Resolute Podcast

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 10:15-16. And the people of Israel said to the Lord, "We have sinned; do to us whatever seems good to you. Only please deliver us this day." So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord, and he became impatient over the misery of Israel. — Judges 10:15-16 Here we are again—but something finally shifts. After God tells Israel to cry out to their false gods, they realize lip service won't cut it. This time, they don't just say the right words; they take the right action. They toss the idols and turn back to God. And then comes one of the most moving lines in Judges: "He became impatient over the misery of Israel." God, who had every right to walk away, couldn't stand watching his people suffer once he saw their genuine repentance. Real repentance is about getting serious with God. Israel had said "sorry" countless times before, but this time, they proved it. They didn't just confess—they cleaned house. And God responded with compassion that overflowed from his heart. But let's be clear: repentance is not a magic formula to get what we want from God. Israel didn't suddenly earn his favor. Instead, repentance aligned them with his justice. When they cast off idols, God saw both their hearts and the injustice of their suffering, and his mercy was stirred. That's what it means when Scripture says God became "impatient over their misery." God is not cold or distant. He doesn't shrug at our pain. When his people genuinely turn from sin, his compassion is moved both by their response to his justice and by the oppression weighing them down. That's the same call for us today. We can cry tears, pray prayers, and make promises—but if the idols stay, repentance isn't real. For Israel, it meant dragging false gods out of their homes and tossing them away. For us, it may mean finally deleting the app that keeps pulling us back into sin. Or ending the relationship that's poisoning our soul. Or reshaping how we spend our time, money, and energy so God isn't pushed out of first place. Repentance isn't about words, it's not a mere confession—it's a turn, it's about action. It leaves an imprint on your behavior. It changes what you do tomorrow. And when we finally get serious about our sin, we discover God's heart: He is both just and compassionate, eager to bring relief when his people turn back to him. Turn back today. Let your repentance be made known. ASK THIS: Am I truly serious about my sin, or just serious about avoiding its consequences? What "idol" do I keep confessing but never removing? Do I believe God is stirred with compassion over both my repentance and my misery? How might I align my life more with His justice this week? DO THIS: Don't just confess your sin today—cut it off. Take one tangible step that proves you're serious. PRAY THIS: Lord, I don't want to play games with my sin. Help me to align with Your justice, to lay down my idols, and to trust Your heart of compassion that cannot ignore my misery. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Run to the Father."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 10:10-14. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, saying, "We have sinned against you, because we have forsaken our God and have served the Baals." And the Lord said to the people of Israel, "Did I not save you from the Egyptians and from the Amorites, from the Ammonites and from the Philistines? The Sidonians also, and the Amalekites and the Maonites oppressed you, and you cried out to me, and I saved you out of their hand. Yet you have forsaken me and served other gods; therefore I will save you no more. Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress." — Judges 10:10-14 Israel finally cried out to God after years of misery. But this time God pushed back. He basically said, "I've rescued you before, and you ran right back to idols. Why should this time be any different?" That's the moment when regret had to become repentance. It wasn't enough to admit failure. Israel had to do more than cry out—they had to truly turn from idols. This is the difference between worldly regret and godly repentance. Regret says, "I don't like the consequences." Repentance says, "I hate the reason that got me here — my disobedience." We've all been there. We regret getting caught in a lie—but do we hate lying? We regret the hangover—but do we hate drunkenness? We regret the fallout of anger—but do we hate the pride that sparked it? God isn't after our half-hearted apologies. He wants surrendered hearts. He'll even let us sit in our misery until we get serious enough to put away our idols. Maybe you are caught in the spin cycle right now—sin, sorrow, repeat. Maybe you've even prayed prayers that felt empty. The way out is always the same: not just regret, but repentance. Not just "sorry," but surrender. That means getting brutally honest with God—not just naming what you did, but admitting why you wanted it. Then, ask him to change your desires, to help you hate the sin itself, and to love him more. That's where real freedom begins. ASK THIS: Do I confuse regret with repentance in my life? What idols have I said "sorry" for but never actually removed? How might God be using misery to push me toward surrender? Am I willing to put away the counterfeit gods and trust Him fully? DO THIS: Don't just confess—clean house. Remove one "idol" today that competes with God's place in your heart. Then get honest with God about why you chased it, and ask Him to reshape your desires. PRAY THIS: Lord, I don't just want to regret my sin—I want to repent of it. Expose the motives behind it, and give me a heart that hates sin and loves You more. Amen. PLAY THIS: "We Repent."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 10:7-9. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of the Philistines and into the hand of the Ammonites, and they crushed and oppressed the people of Israel that year. For eighteen years they oppressed all the people of Israel who were beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead. And the Ammonites crossed the Jordan to fight against Judah and against Benjamin and against the house of Ephraim, so that Israel was severely distressed. — Judges 10:7-9 Here we are again. Israel fell into the same old pattern—idols first, slavery next. What started as excitement ended as eighteen years of oppression. The nations whose gods they worshiped became the nations that crushed them. That's the lie of sin. It always starts with a sparkle, a promise, a rush. It whispers, "This will make you happy. This will satisfy. This time it will be different." And for a quick second, it delivers. But the high never lasts. We've all felt it. The buzz of that secret indulgence. The ego boost of praise or success. The thrill of crossing a boundary we swore we wouldn't. But then? The high fades. Guilt. Emptiness. Shame. Regret. Consequences. What was supposed to relieve us now rules us. What promised life delivers death. Israel spent eighteen years crushed because they kept chasing the rush of idols. And we, too, end up enslaved—not to Ammonites, but to habits, addictions, bitterness, anxiety, or broken relationships. Sin always takes us farther than we wanted to go and costs us more than we ever planned to pay. Sin shines like treasure, but it's just counterfeit change. What our souls really crave isn't a cheap thrill—it's the fulfillment of God. His presence satisfies. His call gives purpose. His Spirit provides freedom. Every other "high" is just a cheap knockoff that leaves us emptier than before. Don't fall for it. ASK THIS: Where am I chasing a thrill I know won't satisfy? How has sin overpromised and underdelivered in my past? What "idol" is currently leaving me emptier instead of fuller? What step do I need to take today to run back to God instead of another counterfeit? DO THIS: Name one area where sin feels thrilling but is leaving you empty. Bring it before God in confession today, and tell one trusted friend to help keep you accountable. PRAY THIS: Lord, open my eyes to see through sin's empty promises. Protect me from chasing counterfeits, and teach me to find my deepest joy and freedom in You alone. Amen. PLAY THIS: "No Longer Slaves."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 10:6. The people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines. And they forsook the Lord and did not serve him. — Judges 10:6 For forty-five years under two Judges, Tola and Jair, Israel lived in peace. No drama. Just stability and faithfulness. But then came the slow creep of boredom. Instead of treasuring this quiet time, they ran after the thrills of idols—seven different gods from seven different nations. A sudden departure from God. It was certainly a restless search for "something more." More passion, more excitement, more control. But as we have learned repeatedly in Judges, empty idols never deliver. They always take more than they give. But we aren't that much different. When life feels stable, our hearts get restless. We scroll for the next dopamine hit, chase the next upgrade, crave the next thrill. Faithfulness begins to feel boring. And so, like Israel, we start reaching for idols—money, comfort, pleasure, approval, or success—hoping they'll spark what feels missing. But once we taste, the thrill fades fast. The upgrade is quickly outdated. The pleasure leaves us emptier than before. It's like running on a treadmill; we burn lots of energy but go nowhere. The problem isn't adventure or seeking adventure. The problem is where we seek it. The best adventure isn't found in chasing the next high—it's found in pursuing the living God. Running after God is the ultimate adventure. Following his call is the ultimate thrill. So don't pursue fake thrills, quick fixes, and short-lived highs. Trade in the hit for the Most High God. ASK THIS: Where do I chase quick thrills instead of God's steady presence? What's the "idol" I turn to when life feels boring? How has thrill-seeking left me emptier instead of fuller? What would it look like to see following God as the ultimate adventure? DO THIS: Today, replace one "dopamine scroll" (phone, purchase, escape) with a moment of pursuit—pray, read Scripture, or worship. Trade the hit for the real adventure. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for chasing thrills apart from You. Teach me to see You as the true adventure of my life, the only pursuit that satisfies. Amen. PLAY THIS: "My King Forever."

We live in an age where truth is no longer discovered—it's declared. Everyone's got "their truth," but what happens when my truth and your truth collide? Summary: In this foundational episode of Faith + State, Vince Miller and Elliott Engen explore how our culture has replaced absolute truth with subjective truth, and why that shift is at the root of today's moral and political chaos. From the public square to personal identity, they unpack how abandoning biblical authority has left us in confusion—and how returning to the Word of God restores clarity, conviction, and courage. Big Idea: The world says truth is subjective. The Bible says the truth is revealed. One leads to chaos. The other to clarity. John 17:17 — "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." Reflection & Discussion Questions: How does the modern idea of "your truth" conflict with the Bible's view of absolute truth? Where do you see "subjective truth" showing up most in today's culture? Why do you think people prefer relative truth over revealed truth? How does John 17:17 define truth in a way that challenges cultural norms? What dangers arise when a society loses belief in objective truth? How can Christians speak truth boldly without becoming combative? What role should Scripture play in shaping your understanding of truth? How can we model truth to the next generation in a post-truth culture? Why is truth foundational to justice, morality, and identity? What step can you take this week to align your beliefs with God's revealed truth?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 10:3-5. After him arose Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years. And he had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys, and they had thirty cities, called Havvoth-jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead. And Jair died and was buried in Kamon. — Judges 10:3-5 Jair's life doesn't read like an action movie. No armies were defeated. No fiery speeches. Just thirty sons riding thirty donkeys, each governing their town. Honestly? It feels… uneventful and ordinary. But that's the beauty. After Abimelech's bloody chaos, Jair brought something Israel desperately needed—ordinary life. Families could grow. Communities could thrive. Stability took root. That was his legacy. Sometimes the absence of headlines, "ordinary," is the greatest headline of all. We are so addicted to the spectacular. We want to live like our lives are highlight reels. Big promotions. Viral moments. Spiritual mountaintops. But God does some of his best work in the grind of the ordinary. Steady dads who show up after long days of work. Moms who faithfully pray with their kids at bedtime. Men and women who stay the course in marriage, integrity, and worship—when nobody is watching or praising them. That's Jair's story. Faithfulness that never trends, but always lasts. Drama is exciting, but it rarely builds anything lasting. Stability feels boring, but it gives time and space for generations to build and flourish. Maybe God's calling you not to chase that next “big moment,” but to keep showing up faithfully in the small ones. Grinding it out in faithful obedience. So keep grinding, with your family, church, and in your time. Do something "ordinary" today. ASK THIS: Do I crave dramatic moments more than daily faithfulness? Where has God called me to show up steadily, even when it feels unnoticed? How can I reframe “ordinary” as holy ground? Who in my life models Jair-like stability, and how can I thank them? DO THIS: Choose one “ordinary” act of faithfulness today—pray with your kids, send an encouraging text, or serve without credit. Do it as worship, not for applause. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for the gift of ordinary days. Teach me to embrace faithfulness over flash, stability over spectacle, and obedience that honors You even when no one notices. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Faithful."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 10:1-2. After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the son of Puah, son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, and he lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. And he judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried at Shamir. — Judges 10:1-2 After the chaos and carnage of Abimelech's reign, Israel didn't need another flashy warrior. They needed rest. God raised up Tola—a judge whose legacy isn't marked by a bunch of battles, but by stability. For twenty-three years, nothing dramatic is recorded. No rebellion. No mass bloodshed. Just peace and steady leadership. Sometimes, no drama is a blessing, right?! God used this season to remind his people—and us—that his work isn't only seen in the dramatic. Sometimes it is seen in a quiet season led by a faithful leader. This is problematic for us because we live in a world addicted to drama. Our feeds refresh every few seconds with outrage, scandal, and noise. News thrives on shock value. Entertainment glorifies conflict. Even in our personal lives, we can get caught chasing the next crisis or feeding off the latest drama in our families, workplaces, or friendships. But constant drama drains the soul. It spikes reaction, anxiety, and spiritual shallowness. Tola's season, without a bunch of recorded drama, had to be a relief. Under his leadership, Israel had twenty-three years to breathe, reset, and realign. No battles. No fires to put out. Just space for hearts to return to God. And maybe that's what you need too—a season without noise. A time to simply be faithful and pursue God without drama. If you need this, ask God for it, and when it arrives, make sure you take advantage of the relief. Relief is a gift to reset your soul, recalibrate your heart, and draw you closer to Him. But it's also a time to safeguard your life from slipping back into spiritual laziness that leads to worshiping empty idols. One thing that always helps is a "Tola" who becomes for you an anchor for this time. ASK THIS: Do I see “no drama” seasons as a gift from God? Where might I be chasing excitement instead of valuing faithfulness? How can I be steady for those around me this week? Who has been a “Tola” in my life, giving me stability when I needed it? DO THIS: Thank God today for the quiet blessings—the leaders, parents, mentors, or friends who brought peace instead of drama. Then choose one small act of faithfulness to steady someone else's life. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for the gift of stability. Help me embrace quiet faithfulness as a blessing, even when it feels small, and let me be a steady presence in the lives of others. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Faithful Now."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 9:50-57. Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it. But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower. And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull. Then he called quickly to the young man his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.'” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, everyone departed to his home. Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers. And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. — Judges 9:50-57 After burning Shechem's tower with men and women inside, Abimelech attempts the same strategy at Thebez. But as he approaches the tower, a nameless woman lifts a millstone and hurls it down. It crashes into his skull, crushing the head of the tyrant who once slaughtered his own brothers. In desperation, Abimelech pleads for his armor-bearer to kill him so no one can say he died by a woman's hand. Yet the irony lingers louder than his pride: the man who exalted himself above all is remembered for humiliation, not greatness. There is no doubt Jotham's words have become his judgment, “Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech … and the curse of Jotham.” He is stoned by his pride. Abimelech's life should be a case study in what happens when pride consumes a leader. He clawed for power, torched his enemies, and trusted his own strength. But the very pride that lifted him up was the pride that took him down. Pride always ends this way. Sometimes God lets pride run its course to show us just how destructive it is. It looks confident at first, but it always turns violent, always spirals out of control, and always collapses in shame. Be careful—if you stay hardheaded with God, you may end up with a crushed head. This is why we can't play games with pride. We can't excuse selfish ambition or stubborn rebellion. Pride is never harmless—it's a ticking time bomb. So we must humble ourselves now before God humbles us later. Pride ends in ruin, but humility under God's hand leads to life. ASK THIS: Where am I being hardheaded with God right now? How have I seen pride come full circle in destructive ways? Do I believe God really does repay evil in His timing? What step of humility can I take today to soften my heart before Him? DO THIS: Write down one area where you've been hardheaded with God—resisting, delaying, or excusing. Pray over it and surrender it. Don't wait for the millstone moment to break you. PRAY THIS: Lord, break my pride before it breaks me. Keep me from being hardheaded with You, and teach me the humility that brings life under Your hand. Amen. PLAY THIS: "I Surrender All."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Sam Schoeppner from Port Trevorton, PA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 9:42-49. On the following day the people went out into the field, and Abimelech was told. He took his people and divided them into three companies and set an ambush in the fields. And he looked and saw the people coming out of the city, so he rose against them and killed them. Abimelech and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood at the entrance of the gate of the city, while the two companies rushed upon all who were in the fields and killed them. And Abimelech fought against the city all that day. He captured the city and killed the people who were in it, and he razed the city and sowed it with salt. When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the house of El-berith. Abimelech was told that all the leaders of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. And Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him. And Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a bundle of brushwood and lifted it and laid it on his shoulder. And he said to the men who were with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do as I have done.” So every one of the people cut down his bundle and following Abimelech put it against the stronghold, and they set the stronghold on fire over them, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem also died, about 1,000 men and women. — Judges 9:42-49 After Gaal's defeat, Abimelech turns his fury on Shechem. He ambushes their people, tears down their city, salts the ground so nothing will grow, and finally targets the leaders hiding in the tower of El-berith—the temple of their false god Baal-berith. From there, the story takes a chilling turn. Abimelech cuts down brushwood, lights it, and torches the stronghold with a thousand men and women inside. The very tower they trusted for safety becomes their tomb. It's the brutal fulfillment of Jotham's warning: the fire has come, and Shechem burns, and by Abimelech's hand. The tower of Shechem is a haunting picture of false security. When we put our hope in anything other than God—whether money, status, relationships, or our own strength—it will eventually collapse. What feels like a fortress today may be the very place of ruin tomorrow. The people of Shechem thought their temple-tower and false god would protect them. But only the Lord is a strong tower, a refuge that never falls: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous man runs into it and is safe. — Proverbs 18:10. Every other “tower” is brushwood waiting to burn. Where do you run when life gets hard? Do you run and hide in a tower that can't save you, like money, achievement, reputation, or to the God who always can? If you need safety today, run to God. Nothing else and nothing less. ASK THIS: What “towers” am I tempted to run to for safety when I'm afraid? How do I know if my trust is in God or in false security? Where have I seen the collapse of something I once relied on? What would it look like for me to run to God as my true refuge today? DO THIS: Identify one “tower” you've been leaning on—money, achievement, reputation. Confess it to God, and declare Him as your refuge in prayer today. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for hiding in false towers. You alone are my refuge and my strength—help me to run to You, not to what will burn. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Strong Tower."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Doug Pietig from Buffalo, MN. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 9:26-41. And Gaal the son of Ebed moved into Shechem with his relatives, and the leaders of Shechem put confidence in him. And they went out into the field and gathered the grapes from their vineyards and trod them and held a festival; and they went into the house of their god and ate and drank and reviled Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelech, and who are we of Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? Would that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, 'Increase your army, and come out.'" When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. And he sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, "Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you. Now therefore, go by night, you and the people who are with you, and set an ambush in the field. Then in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, rise early and rush upon the city. And when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you may do to them as your hand finds to do." So Abimelech and all the men who were with him rose up by night and set an ambush against Shechem in four companies. And Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush. And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, "Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops!" And Zebul said to him, "You mistake the shadow of the mountains for men." Gaal spoke again and said, "Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the direction of the Diviners' Oak." Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your mouth now, you who said, 'Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?' Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them." And Gaal went out at the head of the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech. And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. And many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate. And Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives, so that they could not dwell at Shechem. — Judges 9:26-41 Today, a new character enters the story — Gaal, son of Ebed, who is a new rival in Shechem. He talks big, mocks Abimelech, and stirs up the people. From the winepress to the temple of their false god, he fills himself with pride and boasts, "If I were in charge, things would be different." But God turns the tables on this new competitor. Gaal's arrogance collides with Abimelech's wrath, and in a single battle, his uprising collapses. He's driven out, humiliated, and forgotten. Here's the irony: Gaal thought he could topple the bramble king. But in the end, he was just another bramble himself—full of talk, empty of fruit. God uses their rivalry to accelerate judgment, showing once again that pride destroys itself. Pride writes checks we can't cash. Gaal bragged about what he would do if he were in charge, but God allowed his arrogance to unravel him. Pride never ends well. Whether in leadership, relationships, or personal battles, arrogance blinds us, isolates us, and eventually destroys us. But God, in his sovereignty, even uses the pride of men to fulfill his purposes. Gaal and Abimelech thought they were fighting for power between themselves, but God's power was outmaneuvering them both. They were playing checkers with pride, while God was playing chess. The lesson? Don't play the game of pride with God. Stay humble. Be kind. Don't waste your energy and time on fruitless arrogance. Trust the One King who turns the tables on every form of pride. ASK THIS: Where am I tempted to say, “If I were in charge, I'd do it better”? How has pride in my past led me into trouble? Am I watching for God's hand even in the rivalries and chaos around me? How can I practice humility today so I don't repeat Gaal's mistake? DO THIS: Catch yourself in one boast today—whether out loud or in your thoughts—and replace it with a prayer of humility. PRAY THIS: Lord, protect me from pride that blinds me. Teach me to trust You as the One who turns the tables on evil. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Humble And Kind."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Daniel McClure from Red Lion, PA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 9:22-25. Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. And the leaders of Shechem put men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way. And it was told to Abimelech. — Judges 9:22-25 Abimelech's reign lasted only three years. Then, the massive cracks started to show. God himself sent an “evil spirit” between Abimelech and Shechem. Suddenly, the people who once crowned him turned against him. They set ambushes, stirred rebellion, and worked betrayal behind his back. Don't be confused. This was not a random political drama—it was divine judgment. In fact, every political drama is a divine judgment. God was holding Abimelech and Shechem accountable for the murder of Gideon's sons and choosing other gods and an evil king over Him. What Jotham had forewarned was now coming true: the fire of bad leadership was beginning to consume both king and people. God will not let evil stand. Even when it looks like corruption has the upper hand, God has a way of unraveling it from the inside out. Abimelech and Shechem thought their alliance made them strong, but sin always breeds suspicion, mistrust, and division. It's only a matter of time before selfish ambition turns allies into enemies. Yet along the way, there are losses because of these bad decisions. The same is true today. Bad partnerships of any kind—whether in politics, business, friendships, or spiritual life—don't last. Why? Because they are built on self-interest, not God's truth. And sooner or later, the cracks show, and with them come gossip, ambushes, rebellion, and betrayal. Beware of the alliances you make. If they're not rooted in God's truth, they will rot from within and burn you down. ASK THIS: Where am I tempted to form alliances that are convenient but not godly? How have I seen selfish ambition create division in my life or others'? Do I trust that God will eventually bring justice to corrupt systems? How can I pursue relationships built on truth and faith instead of convenience? DO THIS: Take inventory of your closest partnerships. Ask: are these drawing me closer to God—or leading me toward compromise and division? PRAY THIS: Lord, reveal the alliances in my life that are not from You. Help me walk in truth and trust that You will unravel corruption in Your timing. Amen. PLAY THIS: "King of My Heart."

In a world where everyone is busy redefining themselves, have we forgotten who defines us? Summary In this Faith + State conversation, Vince Miller and his son-in-law, Representative Elliott Engen, tackle one of the most pressing cultural crises of our time—identity. They expose how politics and ideology have turned identity into a battlefield of self-fabrication and division, contrasting it with God's unchanging design revealed in Scripture. Together they call believers to find their true identity not in feelings, movements, or ideologies—but in Christ alone. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 - Opening banter and intro 0:50 - The political manipulation of identity 2:10 - How identity politics divides and conquers 4:45 - The rise of fabricated identities in culture 7:10 - The gender debate: God's design vs. man's redefinition 9:45 - Loving people without compromising biblical truth 11:30 - Why all identities must be surrendered to Christ 13:40 - The confusion and consequences of self-made identities 16:30 - How believers can respond with conviction and compassion 18:30 - Why the church must address identity and gender directly 25:45 - Finding clarity and purpose through Scripture 28:00 - Final call: Live out your God-given identity Reflection & Small Group Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think identity has become such a central issue in today's culture? 2. How do you see “self-fabricated” identities being promoted in schools, media, and politics? 3. What does Scripture say about where our identity truly comes from (see Genesis 1:27, Ephesians 1:3-7)? 4. Why is it hard for people to accept God's definition of gender and purpose? 5. How can Christians show compassion without compromising biblical truth? 6. What does it mean to “lay down your identity” to receive Christ's identity? 7. How does the world's definition of love differ from God's definition? 8. What practical steps can parents and grandparents take to help younger generations understand identity in Christ? 9. How should the church respond to cultural ideologies that oppose biblical truth? 10. What part of your own identity do you need to surrender to God today?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Randy Gothrup from Bellaire, MI. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 9:16-21. “Now therefore, if you acted in good faith and integrity when you made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house and have done to him as his deeds deserved—for my father fought for you and risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian, and you have risen up against my father's house this day and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the leaders of Shechem, because he is your relative—if you then have acted in good faith and integrity with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you. But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leaders of Shechem, and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and devour Abimelech.” And Jotham ran away and fled and went to Beer and lived there, because of Abimelech his brother. — Judges 9:16-21 Jotham is the only surviving son of Gideon after Abimelech's massacre. While his brothers are slaughtered, Jotham steps up as a lone, bold, and brave voice of truth. From Mount Gerizim—the mountain where Israel once heard blessings and curses—he warns the leaders and people of Shechem. His message is blunt: if choosing Abimelech was good and faithful, enjoy it. But if not, then fire will come from Abimelech to consume Shechem, and fire from Shechem to consume Abimelech. (Spoiler Alert: This is exactly what happens by the end of the chapter) Jotham speaks like a true leader—pointing people back to integrity, truth, and accountability before God. But everyone ignores him. And in time, his warning proves true. Bad leaders will burn you. It may not happen overnight, but their corruption spreads like wildfire. They promise protection but leave you scorched. Jotham reminds us that the leaders we choose—and the voices we follow—shape our future. Good leaders warn, guide, and protect, even when their words sting. Bad leaders manipulate, consume, and destroy, even when they look impressive at first. Are you listening to the Jothams, or following the Abimelechs? Get more Jothams. Remove the Abimelechs. Because the kind of leader you trust will determine whether you blossom or burn. ASK THIS: Where am I tempted to follow flashy leaders instead of faithful ones? Who are the “Jothams” in my life I need to listen to right now? How can I discern if a leader is bearing fruit or just making noise? Where might I be acting like Abimelech instead of leading with integrity? DO THIS: Identify one leader you're following—online, at work, in church. Ask: Do they leave me more faithful or more burned out? Adjust accordingly. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me follow leaders who point me back to You, and keep me from the fire of bad leadership. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Shepherd."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Daniel Fortney from Sidney, OH. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 9:7-15. When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim and cried aloud and said to them, “Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you. The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.' But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?' And the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.' But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?' And the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.' But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?' Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us.' And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade, but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'” — Judges 9:7-15 After Abimelech slaughters his brothers and assumes control over the people, only one surviving son remains—Jotham. He climbs Mount Gerizim, a place where blessings and curses were once pronounced over Israel (see Deuteronomy 27), and delivers the only parable in the book of Judges. The meaning is straightforward: the noble trees (the olive, fig, and vine) refuse the offer of kingship because they are already fruitful and serve one another. However, the bramble—a thorn bush that bears no fruit, provides no shade, and only has thorns—accepts kingship. It offers “refuge,” but brambles cannot provide shade. Instead, they spread fire and destruction. Jotham's exhortation serves as a sharp condemnation: Abimelech is the bramble. He acts as a leader and seizes power, but he is devoid of fruit, shade, and life. If Israel chooses him, they will ultimately suffer the consequences—pain, fire, and ruin. Jotham's parable warns us about the nature of choosing and listening to the wrong leaders. Godly leaders are like fruitful trees—they serve, give, and bless. Ungodly leaders resemble brambles—they take, harm, and burn. The tragedy is that people often prefer brambles and ignore the voice of reason. In our cities, churches, and communities, we still choose leaders and listen to leaders who are like brambles. Why? Because they promise quick refuge, flashy results, or false unity. However, in the end, they leave destruction, hardship, and lasting scars on individuals and communities. The temptation for quick and flashy results persists today — in politics, business, the church, and even within families. Therefore, the critical question we need to ask when considering our leaders is not, “Who appears powerful?” or “Who promises impressive results?” but rather, “Who is producing real fruit right now?” The person who demonstrates genuine fruitfulness now is likely to continue doing so in the future and will probably be the wiser choice. So choose your leaders wisely! ASK THIS: Who are the “brambles” in my life that promise more than they deliver? Do I look for fruitfulness or flashiness in leaders I follow? How do I lead—like a tree that blesses or a bramble that burns? Where might God be warning me through a voice I don't want to hear? DO THIS: Examine one leader you're following today—whether at work, in church, or online. Ask: do they bear fruit, or just offer thorns? Adjust who you trust accordingly. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me discernment to follow leaders who bear godly fruit, and make me a leader who serves others instead of using them. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Spirit Lead Me."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Anthony Cuffia from Huntington Beach, CA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 9:1–6. Now Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's relatives and said to them and to the whole clan of his mother's family, “Say in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.'” And his mother's relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him. And he went to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself. And all the leaders of Shechem came together, and all Beth-millo, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem. — Judges 9:1-6 Abimelech is the son of Gideon and his mistress from the neighboring town of Shechem. His name means "my father is king," a constant reminder of his desire to seize kingship for himself. Parents, remember that names carry significant power and influence on our children's lives; they hear these names reinforced every day. After Gideon's death, Abimelech sought to claim the kingship for himself. He engaged in political maneuvering, appealing to his relatives in Shechem. He manipulated family loyalty, secured funding from Baal's temple, and hired mercenaries. With ruthless precision, he slaughtered his seventy brothers—Gideon's sons—in one location, leaving only one survivor, Jotham. Abimelech crowned himself king, not through God's calling but through murder and ambition. What began as a desire for power ended in a massacre. Ambition, in itself, isn't inherently evil; there is such a thing as good and godly ambition. God encourages us to strive for His ambitions derived from righteous desires. However, when ambition is disconnected from God and His character, it becomes toxic. It leads us to cut corners, exploit others, and justify sin in the name of "getting ahead." Abimelech exemplifies what occurs when a leader seeks power, control, and wealth without consulting God. While they may achieve some measure of power, control, and riches, they ultimately lose everything of true value. Their ambition also poisons those around them, including family, friends, and the entire nation. This threat exists within all of us. Our ambition can easily turn toxic. Whether it involves climbing the corporate ladder, seeking approval from a family member, or pursuing online influence, we might feel tempted to pursue power without first asking if God wants us in that position. Take a moment today to identify one area where your ambition may be distancing you from God. It might be subtle—so subtle that you may not even notice it. Journal about this realization, surrender it to God, and ask Him to purify your motives before your ambition becomes toxic. ASK THIS: Where has ambition in my life slipped from God's calling into self-serving? Have I been tempted to justify compromise to get ahead? How do I define success—by achievement or by obedience? What would it look like for me to trust God with my future instead of forcing it? DO THIS: Pause today and name one area where ambition has been driving you more than obedience. Surrender it to God in prayer, asking Him to purify your motives. PRAY THIS: Lord, I don't want ambition without You. Purify my heart so my drive to succeed is always rooted in faith, humility, and obedience. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Build My Life."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 8:33-35. As soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the Baals and made Baal-berith their god. And the people of Israel did not remember the LORD their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side, and they did not show steadfast love to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) in return for all the good that he had done to Israel. — Judges 8:33-35 The irony here is sharp. Gideon was nicknamed Jerubbaal—“let Baal contend against him”—after tearing down Baal's altar in his father's yard. His name became a living testimony against false gods. But the moment Gideon dies, Israel runs back to Baal. They don't remember the LORD who rescued them. They don't honor the family of Jerubbaal. They return to Baal again. It's a tragic picture: a man once known for defying idols leaves behind a people enslaved to them again. Gideon's personal victories didn't guarantee generational faith. His success could not secure succession. Faith is not inherited like money in a will. Every generation must choose God for themselves. But what you build—and what you hand off—matters. Gideon's life teaches us that tearing down idols once isn't enough. You must raise up others who will keep tearing them down long after you're gone. This is why your legacy isn't defined by your wins in the present but by the disciples you prepare for the future. Your true legacy isn't your success—it's your succession. ASK THIS: What will people remember when my name is spoken? Am I modeling a faith that will outlast me? Where could idolatry creep back in if I'm no longer around? Who am I discipling so the faith doesn't end with me? DO THIS: Share with someone younger in the faith one story of how God tore down an “idol” in your life. Invite them to tell theirs—and keep the fight alive. PRAY THIS: Lord, let my life testify against the idols of this age. And let my legacy not die with me, but live on through those I hand faith to. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Worthy of It All."

Winning the battle is one thing — staying faithful after the victory is another. Summary: Gideon's story in Judges 8 shows us a hard truth: success can be more dangerous than struggle. After a miraculous victory over Midian, Gideon let pride, vengeance, and compromise creep in — and it unraveled his leadership and legacy. This chapter warns every man that the fight doesn't end when the enemy falls; it often begins when the applause starts. In this study, Vince Miller challenges us to examine how we lead after the win and how we guard our hearts against the subtle traps that success brings. Reflection & Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think success often exposes more about a person's character than failure? 2. What signs of pride or self-reliance do you see in Gideon after the battle? 3. How did Gideon's pursuit of revenge distort his leadership? 4. What does this chapter teach us about the danger of power without accountability? 5. How might Gideon's refusal to be king sound humble, yet still reveal compromise? 6. In what ways can spiritual success lead to spiritual complacency in our lives? 7. How did Gideon's choices impact the nation after his death? 8. Where are you most tempted to relax spiritually after a “win”? 9. What safeguards can you put in place to stay faithful after seasons of victory? 10. How does Jesus model the opposite of Gideon's leadership in success?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 8:28-32. So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel, and they raised their heads no more. And the land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon. Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and lived in his own house. Gideon had seventy sons, his own offspring, for he had many wives. And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he called his name Abimelech. And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, at Ophrah of the Abiezrites. — Judges 8:28-32 At first glance, it appears Gideon finishes well. Midian is crushed. Israel enjoys forty years of rest. He dies at a good old age. On the outside, it's a success story. But beneath the surface, cracks have formed. Gideon has multiple wives. He fathers seventy sons. He keeps a concubine in Shechem. And he names that son Abimelech—“my father is king.” The very thing Gideon swore off in verse 23—kingship—he now lives out through his family. His words said, “God rules.” But his life secretly and subtly proclaims, “I rule.” And those seeds of compromise would grow into one of Israel's darkest chapters, which you will see in the next chapter. Peace and faithfulness are not always synonymous. We have been learning this throughout the Book of Judges. A patriarch can win wars and still lose his family and the next generation for the Lord. Gideon's drift shows us how legacies are shaped—not by big moments, but by the slow accumulation of bad choices. A compromise in marriage. An unchecked desire for status. A child raised in divided loyalties. These seeds eventually sprout into a full-grown rebellion in the next generation. You are planting seeds today. Your habits, your words, your faith—or your lack of it—will shape your children and grandchildren. Gideon left Israel with forty years of rest, but he left his family with a fractured legacy that would be devastating. Your true legacy isn't your success—it's your succession. ASK THIS: Am I planting seeds of faith or seeds of compromise in my home? What hidden patterns in my life might grow into pain for the next generation? Do my words about God's rule match my lifestyle? If my legacy is not my success but my succession, what am I truly handing off? DO THIS: Take one intentional step to plant a seed of faith in your family today—pray with them, open the Word, or speak a word of blessing over them. Remember: your true legacy isn't your success—it's your succession. PRAY THIS: Father, keep me from building a false peace while sowing seeds of compromise. Help me plant a legacy of faith that will outlive me and point my family back to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: "The Blessing."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 8:22-27. Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.” And Gideon said to them, “Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil.” (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, “We will willingly give them.” And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil. And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian, and besides the collars that were around the necks of their camels. And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. — Judges 8:22-27 Israel is finally free of the Midianites. Their oppressors are defeated. In their eyes, Gideon is their hero. The people beg him to be king, but Gideon refuses: “The LORD will rule over you.” It sounds noble. But right after this, Gideon gathers their gold and builds an ephod—a type of religious garment that they make into a shrine and marker of the win. What was meant to honor God has become a trap. Israel worshiped it, and Gideon's household fell into idolatry. Gideon leaned on God in weakness but forgot him in strength Failure drives us to God. Success tempts us to drift from Him. That's the real test. Think about it: When your business is struggling, you pray. But when it prospers, do you still pray with the same effort? When your marriage feels shaky, you cry out to God. But when it feels stable, do you keep seeking him? When you're in a season of weakness, you cling to God's Word. But when life feels strong, do you drift into self-reliance? Our battlefield isn't always a Midianite army—it's the comfort and pride that come after the victory. Here's the warning: Success without surrender becomes a snare. Gideon's story reminds us that yesterday's victories don't protect us from today's temptations. Sometimes, they often create them. So don't let success become your snare. ASK THIS: Has success in my life made me more dependent on God—or less? What “victory moments” have tempted me to drift into pride or comfort? How do I keep pointing myself and others to God instead of to the spoils? Am I as prayerful in seasons of strength as I am in seasons of weakness? DO THIS: Today, take one area of success in your life and deliberately turn it into surrender. Write down the blessing—and then write a prayer giving it back to God. PRAY THIS: Lord, guard my heart in victory. Don't let my successes become snares. Keep me humble, grateful, and surrendered in every season. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Lord, I Need You."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 8:14-21. And he captured a young man of Succoth and questioned him, and he wrote down for him the officials and elders of Succoth, seventy-seven men. And he came to the men of Succoth and said, “Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your men who are exhausted?'” And he took the elders of the city, and he took thorns of the wilderness and briers and with them taught the men of Succoth a lesson. And he broke down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. Then he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, “Where are the men whom you killed at Tabor?” They answered, “As you are, so were they. Every one of them resembled the son of a king.” And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you.” So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a young man. Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise yourself and fall upon us, for as the man is, so is his strength.” And Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on the necks of their camels. — Judges 8:14-21 Gideon has captured the kings of Midian—Zebah and Zalmunna. On the way back, he confronts the leaders of Succoth and Penuel, who mocked him and refused to help. His “justice” is brutal—whips with thorns, tearing down towers, killing men. Then his motives become personal. The Midianite kings had killed his own brothers at Tabor. What began as God's deliverance now slides into personal vengeance. Sometimes justice and vengeance can look similar. One springs from God's work. The other springs from our own wounds. And it's often hard to tell the difference, at least at first. This is where leadership is dangerous. Gideon started as God's instrument of deliverance, but his judgment now carries the marks of pride, anger, and personal pain. We face the same temptation. As parents, bosses, or friends, we sometimes say we're “teaching a lesson,” but often we're just venting frustration. We claim it's about “principle,” but sometimes it's about ego. And when old wounds or grudges slip into our leadership, we're not carrying out God's justice—we're feeding our own vengeance. Here's how to know the difference: Justice restores; vengeance consumes. Justice honors God; vengeance honors self. Justice disciplines with love; vengeance punishes with anger. The difference is motive—and only a heart surrendered to God can keep that line clear. Don't act in vengeance; be just in all you do, otherwise you might end up hurting others forever and hurting your leadership all the same. ASK THIS: Where have I blurred the line between justice and vengeance? Do I discipline others out of love, or out of frustration? How do my past wounds influence the way I treat people today? Am I willing to let God heal my pain so my leadership stays pure? DO THIS: Before reacting to someone's failure or offense, stop and ask: Am I correcting to restore—or punishing to get even? Then invite God to purify your motives before you move forward. PRAY THIS: Lord, expose my hidden motives. Heal the wounds that fuel vengeance in me. Help me to lead with Your justice—pure, humble, and full of love. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Refiner."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 8:10-13. Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army, about 15,000 men, all who were left of all the army of the people of the East, for there had fallen 120,000 men who drew the sword. And Gideon went up by the way of the tent dwellers east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the army, for the army felt secure. And Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and he threw all the army into a panic. Then Gideon the son of Joash returned from the battle by the ascent of Heres. — Judges 8:10-13 The chase is over. Gideon captures Zebah and Zalmunna, the two Midianite kings. The victory is amazing—what began with 300 men now ends with an army of 120,000 wiped out. But here's the danger. After exhaustion and criticism comes temptation. Power can twist our perspective. Victory can be intoxicating. Leaders who experience wins can quickly lose their way if pride, anger, or vengeance worm into their hearts. Gideon stands at that crossroads. Your greatest temptations often follow your greatest victories. When the adrenaline fades and the applause starts, the enemy whispers, “You did this. You deserve more. Take what's yours.” For Gideon, the temptation is vengeance and pride. For us, it might look like self-congratulation after a big accomplishment, bitterness toward someone who doubted us, or entitlement that makes us think we've earned a pass from obedience. The real test of leadership isn't just whether you can lead the battle—it's whether you can lead your heart humbly when the battle is done. God calls us to victory without arrogance, strength without vengeance, and success without self-worship. So when God gives you a win, don't let temptation rob you of the blessing. Celebrate his power, not yours. Point the spotlight back where it belongs—on Him alone. ASK THIS: When has success tempted me more than failure? Where do I feel the pull toward pride, vengeance, or entitlement? How can I guard my heart in moments of victory? What practices help me point glory back to God? DO THIS: The next time you experience success—big or small—pause and redirect the credit. Thank God openly, and resist the temptation to take the glory for yourself. PRAY THIS: Lord, protect my heart in moments of success. Keep me humble, guard me from pride, and help me see every victory as Yours, not mine. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Not To Us."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 8:4-9. And Gideon came to the Jordan and crossed over, he and the 300 men who were with him, exhausted yet pursuing. So he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” And the officials of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?” So Gideon said, “Well then, when the Lord has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will flail your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.” And from there he went up to Penuel, and spoke to them in the same way, and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered. And he said to the men of Penuel, “When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower." — Judges 8:4-9 Gideon and his 300 men are worn down. They've already fought a miraculous battle against Midian, but the fight isn't over. They're chasing the kings who escaped, and Scripture paints the raw picture: “exhausted yet pursuing.” Instead of finding support from fellow Israelites, they get rejection. The men of Succoth and Penuel refuse to help, essentially saying: “Prove you've won first.” Imagine the sting—hungry, weary, and now doubted by your own people. Yesterday, Gideon had to handle criticism with humility. Today, he must handle weariness with perseverance. Both require a leader's heart anchored in God. Life rarely slows down when you're beaten up and beaten down. The bills still come. The kids still need you. The conflict at work doesn't wait until you're rested. And sometimes, just when you need encouragement most, people let you down instead. That's where this story hits home hardest. Exhausted yet pursuing sometimes describes the believer's life. Following Jesus will sometimes push you beyond your limits, and you'll face opposition, even from those you thought would help. Perseverance isn't about never getting tired—it's about trusting God enough to keep moving when you are. Gideon kept pressing forward because his confidence wasn't in his strength or people's support—it was in God's promise. If you're worn out and tempted to quit, remember: your exhaustion doesn't mean you're defeated. It might mean you're right on the edge of God's breakthrough. ASK THIS: Where do I feel “exhausted yet pursuing” in my life right now? Do I let people's criticism or lack of support slow me down? How does trusting God help me press on when I feel empty? What might it look like for me to take one more step of faith today, even tired? DO THIS: Identify one place you feel worn out right now. Instead of quitting, take one small act of obedience today—trusting God for the strength to carry you further than you think you can go. PRAY THIS: Lord, I'm exhausted. But I don't want to quit. Strengthen me to keep pursuing Your call, even when I feel weak, even when others let me down. Help me trust You for every step. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Give Me Faith."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 8:1-3. Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger against him subsided when he said this. — Judges 8:1-3 Right after the victory over Midian, Gideon faces sharp criticism from one of the tribes of Israel. The men of Ephraim are furious that he didn't invite them into the fight from the beginning. Their pride is wounded, and they “accuse him fiercely.” Gideon could have argued, defended himself, or even reminded them who really led the battle. Instead, he humbly affirms their contribution, points to their success, and reminds them it was God who gave the victory (not a tribe or tribes). His calm demeanor and theological precision turn their anger into peace. Every one of us will face criticism. Sometimes it's fair, but usually it's fueled by pride, jealousy, or misunderstanding. The natural instinct is to fight back and defend ourselves. But Gideon shows another way—humility. Handling criticism well doesn't mean you're weak; it means you're strong and wise. Instead of escalating the conflict, you de-escalate it. Instead of defending your ego, you point back to God's work. That's not avoidance—that's leadership. In your life, criticism will come from coworkers, family members, and even fellow believers. You can either let it drive wedges deeper, or you can choose humility that disarms anger and turns conflict into peace. So, the next time someone criticizes you, resist the urge to fire back. Take a big, deep breath, look for what you can affirm or change, and then point the conversation back to God. ASK THIS: How do I usually respond when I'm criticized—defensively or humbly? Have I ever escalated conflict by trying to “win the argument”? What would it look like for me to deflect credit and point to God instead? Who do I need to respond to with humility today? DO THIS: The next time someone criticizes you, resist the urge to fire back. Take a breath, look for what you can affirm, and point the conversation back to God. PRAY THIS: Lord, teach me to handle criticism with humility. Keep me from prideful reactions, and help me point others back to Your work, not my own. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 7:23–25. The men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian. Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan. And they captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. Then they pursued Midian, and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan. — Judges 7:23-25 The enemy is on the run. The chaos God caused in the Midianite camp has scattered them, but Gideon knows the job isn't done. If they stop now, the Midianites would merely regroup and return with more vengeance. So Gideon calls reinforcements from Israel. Naphtali, Asher, Manasseh, and Ephraim to cut off escape routes and secure the waters by the Jordan. The mission is clear — don't just win; eliminate the threat, what they should have done in the first place. The pursuit ends with the capture and death of two Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb, marking a decisive blow against the enemy. In our spiritual battles, the first breakthrough is usually only the beginning. God may win a decisive moment, but he calls us to follow through — to pursue, to cut off any possible retreat, to finish what he started. Don't celebrate too early and let your guard down. It's good to break free from one sin, but if you don't build new habits of holiness, you will let the same enemy back into your camp, too. Make a bold stand for your faith, but do not stop short of complete and total obedience. Finishing well means staying engaged until the enemy has no foothold left. In your life, that might mean following up a spiritual victory with accountability, continued prayer, Scripture intake, or cutting off lingering access points for temptation. God doesn't just want to give you a taste of freedom — He wants you to walk in freedom completely. ASK THIS: Where have you celebrated too early in your spiritual battles? What “enemy footholds” still need to be removed from your life? Who could you invite to help you finish well? How can you make sure today's victory becomes tomorrow's testimony? DO THIS: Identify one area where you've stopped short of full victory. Take one specific action today to close the gap and finish what God started. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for the victories You've already won in my life. Give me the perseverance to finish the work You've called me to and remove every foothold the enemy could use against me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "See a Victory."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Check out our mission to teach every verse of the Bible on video in what we call Project23. Our text today is Judges 7:19–22. So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands. Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran. They cried out and fled. When they blew the 300 trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath. — Judges 7:19-22 It's the dead of night — the “middle watch” — when the enemy army is groggy and vulnerable. The 300 men of Israel take their positions, trumpets ready, jars in hand, torches concealed within their jars. At Gideon's signal, the jars shatter, the torches blaze, and the trumpets blast in unison. The shouts echo in the darkness: “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” The sound, light, and cheers send the enemy camp into a panic. Confusion erupts and turns into chaos. The enemy turns their swords on each other. Not one Israelite has to charge into the fight. God fights the battle for them. The enemy destroys itself. It's laughable and yet miraculous. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do in a pending battle is stand your ground by being obedient to God. The 300 didn't pursue the enemy. They didn't swing a sword, predominantly because they did not have one. They simply followed God's plan to the letter — and God used light and sound to create confusion to accomplish what their strength and strategy never could. In everyday life, you may be tempted to fight in your own way — argue harder, work longer, push more aggressively. But there are moments when God says, “Hold your position, obey My voice, and watch Me work.” Those are the moments where his power is most clearly seen. Spiritual victory doesn't always come from overpowering your enemy; sometimes it comes from unwavering obedience in the middle of the chaos. So maybe today you will let God fight your battles? ASK THIS: Where is God asking you to hold your position instead of rushing in? What would it look like to let Him fight your battle today? How do you respond when His strategy doesn't match your instincts? Who needs to see your calm trust in God during this season? DO THIS: In one area of conflict or tension this week, resist the urge to react in your own strength. Stand firm, obey God's promptings, and trust Him with the outcome. PRAY THIS: Lord, teach me to stand in obedience and let You fight my battles. Help me resist the urge to take control and instead trust in Your perfect timing and power. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Fight My Battles."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jason Simpson from LaVerne, CA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. This one's for you and your family. Our text today is Judges 7:16–18. And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.'”— Judges 7:16-18 Gideon has just returned from overhearing the enemy's dream. His confidence is high, but God's battle plan is totally unconventional — and that's putting it mildly. Instead of swords and shields, the men are armed with trumpets, jars, and torches. Gideon divides them into three companies, giving clear instructions: “Watch me, follow my lead, and shout when I shout.” The strategy is built around Godly obedience and spiritual unity, not an ounce of military logic. (Or so it would appear) On paper, this plan is ridiculous. But that's the point — so that when the victory comes, no one will mistake it for human ingenuity. God's plans will often strip away the weapons you think you need, so he becomes the weapon you depend on. And sometimes his weapons and plan will make no sense — at first. For Gideon's men, this wasn't about skill with a sword — it was about the courage to obey a strange command. God wanted to win the battle in such a way that Israel could never proclaim, “We did this.” The victory would be undeniably God's. A victory of sound and light that we stir their dreams into nightmares that would crush them. In your own life, God may call you into a challenge where your “weapons” look strange or inadequate — starting a ministry with little funding, having a hard conversation with only prayer and humility, taking a leap of faith without a safety net. These moments test whether you trust your own strategy or his voice. Obedience in God's kingdom is always more powerful than the sharpest weapon in human hands. When you follow His lead, even a jar and a trumpet can topple giants. So take a step of obedience in an area where God's plan does not make sense and stop trusting in your strategy! ASK THIS: Where is God asking you to obey even though His plan doesn't make sense? What “weapons” are you clinging to instead of trusting His strategy? How might your obedience showcase His power more than your ability? Who is watching your example of faith right now? DO THIS: Today, take one step of obedience in an area where you've been waiting for everything to “make sense.” Trust that God's plan is better than your own. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me the courage to obey even when Your plan defies my logic. Help me trust Your strategy over my own and follow Your lead into the battle. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Stand In Your Love."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to John Hardin from Hemphill, TX. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. I love you, brother. This one's for you and your family. Our text today is Judges 7:12–15. And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the East lay along the valley like locusts in abundance, and their camels were without number, as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance. When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, “Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.” And his comrade answered, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.” As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand.” — Judges 7:12–15. From a distance, the enemy looks unstoppable — countless soldiers, endless camels, the valley packed like a swarm of locusts. This is not a fight 300 men can win. But as Gideon sneaks into the camp with Purah, he overhears a soldier describing a dream: a humble loaf of barley bread crashing into a tent and flattening it. His comrade interprets it: “This is the sword of Gideon… God has given Midian into his hand.” The irony in these verses is thick. Barley bread was poor man's food — not a symbol of military might. But in the dream, it's the weapon God uses to topple Midian's strength. Gideon hears it, and the moment is electric. He falls into worship. Fear gives way to faith, and he races back to rally his men with the words, “Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand.” When God gives you a calling, he often follows it with a powerful confirmation. Gideon's confirmation came in the unlikeliest place — through the lips of his enemies. The detail that broke his fear wasn't a vision of a sword or a chariot but a loaf of bread. That's God's style: using the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. In our lives, God's confirmations might not be as dramatic as this battlefield dream. It might be a Scripture that leaps off the page at the exact moment you need it, a conversation that seems divinely timed, or a provision that comes through right before the deadline. These are not random. They are reminders that: “The Great I Am is with you. He has gone ahead of you. The victory is His.” Fear dissolves when you realize God has already gone before you. And worship isn't just a response; it's the fuel for your obedience. Worship turns a hesitant heart into a ready soldier. So look for a godly confirmation in your present fears, and when you get one, turn to worship and let it fuel the fire of your obedience through those fears. ASK THIS: When has God confirmed His call in your life? What unexpected means has He used to reassure you? How has worship fueled your courage in the past? Is there something you need to stop worrying about and start worshiping over today? DO THIS: Take 5 minutes today to stop everything and worship God for a promise He's already confirmed — even if the battle hasn't been fought yet. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for confirming what You've called me to do. Turn my fear into worship and my hesitation into obedience. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Raise a Hallelujah."

What happens when pastors and politicians stay silent? The culture fills the void. Summary In this podcast episode, Vince Miller and his son-in-law, Minnesota State Rep. Elliott Engen, discuss the dangers of silence in both the church and the political arena. They unpack how cultural drift on issues like gender ideology, abortion, and education has accelerated because believers have stayed quiet. Together, they call men and Christians everywhere to break the silence, speak truth with grace, and lead courageously in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities. Reflection & Small Group Questions 1. Why do you think so many pastors and politicians have remained silent on cultural issues? 2. In your own life, where have you been tempted to stay silent instead of speaking truth? 3. Elliott mentioned toxic empathy—how do you see this playing out in today's culture? 4. What practical steps can you take to articulate biblical truth with love in your workplace or home? 5. How does silence lead to complicity in both politics and faith? 6. What did you think about the phrase: “If you're not doing politics, politics is doing you”? 7. What “small untruths” in your own life need to be confronted before tackling bigger cultural battles? 8. What hill are you personally willing to die on for your faith? 9. How can Christians model courage without being needlessly combative? 10. What does it mean for you to “live all in for Him who lived all in for you” in this cultural moment?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Joseph Golden from Pontotoc, MS. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 7:9-11. That same night the LORD said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp. — Judges 7:9-11 It's the night before the battle. Gideon's 300 face an enemy described in verse 12 as “like locusts in mass.” The tension is thick. Fear is natural. And God knows it. So He meets Gideon where he is — not with a lecture, but with reassurance: “I have given it into your hand.” Notice the tense. It's already done in God's mind. The victory is certain. But God also gives Gideon a “fear option.” If he's afraid, he can take Purah and go listen to what's happening in the enemy camp. This is grace in action. God doesn't shame Gideon for being afraid; He gives him a path to courage. He knows the gap between what Gideon believes and what Gideon feels — and He steps into it. God isn't surprised by your fear. He knows it. He expects it. He plans for it. We often think fear disqualifies us from God's mission. But here, God acknowledges it and provides the very thing to strengthen Gideon's hands. That's how God works — He meets you in the gap between what you believe about him and how you live it out. In your everyday life, that gap might be the moment before a hard conversation, a big career risk, a step of faith in generosity, or sharing your testimony. You believe God is faithful, but fear whispers, “What if you fail?” God steps into that space with promises and proof. Sometimes it's a Scripture that lands in your heart at the right moment. Sometimes it's the timely encouragement of a friend. Sometimes it's a clear sign of his hand already at work. Faith isn't the absence of fear — it's moving forward in faith, trusting the One who speaks into your fear. So confess those fears. Then ask God to speak into those fears as you take that step of faith. ASK THIS: Where has fear been holding you back from obeying God? How has God already given you assurance in that area? Who has been your “Purah” — someone who walks with you toward courage? What step could you take today to move forward in faith despite fear? DO THIS: Identify one place where fear has stalled your obedience. Ask God to speak into it today, and take one small, concrete step forward. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for meeting me in my fear. Speak courage into my heart today so I can step forward in faith, trusting You with the outcome. Amen. PLAY THIS: "You've Already Won."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Nathan Mitchell from Broken Arrow, OK. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 7:4–8. And the LORD said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,' shall not go.” So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “Everyone who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, everyone who kneels down to drink.” And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was three hundred men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the three hundred men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley. — Judges 7:4-8 You'd think losing 22,000 soldiers was enough. But God isn't finished. He tells Gideon, “The people are still too many.” This time, there's no speech to the crowd — just a strange test at the water's edge. Soldiers kneel or lap water from their hands. The result? Only 300 make the cut. No explanation about why this method mattered. No insight into the military reasoning. Just God's choice — and His promise: “With the three hundred men… I will save you.” Gideon is now down to less than 1% of his original army. From a human perspective, the odds aren't just bad — they're impossible. And that's exactly how God wants it. When you're down to your “less than 1%,” it's not always a sign that God has abandoned you — sometimes it's proof he's setting the stage for His glory. Gideon's reduction wasn't about military strategy; it was about making sure Israel couldn't take credit. God will sometimes allow your resources, influence, or opportunities to shrink to a fraction of what you think you need. Why? So the only explanation left is him. In everyday life, this might look like a budget cut that forces you to depend on his provision, a smaller team that makes you lean harder on his strength, or fewer open doors so that when the right one opens, you know it's from him. We resist these reductions because they feel like loss. But in God's hands, they're actually preparation. He removes what you think you need so you can discover he's all you truly need. ASK THIS: Where has God been reducing your “army” lately? How could this loss be positioning you for a greater dependence on Him? Are you tempted to measure God's ability by your resources? What would it look like to trust Him with your “less than 1%”? DO THIS: Identify one area in your life where God has reduced your resources. Instead of panicking, thank Him for the opportunity to see His power more clearly. PRAY THIS: Lord, when my strength is reduced and my resources run low, help me remember that You are setting the stage for Your power. Teach me to trust You more than what's in my hands. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Way Maker."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Art Forester from Hudson, WI. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 7:1–3. Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'" Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. — Judges 7:1-3 So the Israelite army wakes up early, camped at the spring of Harod. Just across the valley, Midian's massive force waits. Every soldier counts — at least, that's what Gideon must have thought. But God sees the situation differently than Gideon does. He tells Gideon, "You have too many men." Too many? Against an army so large it can't be counted? Yes. God knows the danger isn't the size of the enemy — it's the pride in Israel's heart. If they win with a big enough army, they'll think they did it themselves. So God orders a cut. Anyone who is afraid can leave. And just like that, 22,000 soldiers pack up and head home. Gideon is left with less than a third of what he started with. The odds just got worse — and exactly how God wanted them. God will sometimes strip away the resources, people, or security you thought you needed — not to punish you, but to purify your faith. When he reduces what you rely on, it's because he wants you to rely on him. It is uncomfortable. It feels unsafe. But if our confidence rests in our numbers, connections, or abilities, then our faith isn't in God — it's in ourselves. So has God been reducing your resources lately? When God reduces our resources, he is often removing our false sense of control that we've been clinging to. Sometimes we don't even know we are clinging to it, so we resist the reduction. But fewer options force deeper faith. Less human advantage means more room for divine intervention. The question is, when God starts reducing your "resources," will you see it as a setback… or as the setup for him to show his power? ASK THIS: Where has God been cutting back your resources or support lately? How could that reduction be preparing you to trust Him more? What false securities might He be removing from your life? Are you willing to face a harder battle if it means God gets the glory? DO THIS: Identify one area where you've been depending on your own strength. Release it to God today and pray for faith to trust him with the outcome. PRAY THIS: Father, when You take away what I think I need, help me see it as Your way of drawing me closer to You. Strip away my pride and replace it with deeper trust in Your power. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Strip It All Away."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:33–40. Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East came together, and they crossed the Jordan and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, and they too were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them. Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. — Judges 6:33-40 The Valley of Jezreel was filling with enemy troops — Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples. From a human perspective, this was overwhelming. But then comes a defining moment: “The Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon.” The language is vivid — God didn't just give Gideon a pep talk. He wrapped him in His own Spirit like a warrior putting on armor. Suddenly, the man who once threshed wheat in hiding is blasting a trumpet for war, summoning tribes from all directions to follow him. And yet… clothed in God's Spirit, Gideon feels the pull of the gap — that space between what he believes about God's promise and the confidence to act on it without hesitation. Twice, he lays out a fleece for reassurance. Twice, God answers patiently. It's a moment both victorious and vulnerable — a Spirit-filled man still learning to walk in the courage God has given. Most of us live with a gap — the space between what we believe about God and how we actually live it out. We believe He's faithful, yet we still fear. We believe He provides, yet we cling to our own protection. We believe He calls us, yet we cower when it's time to move. Gideon's story reminds us that the Spirit doesn't nullify our humanity. The Spirit equips us for the fight, but God's patience shapes us for it. He meets us in the gap — not to leave us there, but to move us forward. And here's the pivotal point: the way to close the gap is not to wait until you feel fearless, but to act with the faith you have today. Each step in obedience shrinks the distance between belief and boldness. So what's your gap right now — fear, control, insecurity, doubt? Name it. Write it in the comments. Write it into your journal. Bring it before God. Ask His Spirit to fill it and clothe you. And then take a step that puts your belief into motion. ASK THIS: Where is the gap between your belief and your obedience right now? How has God's Spirit already equipped you for it? How has God shown patience toward you in that gap? What step could you take today to close it? DO THIS: Name your gap, pray for the Spirit to fill it, and take one concrete action today that turns belief into boldness. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for clothing me with Your Spirit and meeting me in the gap between what I believe about You and how I live it out. Help me to step forward today, trusting Your power more than my fear. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Even When It Hurts."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:25–32. That night the LORD said to him, “Take your father's bull, and the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it and build an altar to the LORD your God on the top of the stronghold here, with stones laid in due order. Then take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah that you shall cut down.” So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night. When the men of the town rose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah beside it was cut down, and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built. And they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And after they had searched and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.” Then the men of the town said to Joash, “Bring out your son, that he may die, for he has broken down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it.” But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.” Therefore on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend against him,” because he broke down his altar. — Judges 6:25-32 Fresh from building an altar to the LORD, Gideon's first assignment isn't charging Midian's army — it's tearing down his father's altar to Baal and cutting down the Asherah pole beside it. It's risky. This is personal. This is his family's idol and his community's false god. Gideon obeys — but he does it at night, still afraid of the backlash. By morning, the whole town knows. They demand his death, but Gideon's father unexpectedly defends him: “If Baal is a god, let him contend for himself.” That day, Gideon gets a new name: Jerubbaal — “Let Baal contend against him.” Before God sends you to confront the enemy “out there,” He will ask you to confront the compromise “in here.” For Gideon, the victory over Midian had to start with victory over idolatry in his own home. It's the same for us — the battles that matter most often begin in the places closest to us: The habits no one else sees. The values we've tolerated. The cultural idols we've quietly accepted. This is why worship must be followed by obedience. The altar of peace fuels the courage to pull down the altars that compete with God. And sometimes that means tough, awkward, costly steps before you ever face the “big” enemy. If you skip this step, you might fight in public while losing in private. But if you obey here, you'll be ready for whatever comes next. So what do you need to tear down today? Write it in your journal. Share it in the comments. And tear it down, regardless of what others say. ASK THIS: What “altars” — habits, compromises, or idols — has God been asking you to tear down? How has fear kept you from confronting them? Who in your life might be impacted if you took that stand? Are you willing to start your battle where God says, not where you'd prefer? DO THIS: Write down one personal or family “altar” that needs to go — a practice, influence, or mindset that pulls you away from God. Take one concrete step this week to remove it. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me the courage to start the fight where You tell me, even if it's close to home and costs me something. Let my obedience to You be the loudest message I send to the watching world. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Christ Be Magnified."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:17–24. And he said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. Please do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.” And he said, “I will stay till you return.” So Gideon went into his house and prepared a young goat and unleavened cakes from an ephah of flour. The meat he put in a basket and the broth he put in a pot and brought them to him under the terebinth and presented them. And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and put them on this rock, and pour the broth over them.” And he did so. Then the angel of the LORD reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes. And fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. And the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight. Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the LORD. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For now I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.” But the LORD said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and called it, The LORD Is Peace. — Judges 6:17-24 Gideon's call is still fresh. God has told him, “I will be with you”, but fear is still whispering in his ear. He wants to believe — but he needs assurance. So Gideon offers what he has — a gift, placed before the angel of the LORD. In a flash of fire from the rock, God confirms His presence and His power. Gideon's fear spikes at first (“I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!”), but God speaks peace into the moment: “Do not fear; you shall not die.” And right there, Gideon builds an altar. It's not just a monument — it's the turning point. The altar becomes the bridge between the fear that kept him in hiding and the faith that will send him into action. Worship is more than singing songs. It's the place where we respond to God's presence, remember his promises, and let his voice replace our fear with peace. For Gideon, that altar was where “I can't” became “He can.” It's where he stopped letting fear define his future and started believing God's affirmation. This is why so many of us stall in our calling — we try to jump from fear straight to action. But the path God gives is different: Fear → Worship → Faith → Action The altar is the bridge. Without it, you're running on your own adrenaline. With it, you're fueled by his peace. Pause whatever else you're doing and worship right now. Speak out loud one fear that's been holding you back. Thank God for one specific way He's confirmed His presence in your life. Pray these words: “You are my peace. I trust You more than I fear.” Write today's date in your journal as a marker — your “altar” moment — so you remember where fear became faith. ASK THIS: Where has fear been keeping you in hiding instead of moving forward? How could intentional worship today become your bridge into faith? What would your “altar” look like in this season? Are you trying to leap into action without first letting God speak peace over you? DO THIS: Pause whatever else you're doing and worship. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You that worship is the bridge between my fear and my faith. I offer You my fear right now and choose to rest in Your peace before I move forward. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Peace Be Still."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:13–16. And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” And the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” — Judges 6:13-16 Gideon's first response to God's call is a flood of doubts and questions: If God is with us, why has life gone so wrong? Where are the miracles we've heard about? How can I save Israel? I'm the weakest person from the weakest clan. God doesn't argue his résumé. He doesn't explain why Gideon is the perfect choice. He simply says: “Do not I send you?… I will be with you.” Gideon says, “I can't.” God answers, “I can.” We all have moments when God's calling collides with our sense of inadequacy. We see the size of the task and the smallness of our ability. Fear magnifies our weakness until the only thing we can say is, “I can't.” But God isn't asking if you can — he's declaring that He can. His presence is the decisive factor in every calling. When you believe “I can't,” you stay in hiding. When you believe “He can,” you step out in obedience. God chooses people who feel unqualified so that His strength, not theirs, gets the glory. The shift from “I can't” to “He can” doesn't happen when you suddenly feel strong. It happens when you decide his ability matters more than your inadequacy. That's the moment you can walk into something bigger than yourself — because he's already there. ASK THIS: Where in your life are you stuck, saying “I can't”? How might believing “He can” change the way you see that situation? What past moments prove God's strength outweighed your weakness? How can you keep God's presence at the front of your mind this week? DO THIS: Write “I can't… but He can” on a sticky note and put it somewhere you'll see it all day. Let it reframe how you view the challenges in front of you. PRAY THIS: Lord, I admit my weakness, but I trust Your strength. Move me from “I can't” to “He can,” and help me step into what You've called me to with confidence in You. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies]."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:11–12. Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” — Judges 6:11-12 Gideon is hiding. Not from some small threat, but from the Midianite army that's been stripping Israel bare for seven years. He's threshing wheat in a winepress — a pit designed for crushing grapes, not for separating grain. It's cramped, awkward, and inefficient… but it's safe and secure from their Midianties oppressors. And that's where God shows up. The angel of the LORD greets him, not with a rebuke, but with a declaration: “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” God finds him in a hidden place and calls him to frontline ministry, even giving him a new name and identity — a mighty man of valor. Fear results in retreat. It convinces us to settle for survival instead of stepping into spiritual opportunities God is putting in front of us. For Gideon, it was a literal enemy outside the caves and outside the pits. For us, it might be the fear of failure, rejection, loss, or inadequacy. Hiding feels safe, but it's not always where God wants you to remain. He doesn't call his people to stay in the winepress. He calls them to step into the places where his strength will meet their insecurities and deficiencies. God might be calling you out right now — into a conversation you've been avoiding, a ministry you feel unqualified for, or a bold act of obedience that scares you. If you wait until you feel brave, you'll never move. But if you step out in faith, you might discover God has already equipped you for the fight. Which is exactly what happens in Gideon's story. ASK THIS: Where are you hiding right now — spiritually, emotionally, or relationally? What big opportunity might God be calling you into that fear is holding you back from? How could believing “The LORD is with you” change your next step? What would it take for you to leave your “winepress” and step into the open? DO THIS: Identify one opportunity you've been avoiding because of fear. Pray over it today, and then take one small but concrete step toward it — even if it's just telling someone you trust. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for calling me out of my hiding places. Help me see the opportunities You're putting before me and give me the courage to step into them, knowing You are with me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Do It Again."

In this episode of The Vince Miller Show, Vince and his son-in-law, Minnesota House Rep. Elliott Engen, unpack the spiritual swell happening among Gen Z and the cultural aftershocks of Charlie Kirk's assassination. They explore why young people are returning to church in record numbers, the danger of separating faith from civic life, and how churches must respond with truth and courage. From generational tensions to political realities, this episode calls pastors, leaders, and believers to step into the battle for truth in America today.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:7–10. When the people of Israel cried out to the LORD on account of the Midianites, the LORD sent a prophet to the people of Israel. And he said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery. And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. And I said to you, ‘I am the LORD your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.' But you have not obeyed my voice.” — Judges 6:7-10 Israel is desperate. Seven years of Midian's oppression has broken them, and they cry out to God for help. But instead of sending an army or a leader, God sends a prophet with a hard word. Before God deals with the enemy outside, he exposes the enemy within. He reminds them of his past faithfulness and their present disobedience. The message is raw, but it's true: because Israel's bigger problem isn't Midian — it's their unfaithfulness. No follower likes this part — the confrontation of God about who we are. We'd rather God just fix the crisis, remove the stress, and make life comfortable again. But God loves us too much to patch up the problems. Like Israel, our circumstances are often symptoms of the problem, not the real problem. The deeper problem is the drift of our hearts — the quiet compromises, misplaced loyalties, and neglected obedience that weaken us from within. And God knows that if he delivers us without dealing with those things, we'll just end up back in the same problematic pit. This is why he sometimes sends a word before providing a way out. It feels like a delay, but it's actually mercy. His goal isn't temporary relief — it's lasting change. That means the painful work of letting him search, confront, and reshape us is not punishment. It's preparation. And if we skip that work, we risk skipping the real victory he wants to give. So ask yourself the hard question: “What in me needs to change before my situation changes?” ASK THIS: Have you been asking God to fix your situation without letting Him change your heart? What hard truth might God be speaking to you right now? How could this season be preparation, not just punishment? Are you willing to let God do the deeper work before He brings the outward relief? DO THIS: Ask God in prayer: “What in me needs to change before my situation changes?” Write down whatever He brings to mind, and commit to addressing it today. PRAY THIS: Lord, don't just change what's around me — change what's in me. Even if it's painful, do the deep work that will make the victory last. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Give Us Clean Hands."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 6:1–6. The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian overpowered Israel, and because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. For whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. They would encamp against them and devour the produce of the land, as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel and no sheep or ox or donkey. For they would come up with their livestock and their tents; they would come like locusts in number—both they and their camels could not be counted—so that they laid waste the land as they came in. And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the LORD. — Judges 6:1-6 The story of Gideon, in chapter 6, begins with a tragic pattern: sin, oppression, despair. This time, it's the Midianites who overrun Israel. They don't just raid; they ruin. They strip the land bare like locusts, leaving nothing behind. Year after year, the Israelites hide in caves and watch their harvest vanish. This is a defeat on two levels: Outside: The enemy takes what sustains life. Inside: Fear drains the will to fight. When God's people abandon Him, the enemy doesn't just win battles — he slowly erodes courage, hope, and identity until they're shadows of who they once were. That's how the enemy works today. He targets more than your circumstances — he aims at your spirit. First, he gets you to compromise, breaking down your guard. Then he keeps showing up, relentlessly, until you're hiding instead of fighting. He is relentless. For some of us, the “Midianites” are obvious sins. For others, it's a slow creep of fear, bitterness, shame, or distraction that saps spiritual strength. Either way, the result is the same: the land of your life is stripped bare. Because the "Midianites" are relentless then and today. The only way to fight a relentless enemy is with a relentless return to God. Israel didn't find victory in a stronger hiding place — they found it when they cried out. You can't outlast the enemy by retreating deeper into fear; you defeat him by trusting in God and running with complete abandon to God. Is it time to run relentlessly to God? So what compromise in your life has led to your retreat? Identify it and then run relentlessly back to God. ASK THIS: What “Midianite” is stripping away your spiritual strength right now? Have you been hiding from the problem instead of facing it with God's help? Where do you see signs of inside-out destruction in your life? What's one step toward God you can take today to push the enemy back? DO THIS: Name one area where fear or compromise has made you retreat. Instead of hiding from it today, bring it to God in prayer and take one practical step to address it in His strength. PRAY THIS: Lord, expose the enemy's work in my life. Keep me from hiding in fear. Teach me to run toward You, not away from the fight, and restore what's been stripped away. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Defender."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 5:28–31. “Out of the window she peered, the mother of Sisera wailed through the lattice: ‘Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why tarry the hoofbeats of his chariots?' Her wisest princesses answer, indeed, she answers herself, ‘Have they not found and divided the spoil?— A womb or two for every man; spoil of dyed materials for Sisera, spoil of dyed materials embroidered, two pieces of dyed work embroidered for the neck as spoil?' So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might.” And the land had rest for forty years. — Judges 5:28-31 Deborah's song closes with two women in two very different windows. Sisera's mother stares out, waiting for a victory parade that will never come. She fills the silence with lies — telling herself her son is delayed because he's collecting more spoil, more comfort, more honor. She hopes in what isn't true. Deborah, the prophet, isn't looking out a window. She's looking up — declaring what is true. She knows God's enemies will fall and His friends will shine like the rising sun. Her hope rests on the unshakable character of God, not the uncertain return of a man. These two women represent two ways to live: The Waiting Mother — anxious, self-reassuring, clinging to a false hope. The Trusting Prophet — confident, God-assured, living in the certainty of His victory. Too many of us live at the window, staring into the unknown and imagining worst-case scenarios. We try to comfort ourselves with human logic instead of resting in divine truth. But faith doesn't look out the window for a returning hero — it looks up to the One who's already won. Deborah's side of the window is where the peace is. It's where the forty years of rest begin. And you can live there now — not because every battle is over, but because your King's victory is certain. ASK THIS: Which side of the window do you live on most days — anxious waiting or confident trust? What lies have you been telling yourself instead of standing on God's truth? How would your outlook change if you believed His victory was already secure? What's one way you can “shine like the sun” for God's glory this week? DO THIS: When you feel yourself “waiting at the window,” stop and speak a truth from Scripture out loud — shift your gaze from what's missing to the God who's already won. PRAY THIS: Lord, keep me from living in anxious waiting. Make me like Deborah — confident in Your victory, steady in Your promises, and shining with the peace only You give. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Yes I Will."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 5:19–27. “The kings came, they fought; then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; they got no spoils of silver. From heaven the stars fought, from their courses they fought against Sisera. The torrent Kishon swept them away, the ancient torrent, the torrent Kishon. March on, my soul, with might! Then loud beat the horses' hoofs with the galloping, galloping of his steeds. ‘Curse Meroz,' says the angel of the LORD, ‘curse its inhabitants thoroughly, because they did not come to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. ‘Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, of tent-dwelling women most blessed. He asked water and she gave him milk; she brought him curds in a noble's bowl. She sent her hand to the tent peg and her right hand to the workman's mallet; she struck Sisera; she crushed his head; she shattered and pierced his temple. Between her feet he sank, he fell, he lay still; between her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he fell—dead.” — Judges 5:19-27 Deborah's song stretches from the battlefront to the heavenlies. Kings clashed at Taanach, but this wasn't just a human fight. “From heaven the stars fought” — a poetic way of saying that the forces of creation and the unseen armies of God joined the fray. The Kishon River swelled and swept the enemy away, as if the earth itself fought on Israel's side. It's cosmic warfare — the God of heaven moving heaven and earth to secure victory. And then the camera zooms in. Not to a general, not to a seasoned soldier, but to Jael — a tent-dwelling woman with no title, no rank, no sword. All she has are the tools of her everyday life: a tent peg and a mallet. Yet, in God's hands, those common items become the instruments that end the enemy's life and secure the victory. The same God who commands the stars also works through the simple obedience of His people. This is how God works — the cosmic and the common, side by side. He shakes the heavens and then uses the hammer in your hand. He commands rivers and then asks you to pour the cup of milk. He wins the battle, but He invites you into the moment that matters. We often think, If I only had more skill… more influence… more resources… then God could use me. But Jael reminds us — God doesn't need what you don't have. He uses what you do have. Your “tent peg” might be your job, your words, your generosity, your hospitality, or your willingness to speak truth when it's uncomfortable. You may feel like your role is small, but when you put it in God's hands, it becomes part of His cosmic plan. The question isn't whether God is fighting — He is. The question is whether you're ready to act when the moment comes. ASK THIS: What “tent pegs” has God already placed in your hands? Do you believe your ordinary skills can be part of God's cosmic plan? Why or why not? How does knowing God fights the big battle free you to act in small but significant ways? What's one ordinary act of obedience you can take today that could have eternal impact? DO THIS: Identify one ordinary skill, resource, or opportunity you already have. Offer it to God in prayer and be alert for how He might use it in the days ahead. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You that You fight the battles I cannot see. Take the simple tools in my hands and use them for Your glory in ways I could never imagine. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Available."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get behind our through the Bible project. Read more here Project23. Our text today is Judges 5:13–18. “Then down marched the remnant of the noble; the people of the LORD marched down for me against the mighty. From Ephraim their root they marched down into the valley, following you, Benjamin, with your kinsmen; from Machir marched down the commanders, and from Zebulun those who bear the lieutenant's staff; the princes of Issachar came with Deborah, and Issachar faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed at his heels. Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Why did you sit still among the sheepfolds, to hear the whistling for the flocks? Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan; and Dan, why did he stay with the ships? Asher sat still at the coast of the sea, staying by his landings. Zebulun is a people who risked their lives to the death; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the field.” — Judges 5:13-18 Deborah draws a clear line between two groups. Group one: On one side are the tribes who stepped up — Ephraim, Benjamin, Machir, Zebulun, Issachar, Naphtali. They marched into the valley without hesitation, shoulder to shoulder, risking everything for God's mission. Group two: On the other side are those who stayed home — Reuben, Gilead, Dan, Asher. Reuben stalled in “great searchings of heart,” paralyzed by indecision. Gilead stayed put across the river. Dan clung to his ships. Asher kept his feet planted on the shoreline. The difference wasn't ability. It wasn't opportunity. It was willingness. In every generation, God calls His people to step up — but not everyone answers. Some run toward the fight. Others cling to the familiar. Some seize the moment. Others think about it until the moment passes. When God calls, the greatest tragedy isn't weakness — it's unwillingness. The tribes who stayed home had the same God, the same history, and the same opportunity as those who stepped up. But they missed their moment because they chose comfort over courage. You and I face the same choice. God's mission is still moving forward. The only question is — will you march into the valley, or watch from the shoreline? ASK THIS: In what areas of life has God been calling you to step up? What “great searchings of heart” have delayed your obedience? Whose courage could grow because you decided to step forward? How do you want to be remembered when God's story is told? DO THIS: Identify one step of obedience you've been delaying. Take it today — even if it feels risky — and trust God with the outcome. PRAY THIS: Lord, keep me from standing on the sidelines when You call. Give me the courage to step up, and the faith to follow You into the fight. Amen. PLAY THIS: "I Will Go."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Pete Lang from Upland, CA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 5:9–12. “My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the LORD. Tell of it, you who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets, and you who walk by the way. To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the righteous triumphs of the LORD, the righteous triumphs of his villagers in Israel. Then down to the gates marched the people of the LORD. ‘Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, break out in a song! Arise, Barak, lead away your captives, O son of Abinoam.'” — Judges 5:9-12 The song of Deborah shifts here from memory to momentum. She looks across Israel and sees leaders who stepped forward and people who volunteered without hesitation. And she blesses the Lord for it. But she doesn't stop there. She calls everyone — the wealthy (“you who ride on white donkeys”), the influential (“you who sit on rich carpets”), and the everyday traveler — to tell the story of God's triumph. Then her voice sharpens. Twice she says, “Awake, awake!” And then, “Arise!” It's the language of urgency. The sound of a spiritual trumpet blast. “Awake” means shake off the slumber, remember who you are, and recall why you're here. “Arise” means stand up, step forward, and move in the direction of God's call. Every believer faces two temptations after God moves powerfully — to relax into comfort or to retreat into passivity. But God's victories aren't the end of the mission. They're the launching pad for the next one. “Awake” is the inner shift — the moment your heart snaps out of distraction and into readiness. “Arise” is the outer step — the choice to act on what God has stirred in you. If you're sleeping through your calling, you're missing the reason you were rescued. Deborah didn't tell Barak to enjoy the win. She told him to get moving. God's Kingdom advances when His people stay awake and keep rising. Maybe your battle is spiritual laziness. Maybe it's fear. Maybe it's comfort. Whatever it is, you can't follow Jesus while hitting the snooze button on His call. ASK THIS: Where in your life is God calling you to “awake” from spiritual complacency? What's one concrete step you can take today to “arise” into obedience? Who around you needs the courage that will come from your obedience? How can you avoid the trap of settling into comfort after a spiritual victory? DO THIS: Say the words “Awake and arise” out loud this morning — then take one action that matches them before the day ends. PRAY THIS: Lord, don't let me drift into spiritual sleep. Wake me up to Your call, and give me the courage to rise and follow You into whatever comes next. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Awake My Soul."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jason Ritchie from Pearland, TX. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 5:6–8. “In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were abandoned, and travelers kept to the byways. The villagers ceased in Israel; they ceased to be until I arose; I, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel. When new gods were chosen, then war was in the gates. Was shield or spear to be seen among forty thousand in Israel?”— Judges 5:6-8 Deborah paints a grim “before” picture of Israel. The roads were unsafe. Villages were abandoned. Ordinary life was in hiding. And why? Because “new gods were chosen.” They forgot God's resume and hired other “saviors.” These idols couldn't protect them — in fact, they opened the gates for war. Even worse, there wasn't a shield or spear among forty thousand in Israel. Disarmed. Vulnerable. Exposed. When God's people stop remembering His past faithfulness, they stop trusting His present protection. The result? Fear replaces courage, culture decays, and the enemy moves in. Spiritual drift never starts loud. It begins with a quiet forgetfulness. A skipped prayer. A neglected truth. A replaced affection. Before long, God's resume is dusty and idols are on the payroll. The cost is high. We lose peace. We lose protection. We lose purpose. This is why remembering matters — because the moment we forget, we're already drifting. Leaders must recall God's resume daily, and followers must cling to it as if their lives depend on it — because they do. ASK THIS: Where have you been tempted to trust a “new god” instead of the one true God? How do you recognize the early signs of spiritual drift in your own life? What specific truths about God do you need to recall to stand firm today? Who in your life needs to be reminded of God's resume right now? DO THIS: Identify one “idol” in your life — something you've looked to for safety or satisfaction — and replace it today with an intentional act of worship toward God. PRAY THIS: Lord, don't let me drift. Keep Your faithfulness at the front of my mind so no false god can take Your place. Protect me from the slow fade of forgetting You. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Come Thou Fount (Above All Else)."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Martin Williams from Waldorf, MD. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 5:4-5. “LORD, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the region of Edom, the earth trembled and the heavens dropped, yes, the clouds dropped water. The mountains quaked before the LORD, even Sinai before the LORD, the God of Israel.” — Judges 5:4-5 When life shakes you, do you stop and recall God's resume? In the middle of their victory song, Deborah and Barak pause to look back — way back — to Sinai. They remember the day God's presence shook the mountain, rattled the earth, and split the skies with rain. Why bring this up now? Because they're rehearsing His track record. This is God's resume — full of impossible victories and undeniable power. Every quake, every storm, every miracle is a line item proving He's the same God today as He was then. When God shows up, mountains move. Clouds burst. Creation bows. And remembering that changes the way you face the next battle. We often approach new challenges as if God has never done anything for us before. But your faith needs His resume on file. If He could split seas, bring down walls, send fire from heaven, and turn your heart toward Him, what makes today any different? The God who shook Sinai can shake your situation. The God who marched through Edom can march into your mess. Leaders and followers alike need to remember: God's past performance is the best predictor of His present power. ASK THIS: What's one “Sinai moment” from your past you need to recall today? How does remembering God's victories change the way you face new battles? Where have you been tempted to forget His track record? How can you make recalling God's resume a habit? DO THIS: Write down three major “resume items” from your life where God moved in power. Keep them where you can see them when the next battle comes. PRAY THIS: Lord, I praise You for Your flawless track record. Help me recall Your resume when fear creeps in, and remind me that You've never lost a case. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Same God."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Michael Corbly from West Chester, OH. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God's Word with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 5:1–3. Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day: “That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the LORD! Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the LORD I will sing; I will make melody to the LORD, the God of Israel.” — Judges 5:1-3 When was the last time you saw a leader praise God before taking praise for a win? The battlefield dust hasn't even settled. The clanging swords are silent. Israel's enemies are scattered. And before anyone can draft a victory speech, Deborah and Barak break out in a song. This isn't casual background music. It's a public, God-centered anthem that shouts two things: Thank God for leaders who lead. Thank God for people who show up. It's a simple truth — leadership matters, but so does followership. Without both, God's purposes in Israel would've stalled. And here's the key: they didn't just acknowledge the human effort; they blessed the Lord. The victory belonged to Him from start to finish. We live in a culture quick to applaud human achievement and slow to give God the glory. Leaders often claim the credit. Followers sometimes forget who carried them through. But the rhythm of the Kingdom is different: leaders lead with humility, followers serve with willingness, and both make God the hero of the story. If you lead — lead in such a way that your first instinct after a win is to point up, not in. If you follow — do it with a willing spirit that makes God's work visible. When leaders lead and people willingly follow, God's name gets lifted higher, and the ripple of His glory moves farther. ASK THIS: When God has given you a victory, do you stop to praise Him before moving on? Are you more naturally a leader or a follower, and how can you honor God in that role? How can you cultivate willingness rather than reluctance in service to God? What's one leadership moment in your life where God got the glory instead of you? DO THIS: Today, thank one leader in your life for their godly influence — and let them know you're praying for their humility and courage. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for leaders who lead and followers who serve with joy. Teach me to give You the glory in every win and to step willingly into the role You've given me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "All Glory."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:23-24: So on that day God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the people of Israel. And the hand of the people of Israel pressed harder and harder against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they destroyed Jabin king of Canaan. — Judges 4:23-24 When God gives the victory, do you hand Him the glory—or do you try to keep a piece for yourself? After Jael's shocking strike, you might think the spotlight belongs to her—or to Deborah for her prophecy—or to Barak for leading the army. But Scripture doesn't allow that. It says plainly: “On that day God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan.” Yes, Barak fought. Yes, Jael struck. Yes, Deborah led. But it was God who delivered. He orchestrated the storm, routed the army, and fulfilled the prophecy. The text ends by making sure we know the truth: the glory belongs to Him, not them. This is the battlefield of the heart: who gets the glory? God may use your obedience, your courage, even your “tent pegs”—but the glory is His alone. And here's the danger: every time God gives you a win, your flesh will want to steal the credit. Pride whispers, “Look what you did.” But humility shouts, “Look what God has done!” If you take the glory, you rob God of what is rightfully His—and you set yourself up for a fall. Pride is a thief; humility is a shield. So fight hard. Step up with courage. But when the dust clears, drop the crown at His feet. Make it your mission to silence pride before it steals even a sliver of the glory that belongs only to God. ASK THIS: Where in my life am I tempted to take credit for what God has done? How do I usually respond when God gives me a victory—praise or pride? Who could I encourage by giving a testimony that points all glory back to Him? What practical step can I take to guard myself from stealing God's glory? DO THIS: Today, when you share a win or blessing in conversation, make sure you point directly to God as the One who made it possible. Don't keep a shred of the glory for yourself. PRAY THIS: Father, keep me from stealing Your glory. When You give victory, help me humbly give You all the credit, knowing it belongs to You alone. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Yours (Glory and Praise)."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:21-22: But Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand. Then she went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple until it went down into the ground while he was lying fast asleep from weariness. So he died. And behold, as Barak was pursuing Sisera, Jael went out to meet him and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.” So he went in to her tent, and there lay Sisera dead, with the tent peg in his temple. — Judges 4:21-22 What could God do with your ordinary tools if you had the courage to act? This is it—the moment Deborah had prophesied. Sisera, exhausted and convinced he was safe, falls asleep in Jael's tent. And Jael, an ordinary woman with no training in battle, picks up a tent peg and a hammer—the tools of her daily life—and strikes down the mighty commander of Canaan's army. When Barak finally arrives, Jael doesn't just point him to Sisera—she shows him the lifeless body. The prophecy is fulfilled. The honor goes not to Barak, but to an unlikely woman whose courage and obedience changed the course of history. Jael's story is a reminder: God uses unlikely people with ordinary tools to accomplish extraordinary victories. She didn't have a sword. She wasn't wearing armor. She used what she had, where she was, with bold faith. You may feel like you don't have much to offer—just a “tent peg” and a “hammer” in your daily life. But in God's hands, that's enough. Don't underestimate the impact of your simple obedience. The world doesn't need you to be the most powerful man in the room. It needs you to be the most willing. When others hesitated, Jael acted. And because she did, God's Word was fulfilled. ASK THIS: What ordinary “tent peg” has God put in my hand to use for His glory? Do I believe God can use me—even if I feel unqualified or overlooked? How might hesitation keep me from stepping into the role God is calling me to? What step of bold faith can I take today with the tools I already have? DO THIS: Take one “ordinary tool” in your life today—your time, a skill, a relationship—and use it intentionally for God's purposes. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for using unlikely people like Jael. Give me courage to act with what You've placed in my hands, trusting You for the outcome. Amen. PLAY THIS: "God of the Impossible."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:17-20: But Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. And Jael came out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord; turn aside to me; do not be afraid.” So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. And he said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a skin of milk and gave him a drink and covered him. And he said to her, “Stand at the opening of the tent, and if any man comes and asks you, ‘Is anyone here?' say, ‘No.'” — Judges 4:17-20 What if the person God chooses to win the battle is the one nobody expected? Sisera, the mighty commander who once terrorized Israel, is now running on foot like a fugitive. Desperate for safety, he stumbles into the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. On the surface, Jael looked like the last person God would use. She wasn't a warrior. She wasn't even an Israelite. In fact, her family had a peace treaty with Sisera's king. If anything, Sisera should have felt safe there. But Jael was also a Kenite, a distant relative of Moses. But God had already spoken through Deborah: the honor of Sisera's downfall would go to a woman. And here she was—an unlikely woman, in an ordinary tent, about to play an extraordinary role in God's plan. Sisera thought he found refuge. Instead, he walked straight into the hands of the one God chose to fulfill His prophecy. Jael's story is living proof that God uses unlikely people. She didn't have a sword, an army, or a reputation as a leader. She had a tent and the courage to act. And God used her to change the course of Israel's history. Don't ever think God can't use you because you're not the most skilled, the loudest, or the obvious choice. He delights in flipping expectations and proving His power through ordinary lives. The question isn't are you qualified? but are you willing? Deborah's prophecy reminds us: when God speaks, His word will come to pass. And Jael's story reminds us: He often chooses the most unlikely person in the room to bring it about. ASK THIS: Where in my life do I doubt God could use me because I feel too ordinary? Who around me might God want to use—even if they seem unlikely? What “tent peg” (ordinary tool) has God placed in my hand to serve Him? Am I willing to say yes when God calls, even if I feel unprepared? DO THIS: Identify one “ordinary tool” in your life—time, skill, relationship—and pray for God to use it in an extraordinary way this week. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for choosing unlikely people like Jael. Use me, with whatever I have, to be part of Your plan today. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Available."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:11-16: Now Heber the Kenite had separated from the Kenites, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, and had pitched his tent as far away as the oak in Zaanannim, which is near Kedesh. When Sisera was told that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor, Sisera called out all his chariots, 900 chariots of iron, and all the men who were with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to the river Kishon. And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him. And the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword. And Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot. And Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; not a man was left. — Judges 4:11-16 Would you fight differently if you knew God had already won the battle? The tension rises. Sisera rolls out with 900 iron chariots—the tanks of the ancient world. On paper, Israel doesn't stand a chance. But Deborah's words cut through the fear: “Up! For this is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” Notice that—has given. Past tense. This wasn't a battle to see who would win. It was a victory God had already secured. Then the Lord moves. A sudden storm (see Judges 5:20–21) floods the Kishon River, bogging down the chariots. The unstoppable enemy is stuck in the mud. Barak finally charges, but the truth is clear: the victory belonged to God before Barak ever lifted a sword. This is the secret of faith—you're not fighting for victory; you're fighting from victory. Barak hesitated, but God had already won the battle. The outcome was never in doubt. Maybe you're staring down your own “900 iron chariots”—that overwhelming challenge that looks impossible. Remember this: God has already secured the victory through Christ. The cross and the empty tomb prove it. Your job isn't to muster superhuman strength. It's to rise when God says, “Up!” and trust that he's already gone before you. Hesitation may rob you of joy and honor, but it will never undo the fact that God wins. The only question is—will you step into the victory He's already secured? ASK THIS: What “iron chariots” look unbeatable in my life right now? How would I act differently if I truly believed God had already won the battle? Where am I hesitating when I should be stepping into God's promised victory? How can I remind myself daily that I'm fighting from victory, not for it? DO THIS: When fear tempts you today, declare aloud: “This is a battle God has already won.” Then step into the next act of obedience He's calling you to. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You that the victory is already Yours. Help me rise when You call, trusting that You've gone before me and secured the battle. Amen. PLAY THIS: "You've Already Won."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Support our mission to teach every verse of the Bible. Read more here: Project23 Our text today is Judges 4:6-10: She sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand'?” Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. And Barak called out Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh, and 10,000 men went up at his heels, and Deborah went up with him. — Judges 4:6-10 What blessings slip through our fingers when we hesitate instead of acting in faith? God had already spoken: “Go, gather your men… I will give him into your hand.” The outcome was certain. Victory was promised. But Barak hesitated. Instead of trusting God's word, he leaned on Deborah: “If you go with me, I will go.” He wanted her presence more than God's promise. Deborah agreed—but warned him: the glory of victory wouldn't go to him. God would hand Sisera over to a woman instead. Barak went to battle, but the lesson was clear: hesitation comes at a cost. God still wins—but when we pause at the edge of obedience, we may miss the full blessing of leading boldly. This is where too many believers get stuck. God calls. The promise is sure. But instead of stepping out in full faith, we hesitate. We stall. We wait for more signs, more reassurance, more backup. Barak still fought, but his hesitation meant he lost the honor of leading with decisive courage. Deborah had to fill the gap. Here's the challenge: don't wait for someone else to carry the weight God put on your shoulders. God's victory doesn't depend on you—but your faithfulness does. Step up without hesitation. Don't miss the blessing because you lingered when God said, "Go." ASK THIS: Where am I hesitating when God has already spoken clearly? What fears keep me from taking the step God is calling me to take? Who might be carrying weight right now because I've delayed obedience? How can I step forward today in faith instead of waiting for more certainty? DO THIS: Pinpoint one area where you've been hesitating. Stop stalling—take one clear step of obedience today. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for hesitating when you've already spoken. Give me the courage to step forward in faith, trusting your promise more than my fear. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Made For More."