Resolute Podcast

Most men think Bible study requires a seminary degree. It doesn't. God's Word is for every man, and Jesus gave us the simplest blueprint: hear it… and do it. In this video, Vince Miller breaks down a 3-step process any man can use to open the Bible, understand it, and apply it—today. No fluff. No confusion. Just a clear path toward transformation. Open the Bible. Run the process. Watch God work.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Colin Steen from Brendon, SD. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 13:4-5 Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.— Judges 13:4-5 Samson's story didn't start with his strength—it started with his calling. Before he was even born, God marked him as a man of God— a Nazirite. Every detail of his life—what he ate, what he drank, even his haircut—was a daily reminder that he belonged fully to God. Samson wasn't called to blend in. He was called to stand out. And so are you. Everything in our world pressures us to blend in. It's easier to laugh at the crude joke than to walk away. It's easier to stay quiet than to speak the truth. It's easier to chase comfort, money, or approval than to live differently for God. Blending in feels safe—but it sidelines us from the very purpose for which God created us. If you belong to Jesus, you are set apart. You don't need a Nazirite vow to prove it. The cross already marked you. Your life isn't random—it's consecrated. God has chosen you, not to fit in, but to shine in a dark world. Don't trade your calling for convenience. You are set apart. Live like you belong to Him today. Be a little bolder! ASK THIS: Do I believe my life is truly set apart for God? Where am I tempted to blend in instead of standing out? How can I reflect God's ownership over me in everyday choices? DO THIS: Pick one area where you've been blending in—at work, at home, or in friendships. Today, take one small but bold step to live differently because you belong to God. PRAY THIS: Lord, remind me that I am Yours. Give me the courage to stop blending in and the strength to live as one set apart for You. Let my life reflect Your holiness in every area. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Set Apart."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Andrew Leck from Rosehill, KS. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 13:2-3 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, "Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son." — Judges 13:2-3 In Israel's darkest moment, God zeroed in on a barren woman from an obscure tribe. She had no children, no status, and no future by cultural standards. Yet it's here that the angel of the Lord appeared, promising not only a son but a son who would begin to save Israel from the Philistines. This is God's pattern throughout Scripture: He delights in breaking into barren, hopeless places—Abraham and Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth—and now Manoah's wife. Where human strength fails, divine power shines through. We all know what "barrenness" feels like. It may not be a womb, but it could be a dream that won't come alive, a marriage that feels stuck, a career that's dried up, or a prayer that seems unanswered. Barrenness whispers to us all, "Nothing will ever change." But God specializes in stepping into impossible situations. He doesn't just comfort us in our emptiness—He often uses it as the very stage to display his power. That's what he did here: from a barren woman came Samson, a deliverer. And from another barren womb centuries later came Jesus, the ultimate Deliverer. Never despise those barren seasons. They may be the very soil where God plants his greatest miracles in your lives. Instead of despairing, bring your barrenness to him in prayer today—write it down, speak it out, and surrender it. Hope grows when we put our barrenness into his hands. ASK THIS: Where do I feel barren or hopeless in life right now? Do I believe God can step into that place with power? How can I shift from despair to expectation in my prayers? DO THIS: Write down one area of life that feels barren. Instead of hiding it, bring it before God in prayer today, asking Him to show His power in what feels impossible. PRAY THIS: Lord, meet me in the barren places of my life. Where I see hopelessness, bring Your promise. Where I see emptiness, bring Your power. Help me trust that You can do the impossible. Amen. PLAY THIS: "We Need A Miracle."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Alan Klech from Henderson, TX. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 13:1 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. — Judges 13:1 Here we go again. The cycle repeats: Israel turns from God, God hands them over, and they taste the bitter fruit of sin. This time, the oppressors are the Philistines, and their domination lasts 40 years—longer than any other oppression in Judges. It's a sobering reminder that God allows His people to feel the weight of their choices. He won't compete with idols forever. When His people abandon Him, He removes His protection and allows them to experience bondage, not because He hates them—but because discipline can do what comfort cannot. Sin always promises freedom but delivers slavery. What feels harmless at first—just a click, just a drink, just a word—soon grows into something that controls you. What begins as pleasure becomes a prison. This is where we have to consider our own lives. Maybe it's anger that erupts too easily. Maybe it's that private struggle with lust you keep telling yourself you can manage. Maybe it's the habit of chasing approval or numbing pain with distraction. Whatever it is, you already know the truth: what you thought you controlled is now controlling you. Let's not be a community that rationalizes with sin—it will always enslave you. And God loves you too much to let you live comfortably in sin. He will let you feel its chains until you finally turn back to Him. The issue isn't whether sin will enslave you—it's how long you'll stay chained before you let God set you free. ASK THIS: What sin patterns keep pulling me back into bondage? Where am I mistaking temporary pleasure for real freedom? Am I learning from discipline—or ignoring God's warnings? DO THIS: Name one area of your life where sin has become a cycle. Confess it to God today and, if needed, bring it into the light with a trusted believer. Freedom begins where sin is exposed. PRAY THIS: Father, forgive me for returning to the sins that enslave me. Break the chains I've built for myself, and teach me to walk in the freedom that only comes from You. Amen. PLAY THIS: "No Longer Slaves to Fear."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Daniel Crofoot from Cape Coral, FL. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 12:13-15 After him Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel. He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys, and he judged Israel eight years. Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried at Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites. — Judges 12:13-15 Abdon's leadership doesn't come with stories of war or dramatic miracles. Instead, Scripture records his family line and their prosperity—sons and grandsons riding seventy donkeys, a cultural sign of peace, wealth, and influence. For eight years, Israel experienced stability under his leadership. It may not read like an epic story, but in a book filled with chaos and conflict, Abdon's peaceful legacy shines as a rare blessing. We live in a restless world. We celebrate fame, power, and controversy more than faithfulness, humility, and stability. However, Abdon reminds us that a quiet life of faith can have a ripple effect that lasts for generations. His legacy wasn't built in the spotlight—it was built at home, among his family, and in the stability he provided his community. That's the kind of legacy we need today. Fathers who create safe homes. Leaders who model integrity. Believers who commit to their church and community with steady devotion. The impact of such faithfulness outlasts the drama of the moment—it builds generations of blessing. Don't chase the momentary spotlight. Build the kind of faithfulness that outlives you. Stability is a gift to your family and your community—and it's the kind of legacy God loves to multiply. ASK THIS: What kind of legacy am I building for my family and community? Do I value stability and faithfulness as much as God does? How can I invest in people, not just accomplishments, today? DO THIS: Take one step today to invest in stability—pray with your family, encourage someone younger in the faith, or strengthen your commitment to your local church. Faithful seeds planted now will bear fruit for generations. PRAY THIS: Father, help me build a legacy of faithfulness. Use my life not for fleeting applause, but to bring peace, stability, and blessing that ripple into the lives of others long after I'm gone. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Faithful Then / Faithful Now."

Launching a men's Bible study? The first meeting sets the tone—and most guys underestimate how much it matters. In this session, Vince Miller walks you through the exact 5-step format he's used for decades to launch strong, intentional, Christ-centered first meetings that build trust and ignite brotherhood. You'll learn: ✔️ How atmosphere speaks before you ever open your mouth ✔️ Why preparation communicates value and safety ✔️ How to lead prayer and purpose with clarity—not pressure ✔️ The secret to building fast trust through story-sharing ✔️ How to cast vision without selling or hyping ✔️ Why a strong closing prayer seals the moment and sets direction Whether you're meeting in a church classroom, a garage with a space heater, or your living room—this format works anywhere. If you can follow five steps, you can lead a fantastic first meeting. REFLECTION + SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What's one first impression you've had walking into a room that shaped how you engaged? 2. Which part of prepping the room do you think communicates the most value to men? 3. How does starting with a short, intentional prayer shape the tone of a meeting? 4. Why do men need to hear a clear "why" before they engage the "what"? 5. When have you seen vulnerability build trust in a group? 6. Which type of men are hardest for you to lead—talkers or quiet guys? Why? 7. How can you guide story-sharing without making it feel forced or clinical? 8. What vision do you feel called to cast for the men you're leading? 9. Why is a closing prayer powerful, even when it's short? 10. What step from this format do you need to grow most in before leading your next meeting?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Brian Murray from Mesquite, NV. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 12:8-13 After him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. He had thirty sons, and thirty daughters he gave in marriage outside his clan, and thirty daughters he brought in from outside for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. Then Ibzan died and was buried at Bethlehem. After him Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel, and he judged Israel ten years. Then Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried at Aijalon in the land of Zebulun. — Judges 12:8-13 After Jephthah's short and turbulent reign, two quieter judges followed: Ibzan and Elon. Their stories don't include major battles or dramatic miracles. Instead, their legacies were marked by stability, family growth, and years of peaceful leadership. Sometimes the greatest gift God gives His people is not a warrior or a spectacle—but a steady, faithful presence. In a world addicted to drama, it's easy to overlook the beauty of quiet faithfulness. We chase excitement, headlines, and "big moments," but God often works most powerfully through ordinary obedience lived out day after day. Ibzan and Elon may not be household names, but for seventeen years, Israel enjoyed stability under their leadership. Families flourished, communities grew, and peace prevailed. That's not flashy—but it's priceless. Your life doesn't need to be loud to be significant. Faithfulness at home, consistency at work, serving in your church, investing in your children, showing up for friends—these are the building blocks of a godly legacy. Don't despise quiet seasons. Embrace them. Drama fades, but faithfulness endures. God honors steady obedience more than fleeting excitement. ASK THIS: Do I overlook the value of quiet, steady faithfulness in my own life? Am I chasing excitement instead of embracing ordinary obedience? How can my consistency build peace and stability for those around me? DO THIS: Commit to one act of steady faithfulness today—pray with your kids, encourage a friend, serve in your church, or follow through on a promise. Ordinary obedience makes an extraordinary impact over time. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for the gift of steady faithfulness. Teach me not to chase drama but to embrace obedience. Let my consistency be a blessing to my family, my church, and my community. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."

What if the next great men's movement doesn't start in a stadium… but in your living room? In this first training video, Vince Miller gives you the exact framework he's used to launch men's groups across the country. It's simple. It's biblical. And every man can do it. You'll learn The Three M's—and you'll walk away with real names to invite, a study to pick, and a time and place to launch your first group. This isn't theory. This is action. Men follow intentional leadership—and today, you step into it. If you're ready to build a men's ministry, disciple men, or create brotherhood around Scripture… this is your starting point. SUBSCRIBE for more men's leadership training, Bible teaching, and practical discipleship content.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Nathan Cofsky from Falls Church, VA. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 12:7. Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead. — Judges 12:7 Jephthah's rule lasted only six years. That's shorter than most judges in Israel's history. Though he delivered Israel from the Ammonites, his legacy was tarnished by internal conflict and a tragic vow that cost his daughter's life. His reign ended quickly, his story remembered with more grief than glory. The measure of a life isn't only in achievements, but in the wake we leave behind. Jephthah's victories were real, but his pride and rashness left wounds that outlived him. Too many chase success—winning battles, reaching goals, building careers. But legacy isn't only about the trophies we collect; it's also about the lives we impact. A short rule like Jephthah's reveals how quickly success can fade when it isn't paired with wisdom, humility, and faithfulness. What do you want people to remember about you? Will it be your titles, your victories, your wealth—or your faith, your humility, your love? The truth is, your true legacy isn't your success—it's your succession. What you hand off—faith to your children, character to your coworkers, hope to your community—outlasts every accomplishment. Don't spend your life building monuments to yourself. Spend it building people for the Lord. Success fades, but a godly legacy always multiplies. ASK THIS: What do I want to be remembered for most? Am I living more for personal success or lasting legacy? What am I handing off to those who come after me? DO THIS: Write down three words you want people to say about you when you're gone. Then ask: Does my life right now match those words? Start aligning today's actions with tomorrow's legacy. PRAY THIS: Father, teach me to live with legacy in mind. Guard me from chasing empty success, and help me hand off faith, character, and love that point others to You long after I'm gone. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Only Jesus."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to William Childress from Clanton, AL. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 12:5-6. And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead said to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" When he said, "No," they said to him, "Then say Shibboleth," and he said, "Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell. — Judges 12:5-6 The pride-fueled conflict between Ephraim and Gilead spiraled into devastation. At the Jordan River crossings, men were identified by a single word—"Shibboleth." Ephraim's inability to pronounce it exposed them, and 42,000 were slaughtered. This wasn't just a loss of numbers; it was a loss of brothers. Israel's strength was drained not by foreign invaders, but by internal division. Pride always extracts a heavier toll than we imagine. Pride blinds us. It convinces us that winning the argument, defending our ego, or holding the grudge is worth it. But pride always takes more than it gives. For Ephraim, it cost 42,000 lives. For us, pride may not take thousands, but it can destroy marriages, split churches, fracture friendships, and poison families. The irony is, pride promises control but always delivers destruction. It tricks us into thinking we're winning when we're really losing. It makes us fight battles we never needed to fight and leaves scars we never needed to carry. Pride robs marriages of peace, friendships of trust, churches of unity, and leaders of influence. But humility does the opposite. It restores what pride destroys. It creates peace, strengthens relationships, and builds trust where pride would tear it down. Don't wait until pride costs you everything to discover it's not worth the price. Choose humility now—before pride takes what you can never get back. The cost of pride is devastation, but the opportunity of humility is life, peace, and blessing. ASK THIS: Where is pride quietly at work in my life right now? What relationships am I putting at risk because of stubborn ego? Do I really believe humility saves more than pride ever can? DO THIS: Today, choose one area where pride is whispering, "Defend yourself." Instead, practice humility. Admit the fault, forgive the offense, or let go of the need to win. PRAY THIS: Lord, protect me from the cost of pride. Give me humility to value unity over ego and peace over being right. Help me see that humility leads to life, but pride always ends in destruction. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Humble King."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And since today is Veterans Day, I want to pause and thank the men and women who have served in our armed forces. You've stood in the gap, sacrificed comfort, and protected freedom. We honor you, and we're grateful for your courage and service. Today's shout-out goes to Clarence Campbell from Burton, MI. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 12:4-6. Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, "You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim and Manasseh." And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead said to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" When he said, "No," they said to him, "Then say Shibboleth," and he said, "Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell. — Judges 12:4-6 When the conflict between Jephthah and Ephraim escalated, it turned into full-blown civil war. At the Jordan River, the Gileadites set up a simple test: say the word "Shibboleth." Here's why that word mattered: Ephraimites had a regional accent. They couldn't pronounce the "sh" sound and instead said "Sibboleth." A single letter—one tiny sound—became the marker of life or death. If you failed the test, you were executed on the spot. Forty-two thousand brothers died—not because of a true enemy, but because of pride and petty rivalry. It's heartbreaking. Israel was supposed to be one people under God, fighting enemies together. Instead, they killed each other over accents. What began as wounded pride ended in a river of blood. Pride still divides God's people today. Churches split over style. Families fracture over opinions. Christians criticize each other over minor disputes. Small "Shibboleths" become battle lines, and the mission of God suffers. Pride takes small differences and makes them deadly; humility sees the bigger mission and fights the right battles. On Veterans Day, we remember men and women who laid down comfort and safety to protect unity, freedom, and peace. They remind us of what happens when courage is used to defend, not divide. Veterans stood shoulder to shoulder for something greater than themselves. That's what we're called to in Christ—not uniformity, but unity under His mission. The real enemy isn't your brother or sister in Christ. The real enemy is the sin and pride that sets us against each other. Don't let a "Shibboleth" ruin your relationships. Don't let small differences blind you to the bigger battle. Jesus shed his blood to make us one family—let's not shed each other's blood over accents. ASK THIS: Where am I letting pride make small differences into big divisions? Am I more focused on being "right" than being united in Christ? How can I fight for unity instead of fighting my brothers? DO THIS: Identify one "Shibboleth" in your life—a small difference that's become a point of pride or division. Surrender it to God and choose unity over rivalry. PRAY THIS: Father, forgive me when I let pride divide me from my brothers and sisters. Help me to see that our unity in Christ matters more than petty differences. Keep me from fighting the wrong battles and use me to build peace in Your family. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Make Us One."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Ron Carlson from Surprise, AZ. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 12:2-3. And Jephthah said to them, "I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?" — Judges 12:2-3 Jephthah answered Ephraim's accusation with facts, not feelings—he reminded them that he had called for help, but they didn't show up for the fight. He recounted his risk, his faith, and God's victory. Everything he said was true. But the problem is that facts about the truth aren't always enough to resolve a conflict. His words successfully defended himself, but they didn't defuse the situation. Ephraim was already swelling with pride, and Jephthah's factual defensiveness only pushed them further toward war. The tragedy that followed began here—with words that clarified but didn't reconcile. Conflict isn't just about what's true—it's about how truth is spoken. We can be factually right but relationally wrong. Words meant to defend can still escalate if they come from a place of pride, frustration, or defensiveness. James 1:19 says, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." But when we reverse the order, and we are slow to listen and fast to defend, relationships fracture. Leaders especially must weigh their words carefully, because words can either be water for peace or fuel for war. Think about your own conflicts—with your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, or your church family. Do you defend yourself first, or defuse the argument first? Do your words aim to win the argument or to win the person? The difference often determines whether conflict escalates or dissolves. Let's be men and women who lead well by listening well. ASK THIS: In my last conflict, did my words escalate or defuse? Am I more focused on proving my point or preserving unity? How can I practice being "quick to hear, slow to speak" this week? DO THIS: The next time you face a conflict, pause before speaking. Pray for God's wisdom, listen fully, and choose words that heal rather than harm. PRAY THIS: Lord, teach me to use words that build peace, not walls. Guard me from defensiveness, and give me wisdom to know when to speak, when to listen, and when to stay silent. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Slow to Anger."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to James Thorton from Gilbert, AZ. Read more about our mission to teach every verse of the Bible through Project23. Our text today is Judges 12:1. The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire." — Judges 12:1 Fresh off a great victory against the Ammonites, Jephthah faced a new conflict—not with enemies outside, but with brothers inside Israel. The Ephraimites confronted him with jealousy and wounded pride, accusing him of leaving them out. Their anger burned so hot that they threatened to burn Jephthah's house down. Seriously?! This wasn't an issue of principle—it was pride. Instead of focusing on God's deliverance and celebrating that, Ephraim turned inward, making petty issues the main thing. And division within the family would now come at a high cost. This story reminds us that one of the enemy's oldest tricks is to turn God's people against each other. When jealousy, comparison, and wounded pride take root, the church and family of God fight the wrong battles. We've all seen it—church conflicts over secondary issues, friendships fractured by ego, ministries undermined by rivalry. When that happens, the mission stalls. Instead of fighting for God's kingdom, we fight each other. Pride will always find something to be offended about. Pride has a selfish and self-focused nature. But humility sees and celebrates God's victories, even when we weren't the ones in the spotlight. Godly strength isn't found in competing with brothers and sisters in Christ—it's found in uniting under the same Father. The Father of all mankind, and celebrating with those whom God chooses to use. ASK THIS: Where am I tempted to fight petty battles instead of focusing on God's mission? How do jealousy and pride show up in my relationships? Do I celebrate God's work in others—or resent when I'm not included? DO THIS: Today, choose unity over rivalry. Celebrate someone else's success, thank God for their role in His kingdom, and resist the pull of petty battles. PRAY THIS: Father, protect me from jealousy and pride. Keep me from wasting energy fighting my brothers and sisters when You've called us to stand together. Give me a heart that celebrates Your victories—whoever You choose to use. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Same God."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about our mission to teach every verse of the Bible through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:37-40. So she said to her father, "Let this thing be done for me: leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions." So he said, "Go." Then he sent her away for two months, and she departed, she and her companions, and wept for her virginity on the mountains. And at the end of two months, she returned to her father, who did with her according to his vow that he had made. She had never known a man, and it became a custom in Israel that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. — Judges 11:37-40 Jephthah's vow led to tragedy, but his daughter's response left a legacy. She asked for a couple of months to mourn the life she would never live. Israel remembered her—not as a victim of her father's foolishness, but as a symbol of courage and faithfulness. The story ends with Jephthah's daughter's name celebrated, not his. Her quiet submission outshone his reckless vow. What should have been remembered as his great military victory became overshadowed by her sacrificial legacy. Legacies are often forged in the tension between human failure and faithful response. Jephthah's name faded, but his daughter was remembered year after year. She teaches us that faithfulness, even in loss, can outshine the failures around us. Every one of us is leaving a legacy. The question is—what kind? Rash vows, selfish choices, and prideful words will leave scars. But faith, sacrifice, and surrender will leave legacies that point others to God. We live in a culture obsessed with winning, achievement, and success. But your true legacy isn't one success—it's a life of sacrifice. The sacrifices you make matter more than one great success. And sometimes, the most powerful testimony comes not from victory but from a single sacrifice that brings sorrow and salvation. Just like Jesus! ASK THIS: What kind of legacy am I building—one of pride or one of faith? How will my words and actions be remembered by those closest to me? Am I living in a way that points others to God, even in hardship? DO THIS: Pause and reflect: what do you want your children, friends, or community to remember about your walk with God? Don't wait until later to start shaping that memory. Live faithfully today, even in small things, because today's faith builds tomorrow's legacy. PRAY THIS: Lord, teach me to guard my words. Protect me from hasty promises and help me walk in steady obedience. May my commitments honor You and bless those around me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Find Us Faithful."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about our mission to teach every verse of the Bible through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:34-36. Then Jephthah came to his home at Mizpah. And behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, "Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow." And she said to him, "My father, you have opened your mouth to the Lord; do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, now that the Lord has avenged you on your enemies, on the Ammonites." — Judges 11:34-36 After the triumph, tragedy walked through the door. Jephthah returned from battle only to be greeted by his only child, the first to come out of his house. His rash vow now collided with a harsher reality. Notice the irony: victory brought national peace but personal grief. His daughter's faithfulness is striking. She urges her father to keep his word, even at her cost. But Jephthah's words expose the danger of zeal without wisdom. His vow was never required by God. It was self-imposed, driven by misplaced bargaining instead of trust. Words matter. A reckless promise can entangle us in sorrow, regret, and even sin. Jephthah's vow was foolishness, not faith. Yet how often do we do the same? We make bargains with God: "If You get me through this, I'll do that." But God doesn't care about our rash vows. He knows we don't keep them because we don't keep his. What he wants is our faithful trust. At the same time, Jephthah's daughter models a faith we can learn from. Her submission to God's will, even through her father's failure, reveals an important truth: our decisions ripple outward, affecting the people closest to us. Here's the warning and the invitation: don't let reckless zeal replace faithful obedience. God delights in your trust, not your hasty promises. ASK THIS: Where have I made rash commitments instead of wise obedience? Am I bargaining with God instead of simply trusting Him? How do my choices affect the people closest to me? DO THIS: Pause today before making promises—to God, to others, to yourself. Choose faithfulness over impulse. If you've already made a rash commitment, confess it, ask God for wisdom, and realign your words with His will. PRAY THIS: Lord, teach me to guard my words. Protect me from hasty promises and help me walk in steady obedience. May my commitments honor You and bless those around me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Take My Life."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Chris Gilbert from Elizabethtown, PA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:32-33. So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the Lord gave them into his hand. And he struck them from Aroer to the neighborhood of Minnith, twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a great blow. So the Ammonites were subdued before the people of Israel. — Judges 11:32-33 After all the rejection, diplomacy, and buildup, the battle finally came. But notice how quickly the narrator reports it: "the Lord gave them into his hand." The emphasis isn't on Jephthah's skill, Israel's strategy, or even the scale of the victory—it's on the Lord. The sweeping victory across twenty cities shows this wasn't chance or human brilliance. It was God's decisive act of deliverance. Israel's repentance prepared the way, but God's power won the day. We often act as if everything depends on us—our effort, our strategy, our fight. But Scripture reminds us again and again: the battle belongs to the Lord. That doesn't mean you sit passively. Jephthah still crossed over and engaged the enemy. But the outcome was decided by God. Faith means stepping into the fight, but confidence comes from knowing it's God's strength, not ours, that secures victory. Your own battles—whether against sin, fear, addiction, or opposition—are too big for you alone. But they are not too big for the Lord. The same God who subdued twenty cities by his power can subdue the enemies pressing against your soul. So why not ask him to fight, and you be faithful? Name a battle before you today. Then declare out loud: "This battle belongs to the Lord." Ask God for the strength to step in faith and let him win the victory. ASK THIS: Where am I tempted to think victory depends on me alone? Am I fighting in my strength or resting in God's? What would change if I really believed the battle belongs to the Lord? DO THIS: Name one battle you're fighting right now. Out loud, declare: "This battle belongs to the Lord." Then ask Him for strength to step in faith and let Him win the victory. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You that my battles are Yours. Help me fight with courage but rest in Your strength. Teach me to trust that victory belongs to You alone. Amen. PLAY THIS: "The Battle Belongs To The Lord."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jeff Grasty from Rock Hill, SC. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:29-31. Then the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, "If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering." — Judges 11:29-31 Here is that terminology again: "the Spirit of the Lord clothed Jephthah." Meaning God himself equipped him with power for the battle. Victory was already guaranteed because God was already present. But Jephthah didn't rest in that assurance. He made a vow—an unnecessary bargain with God. This was the irony: the Spirit of God was enough, yet Jephthah bartered like it wasn't. Jephthah complicated his doubt with a detrimental bargain. We are all guilty of this. God gives us the Holy Spirit, the very presence and power that raised Jesus from the dead. Yet instead of moving forward in faith, we add conditions. We say, "God, if you show up, I'll be faithful. If you bless me, then I'll obey. If you fix this, then I'll finally trust You." When he already lives within us. But bargaining with God is not faith—it's fear dressed up as faith. It reveals our insecurity more than our devotion. The Spirit of God already provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Remember, when you add conditions, you don't secure more of God's favor—you forfeit the peace of trusting Him. The Spirit is enough. Always has been. Always will be. So identify where you've been making deals with God, and instead act in simple, Spirit-led obedience. ASK THIS: Where am I complicating God's promises with my own conditions? How am I bargaining with God instead of simply believing Him? What step of faith could I take today to show I trust His Spirit is enough? DO THIS: Stop adding fine print to God's promises. Identify one area where you've been making deals with God, and instead act in simple, Spirit-led obedience. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for complicating what You've already completed. Help me to rest in Your Spirit, trust Your promises, and move forward in bold faith without bargaining. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Same Power."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Terry Mishcler from Mechanicsburg, PA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:12–28. Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said, "What do you have against me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?" And the king of the Ammonites answered the messengers of Jephthah, "Because Israel on coming up from Egypt took away my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and to the Jordan; now therefore restore it peaceably." Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said to him, "Thus says Jephthah: Israel did not take away the land of Moab or the land of the Ammonites, but when they came up from Egypt, Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, 'Please let us pass through your land,' but the king of Edom would not listen. And they sent also to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh. "Then they journeyed through the wilderness and went around the land of Edom and the land of Moab and arrived on the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was the boundary of Moab. Israel then sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, king of Heshbon, and Israel said to him, 'Please let us pass through your land to our country,' but Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory, so Sihon gathered all his people together and encamped at Jahaz and fought with Israel. And the Lord, the God of Israel, gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites, who inhabited that country. And they took possession of all the territory of the Amorites from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Jordan. So then the Lord, the God of Israel, dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel; and are you to take possession of them? Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess. Now are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend against Israel, or did he ever go to war with them? While Israel lived in Heshbon and its villages, and in Aroer and its villages, and in all the cities that are on the banks of the Arnon, 300 years, why did you not deliver them within that time? I therefore have not sinned against you, and you do me wrong by making war on me. The Lord, the Judge, decide this day between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon." But the king of the Ammonites did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him. — Judges 11:12–28 Instead of rushing to war, Jephthah raises his voice. His first move is diplomacy, which requires some courage and confidence. As he engages with the Ammonite king, he realizes that he is being sold "fake news." Because fake news is not a new phenomenon. And he is using fake news to rally his troops and justify his invasion, but Jephthah calls him out. He recounts the truth about Israel's pilgrimage, God's hand in their victories, and that Israel never stole and parcel of Ammonite land. Jephthah knew the history, even as an illegitimate son, so he didn't need to distort the truth or negotiate out of fear. He stood firm, trusted the facts, and left the outcome up to God: "The LORD, the Judge, decide this day." Godly leaders never rush into battles that they can settle with truth. We live in a time where everyone is quick to argue, fight, and cancel—but wise leaders know when to pause, speak truth clearly, and let God be their defender.. Sometimes we wrongly believe silence means weakness or that diplomacy means compromise. But truth is a weapon. When someone lies about you, when accusations come, when history gets twisted—don't panic. Stand on what God has done. Like Jephthah, rehearse God's past faithfulness, cling to His Word, and let God be the Judge. Maybe you're facing a relational conflict, workplace injustice, or someone twisting your story. Your instinct might be to lash out, prove your point, or fight fire with fire. But remember: truth is stronger than lies, and God is the ultimate Judge. When we stand on his justice, we fight from a place of confidence, not insecurity. ASK THIS: Do I rush to fight back, or do I stand on truth first? How often do I trust God to be the Judge instead of trying to play judge myself? Am I confident enough in God's past faithfulness to trust Him with present conflicts? DO THIS: Before you step into a fight this week—pause. Ask: Can this be handled by truth, not conflict? Then, speak truth with clarity and leave the verdict to God. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to trust You as the Judge of every situation. Teach me to stand firm in truth, to speak with wisdom, and to fight only the battles You call me to. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Defender."

In this episode of Faith + State, Vince Miller and his son-in-law, Minnesota State Rep. Elliott Engen, talk about what it means to stand for truth in an age of moral confusion. From discipleship to politics, they challenge believers to stop spectating and start engaging—because when good men do nothing, evil wins by default. Summary: We live in a world that's lost its moral compass—where "my truth" replaces the truth. In this conversation, Pastor Vince Miller and Politician Elliott Engen discuss how moral relativism is shaping our schools, laws, and even our churches. They call Christians to engage—not just complain—by discipling, serving, and standing for what's right. Whether you're a pastor, parent, or policymaker, this episode will equip you to fight for truth with both conviction and compassion. Subscribe for more Faith + State episodes: https://beresolute.org/ Comment below: Where do you see truth being redefined in our culture today? Support Project23: https://beresolute.org/give Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Vince Miller Show 00:32 – The Pastor and the Politician 01:10 – How Moral Relativism Invades Everything 03:00 – Gen Z's Activism and the Church's Silence 06:10 – Discipleship Everywhere, All the Time 09:00 – Truth as a Religion: The Rise of Subjectivism 12:10 – Lukewarm Churches and Lost Generations 15:30 – Political Apathy and Spiritual Confusion 18:30 – When Older Generations Disengage 20:15 – The Sin of Doing Nothing 21:00 – Jesus: The Man Who Did and Said Something 22:30 – How You Can Join the Fight 23:30 – Final Challenge: Live All In for Him Who Was All In for You Reflection & Discussion Questions Where do you see moral relativism most clearly affecting culture today? Why do many Christians hesitate to "enter the fight" for truth? How does moral confusion in education and politics affect the next generation? What does true discipleship look like in everyday life—not just on Sundays? Why do you think many churches avoid preaching hard truth? How can older generations re-engage in mentoring younger believers? What's the danger of being a "lukewarm" Christian in today's world? What does it mean to "fight" spiritually without being combative? How can believers support godly leaders—both pastors and politicians? What's one action step you can take this week to live "all in for Him who was all in for you"?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Joe Ebner from Palos Heights, IL. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:4-11. After a time the Ammonites made war against Israel. And when the Ammonites made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to bring Jephthah from the land of Tob. And they said to Jephthah, "Come and be our leader, that we may fight against the Ammonites." But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father's house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?" And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "That is why we have turned to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the Ammonites and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me home again to fight against the Ammonites, and the LORD gives them over to me, I will be your head." And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "The LORD will be witness between us, if we do not do as you say." So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and leader over them. And Jephthah spoke all his words before the LORD at Mizpah. — Judges 11:4-11 Jephthah wasn't rejected because of his sin—his father's sexual immorality led to his illegitimate birth, and the people unjustly cast him out. They hated him for what wasn't his fault. Now, years later, with the Ammonites threatening, they realized the man they had despised was the leader they needed. At Mizpah, a sacred place of covenant renewal, they made him their head and leader. The very place where God's people often sought God's direction became the stage for God exposing their error and redirecting their future. The one they rejected becomes their redemption. Hmm, I wonder where we have heard that before? Maybe in the New Testament? Someone else's injustice against you, that you unjustly suffer, never nullifies God's calling. God often uses human rejection to display his sovereignty. Jephthah's brothers and community had written him off, but God had not. And when their crisis revealed their stupidity, God used the man they discarded to deliver them. From discarded to deliverer. How about that! Do you judge others unjustly? Or do you disqualify yourself because of something someone did to you in the past? Remember, God has a longer and deeper view of every situation. He redeems shattered stories. He eventually exposes wrong judgments. And when he raises his leaders, it's not based on human approval but divine appointment. Maybe you've been rejected, sidelined, or mistreated. Don't let that seed of bitterness take root. Like Jephthah, your story may become the very evidence that God alone lifts leaders and redeems injustice. And when he does, may we—like Jephthah—ground our leadership not in bitterness but in the Lord. Note Jephthah's words: "If the LORD gives them over to me, I will be your head." ASK THIS: Have I judged someone harshly for what wasn't their fault? Do I believe God can redeem injustice and turn rejection into calling? Am I willing to ground leadership and influence in God's appointment rather than people's approval? DO THIS: Think of someone you've wrongly judged—or a place you've felt unjustly judged yourself. Confess it to God. Ask Him to replace bitterness with trust, and injustice with faith in His timing. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for redeeming the places of injustice in my life. Forgive me for judging others wrongly and help me see them as You do. Teach me to trust that rejection never has the final word—Your calling does. Amen. PLAY THIS: "God of My Restoration."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Troy Longen from Badger, MN. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:1-3. Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. And Gilead's wife also bore him sons. And when his wife's sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, "You shall not have an inheritance in our father's house, for you are the son of another woman." Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob, and worthless fellows collected around Jephthah and went out with him. — Judges 11:1-3 Jephthah enters our story under a dark cloud of shame—born of a prostitute (by the adulterous afair of Gilead), he is rejected by his half-brothers, and pushed out of his father's household. He ends up in Tob, surrounded by a gang of deadbeat outsiders with nowhere else to belong. From a natural perspective, Jephthah looked disqualified for any kind of leadership. But God often works through the unlikely, shaping leaders out of rejects. The very rejection that pushed Jephthah away was the tool God would use to prepare him for Israel's deliverance. Rejection stings. Family chaos always cuts deep. Being told you don't belong by your family of origin because of your father's sin can and usually does scar you for life. But rejection on a human plane doesn't disqualify you in God's economy—it often prepares you. Just think about your testimony. God makes leaders out of leftovers because God is the one writing the story. Think about it: Moses was a murderer in exile before he led Israel. David was the forgotten youngest son before he became king. Jephthah was driven away as illegitimate, but God would raise him up as a deliverer. The same is true for us—God redeems rejection by reassigning it for a divine purpose. Your rejection may be the exact place where God wants to demonstrate his power in your life. The rejection that made you feel small might become the stage for God's greatness. The voices that have said "you don't belong" can be drowned out by the voice of the Father who says, "you are mine called to a special mission." Don't resent rejection; bring it to God today. Name that wound, confess the pain, and ask him to redeem it for his glory. Believe that God wastes nothing—not even the broken pieces of your past. And then get ready... watch as God makes a leader out of the leftovers. ASK THIS: Where have I experienced rejection that still stings today? Do I believe that God can redeem even my deepest wounds for His purpose? How might the people I consider "worthless fellows" actually be the place where God is shaping me? DO THIS: Instead of resenting rejection, bring it to God today. Name the wound, confess the pain, and ask Him to redeem it for His glory. Believe that He wastes nothing—not even the broken pieces of your past. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You that rejection does not define me—Your calling does. Heal the wounds that make me feel small, redeem the places of pain, and prepare me to walk in Your purpose with confidence and faith. Amen. PLAY THIS: "One More Day."

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 10:17-18. Then the Ammonites were called to arms, and they encamped in Gilead. And the people of Israel came together, and they encamped at Mizpah. And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said one to another, "Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." — Judges 10:17-18 The Ammonites gathered in Gilead—a vulnerable region east of the Jordan, a natural invasion path into Israel. Israel responded by gathering at Mizpah, a high place often used for covenant renewal and prayer. Both locations carried significance: one was the physical threat, the other was the spiritual rally point. But the geography only highlights the spiritual moment. Israel had no clear leader, no battle plan. What they had was repentance. They finally put away idols and cried out to God. That was the right preparation. Before God raised up a deliverer, he reshaped their hearts. This is the order God still works in today. Repentance first, deliverance second. The people didn't repent because they already had a strategy—they repented because they had no strategy. Their idols were powerless, their enemies were pressing in, and they finally turned back to God. And God's compassion was stirred by the misery of his repentant people in this moment. His justice was engaged by the oppression, and now he was ready to move. Think about that for your life. We want God to fix our circumstances, but God starts by fixing our hearts. Repentance clears the ground for his deliverance. It tears down idols, humbles our pride, and puts us in a posture to receive what only he can provide. Maybe "Ammonites" are pressing in right now—anxiety, addiction, pressure, or relational conflict. You might even feel camped at "Mizpah:" gathered, waiting, desperate for God to act. Don't miss the lesson. Surrender at Mizpah. Repentance bridges the gap between misery and mercy, between oppression and deliverance. Trust in God. Repent and surrender. Find relief and salvation. ASK THIS: What "Ammonites" are pressing against my life right now? Am I focused more on strategy or surrender? Have I truly cleared away the idols so God can act? Do I trust that repentance is the preparation God honors before deliverance? DO THIS: Don't just analyze your battle plan today. Start with repentance. Name your idols, confess your misplaced trust, and surrender at your own "Mizpah"—a place of waiting where God's compassion and deliverance can meet you. PRAY THIS: Father, help me see that repentance is the first battle move. Align my heart with Your justice, stir Your compassion over my misery, and prepare me for the deliverance only You can bring. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Song of Repentance."

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."