Do you ever give without expectation?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

So Samuel dies, and after the event, David returns south and here is what happens in 1 Samuel 25:4-8:

David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’” — 1 Samuel 25:4-8

Here is the situation:

After returning through the wilderness of Paran, David rejoins his men. We assume they are still about 600 men strong. Right about this time, he learns that Nabal is shearing his sheep, which would have been a significant event given the size of his flock. Given that his men are hungry and need a reprieve, David sends some men to greet Nabal, hoping for reciprocity in preserving and protecting them rather than plundering them, which would have been expected given the size of their army. David's request is simple: he hopes they can join the upcoming feast, celebrating Nabal’s growing wealth. After all, David understands the life of a shepherd, having been one himself. He merely seeks a little goodwill in return for his already-established protection.

In the coming verses, we will see Nabal’s harsh and ungrateful response.

It’s disheartening when you do something good and it's met with a sour-hearted and selfish person.

But our frustration is not just an issue of the other person. It sometimes stems from our unspoken and unmet expectations. When we give with the expectancy of receiving something in return—e.g., a simple thank you—and that doesn’t happen, it stings.

You may not be able to change the heart of a sour-hearted and selfish person, but you can change your heart and expectations. Practice giving without expectation. Buy a friend a meal, give a compliment, offer a gift, and work out the silent force of your expectations. Train your heart to give without expectation, and learn the heart of Jesus, who gave everything to humankind that could offer nothing in return.

#GivingWithoutExpectation, #SelflessGenerosity, #HeartOfJesus

1. How can you practice giving without expectations in your daily life?
2. What unspoken expectations do you need to let go of to foster a more generous heart?

Give without expectation.

Lord, help me to give freely and generously without the weight of expectation, reflecting Your heart in my actions. Teach me to find joy in selfless giving, just as You did for us. Amen.

Generous Giver.

Is your life dominated by fools or driven by wisdom?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

Today, we begin a new chapter—1 Samuel 25. This one involves three characters: David, Nabal, and his wife, Abigail. You will see a warrior's anger, a fool's reckless pride, and a woman's humble wisdom. It will be easy to discern who is who in the story. Let’s read verses 1-3:

Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. — 1 Samuel 25:1-3

Samuel’s death marks the end of an era, signaling a shift in Israel’s leadership. This transition invites us to focus more tightly on David's leadership, which is still shaped by a lot of conflict on his way to becoming king. And in this chapter, we will see how David has to navigate a fool on his way to greater wisdom.

As we dive deeper into this chapter, we will see a sharp contrast between Nabal and Abigail. Nabal, a wealthy man, embodies foolishness—his very name means "Fool." In stark contrast, Abigail, his wife is a woman of wisdom and discernment. This story of David's encounter of this couple reveals profound truths about the nature of our human relationships.

So let me ask: Who are the Nabals and Abigails in your life?

Think about your own experiences. Who embodies the "Nabal" in your life? Perhaps it's a colleague whose arrogance frustrates you, a family member whose pride blinds them, or even a friend who dismisses your input. This week, consider how you typically react to these individuals. Are you quick to anger, or can you step back and respond differently?

Now, recall the "Abigail" in your life. Their discernment is rooted in humility and grace. Is there someone who approaches conflict with wisdom, patience, and understanding? This week, consider their wisdom and aim to embody their approach in your interactions.

Here's your three-part challenge today:

1. Identify: Take a moment to identify the names of the "Nabals" and "Abigails" in your life. Acknowledgment who they are.
2. Reflect: For each "Nabal," ask yourself two questions: What drives their behavior? How can I respond differently?
3. Act: This week, practice Abigail's humility and wisdom. When faced with a foolish act or a difficult conversation, pause, pray for wisdom, and respond with grace. You might be surprised by how your approach changes the dynamics of the relationships in your life.

Remember, you can choose wisdom over folly. Make it a week where you don’t just avoid fools and acting like a fool but actively fool the world with wisdom instead!

#WisdomOverFolly, #AbigailAndNabal, #DailyDevo

1. How can I respond with wisdom when confronted by a “Nabal” in my life?
2. What qualities of “Abigail” can I embody in my daily interactions?

Act with wisdom not as a fool.

Lord, help me recognize my life's "Nabals" and "Abigails" and guide my responses with wisdom and grace. May I embody the humility of Abigail and reflect Your love in all my interactions. Amen.

Christ Our Wisdom.

Do you take control or trust God?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

In today's reading, we will be concluding Chapter 24. This chapter begins with David seeking refuge in Engedi while Saul learns of his whereabouts and pursues him with 3000 soldiers. Upon reaching the location, Saul unknowingly entered a cave where David hid. Despite having the opportunity to take Saul's life, David chose to spare him and instead risked his own safety by leaving the cave. The text takes an unexpected turn when Saul responds to David in a surprising manner, and this interaction is further elaborated in today's text 1 Samuel 24:20-22.

And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the Lord that you will not cut off my offspring after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father's house." And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. — 1 Samuel 24:20-22

Saul publicly acknowledges something everyone else has already acknowledged for years — David would be the next king. But Saul, in a sober moment, asks David to grant him two requests. First, he asked that David "not cut off my offspring" or that David not follow the ancient Near Eastern custom of killing all descendants of his dynastic predecessor. Second, he asked that David "not destroy my name out of my father's house," a request closely related to the first but underscoring the preservation of his name.

Without hesitation, David pledged his oath to Saul, reaffirming the solemn promise he had previously made with Jonathan. David's unwavering commitment would later manifest in his benevolent act of providing sanctuary, bestowing a position of honor, and granting a generous inheritance to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–13; 19:29; 21:7).

David's decision to spare Saul's life in that cave, even when it seemed like the perfect opportunity to eliminate his enemy, speaks volumes about the kind of man and leader David aspired to be—one ruled by faith in God. He saw beyond his need to control the situation, understanding that God controlled all things, including his future.

We are called to live lives marked by faith that expresses the same qualities: mercy and grace, not vengeance.

In this story, we catch a small glimpse of the Gospel. David's faith in God resulted in the salvation of himself, his 600 men, Saul, and his 3000 men. Not one man's life was lost in this moment. Not only that, it resulted in a double oath that extended Saul's family and name to future generations. In the same way, Jesus's faith in God extends salvation to all future generations. Like Saul, we who were delusional sinners blatantly rebellious to God in every way and deserving of God's vengeance were redeemed by a sinless man who offered us saving grace and mercy through sacrifice so that we might know God's grace to all future generations.

Today, consider the capacity of faith in God to extend life rather than take it. Don't take matters into your own hands; trust in God's hand, and see the power of God's saving grace in every moment of your day. Extend grace because you've received the ultimate grace through Him.

#FaithInAction, #ExtendGrace, #DavidAndSaul

1. How can you practice extending grace in your relationships, even when it’s difficult?
2. In what situations do you struggle to trust God's plan over your own?

Have faith in God's grace.

Lord, help me to trust in Your plan and extend grace to others, just as David did with Saul. May my actions reflect Your mercy and love in every situation I face. Amen.

Stand In Faith.

Are you trusting in your hand or the hand of the Lord?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

Today, we continue our story with David, who revealed that he was in the cave with Saul. Bowed to the ground, with the corner of his robe in his hand, he finishes the speech of his life. Let's see how this concludes in 1 Samuel 24:12-15.

May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes wickedness.' But my hand shall not be against you. After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! May the Lord therefore be judge and give sentence between me and you, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand." — 1 Samuel 24:12-15

This part of David's speech is surgical. Here is why. The proverb "Out of the wicked comes wickedness" could easily be interpreted as an indictment of Saul. He was the one who was acting wickedly and possessed by an evil spirit. Yet David, ever so carefully, does not apply this to Saul but to himself, who had done no wickedness in this situation.

Yet we all know that Saul is possessed and delusional. Saul is not in his right mind, and when he walks out of the cave, David puts his life in the hands of a known wicked man. But while I state this, this is not entirely true. Again, as he did with Goliath, David understands that he is not putting himself in the hands of Saul but in the hands of God. Twice, he states in this section, "May the Lord judge." David's battle at this moment was a battle of words and not swords, yet all the same, the battle was the Lord's.

There are moments in our lives when we have to trust the hand of the Lord. It may look like we are putting ourselves in someone else's hand—a boss, friend, spouse, or legal representative where we, as a believer, there is always another person in the room—The Lord. Stop letting your old life and mind control how you think about life situations. If you have surrendered your life to the Lord, you have another hand on your side—the hand of the Lord.

#TrustInGod, #FaithLikeDavid, #SpiritualBattles

1. In what situations are you tempted to trust in your strength or others instead of entirely relying on God’s hand?
2. How can you remind yourself to see God as the ultimate judge and defender during difficult or unfair circumstances?

Trust in God's Hand, not your own.

Lord, help me embrace the power of my words in times of conflict, just as David did. Grant me the wisdom to choose truth and mercy over retaliation. May I prioritize relationships and maintain integrity in all my interactions, reflecting Your love and grace. Amen.

Surrounded (Fight My Battles).

Sometimes, battles are fought with words and not swords.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

In our story, David puts his men in a risky situation by not cutting down Saul in the cave while he has the chance. But he is left to deal with Saul, so he walks out of the cave to confront the situation and deal with Saul and the consequences. What we listen to in our devotional for the next two days is one of the great speeches of David's life. Let's see what he says in 1 Samuel 24:9-11.

And David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Behold, David seeks your harm'? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, 'I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.' See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. — 1 Samuel 24:9-11

This moment marks a pivotal point in David's life, where battles are not won with swords but with words. David stands before Saul, a man who has relentlessly pursued him, and instead of striking him down, he seeks to convince Saul that he is not his enemy but, in fact, an ally. This act of bravery unfolds in front of his 600 men and the 3,000 soldiers standing ready to capture him.

Consider the risk involved! David steps into the open, armed with nothing but his words and the truth about his actions.

David's response teaches us that sometimes, our battles are fought with words rather than weapons. How you confront difficult situations can determine the outcome. David skillfully wielded his words. You, too, must also learn to fight this way in your life. Here are a few practices David deployed that you can use as well:

1. Proclaim the Truth: David didn't trust in his feelings or the misguided counsel of his allies. He took a hard stand and proclaimed the truth about his situation. You should express your truth honestly, rooted in the right tone in your conflicts.
2. Pursue Mercy: David had reason to retaliate but not the right to retaliate, so he pursued mercy instead. In your confrontations, you can opt for reconciliation rather than revenge. Remember, mercy can be a powerful tool for peace.
3. Prioritize Relationships: David called Saul "my father," reminding Saul of their connection. In your conflicts, you can prioritize the people and positions involved, helping soften hearts and opening doors for resolution.
4. Practice Integrity: David emphasized that he was not the treasonous man Saul believed him to be. In your battles, maintain integrity in your words and actions. Let your character shine through, serving as a witness to the truth.

As you go about your day, remember that you may encounter battles where words hold more power than weapons. Like David, may you confront your challenges with truth, mercy, and a commitment to integrity.

Fight well, knowing your words can be mightier than the sword.

#DavidAndSaul, #PowerOfWords, #FaithInConflict.

1. In what challenging situation have you found it difficult to choose words over actions, and how can David's example inspire you to respond differently?
2. How can you actively prioritize relationships and practice mercy daily, especially when facing conflict?

Fight with words, not swords.

Lord, help me to embrace the power of my words in times of conflict, just as David did, and grant me the wisdom to choose truth and mercy over retaliation. May I prioritize relationships and maintain integrity in all my interactions, reflecting Your love and grace. Amen.

Words.

Let God write the ending of the story.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

Yesterday, David put his men in a risky situation by not cutting down Saul in the cave while he had the chance. But what is left to deal with is Saul and the 3000 soldiers waiting for him and his men inside this kill box. Let's see what happens next in 1 Samuel 24:8.

Afterward David also arose and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, 'My lord the king!' And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth and paid homage. — 1 Samuel 24:8

This moment is intense—David steps out into the open, revealing his location to Saul and his army. A situation where any other man might choose a defensive posture or fight for survival, David chooses the high road of faith. He trusts the Lord with the outcome, even when his life hangs in the balance. This bold move didn't make David the hero of the story—God was the hero. David's faith was in God to deliver him, not in his own ability to manipulate the moment.

When we think about our own lives, there are times when we’re faced with situations that feel like we’re stepping into a dangerous “kill box” of sorts—risks that challenge our faith. It might be a career decision, standing up for what's right in your workplace, or even facing a personal conflict. The temptation to save yourself through manipulation or taking matters into your own hands can be strong. But just like David, we’re called to put our faith in the Lord, trusting that He will be the one to deliver us—even if the risks seem high.

Are you willing to trust God in the face of risk? This doesn't mean intentionally putting yourself in harm’s way to test your faith. Instead, it means that when you find yourself in those dangerous places—spiritually, relationally, or physically—you trust in God's sovereignty over the outcome. Remember, your job isn’t to be the hero. It’s to allow God to be the hero through your faith. Today, dare to trust God with the results, even when the stakes are high.

Boldly take the first step of faith and let God write the ending.

#TrustInGod, #FaithOverFear, #GodIsTheHero

1. In what areas of your life are you tempted to take control instead of trusting God with the outcome?
2. How can you take a bold step of faith this week, trusting God even when the risks seem high?

Let God write your story.

Lord, help me to trust You when the risks are great and the outcome is uncertain. Give me the courage to take bold steps of faith, knowing that You are in control and will be my deliverer. Amen.

My Story.

Opportunities that look divine are not always divine.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

Yesterday, David escaped to the Strongholds of Engedi; Saul pursued him with 3000 soldiers and then exposed himself by relieving himself in the cave David was in. So let's see what happens next in 1 Samuel 24:4-7.

And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's robe. And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord's anointed.” So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way. — 1 Samuel 24:4-7

Three critical moments in this story teach one valuable lesson in spiritual leadership.

David’s men confidently whisper to David that this is his divine opportunity. They apply an earlier declaration that God had made about the Philistines in Keilah (1 Samuel 23:4) to the present situation. But it's wrongly applied. David's men saw a "divine" opportunity to do something less than divine and altered God’s message to match the present moment. We have all been guilty of this. It’s easy to misinterpret or selfishly interpret promises of God when our emotions are heightened, or we feel cornered. The messages in our minds can be louder than the messages in God's Word.

With remarkable stealth, David manages to sneak up behind Saul while he’s in a vulnerable moment—literally with his pants down—and cuts off a corner of Saul’s robe. We cannot gloss over the fact that David's sword was incredibly sharp (we assume Goliath's sword), and his approach stealthy. Yet, instead of using the sword to chop off Saul's head (as he had with Goliath), he cut a corner of his garment. The deep conviction that struck David was powerful enough that it stopped in his tracks. This required incredible emotional restraint and faith in God. In moments when we hold power in our hands, it’s critical to remember that great power is demonstrated in restraint and faith when we act according to God's will, not our own.

After David crawls back, he speaks to his men about his conviction. He realizes that cutting Saul’s robe, while small in comparison to cutting off his head, was still dishonoring the Lord’s anointed. David tore into his men with a strong rebuke. His allies counseled him to act and David confronted their counsel. Sometimes, our closest allies counsel us toward choices that seem good but violate God’s will. In those moments, we need the courage to question and confront ungodly counsel—even when it seems reasonable and justified.

Opportunities that look "divine" are not always divine.

Opportunities are merely opportunities with two results—a godly result or an ungodly result. In threatening or emotional moments, it's tempting to see a divine moment that is not a divine moment. It is simply a selfish moment deceptively portrayed as divine. This makes me wonder if when David was crawling up behind Saul, he looked down at Goliath's sword and his reflection, thinking to himself:

"Should I use the sword God gave me to cut down the enemy of God's anointed to cut down God's anointed?"

As you are given opportunities today to lead, be cautious, especially when you are emotional or cornered. You might be given an opportunity to do something divine or less than divine. Then do God's will, not your own, because spiritual leadership is only spiritual leadership when it is spiritually alligned with God's Will.

#DivineDiscernment, #SpiritualLeadership, #DavidAndSaul