:31) Eli - Not explicitly called a judge. Served as a high priest and judge during this time. Time unspecified (1 Samuel 1:9-4:18) Samuel - The final judge to transition Israel from judges to kings. Regardless, Eli's time marks the beginning of the end. As we will see, one of his failings was his lack of leadership as a father, which was a big black mark on his record as a priest and judge. Yet, we have to give him a little bit of credit because he does extend an important blessing to Hannah. This blessing would result in a son—Samuel. He would soon be conceived, born, raised, and ironically mentored by Eli, replacing him and ending the time of the judges. Isn't it interesting that the cursing and blessing come from the same mouth? My mouth has great power to speak amazing truths about Jesus that can lead people to Christ. At the same time, my mouth can speak sarcastic and hurtful things that wound other people. In addition, the older I get, the more I see the effect of my words. I was just telling my wife the other day that our three children speak the way they do to each other sometimes because of my biting sarcasm. And now, when I watch them do what I do, I don't like it because I know it can be taken too far and can wound others. At the same time, I am still humbled by how God uses my mouth to affect other people spiritually. There are testimonies I have heard time and time again from others about things I have said that have forever affected their lives. It's amazing that my mouth can have a powerful effect in both ways. It's sobering and humbling at the same time. But this is true with you, too. Just like it was for Eli. Do me a favor: Speak a blessing. Speak a blessing to your wife, children, friend, neighbor, or peer. And when you do say it with meaning. Look them in the eyes. Make sure you have their attention. Speak it clearly and see if God doesn't alter your impact. #BlessingAndCursing #PowerOfWords #SpeakLife ASK THIS: Reflecting on Eli's initial judgment of Hannah, how can we guard against making quick assumptions about others, especially in moments of distress or vulnerability? Considering the impact of our words, how can we intentionally use our speech to bless and uplift those around us, fostering a culture of encouragement and positivity in our relationships? DO THIS: Speak a blessing to someone today. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to be mindful of the power of my words, that I may speak blessings and encouragement to others, reflecting Your love and grace in all I say and do. Grant me wisdom to use my speech to build up and inspire those around me, just as You bless and guide me each day. Amen. PLAY THIS: I Speak Jesus.

Do you need provision from God in a present trial? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a new series on 1 Samuel and have just begun chapter one. The first chapter's theme is the six people who influenced Samuel's life: Elkanah, Peninnah, and today, Hannah. We are jumping down to verses 9-11. Hannah has slipped away from the family while in Shiloh and is headed to the Tabernacle by herself to pray. The text reads: After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” — 1 Samuel 1:9-11 Two things about Hannah stand out to me: her character and her commitment. Character First, Hannah has remarkable character. This account presents her as a humble wife, mother, and follower who is faithful from beginning to end. She is faithful through emotional distress, doubt, and mistreatment. She never gives up on what she believes God can do in her baren situation. She is inspirational because many people would have given up on God by now. Even Sarah gave up. She laughed at God. But not Hannah. She makes another trip to the Tabernacle year after year, even though Peninnah disdains her and Eli degrades her. Some believers are not properly prepared for this part of the spiritual journey—the long waits. We wrongly believe that the spiritual life should be easy and we should get quick answers from God. But this is not how it always works. Sometimes, it comes with long waits. In these times, what is required is faithfulness. That is how Hannah models faithfulness in a very long period of distress. Commitment Second, notice Hannah's commitment to God in her vow. This is a great vow, and I will show you why. But first, let's make sure we understand what a vow is. In the Old Testament, a vow was a solemn promise made to God. It was made on three occasions: in response to a blessing received by God, in a desperate situation calling on God, or in an act of devotion to God. When we think about vows today, we typically think about marital vows, which don't have the same weight they used to because we have subtracted God from them. Vows were made to God. They were taken very seriously and permanently binding as a vow to God should be. When God makes a vow to man, he makes good on it, and when we make a vow to God, we should make good on it. There were a few examples of these in the Old Testament: Nazirite Vow: The Nazirite vow is described in Numbers 6:1-21. It involved a period of consecration during which an individual abstained from alcohol, avoided contact with the dead, and refrained from cutting their hair. This vow was often taken for a specific period as an expression of dedication and devotion to God. This vow appears a little later in this chapter. Jacob's Vow: After Jacob has a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22), he makes a vow to God, promising to give a tenth of all he receives and to worship God faithfully if God will be with him, protect him, and provide for his needs. Jephthah's Vow: Jephthah, a judge of Israel, makes an infamous vow to God (Judges 11:30-31), promising to sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house if God grants him victory in battle. Unfortunately, he does win, and the first thing he sees exiting his home when he returns is his daughter, his only child. Hannah's Vow: In this text. Here's what I love about Hannah's vow. It is potent. It is the promise to give to God what Hannah has longed for her whole life. It is what is most precious to her that she doesn't presently have. Hannah vows to give up to God, the one thing she has always wanted. But she's not just giving up a child. She is agreeing to give up raising him. She is giving up her family continuity. She is giving her unconceived son to the Lord for a lifetime. That is a big deal. This is a potent vow, and she makes good on it. If you are paying attention to what I said, this sounds like God's covenant promise to Abraham in the divine son that was to come—his Son, Jesus. At least I hear echoes in her vow to God with God's vow to us. Then this happens: Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.” — 1 Samuel 1:17-20 I love this phrase: "And her face was no longer sad." Because you see, Hannah knows! She knows what's about to happen before she leaves the Tabernacle grounds. She knows that God is going to provide. Then she goes home and "knows" her husband, and soon after comes Samuel, her only son, whom she "asked for from the Lord." What makes this story incredible is how the long test and extended trial prove Hannah's character and reveal her commitment. Of course, God's provision in the end is awesome, but together, this makes for an amazing story even before we see all that this child Samuel is going to do. What you and I tend to want is God's provision. But we want his provision quick and easy. We want it without the test and the trials, which do nothing to give us the character and commitment we need to handle the provision that he wants to give. So consider this question today: What's your test or trial? Then, after you identify that trial, ask yourself: What character and commitment does God want for me? Then, finally, bring that character and commitment to God, and you will know the God that Hannah knew at that moment. Then go in peace and know the joy of the Lord today. #TrustInGod #FaithfulInTrials #PrayerfulPersistence ASK THIS: How can you emulate Hannah's unwavering faithfulness and commitment in your own life, especially during times of waiting and uncertainty? Reflecting on Hannah's story, what areas of your life require a deeper level of trust in God's provision, and how can you cultivate that trust through prayer and perseverance? DO THIS: Build your character and commitment in the trial. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to trust in Your provision and remain faithful in the midst of trials, just as Hannah did. Strengthen my character and commitment as I wait upon You, knowing that Your timing is perfect and Your promises are true. Amen. PLAY THIS: Whatever Your Plan Is.

Do you feel small, like a nobody from nowhere? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a brand new series on 1 Samuel. As I mentioned yesterday, we will do an overview of the chapter on Mondays and then, for the following six days, a closer look at that chapter. The theme we are looking at in chapter one is the six people who influenced Samuel's life. The first of these is Elkanah, his father. What's interesting about Elkanah is that he is a nobody from nowhere. We know little about him and his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, all named in the text. Here are verses 1-3. There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh. — 1 Samuel 1:1-3 What does stand out when we read this text is that Elkanah had two wives. This is such a glaring observation that we should probably address it. Many of you know he's not the only man in the Bible who had more than one wife. Several prominent men in the Old Testament, like Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon, and others, had more than one wife. There were about three reasons for this: The first apparent reason is personal pleasure and power. Such was the case with Solomon and his over 700 concubines. Second, it's worth noting that in patriarchal societies, unmarried women faced significant challenges in providing for themselves. They were often uneducated and untrained and relied heavily on male family members like fathers, brothers, or husbands for support and protection. Unfortunately, when this was absent, it led to desperate measures, like turning to prostitution or slavery. Therefore, sometimes marriage was a way to rescue a woman, another reason some men had multiple wives. The third reason is the instance here. Elkanah and his first wife, Hannah, were unable to conceive. Therefore, they probably agreed to take another wife (which should sound familiar because Abraham and Sarah did the same thing). Thus, Elkanah took another wife for reasons of family continuity. What is interesting about polygamy is that the Bible does not expressly condemn it. But fellas, before you get any crazy ideas, the Bible is very clear about the prescription of a godly marital relationship: one man with one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Like Abraham and Sarah, Elkanah and Hannah inherited problems that stemmed from their lack of faith. That's the bottom line of this situation. They lacked faith in believing God would provide, so they provided for themselves, which is what we do sometimes. When we don't have faith trusting God to provide, we try to provide for ourselves. And when we provide for ourselves, we incur the problems of providing for ourselves and not letting God provide. As we will see further down in chapter one, they incurred family tension, sexual insecurities, competition, contention, and shame. With this in mind, I would like to point out one tiny detail about Elkanah worth our attention: He is an Ephrathite. This area was later known as Bethlehem and became the birthplace of two other great men. This means the Prophet Samuel, King David, and the Messiah were all born in the same tiny, seemingly insignificant town and were great men in the great story of God. I love it when God does stuff like this. I would not put it past God for all three men to be born in the same location. Believers too often fail to see the opportunity for greatness in the small events of our lives. I know I do. With small seeds of faith in insignificant places and from apparent unimportant people, God can produce incredible things. So, if you feel insignificant, inconsequential, like you are standing at an impasse, instead of taking matters into your hands, hold on in faith. Cast your concerns to God. He sees things you do not. Trust in him. Don't get in his way. Great things are birthed in small seeds of faith. God, we bring our small seeds of faith to you today. We confess that, at times, we act like Elkanah, taking matters into our own hands. We recognize that your divine sight sees things that we cannot. Instead of doing things our way today, we are choosing to do them your way—by faith. Strengthen our faith and show us your ways. Do great things with us and through us. Amen. #FaithInSmallBeginnings #TrustGodsTiming #FindingPurpose ASK THIS: How can Elkanah's story inspire us to trust God's timing and provision in our own lives, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties? In what areas of our lives do we tend to take matters into our own hands, like Elkanah did, instead of relying on God's guidance and provision? How can we surrender those areas to God and walk in faith instead of self-reliance? DO THIS: Pray for faith this week. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me trust in Your timing and provision, even when I feel insignificant or lost. Guide me to surrender my doubts and fears to You, believing that great things can be birthed from small seeds of faith. Amen. PLAY THIS: Give Me Faith.

Is there a rivalry holding you back? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a brand new series on 1 Samuel, and we have just begun chapter one. The theme of the first chapter is the six people who influenced Samuel's life. The first is Elkanah, Samuel's father. The second is Peninnah, Samuel's second wife. Before we read the text, let's set the stage for Peninnah. We know little about her, but her actions in verses 4-8 reveal a lot about her character and the dynamics of her relationship with Hannah. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” — 1 Samuel 1:4-8 For context, it's crucial to note that during Elkanah's time, the place of sacrifice was in Shiloh, about fifteen miles north of their town. This was where the Tabernacle resided, as the Temple had not yet been constructed. This detail indicates Elkanah's devoutness, faithfully adhering to the command to go up to the Tabernacle for annual sacrifices. However, it's evident from the text that Elkanah shows favoritism toward Hannah over Peninnah. He seems unaware of the impact this has on their relationship, which is characteristic of many men. Sometimes, God-fearing men make decisions without considering their long-term effects. While Elkanah and Hannah likely decided together to find a concubine to bear children, they were evidently unprepared for the relational, emotional, and spiritual repercussions. One consequence is the escalating tension between the two wives, a complication of polygamy, with Peninnah becoming a rival, as the text describes. What strikes me about Peninnah's character is her propensity to provoke Hannah. She is mean-spirited, likely fueled by jealousy over Elkanah's greater love for Hannah. When love is unevenly distributed, it breeds contention and competition, leading to the kind of rivalry Peninnah incites. This contention escalated over time, taking an emotional and psychological toll on Hannah, evident in her bitter weeping and loss of appetite. It's intriguing how sin operates. When we act outside of God's will, sin's effects are insidious and far-reaching. One sinful act in a marriage can permeate every aspect of life, breeding bitterness, anger, regret, and sadness. And when someone in a marriage, like Peninnah, knows how to stoke that flame, it can rage into a consuming fire within us. If you are married and you feel this contention, don't add to it. What we need in marriage is not more rivalry and provoking. What Christian marriages need is more grace because we are both sinners who act sinfully and whose sin has a long-lasting effect. But back to the big picture. Samuel's family wasn't perfect. His father's sin led to a jealous wife who sowed rivalry within the family. Yet, despite this, God performed miracles, setting the stage for the birth of a new legacy. He opened Hannah's womb and gave them a biological child. Not just any child, but one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges. Maybe today, it's time for you to pray for the beginning of a new legacy—one beyond sin, rivalry, provoking, shame, and sadness. If so, come to the Temple, return to God, bring the sacrifice to him, and ask him to provide. Lord, we come before you, bringing all that we are—our sin and shame, our past, present, and future. We lay it all down at your feet. We humbly ask for your provision, knowing that we are unable to provide for ourselves. Amen. #InfluencesOfFaith #FamilyDynamics #GraceOverRivalry ASK THIS: Reflecting on the dynamics between Elkanah, Hannah, and Peninnah, how can we ensure that favoritism or comparison doesn't hinder our relationships with others, especially within our families? Considering the consequences of sin and rivalry within Samuel's family, what steps can we take to cultivate an atmosphere of grace and forgiveness in our own relationships, particularly in moments of tension or conflict? DO THIS: Mend any strained relationships. PRAY THIS: Lord, as I lay before you all that I am—my flaws, my struggles, and my hopes—I humbly ask for your guidance and grace to navigate the complexities of relationships with humility, forgiveness, and love. Amen. PLAY THIS: Lay It Down.

Who are the people who have undeniably influenced your life? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We are in a brand new series on 1 Samuel. As this is a rich and expansive story, I will provide a birds-eye view of the chapter each Monday, followed by six devotionals from that chapter for the next 31 weeks. This will allow us to explore the larger story at the beginning of the week and the smaller details for the remainder of the week. 1 Samuel is divided into three major parts that discuss three important men: Part One: The Story of Samuel (1 Samuel 1-8) Part Two: The Story of Saul (1 Samuel 9-14) Part Three: The Story of Saul and David (1 Samuel 15-31) But we begin in chapter one, and here are the first few verses: There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the other was Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. — 1 Samuel 1:1-2 The story begins with Samuel's father and the events surrounding Samuel's birth. In chapter one, we read about six different people—six men and women with undeniable influence. Over the next few days, we explore the lives of these characters, each with a unique story and impact. For some, it was a positive and spiritual influence, and for others, not so much. Stay tuned as we uncover and discover their roles in this story. As I have already hinted, this book predominantly tells the story of Samuel, a man with incredible spiritual influence. But here's the immediate backdrop. It's about 1050 B.C. Leadership was a burning issue in the minds of the people of Israel. For over 200 years after entering the promised land, Israel went through intense social turmoil, bordering on chaos, a little like the social turmoil we are experiencing in our country today but far worse. Joshua was the man who led them from the Desert to the Promised Land, but as we learn, people were not listening or following God because spiritual drift does not take long. Just before 1 Samuel, we discover a sobering observation at the end of the Book of Judges: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.—Judges 21:25. Israel was in the middle of a profound leadership crisis. But right on time, Samuel was born and emerged as one of the greatest Judges and Prophets in the history of Israel who would transition the nation from a Theocracy to a Monarchy led by three subsequent kings: Saul, David, and Solomon. Samuel would indeed be one of the great influencers in all of the Old Testament, but in chapter one, there are people who influenced him even before he was born. These people played a role in this story and had an influence, good or bad, on the events of his early life. We will look in detail at these people. But again let me ask that question, that I asked at the start: Who are the people who have undeniably influenced your life? There are people influencing you. Some positive and others negative. Their character, their attitudes, their lifestyles, their proximity, their choices, and their faith have an impact on you. So, who are you spending time with? At the same time, we are all leaders in some capacity, and we influence others. So the other side of this question is, how are you influencing the people around you? Does your character, attitude, lifestyle, proximity, choices, and faith positively impact those around you? As we read chapter one over the next week, I encourage you to take a personal assessment of those influencing you and the influence you have, and let's see what we learn and discover together from 1 Samuel 1. #InfluentialEncounters #ImpactfulConnections #UndeniableInfluences ASK THIS: Reflect on the positive influences in your life. How can you express gratitude to those who have shaped you for the better? Consider the negative influences you've encountered. What steps can you take to minimize their impact and surround yourself with more positive influences? DO THIS: Reflect on influence this week. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank you for the people you've placed in my life, both those who inspire me and those who challenge me. Help me to discern their influence wisely and to be a positive force in the lives of others. Amen. PLAY THIS: Jehovah.

Happy Mother's Day! And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.” — 1 Samuel 1:20 Today, we begin a new book of the bible, and it's fitting that today is Mother’s Day because 1 Samuel begins with a humble and obedient mother. Her name is Hannah. Hannah is one of two wives married to a man named Elkanah, and why a man would want two wives perplexes me. But anyhow, this man has two. Their names are Peninnah and Hannah. As we read chapter one, we discover that Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. For this, Peninnah would relentlessly ridicule Hannah, which was mean and vicious and just one of many issues with having two wives (1 Samuel 1:6). Of course, this troubled Hannah to the point of emotional distress and loss of appetite (1 Samuel 1:7). Until finally, we discover that Hannah is pushed to her limits. She is at the Temple of the Lord by herself, weeping bitterly and praying in her distress (1 Samuel 1:10). As this is happening, insult is added to injury by a priest with absolutely no emotional intelligence that berates her, his name is Eli (1 Samuel 1:14). She begs him not to dismiss her. Then he offers Hannah this blessing in verse 17: Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” — 1 Samuel 1:17 Of course, in time, she gave birth to a son—but not just any son—Samuel. Samuel was a prominent Old Testament leader known for his dual roles as a prophet and judge. He was dedicated to God's service from a young age. As a prophet, he played a crucial role in spiritually guiding the nation of Israel. He also anointed the first two kings in the monarchy, Saul and David. But Samuel also served as a judge, settling disputes and leading the nation in crisis. His influence was longstanding and profound because he bridged the transition from the period of the Judges to the period of the Kings. Samuel's integrity, wisdom, and devotion to God left a lasting legacy, shaping Israel's history and demonstrating the importance of faithfulness and obedience in leadership. But note the seed through which his massive influence was born. It was through a humble and obedient mother who endured ridicule, who suffered heartbreak, and who prayed earnestly and faithfully to God. So today, let’s celebrate mothers, the women of faith who inspire us to trust in God’s promises and obey his will. Happy Mother’s Day! #MothersDay #FaithfulMotherhood #HannahAndSamuel ASK THIS: Reflecting on Hannah's perseverance through ridicule and heartbreak, how can we apply her example of unwavering faith and persistence in our own challenges? Considering Samuel's influential role in Israel's history, how does his story inspire us to recognize the profound impact of godly motherhood in shaping future generations? How can we honor and support the mothers in our lives today? DO THIS: Celebrate and thank a faithful mother. PRAY THIS: Father, on this Mother's Day, I thank You for Hannah's steadfast faith and Samuel's impactful legacy. They remind us of the power of prayer and the influence of godly women. Bless all mothers today, and may they seek to be faithful to you just as Hannah was. Amen. PLAY THIS: A Mother Like You.

Happy Mother's Day! And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.” — 1 Samuel 1:20 Today, we begin a new book of the bible, and it's fitting that today is Mother’s Day because 1 Samuel begins with a humble and obedient mother. Her name is Hannah. Hannah is one of two wives married to a man named Elkanah, and why a man would want two wives perplexes me. But anyhow, this man has two. Their names are Peninnah and Hannah. As we read chapter one, we discover that Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. For this, Peninnah would relentlessly ridicule Hannah, which was mean and vicious and just one of many issues with having two wives (1 Samuel 1:6). Of course, this troubled Hannah to the point of emotional distress and loss of appetite (1 Samuel 1:7). Until finally, we discover that Hannah is pushed to her limits. She is at the Temple of the Lord by herself, weeping bitterly and praying in her distress (1 Samuel 1:10). As this is happening, insult is added to injury by a priest with absolutely no emotional intelligence that berates her, his name is Eli (1 Samuel 1:14). She begs him not to dismiss her. Then he offers Hannah this blessing in verse 17: Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” — 1 Samuel 1:17 Of course, in time, she gave birth to a son—but not just any son—Samuel. Samuel was a prominent Old Testament leader known for his dual roles as a prophet and judge. He was dedicated to God's service from a young age. As a prophet, he played a crucial role in spiritually guiding the nation of Israel. He also anointed the first two kings in the monarchy, Saul and David. But Samuel also served as a judge, settling disputes and leading the nation in crisis. His influence was longstanding and profound because he bridged the transition from the period of the Judges to the period of the Kings. Samuel's integrity, wisdom, and devotion to God left a lasting legacy, shaping Israel's history and demonstrating the importance of faithfulness and obedience in leadership. But note the seed through which his massive influence was born. It was through a humble and obedient mother who endured ridicule, who suffered heartbreak, and who prayed earnestly and faithfully to God. So today, let’s celebrate mothers, the women of faith who inspire us to trust in God’s promises and obey his will. Happy Mother’s Day! #MothersDay #FaithfulMotherhood #HannahAndSamuel ASK THIS: Reflecting on Hannah's perseverance through ridicule and heartbreak, how can we apply her example of unwavering faith and persistence in our own challenges? Considering Samuel's influential role in Israel's history, how does his story inspire us to recognize the profound impact of godly motherhood in shaping future generations? How can we honor and support the mothers in our lives today? DO THIS: Celebrate and thank a faithful mother. PRAY THIS: Father, on this Mother's Day, I thank You for Hannah's steadfast faith and Samuel's impactful legacy. They remind us of the power of prayer and the influence of godly women. Bless all mothers today, and may they seek to be faithful to you just as Hannah was. Amen. PLAY THIS: A Mother Like You.

Are you tired of all the pointless drama? We begin 1 Samuel tomorrow, so get your 1 Samuel Scripture Journal from the website so you can follow along. From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. — Galatians 6:16-17 I love the allusion in the closing text. If I were to put this text in my own words, Paul is saying: If you want to see and know the marks of Jesus, let me take off my shirt for you. Five times, I have been beaten with 39 lashes. I have been shipwrecked. I have been stoned and left for dead. Your pointless ritual of cutting off a tiny piece of your foreskin does nothing for you. Instead, try enduring a beating for sharing the Gospel, and then you will know the Gospel. So stop bothering me with these petty issues and join me in real suffering by proclaiming the Gospel just as it is. For the Gospel has all the grace you need to endure every issue in this life. Church, I have loved reading this letter with you. But never forget Paul's point. Adding anything to the Gospel makes it no Gospel at all. Salvation is by faith alone, not by works so that no man can boast except in Christ Jesus alone. #DramaFreeLiving #GraceInSuffering #GospelCenteredLife ASK THIS: How can we distinguish between the petty dramas of life and the enduring truths of the Gospel in our daily experiences? Reflecting on Paul's words, what steps can we take to prioritize proclaiming the Gospel above getting entangled in trivial matters, and how might this shift in focus transform our lives and relationships? DO THIS: Don't add anything to the Gospel. PRAY THIS: Father, help me discern what truly matters amidst life's distractions, and empower me to boldly proclaim the Gospel with unwavering faith and grace-filled endurance. May Your Spirit guide me to live a life that reflects the marks of Jesus, bearing witness to Your transformative love in all I do. Amen. PLAY THIS: The Power of the Cross.

It's all for God. It's his mission, his people, and his glory, not yours. We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.— Galatians 6:16 As Paul closes this letter, he wants the Galatians to know that they don't get to have their way with God's story. It's God's story about Israel. They only get to tell the story as it is. While there are Judaizers who want to modify and adjust it to their liking, God does not like this. I have often repeated a maxim that echoes this idea. It goes like this: The church is God's people, on God's mission, for God's glory. I repeat this maxim to myself to remind myself, as a leader and other leaders, that God is the only leader. We are merely followers of God even though he might give us the task of shepherding a few sheep in our lifetime. But as Paul clarifies, this is the best way to walk. It's to walk by this rule because it is the only way to find the peace and mercy we want and need. Friend, this is the most peaceful way to live life. Let God be God. Live by his rules, and don't make up your own. Are you ready to submit to his rules again? God, we submit our lives to you today. We remember again that you are telling your story for your glory, not our own. Father, may we follow you all our days and walk in all your ways. Amen. #GodsMission #HisGlory #SurrenderToGod ASK THIS: How can you actively surrender your plans and desires to God today, trusting in His mission and His timing? In what areas of your life are you tempted to assert your own control instead of submitting to God's leadership? What steps can you take to align your priorities with His will? DO THIS: Proclaim it today: It's his mission, his people, and his glory, not yours. PRAY THIS: Father God, today I humbly submit my life to Your perfect plan, recognizing that Your mission and Your glory far surpass my own desires. Help me to walk in Your ways, finding peace and joy as I surrender to Your leadership and follow Your story for my life. Amen. PLAY THIS: Come and Rest.

Are you boasting about the wrong things? We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.— Galatians 6:13 Paul is so familiar with twisted acts of legalism that he tells the Galatians (both Gentiles and Jews) how twisted the motives of legalism can be. Simply put, he says that some legalists will invade your churches and try to convince you to be obedient to the law, even though no one can be obedient to the law aside from Jesus, and then return to Jerusalem and boast about what they have done to you. This is insanity, but it's precisely what Paul says they will try to do, and he knows this is their motivation because he was a devout Jew before he became a follower of Jesus. But then he says this: But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. — Galatians 6:14-15 This is good, and here is why. What you boast about is what you care about. If you boast about the things of this world, then you care about the things of this world. But if you boast in the Lord, then you care about the things of the Lord. So let me give you a little life hack I have used to help retrain my mind, spirit, and soul. When people praise me for something I have done, I try to immediately deflect glory to God by responding with the phrase—"Praise The Lord!" Sometimes, at least in Christian circles, people dismiss this declaration as a little cliche. But for me, it is not. I use this statement to preach a truth to myself. You see, I need to be reminded that it is only by Jesus's redemption and salvation and the Spirit's gifts and power that I can do anything. So I proclaim this statement to preach this truth to myself when I am tempted to boast in myself. But by preaching this truth to myself, I am also preaching this truth to others that only the Lord is one that ever deserves praise. Thus, I am training myself while preaching to others, which is more than cliche; it's the truth. #BoastInTheCross #NewCreationInChrist #OvercomeLegalism ASK THIS: Reflect on a time when you were tempted to seek approval or boast about your achievements. How can you shift your focus to give glory to God in similar situations moving forward? Consider the phrase "Praise the Lord" as more than just a saying, but a declaration of where your worth lies. How can this practice help you and others focus more on God's work in your lives rather than personal accomplishments? DO THIS: Proclaim it today, "Praise the Lord!" PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to boast only in Your cross, recognizing that all my accomplishments are gifts from You. Teach me to redirect every praise back to You, grounding my identity and worth in Your gracious love. Amen. PLAY THIS: Praise.

Are you scared of the truth because you are trying to please people? We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. — Galatians 6:12 There are all kinds of reasons we do the things we do. Sometimes, the motive is clear, and other times, the motive is murky. Sometimes, we do it for the payoff, and sometimes, we do it to avoid the consequences. Either way, there is always a motive, regardless of how conscious we are of it. At the close of Galatians, Paul shines a bright light on the dark motives of the false teachers. Simply put, he points out that they were cowards. They were afraid of standing up for the Gospel truth, so they adjusted the truth to their liking. To avoid persecution by fellow Jews, they adapted the teaching to appease people who might be politically powerful and stand in opposition to the freedoms of the Gospel. Turn on the news, and you will see the exact same drama unfold today. Political parties are either motivated by personal payoffs or to avoid the consequences of political losses. Their motivations may appear a bit murky, but they are not. They either do it to secure their position or avoid losing it because their positions are the means of retaining power and money for themselves. But in Galatians, we are not talking about the government. Paul is addressing the church. This is the one place we assume our leader's motives will be truthful and righteous. It's the one place we hope will be free from impure motivation. Yet we learn that even spiritual leaders are not infallible. I am not, and neither is your pastor. At some point, even spiritual leaders become susceptible to fear—fear of loss, fear of opposition, or fear of standing up for the truth as it is written. There are certain texts of the Bible that I read that still disturb me. When I read them, they test me. This internal dialogue happens where, for a second, I think, "How should I say this? Should I say it stronger or softer? Is there a way to avoid this topic or the offense?" This still happens to me because the living Word always has something to say to our rapidly changing culture, and as a result, there is a strong temptation to adapt the Gospel to our liking to ensure we don't lose butts in the seats and bucks in our wallets. So today, the call of this text is for all of us to address our motivations. But I also would like to ask you to do something specific. Pray for me and all our pastors. Pray that our motivations as your spiritual leaders will always be pure and that the Gospel message will stand tall amidst the pressure to please people over preaching the Gospel truth. #FearOfTruth #GospelIntegrity #CourageousFaith ASK THIS: How can you discern whether your actions are motivated by a desire to please others or by a commitment to proclaiming the truth of the Gospel? What steps can you take to ensure that your motivations align with God's truth, even when faced with pressure to conform to societal expectations or avoid conflict? DO THIS: Test your motives and pray for your pastor's purity of motive. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me examine my motives honestly and courageously, choosing to stand firm in proclaiming Your truth even when faced with the temptation to please people. Guide me in aligning my heart with Your will so that Your Gospel may shine brightly through my words and actions. Amen. PLAY THIS: God Help Me.

There are some things you need to do yourself. We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. — Galatians 6:11 There is a lot of speculation about why Paul says this. The most likely explanation is that Paul had a secretary who wrote the letter for him as he dictated. Then, at the end of the dictation, he took the pen from the secretary and finished the letter himself so they knew it was authentic. So, what do you need to do today that must be authentically from you? Is there a task or issue that only you can do? Whatever that is, do it. But as you do it think about why only you can do it. Often, there is a divine reason. The reason could be as simple as there is something God wants to do in you as you do something for others. So take up your task and address that issue, but give care to how you do it because God is going to do something in you as do something for others. #AuthenticAction #DivineDesign #UniqueCalling ASK THIS: What tasks or responsibilities in your life do you often delegate or overlook because you think someone else could handle them better? How might embracing these tasks with authenticity lead to personal growth and deeper connection with God? Reflect on a recent situation where you felt hesitant or reluctant to take ownership of a task or issue. What insights did you gain from today's devotional about the importance of embracing tasks that are uniquely yours? How can you approach similar situations in the future with a greater sense of authenticity and purpose? DO THIS: Get it done and do it with care for His glory. PRAY THIS: Father, help me recognize the tasks that are uniquely mine and grant me the courage and wisdom to embrace them with authenticity, knowing that through them, You are shaping me into the person You created me to be. Guide my actions today, Lord, so that I may fulfill my purpose and grow closer to You in the process. Amen. PLAY THIS: Rapha.

Ever felt like giving up on doing good when the world weighs heavy? We are days away from beginning the book of 1 Samuel. So remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. Pick it up so you're fully prepared to dive into this study. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. — Galatians 6:9-10 When we feel the weight of the world bearing down on us and witness conflicts within the church, it can be draining. This was the challenge faced by the churches in Galatia. External pressures coupled with internal disputes sowed seeds of exhaustion and frustration. Haven't we all experienced moments when we've had enough drama and just crave a break? Yet, it's precisely at these junctures that many believers grow tired of doing good. What's required is another act of kindness, motivated by the Spirit. Think of it like a critical moment in a football game—fourth down with just one yard to go, the game hanging in the balance. We're standing on the spiritual goal line, seconds ticking away, feeling weary, yet knowing we must execute one more crucial play—the most important one. Despite being behind, despite the internal squabbles on the team, we must deliver. The play needs to be solid and flawlessly executed. So, despite the burdens and conflicts you face today, hold firm. Do one more good deed because that deed might just tip the scales, leading to another small victory on the path of salvation—for you and your fellow believers. #DoGood #PerseveranceInFaith #RenewedStrength ASK THIS: Reflecting on your own experiences, when have you felt weary in doing good? How did you overcome that weariness, and what motivated you to continue pressing on? In what areas of your life do you currently feel the weight of weariness or frustration? How can you apply the encouragement from Galatians 6:9-10 to those situations, and what specific steps can you take to persevere in doing good despite the challenges? DO THIS: Do good yet again. PRAY THIS: Lord, grant me strength and perseverance to continue doing good even when I feel weary or discouraged, knowing that in due season, I will reap a harvest if I don't give up. Fill me with your Spirit, guiding me to be a beacon of kindness and love amidst the challenges I face today. Amen. PLAY THIS: Gratitude.

Are you living in eternal life now? Remember to visit our website and secure your copy of the 1 Samuel Scripture Journal. This valuable resource will help you prepare for our upcoming sessions and ensure you're fully prepared to dive into this study. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. — Galatians 6:8 When Paul talks about sowing to the Spirit leading to eternal life, it adds a significant theological twist here at the end of the letter. It challenges his explanation up to this point that eternal life is solely a result of faith and not human works. However, Paul isn't negating faith by adding to it human works; instead, he's revealing the inseparable connection between faith and works. Sowing to the Spirit is living a life of faith, where every action, decision, and sacrifice is motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It's not focused on outward actions for the sake of outward actions but on the heart posture driving those actions. When we sow to the Spirit, we entrust our lives to God's guidance and surrender to his will, allowing him to shape and direct our choices. Therefore, "eternal life" in this text doesn't just refer to life after death. It's also about experiencing the fullness of eternal life with the Spirit in the here and now. Sowing to the Spirit leads to this abundant life that transcends earthly circumstances and extends into eternity. So, sowing to the Spirit isn't about earning salvation through our works; instead, it's about living out the salvation we've already received by faith. Our works are the natural outflow of our faith, evidence of our relationship with God. Through this faith-filled living, empowered by the Spirit, we truly experience the richness of eternal life. Therefore, Paul's message is twofold. First, continue to walk by faith, allowing the Spirit to guide and empower you in every aspect of life. Second, persevere in doing good, knowing your faith-filled actions have eternal significance and impact. It's not about striving to earn God's favor but about responding to the Spirit with faith, where every act of kindness and generosity reflects his grace at work within us. So do this today. Live in eternity now. #SowToTheSpirit #SpiritLedLife #EternalHarvest ASK THIS: How can you discern if your actions are being sown to the Spirit or to the flesh? What practical steps can you take to ensure your decisions align with God's will and reflect a Spirit-led life? Reflect on a recent decision or action you've taken. How might approaching similar situations with a mindset of sowing to the Spirit impact your choices and outcomes? DO THIS: Live in eternity now. PRAY THIS: Father, guide me to sow seeds of faith, love, and obedience, trusting in Your Spirit's leading as I navigate life's challenges and opportunities. May my actions reflect Your grace and bring forth a harvest of eternal significance, honoring Your name and glorifying Your kingdom. Amen. PLAY THIS: One Day.