The Daily Devotional by Vince Miller

Get ready to be inspired and transformed with Vince Miller, a renowned author and speaker who has dedicated his life to teaching through the Bible. With over 36 books under his belt, Vince has become a leading voice in the field of manhood, masculinity, fatherhood, mentorship, and leadership. He has been featured on major video and radio platforms such as RightNow Media, Faithlife TV, FaithRadio, and YouVersion, reaching men all over the world. Vince's Daily Devotional has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of providing them with a daily dose of inspiration and guidance. With over 30 years of experience in ministry, Vince is the founder of Resolute. www.vincemiller.com

How the Law Quietly Rewired America’s Moral Compass 01/14/2026

Tolerant Compassion | Judges 21:13-15 01/14/2026

Tolerant Compassion | Judges 21:13-15 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . Then the whole congregation sent word to the people of Benjamin who were at the rock of Rimmon and proclaimed peace to them. And Benjamin returned at that time. And they gave them the women whom they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead, but they were not enough for them. And the people had compassion on Benjamin because the Lord had made a breach in the tribes of Israel. — Israel finally shows compassion—but it’s a compassion built on tolerance, not truth. They pity the Benjamites, the very tribe they destroyed, but their compassion leads to compromise. They offer peace while perpetuating the very rebellion that tore the nation apart. This is tolerant compassion—a mercy that ignores righteousness. It feels good in the moment, but erodes conviction over time. It’s a love that refuses to speak the truth, fearing rejection more than rebellion. We see this same pattern today. Our culture preaches compassion without boundaries. We’re told to affirm rather than confront, to love without leading, to sympathize without speaking truth. And too often, the Church imitates it. Take one example: modern parenting. Out of love, some parents avoid disciplining their kids, afraid of hurting their feelings or damaging the relationship. They mistake permissiveness for grace. But in doing so, they create confusion instead of character. Compassion without correction always leads to collapse. The same is true in our faith. When we tolerate what God calls sin, we’re not showing love—we’re abandoning it. True compassion tells the truth even when it costs us something. Real love doesn’t lower the standard; it leads others toward it. God’s compassion never compromises His holiness, and neither should ours. The most loving thing we can do is to speak truth with grace, extend mercy with conviction, and love others enough to call them toward repentance. Don’t settle for tolerant compassion. Be the kind of believer who loves with both courage and clarity. ASK THIS: Have I mistaken tolerance for compassion in my relationships? What’s one area where I’ve avoided truth to keep peace? How can I show compassion without compromising conviction? Who needs to experience both grace and truth from me today? DO THIS: Identify one area where you’ve tolerated sin instead of confronting it. Pray for courage to speak truth in love this week. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to love like You—full of grace and truth. Give me compassion that doesn’t compromise and courage that doesn’t condemn. Let my mercy lead others to Your righteousness. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Build My Life.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38987000

Fighting in God’s Name but Not His Way | Judges 21:8-12 01/13/2026

Fighting in God’s Name but Not His Way | Judges 21:8-12 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . And they said, “What one is there of the tribes of Israel that did not come up to the Lord to Mizpah?” And behold, no one had come to the camp from Jabesh-gilead, to the assembly. For when the people were mustered, behold, not one of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead was there. So the congregation sent 12,000 of their bravest men there and commanded them, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword; also the women and the little ones. This is what you shall do: every male and every woman that has lain with a male you shall devote to destruction.” And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead 400 young virgins who had not known a man by lying with him, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan. — Israel acts again—but this time, their “solution” becomes another sin. They justify violence against Jabesh-gilead in the name of the Lord. They think they’re defending God’s honor, but they’re only protecting their pride. They’re fighting in God’s name, but not His way. This is what happens when holy causes lack holy character. When our zeal for righteousness outweighs our humility before God, we end up doing more harm than good. We can fall into the same trap. We correct our kids, our spouse, our coworkers—even fellow believers—with truth, but without grace. We demand compliance, not conviction. Take parenting, for example. We may demand respect but do it with the wrong tone and from the wrong heart. We call it discipline, but sometimes it’s really control. We want peace in the home, but we’re seeking comfort, not character. We want change, but not through compassion. When we correct without compassion, we create scars instead of growth. The words may be true, but they wound because they weren’t spoken from love. The Israelites thought they were defending holiness, but they were only displaying hypocrisy. They were right about God’s standards—but wrong about His heart. God doesn’t just care about what we do; He cares about how we do it. If truth is our sword, then love must be our handle—or else we cut people we were meant to heal. So check your tone. Examine your heart. The goal isn’t compliance—it’s Christlike character. Don’t fight in God’s name without living in His way. ASK THIS: When have I fought for a good cause but in the wrong way? How does my tone reveal my heart in conflict or correction? Where might I be seeking compliance instead of compassion? How can I reflect both truth and love in my leadership or parenting? DO THIS: Ask a loved one how your tone impacts them—then listen with humility. When you feel righteous anger, slow down and seek God’s heart before reacting. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me fight for truth without losing Your heart. Teach me to correct with compassion, to lead with humility, and to love like You. When I’m tempted to fight in Your name, remind me to walk in Your way. Amen. PLAY THIS: “God, Turn It Around.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38986665

Passion Proceeds Prayer | Judges 21:4-7 01/12/2026

Passion Proceeds Prayer | Judges 21:4-7 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . And the next day the people rose early and built there an altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. And the people of Israel said, “Which of all the tribes of Israel did not come up in the assembly to the Lord?” For they had taken a great oath concerning him who did not come up to the Lord to Mizpah, saying, “He shall surely be put to death.” And the people of Israel had compassion for Benjamin their brother and said, “One tribe is cut off from Israel this day. What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the Lord that we will not give them any of our daughters for wives?” — Israel’s problem deepens. They made a vow in anger, and now they’re bound by it. They’re trying to clean up their mess while making it worse. Their words sounded spiritual—“We’ve sworn by the Lord”—but they were driven by emotion, not discernment. This is what happens when Passion Proceeds Prayer. Their zeal outpaced their wisdom. They acted out of impulse instead of insight, and the result was pain. Passion Proceeds Prayer when we react instead of reflect, when we speak instead of seek, and when we move before we meditate on God’s Word. They vowed something God never asked of them, and now they’re trapped by their own words. How often do we do the same? We make promises in the heat of emotion—swearing we’ll never speak to someone again, or vowing to fix something in our own strength—without first consulting God. We act out of guilt, fear, or pride and call it conviction. Here’s the danger: a vow made in haste can become a chain that binds us for years. God calls us to wisdom, not impulse. reminds us, “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” We rush into commitments—relationships, ministries, purchases, or words—because it feels right in the moment. But faith isn’t about feeling; it’s about following. God’s Spirit leads through patience and prayer, not panic and pride. If you’ve made promises without wisdom, you don’t have to stay trapped by them. Bring them to God. He’s not waiting to condemn you—He’s ready to redeem your mistakes. The cross of Christ covers not only our sins, but also our rash decisions. Today, slow down. Seek His will. Let your next vow be this: “Lord, I will wait for Your wisdom before I move.” ASK THIS: When was the last time I made a decision without praying first? What promises or commitments might God be asking me to revisit? Do I trust God’s timing enough to wait for His direction? How can I grow in patience before I act or speak? DO THIS: Take five minutes before every major decision this week to pause and pray for wisdom. Write out one hasty vow or promise you’ve made and surrender it to God. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for the promises I made without Your wisdom. Teach me to pause, pray, and wait for Your leading. Give me patience that listens and faith that follows Your timing, not my emotion. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Wait On You.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38986410

I’m Done With Regret | Judges 21:1-3 01/11/2026

I’m Done With Regret | Judges 21:1-3 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . Now the men of Israel had sworn at Mizpah, “No one of us shall give his daughter in marriage to Benjamin.” And the people came to Bethel and sat there till evening before God, and they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly. And they said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel?” — Israel weeps. They mourn the destruction they caused, but their tears are not repentance—they’re regret. They’re not asking, “What did we do wrong?” but “How did this happen?” The difference may seem small, but it’s everything. Regret is sorrow over consequences. Repentance is sorrow over sin. Israel doesn’t confess their rebellion or seek God’s direction. They simply grieve what they’ve lost, not what they’ve done. We do the same thing. We cry over the fallout but ignore the cause. We mourn broken marriages, fractured friendships, or spiritual dryness—but we rarely look inward at the pride, anger, or idolatry that caused it. Here are a few reasons why we avoid dealing with the heart of our sin: Pride. We don’t want to admit we were wrong. Shame. We believe our sin defines us. Fear. We’re scared of what repentance might cost. Control. We still want to manage the situation instead of surrendering it. Comfort. We prefer the illusion of peace over the pain of change. But regret doesn’t bring freedom—repentance does. Regret keeps you chained to the past, while repentance opens the door to grace. The only way out is through confession, humility, and faith in Jesus. So say it with me: I’m done with regret. I’m done living in sorrow that never changes me. I’m done replaying my mistakes while ignoring the Savior who redeems them. Jesus didn’t just die for your sin—He died for your shame, your guilt, and every ounce of regret you still carry. If you’re tired of replaying the pain and ready to be renewed, it’s time to stop asking “why” and start asking “what now, Lord?” In the comments below, share your step toward repentance—your decision to confess, turn from sin, and trust in the grace of Jesus. He’s not done with you yet. And if today you’re ready to move beyond regret, I want to invite you to take a simple step of faith—type “I’m done with regret” in the comments below as a public declaration. Let that phrase be your line in the sand, your confession that you’re turning from sin and coming home to the grace of Jesus, who died for both your sin and your shame. ASK THIS: Am I more upset about the consequences of sin or the sin itself? What has regret kept me from fully surrendering to God? Which of the five reasons above do I relate to most? What would real repentance look like for me today? DO THIS: Write down one area where regret has replaced repentance—and confess it to God. Say it out loud: I’m done with regret. Then walk in that truth today. PRAY THIS: Lord, I’ve spent too long living in regret instead of repentance. Search my heart, expose my sin, and lead me to the freedom that only comes through Jesus. Today I declare, I’m done with regret. Thank You for dying for both my sin and my shame. I surrender it all to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Because He Lives.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38985005

Believers Battle Believers | Judges 20:45-48 01/10/2026

Believers Battle Believers | Judges 20:45-48 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . And they turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon. Five thousand men of them were cut down in the highways. And they were pursued hard to Gidom, and 2,000 men of them were struck down. So all who fell that day of Benjamin were 25,000 men who drew the sword, all of them men of valor. But 600 men turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon and remained at the rock of Rimmon four months. And the men of Israel turned back against the people of Benjamin and struck them with the edge of the sword, the city, men and beasts and all that they found. And all the towns that they found they set on fire. — The last verses of are heartbreaking. Israel wins the battle—but loses its brother. Towns are burned. Families destroyed. A tribe nearly erased. What began as justice ends in devastation. When believers battle believers, no one wins. The body of Christ turns on itself, and the mission suffers. What remains are ashes, regret, and a broken witness to a watching world. This is the cost of church hurt and hypocrisy. When pride replaces grace and division replaces love, we scorch the very ground we were called to cultivate. The fire spreads—from one wound to another—until the family of faith looks no different from the world. But this isn’t where God’s story ends. Jesus came to heal what sin burned down. Through his cross, he made peace between us and God—and between each other. Where the sword once divided, his blood now unites. The gospel restores what pride destroys. If you’ve been hurt by the church or by another believer, Jesus invites you to come home. He knows your pain. He was betrayed, abandoned, and denied by those closest to him—and still he forgave. Healing starts when we stop swinging and start surrendering. Lay down your sword. Stop fighting other believers and start following Jesus. He is the only one who can turn ashes into beauty, division into unity, and hurt into healing. ASK THIS: Have I been part of a conflict that hurt another believer? How has church hurt or hypocrisy affected my faith or witness? What relationships need reconciliation in my life today? Have I brought my wounds to Jesus for healing—or just carried them? DO THIS: Reach out to someone you’ve been divided from and start the conversation toward peace. Pray for those who’ve hurt you instead of rehearsing the pain. PRAY THIS: Jesus, heal the wounds we’ve caused and the ones we carry. Forgive us for fighting our brothers and sisters when we should have fought for unity. Restore Your Church, beginning with me. Make me an instrument of peace and healing today. Amen. PLAY THIS: “O Come To The Altar.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38984550

Convictions Become Cruelty | Judges 20:29-44 01/09/2026

Convictions Become Cruelty | Judges 20:29-44 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . So Israel set men in ambush around Gibeah. And the people of Israel went up against the people of Benjamin on the third day and set themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times. And the people of Benjamin went out against the people and were drawn away from the city. And as at other times they began to strike and kill some of the people in the highways, one of which goes up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah, and in the open country, about thirty men of Israel. And the people of Benjamin said, “They are routed before us, as at the first.” But the people of Israel said, “Let us flee and draw them away from the city to the highways.” And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place and set themselves in array at Baal-tamar, and the men of Israel who were in ambush rushed out of their place from Maareh-geba. And there came against Gibeah 10,000 chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was hard, but the Benjaminites did not know that disaster was close upon them. And the Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel, and the people of Israel destroyed 25,100 men of Benjamin that day. All these were men who drew the sword. So the people of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. The men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin, because they trusted the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah. Then the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah; the men in ambush moved out and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. Now the appointed signal between the men of Israel and the men in the main ambush was that when they made a great cloud of smoke rise up out of the city the men of Israel should turn in battle. Now Benjamin had begun to strike and kill about thirty men of Israel. They said, “Surely they are defeated before us, as in the first battle.” But when the signal began to rise out of the city in a column of smoke, the Benjaminites looked behind them, and behold, the whole of the city went up in smoke to heaven. Then the men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed, for they saw that disaster was close upon them. Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel in the direction of the wilderness, but the battle overtook them. And those who came out of the cities were destroying them in their midst. Surrounding the Benjaminites, they pursued them and trod them down from Nohah as far as opposite Gibeah on the east. Eighteen thousand men of Benjamin fell, all of them men of valor. — After fasting and prayer, Israel finally wins. The Lord gives them victory. But something tragic happens—they can’t stop fighting. What began as justice turns into vengeance. Their zeal for righteousness becomes a weapon of destruction. In this moment, we see the warning that convictions become cruelty when they’re not guided by compassion. They were right to battle sin—but wrong to lose self-control. In their fury, they slaughter not just the guilty but entire towns. Passion without restraint turns purity into pride, and conviction without compassion becomes cruelty. We can do the same thing. We can fight for truth so hard that we forget to love people. We can defend doctrine but destroy relationships. We can win the argument but lose the soul. Zeal for God is beautiful—but when it’s unrestrained by the Spirit, it becomes dangerous. Paul himself once persecuted believers in the name of zeal before God transformed his heart (). Even righteous causes can become unrighteous if they’re not led by humility. Think of it like conflict in your relationships—you might be right, but if you fight to win instead of fighting to love, everyone loses. The goal isn’t victory—it’s reconciliation. The same is true in faith, leadership, and culture. This story is a warning: God wants warriors who fight with conviction, not cruelty. His people must learn restraint in victory as well as perseverance in defeat. Because sometimes, the hardest test of faith isn’t how you handle loss—it’s how you handle winning. ASK THIS: When have I let zeal turn into harshness? How can I fight for truth without becoming self-righteous? Do I celebrate victories with humility or pride? How can I show mercy while standing firm in conviction? DO THIS: Ask God to show you one area where conviction has turned into cruelty. Before engaging in a heated issue—pause, pray, and ask: “Am I fighting to prove a point or to reflect Christ?” PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for teaching me that conviction without compassion becomes cruelty. Help me fight with conviction but finish with love. Give me zeal that burns for Your glory, not my pride. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Same God.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38983985

Convictions Become Cruelty | Judges 20:29-44 01/09/2026

Brokenness Leads to Breakthrough | Judges 20:26-28 01/08/2026

Brokenness Leads to Breakthrough | Judges 20:26-28 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. And the people of Israel inquired of the Lord (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days, and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron, ministered before it in those days), saying, “Shall we go out once more to battle against our brothers, the people of Benjamin, or shall we cease?” And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will give them into your hand.” — Something changes here. After two crushing defeats, Israel finally hits bottom. This time they don’t just cry—they fast. They don’t just speak—they sacrifice. They don’t just ask God for permission—they seek presence. This is the turning point of the entire chapter. Their breakdown becomes the moment of breakthrough. They finally humble themselves—not to win a war, but to be right with God. This is where we see the truth that brokenness leads to breakthrough in action—the moment hearts yield, heaven moves. Sometimes we want God to fix our circumstances without fixing our hearts. We want him to change our marriage, our finances, our friendships—but not our pride. We want peace without repentance and victory without surrender. But God’s breakthrough always begins with breakdown. He doesn’t bless arrogance; He honors humility. When we fast, pray, and repent, we realign our hearts to his will, not ours. Think of it like this: in a struggling marriage, both spouses may pray for change, but until one person decides to lay down pride—to listen, confess, and forgive—nothing changes. The same is true in our faith. God doesn’t move through prideful hearts, but through broken ones. If you’re longing for breakthrough today, stop fighting for control and start surrendering your heart. God isn’t holding back your victory—He’s waiting for your surrender. Breakdown leads to breakthrough every time. ASK THIS: What area of my life needs both repentance and renewal? Am I fasting or praying for results, or to be closer to God? Where have I been asking for breakthrough but resisting surrender? What would humility look like in my relationships today? DO THIS: Choose one day this week to fast and pray for humility before God. Write out a prayer of confession, asking God to reveal areas of pride or resistance. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You for using my breakdowns to draw me closer to You. I surrender my pride, my plans, and my pace. Help me find breakthrough not by pushing harder but by bowing lower. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace).” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38981040

Sorrow Isn’t Surrender | Judges 20:22-25 01/07/2026

Sorrow Isn’t Surrender | Judges 20:22-25 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . But the people, the men of Israel, took courage, and again formed the battle line in the same place where they had formed it on the first day. And the people of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until the evening. And they inquired of the Lord, “Shall we again draw near to fight against our brothers, the people of Benjamin?” And the Lord said, “Go up against them.” So the people of Israel came near against the people of Benjamin the second day. And Benjamin went against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed 18,000 men of the people of Israel. All these were men who drew the sword. — Israel tries again. They pray and weep. This time it looks more spiritual. But still, there’s no real repentance. They ask, “Should we go again?”—not, “Lord, what have we done wrong?” They confuse emotion with surrender. Their tears are real, but their pride is intact. God isn’t after their sadness—He’s after their submission. The phrase “sorrow isn’t surrender” sums up Israel’s problem and often ours too—emotion without repentance never changes the outcome. And so they lose again. Another 18,000 die. Why? Because feeling bad isn’t the same as turning back. God allows defeat until their hearts are truly humbled. This is how pride disguises itself in our lives. We tell God we’re sorry for the consequences but hold on to control. We cry over the damage but won’t lay down our will. We promise change but never surrender our way. It’s like a marriage that keeps circling the same fights. One spouse says, “I’m sorry you feel that way,” but never owns the hurt they caused. The words sound humble, but pride is still running the show. Until someone truly surrenders, healing never starts. Israel’s story is our story. We mourn the results of sin—broken homes, fractured churches, divided nations—but we’re not broken before God. And until we are, He will let us feel the weight of our own choices. The truth is, sorrow isn’t always true surrender. Don’t wait for another round of collateral damage to learn surrender. Lay down your pride now. Stop fighting your way and start trusting his. God will not give victory to the proud—but he will lift up the humble. ASK THIS: Am I more grieved by the consequences of sin or the cause of it? Where have I mistaken regret for repentance? How has pride kept me from true surrender in my relationships? What battle am I still fighting that God is waiting for me to release? DO THIS: Admit where pride still controls your responses—especially in your closest relationships. Write down one area you’ve been “sorry about” but haven’t surrendered—and pray over it daily this week. PRAY THIS: Father, I’m tired of circling the same battles. Break the pride that blinds me and teach me to truly surrender. Help me move from tears of regret to the obedience of repentance. I don’t want to just feel sorry—I want to be changed. Amen. PLAY THIS: “I Surrender.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38979640

When You Lose The War Because You Put God’s Name On Your Strategy | Judges 20:18-21 01/06/2026

When You Lose The War Because You Put God’s Name On Your Strategy | Judges 20:18-21 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . The people of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God, “Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?” And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up first.” Then the people of Israel rose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah. And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin, and the men of Israel drew up the battle line against them at Gibeah. The people of Benjamin came out of Gibeah and destroyed on that day 22,000 men of the Israelites. — Israel goes to Bethel. Finally—they pray! But look closely. They don’t ask if they should go to war, only who should go first. Their minds are made up. They’re not seeking God’s direction; they only want God's endorsement. It’s a subtle but dangerous difference. They don’t want divine wisdom—they want divine approval. They’re still fighting the wrong battle in the wrong way. And God allows them to go. He tells them, “Judah shall go up first.” It sounds like victory—but it isn’t. Israel loses 22,000 men that day. Their zeal was high, their numbers were strong, and their cause was just—but their hearts were wrong. They inquired of God, but they never repented to Him. Believers are guilty of doing this all the time. We ask God to bless our careers, our goals, our posts, our politics—without ever asking if they align with God's will. We quote Scripture but don’t surrender to it. We wear God's name but pursue our own plans. Israel’s defeat wasn’t because God failed—it’s because His people fought without surrender. And that’s a battle you’ll always lose. Maybe your defeats aren’t setbacks; maybe they’re invitations. God lets us lose when he wants to lead us back to him. He loves us way too much to let us keep winning our way. Before you go to battle, ask: Am I fighting God’s enemy—or just my own? ASK THIS: Have I mistaken God’s permission for His blessing? When was the last time I surrendered my agenda before seeking God’s help? Where am I fighting a battle that God never called me to fight? What would it look like to let humility lead instead of pride? DO THIS: Before you act, pray: “Lord, am I fighting Your battle or mine?” Identify one area where you’ve asked for God’s approval but not His direction. Surrender it today. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for fighting battles You never called me to fight. Teach me to seek Your direction before demanding Your blessing. Lead me to surrender so that every victory brings You glory—not me. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Lead Me to the Cross.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38976505

United—But Devising War With Each Other | Judges 20:8-17 01/05/2026

United—But Devising War With Each Other | Judges 20:8-17 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 20:8-17. And all the people arose as one man, saying, “None of us will go to his tent, and none of us will return to his house. But now this is what we will do to Gibeah: we will go up against it by lot, and we will take ten men of a hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred of a thousand, and a thousand of ten thousand, to bring provisions for the people, that when they come they may repay Gibeah of Benjamin for all the outrage that they have committed in Israel.” So all the men of Israel gathered against the city, united as one man. And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What evil is this that has taken place among you? Now therefore give up the men, the worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and purge evil from Israel.” But the Benjaminites would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the people of Israel. Then the people of Benjamin came together out of the cities to Gibeah to go out to battle against the people of Israel. And the people of Benjamin mustered out of their cities on that day 26,000 men who drew the sword, besides the inhabitants of Gibeah, who mustered 700 chosen men. Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss. And the men of Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered 400,000 men who drew the sword; all these were men of war. — Judges 20:8-17 Israel’s outrage turns into organization. They swear an oath not to go home until justice is served. It sounds noble—but it’s dangerous. What started as righteous anger now becomes collective vengeance. They are so convinced of their own version of justice that they can’t see the injustice they are about to commit. The people unite around punishment, not repentance, blind to the fact that their zeal will make them guilty of the same sin they condemn. There is no Judge in this moment—no voice of God’s appointed leadership. The nation acts without discernment, following a rogue man who looks like a spiritual leader but does not live like one. The Levite’s story fuels their passion, but not their prayer. They rally around his words, not God’s Word. The unity here is impressive but deceptive. They’re “as one man,” but not under God. They’re driven by zeal and confuse justice with revenge. And Benjamin, the brother tribe, refuses to hand over the guilty men of Gibeah. Pride meets pride. The result? Civil war. Israel will soon destroy its own family in the name of righteousness. This is what happens when justice acts apart from God's Word and direction. We seek to destroy the guilty instead of restoring them. The line between moral conviction and moral arrogance gets blurry. We see this same division today. Churches split over politics, believers cancel one another online, and movements built on truth end up powered by hate. Somewhere along the way, we stopped asking, “How do we honor God?” and started devising, “How do we win?” Justice without God's truth and direction always ends in destruction. Because without grace, even the right cause becomes the wrong crusade. Jesus showed us the better way: He didn’t excuse sin, but he didn’t execute sinners either. He bore their punishment to redeem them. That’s what real justice looks like. It's always the truth, but it's wrapped in love. ASK THIS: Is my passion for justice rooted in love or in pride? When I see sin, do I seek restoration or revenge? How do I respond when brothers and sisters in Christ disappoint me? Am I building unity under God or alliances around outrage? DO THIS: Before confronting someone’s sin, pray for their restoration—not their ruin. Look for one relationship in your life that needs grace more than judgment. PRAY THIS: Lord, keep me from turning Your justice into my vengeance. Give me a heart that loves mercy, seeks unity, and fights for truth without losing grace. Teach me to stand firm and kneel low at the same time. Amen. PLAY THIS: “What Mercy Did for Me.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38976335

United—But Devising War With Each Other | Judges 20:8-17 01/05/2026

United—But Devising War With Each Other | Judges 20:8-17 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . And all the people arose as one man, saying, “None of us will go to his tent, and none of us will return to his house. But now this is what we will do to Gibeah: we will go up against it by lot, and we will take ten men of a hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred of a thousand, and a thousand of ten thousand, to bring provisions for the people, that when they come they may repay Gibeah of Benjamin for all the outrage that they have committed in Israel.” So all the men of Israel gathered against the city, united as one man. And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What evil is this that has taken place among you? Now therefore give up the men, the worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and purge evil from Israel.” But the Benjaminites would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the people of Israel. Then the people of Benjamin came together out of the cities to Gibeah to go out to battle against the people of Israel. And the people of Benjamin mustered out of their cities on that day 26,000 men who drew the sword, besides the inhabitants of Gibeah, who mustered 700 chosen men. Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss. And the men of Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered 400,000 men who drew the sword; all these were men of war. — Israel’s outrage turns into organization. They swear an oath not to go home until justice is served. It sounds noble—but it’s dangerous. What started as righteous anger now becomes collective vengeance. They are so convinced of their own version of justice that they can’t see the injustice they are about to commit. The people unite around punishment, not repentance, blind to the fact that their zeal will make them guilty of the same sin they condemn. There is no Judge in this moment—no voice of God’s appointed leadership. The nation acts without discernment, following a rogue man who looks like a spiritual leader but does not live like one. The Levite’s story fuels their passion, but not their prayer. They rally around his words, not God’s Word. The unity here is impressive but deceptive. They’re “as one man,” but not under God. They’re driven by zeal and confuse justice with revenge. And Benjamin, the brother tribe, refuses to hand over the guilty men of Gibeah. Pride meets pride. The result? Civil war. Israel will soon destroy its own family in the name of righteousness. This is what happens when justice acts apart from God's Word and direction. We seek to destroy the guilty instead of restoring them. The line between moral conviction and moral arrogance gets blurry. We see this same division today. Churches split over politics, believers cancel one another online, and movements built on truth end up powered by hate. Somewhere along the way, we stopped asking, “How do we honor God?” and started devising, “How do we win?” Justice without God's truth and direction always ends in destruction. Because without grace, even the right cause becomes the wrong crusade. Jesus showed us the better way: He didn’t excuse sin, but he didn’t execute sinners either. He bore their punishment to redeem them. That’s what real justice looks like. It's always the truth, but it's wrapped in love. ASK THIS: Is my passion for justice rooted in love or in pride? When I see sin, do I seek restoration or revenge? How do I respond when brothers and sisters in Christ disappoint me? Am I building unity under God or alliances around outrage? DO THIS: Before confronting someone’s sin, pray for their restoration—not their ruin. Look for one relationship in your life that needs grace more than judgment. PRAY THIS: Lord, keep me from turning Your justice into my vengeance. Give me a heart that loves mercy, seeks unity, and fights for truth without losing grace. Teach me to stand firm and kneel low at the same time. Amen. PLAY THIS: “What Mercy Did for Me.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38976290

Moral Movements Without God | Judges 20:1-7 01/04/2026

Moral Movements Without God | Judges 20:1-7 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . Then all the people of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead, and the congregation assembled as one man to the Lord at Mizpah. And the chiefs of all the people, of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, 400,000 men on foot that drew the sword. (Now the people of Benjamin heard that the people of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the people of Israel said, “Tell us, how did this evil happen?” And the Levite, the husband of the woman who was murdered, answered and said, “I came to Gibeah that belongs to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to spend the night. And the leaders of Gibeah rose against me and surrounded the house against me by night. They meant to kill me, and they violated my concubine, and she is dead. So I took hold of my concubine and cut her in pieces and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel, for they have committed abomination and outrage in Israel. Behold, you people of Israel, all of you, give your advice and counsel here.” — The scene opens with national unity—but not spiritual unity. Israel is outraged. The murder and dismemberment of the Levite’s concubine shocks them into action. Four hundred thousand men march to Mizpah, ready to make war. But notice what’s missing: there’s no prayer, no repentance, no seeking God’s will. They are united in outrage, not obedience. They are loud about the problem, but blind to their part in it. And the Levite—the one who caused this entire mess—plays the victim. He twists the story to make himself look righteous. He never admits his cowardice or cruelty. He blames everyone but himself. This is what happens when moral outrage replaces moral conviction. It feels righteous. It sounds godly. But it’s hollow—because it lacks repentance. We do the same thing today. We rage against corruption in politics, immorality in culture, and sin in society—while ignoring the idols in our own homes. We tweet truth without living it. We protest evil but excuse pride. We call for justice but never kneel for mercy. The Church must beware of becoming like Israel at Mizpah—loud in anger but silent in repentance. Before we correct the world, we must first let God correct us. The greatest threat to righteousness isn’t the sin of others in the world but believers with unrepentant hearts. Revival begins with us, the righteous, getting right with God. So are you ready to remove the log from your eye? “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” — ASK THIS: Where have I confused moral anger with spiritual obedience? Do I seek to fix others before I allow God to confront me? How do I respond when God exposes my hypocrisy? What would it look like to start repentance before reaction this week? DO THIS: Identify one area where your outrage exceeds your obedience—and confess it. Lead your family in a moment of prayer, asking God to purify your hearts before you judge others. Replace complaining with confession; revival always starts at home. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me see the sin beneath my outrage. Break my pride before it hardens my heart. Teach me to repent before I react, and to seek Your truth before I speak mine. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Lord, I Need You.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38927225

This Is What Happens When a Nation Ignores Evil | Judges 19:30 01/03/2026

This Is What Happens When a Nation Ignores Evil | Judges 19:30 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . “And all who saw it said, ‘Such a thing has never happened or been seen from the day that the people of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day; consider it, take counsel, and speak.’” — After the concubine’s body was divided and sent throughout Israel, the nation was stunned. The people were forced to face their own moral decay—something so grotesque that it defied explanation. They cried out, “Such a thing has never happened!” And yet, it had happened—because of their silence, their compromise, and their abandonment of God. Israel had reached a point of no return. Evil was no longer outside their borders—it was within their tribes, their homes, and their hearts. And now, the nation that had ignored sin for generations was finally forced to see the cost of its complacency. We’re not far from this moment today. Our culture flaunts what it once feared. We parade what God calls perverse and applaud what He condemns. The Church, too, has grown numb—more comfortable debating truth than defending it. Like Israel, we’ve seen so much sin that we barely flinch anymore. But evil always demands a response. It won’t wait. It won’t relent. And if we don’t confront it, it will consume us. The people of Israel were called to “consider, take counsel, and speak.” That’s not just good advice—it’s a call to repentance and reform. To look honestly at the ruin, seek God’s wisdom, and speak the truth boldly once more. This is what revival looks like—it begins with seeing evil for what it is, grieving over it, and then turning to God for healing. We don’t need louder outrage—we need deeper repentance. It’s time for believers and the Church collective to rise again—to speak truth into a world collapsing under the weight of lies, to lead with courage when others retreat, and to call a generation back to holiness. Evil has spoken loudly. Now, it’s time for the righteous to answer. ASK THIS: Where have you grown numb to evil in your life or culture? What truth has God been asking you to speak that you’ve delayed? DO THIS: Speak truth in love this week where culture has grown comfortable with sin. Lead your family, church, or circle in prayer for revival and holiness. PRAY THIS: Lord, let me never grow numb to evil. Give me courage to speak, wisdom to act, and humility to repent. Awaken Your Church, heal our land, and start that renewal in me. Amen. PLAY THIS: “God Turn It Around.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38913700

When the Guilty Rage Against Guilt | Judges 19:27-29 01/02/2026

When the Guilty Rage Against Guilt | Judges 19:27-29 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . “And her master rose up in the morning, and when he opened the doors of the house and went out to go on his way, behold, there was his concubine lying at the door of the house, with her hands on the threshold. He said to her, ‘Get up, let us be going,’ but there was no answer. Then he put her on the donkey, and the man rose up and went away to his home. And when he entered his house, he took a knife, and taking hold of his concubine he divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel. And all who saw it said, ‘Such a thing has never happened or been seen from the day that the people of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day; consider it, take counsel, and speak.’” — The Levite wakes up, steps over the woman he sacrificed, and shows no remorse—just disgust. He commands her like an object, and when she doesn’t respond, he coldly dismembers her body and sends the pieces across Israel to spark outrage. And it works. The people are horrified. They cry out in anger over the injustice—but not because they’ve repented, but because they’re offended. It’s the same kind of outrage we see today—loud, emotional, and self-righteous, but completely blind to personal guilt. This is the tragic irony: we rage most fiercely against the sin that lives in us. The Levite is furious about moral decay—but he was part of it. He’s outraged by the evil of others, while ignoring his own cowardice and cruelty. We do the same thing. We’re fine with moral relativism until it touches our lives. We excuse corruption until it costs us personally. We tolerate sin in society until it inconveniences us. Then suddenly, we rediscover moral standards—but only for others. It’s a dangerous cycle—one that keeps us from repentance and blinds us to hypocrisy. When we live by “our own truth,” we lose the ability to see the truth at all. Absolute truth doesn’t bend to convenience—it exposes it. So before we point fingers, we need to face the mirror. The greatest reform starts not with outrage, but with obedience. The change our world needs begins when believers stop blaming and start repenting. ASK THIS: What injustice angers you most—and how might it expose something within you? How does moral relativism show up in your home, work, or church? What would change if you sought repentance before outrage? DO THIS: Practice discernment this week: measure opinions, policies, and cultural trends against God’s absolute truth, not convenience. Live as a person of consistency—so your conviction speaks louder than your outrage. PRAY THIS: Lord, expose my hypocrisy. Show me where I’ve tolerated sin while condemning others. Teach me to repent before I react, and let my life reflect the truth I proclaim. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Refiner.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38913180

The Pastor Who Sleeps Through Sin and Suffering | Judges 19:24-26 01/01/2026

The Pastor Who Sleeps Through Sin and Suffering | Judges 19:24-26 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. And Happy New Year—today is January 1, 2026! As we step into a new year of studying God’s Word, let’s begin by asking Him to renew our courage and conviction. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . “Behold, here are my virgin daughter and his concubine; let me bring them out now. Violate them and do with them what seems good to you, but against this man do not do this outrageous thing.” But the men would not listen to him. So the man seized his concubine and made her go out to them. And they knew her and abused her all night until the morning. And as the dawn began to break, they let her go. And as morning appeared, the woman came and fell down at the door of the man’s house where her master was, until it was light.” — The horror of this passage is hard to read. The Levite—a man we might call a pastor today—shows no concern for his "girlfriend". He once pursued her, but not out of love—out of pride and control. When danger came, he threw her to the mob to save himself and then slept through the night while she suffered. The “pastor” slept through sin and suffering, proving that apathy is just as dangerous as outright evil. The old man was no better, offering his own daughter to protect his reputation. Both men reflected a world that had lost God’s heart—where leadership was selfish, morality was twisted, and compassion had collapsed. We see this same crisis today. Some pulpits have gone silent while the culture burns. Many churches have grown comfortable, preaching peace while ignoring perversion. Leaders fear cancelation more than conviction, and believers trade boldness for belonging. It’s the same sickness—call it the "Levite spirit"—that values comfort over courage and self-preservation over sacrifice. When those called to lead stop leading, darkness fills the void. When shepherds sleep, the sheep scatter. This is why we must awaken. Apathy may look harmless, but it's not. It destroys us, the church, the culture, and the innocent. The Church must rise again—not in outrage, but in obedience. We must stand for life, truth, and purity before compromise becomes collapse. Now is the time to take courage. To speak the truth. To defend the innocent. To reject passive faith and rise up in active conviction. And as we step into a new year, let this be our spiritual reset. The world may celebrate resolutions, but we resolve to stand for righteousness, to begin this year with conviction that does not waver and courage that does not fade. ASK THIS: Who in your life is suffering because of someone’s silence? Where have you chosen comfort over courage? What fears keep you from standing up for what’s right? How can you defend the vulnerable in your circle this week? DO THIS: Identify one injustice or moral issue you’ve ignored—pray and take one small stand this week. Talk to your family about courage—teach them that silence is never neutral. Practice boldness in small things so you’ll be ready for big ones. PRAY THIS: Lord, wake me up from complacency. Give me courage to stand for the innocent and to speak truth when it costs me. Let my faith be marked by conviction, not convenience. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Take Courage.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38912660

When Good Men Stay Silent | Judges 19:16-23 12/31/2025

When Good Men Stay Silent | Judges 19:16-23 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 19:16-23. “And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites. And he lifted up his eyes and saw the traveler in the open square of the city. And the old man said, ‘Where are you going, and where do you come from?’ He said to him, ‘We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, from which I come. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going to the house of the Lord, but no one has taken me into his house. We have straw and feed for our donkeys, with bread and wine for me and your female servant and the young man with your servants. There is no lack of anything.’ And the old man said, ‘Peace be to you; I will care for all your wants; only, do not spend the night in the square.’ So he brought him into his house and gave the donkeys feed. And they washed their feet, and ate and drank. As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. And they said to the old man, the master of the house, “Bring out the man who came into your house, that we may know him.” And the man, the master of the house, went out to them and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not act so wickedly; since this man has come into my house, do not do this vile thing. ” — Judges 19:16-23 This passage offers a flicker of hope—an old man who shows compassion to strangers when no one else would. But even here, courage is mixed with compromise. He welcomes them in, yet his warning is chilling: “Only, do not spend the night in the square.” The city of Gibeah, once belonging to God’s people, has become so corrupt that hospitality has turned to hostility. The tragedy of Gibeah isn’t just the wickedness of its men—it’s the silence of its good ones. Evil thrives when the faithful grow fearful, when believers retreat instead of resist. The old man does what’s comfortable, not what’s courageous. He shelters the Levite, but he never confronts the culture. This same paralysis infects our world today. We see evil advancing—violence, perversion, confusion, and godlessness—but too often, we stay quiet. We fear rejection more than judgment, conflict more than compromise. We’ve become polite in the face of sin. But our silence in this time is not neutrality—it’s surrender. When good men stay silent, evil speaks louder. When the righteous sit back, the wicked will take over. God is still calling his people to stand—to speak truth even when it costs, to show courage even when it’s unpopular, to defend righteousness even when the world mocks. Don’t just be kind—be courageous. Have courageous confrontations. Because courage changes the course of a nation. Gibeah would one day rise again under Saul as Israel’s first capital—a reminder that when one good man steps up to lead with conviction, God can redeem even the darkest places. ASK THIS: Where are you choosing comfort over courage? What sin in your culture or circle have you been silent about? How can you confront evil with both truth and grace? What would bold obedience look like for you today? DO THIS: Replace fearful silence with faithful action—pray, post, or stand for righteousness where others won’t. Lead by example in your home: confront sin lovingly, not passively. PRAY THIS: Lord, give me the courage to speak when it’s easier to stay silent. Help me confront evil with both conviction and compassion. Let my words and actions bring light where darkness reigns. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Stand In Your Love.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38911485

A People That Bears God’s Name but Not His Heart | Judges 19:10-15 12/30/2025

A People That Bears God’s Name but Not His Heart | Judges 19:10-15 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . This story forces us to look beyond names and appearances. Israel still carries God’s name, but their hearts are far from Him. It’s the same challenge for us today—to be a people whose lives reflect the heart of the God we proclaim. “But the man would not spend the night; he rose up and departed and arrived opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusalem). He had with him a couple of saddled donkeys, and his concubine was with him. When they were near Jebus, the day was nearly over, and the servant said to his master, ‘Come now, let us turn aside to this city of the Jebusites and spend the night in it.’ And his master said to him, ‘We will not turn aside into the city of foreigners, who do not belong to the people of Israel; but we will pass on to Gibeah.’ And he said to his servant, ‘Come and let us draw near to one of these places and spend the night at Gibeah or at Ramah.’ So they passed on and went their way. And the sun went down on them near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin. And they turned aside there, to go in and spend the night in Gibeah. And he went in and sat down in the open square of the city, for no one took them into his house to spend the night.” — The Levite refuses to stay in Jebus—a pagan city—because he assumes it’s unsafe. Instead, he chooses Gibeah, a city of Israelites, his own people. Surely, among believers, he’ll find refuge and righteousness. But he doesn’t. He sits in the open square, and no one takes him in. This is more than a travel story. It’s a tragedy of misplaced trust. Gibeah should have been a beacon of hospitality and faithfulness. Instead, it’s a spiritual wasteland—Israelite in name but pagan in practice. We see the same pattern today. Many cities, schools, and even churches bear names that sound holy—“Trinity,” “Grace,” “Bethlehem”—yet they reflect none of the God they claim to honor. Their doors are open, but their hearts are closed. Their signs declare faith, but their culture denies it. And if we’re honest, it’s not just the cities—it’s us. Too many believers bear Christ’s name but live as practical atheists. We talk about faith, but we don’t depend on it. We proclaim grace, but we don’t extend it. We wear crosses but carry none of their weight. Like Gibeah, we’ve confused proximity to truth with obedience to it. And that deception is deadly. It’s not enough to claim the name of Jesus; our lives must reveal His nature. Our words, our choices, our homes, and our churches should bear the evidence of His transforming power. The world doesn’t need more people who simply bear God’s name—it needs a people who embody His heart. Authentic believers who live what they profess, reflect His character, and restore His reputation in a watching world. You may live in a city with a Christian name, attend a church with a cross on its roof, or post Bible verses online—but the real question is: Can anyone tell that Christ lives in you? ASK THIS: Where are you relying on reputation instead of righteousness? Does your life reflect the name of Jesus or the nature of the world? How can you model true hospitality, generosity, or holiness this week? What’s one step you can take to live as an authentic believer today? DO THIS: Examine one area of your life where your actions don’t align with your beliefs. Let your name—and your home—reflect the character of the God you claim to follow. PRAY THIS: Lord, make me more than a name-bearer. Let my faith be real, my actions be righteous, and my home be open. Keep me from the hypocrisy of hollow religion, and make me a living witness of Your truth. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Evidence.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38908415

When Believers Look Just Like the World | Judges 19:4-9 12/29/2025

When Believers Look Just Like the World | Judges 19:4-9 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . “And his father-in-law, the girl’s father, made him stay, and he remained with him three days. So they ate and drank and spent the night there. And on the fourth day they arose early in the morning, and he prepared to go, but the girl’s father said to his son-in-law, ‘Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and after that you may go.’ So the two of them sat and ate and drank together. And the girl’s father said to the man, ‘Be pleased to spend the night, and let your heart be merry.’” — This scene feels harmless—two men eating, drinking, laughing, and delaying their journey. But beneath the surface, the nation reveals itself to be completely desensitized to holiness. The Levite and his father-in-law are Israelites, descendants of Abraham, men who should know the covenant and honor the Lord. Yet there’s no mention of prayer, no reflection on repentance, no concern for God’s will. Only indulgence. Self-gratification. Endless feasting and comfort. They look like men at peace—but it’s not. It’s the peace of distraction, not devotion. The peace of full bellies and empty hearts. And notice where they are—Bethlehem, “the house of bread.” A place that should symbolize God’s provision has become a house of pleasure. These are supposed to be God’s people, yet you can’t tell them apart from the world around them. Today, the same confusion fills our culture. Christians binge what the world watches, laugh at what the world listens to, and chase the same comforts and conveniences. The line between the sacred and the secular has blurred so much that many can’t tell the difference. But Jesus never called us to blend in—He called us to stand out. To live holy. To look different. To love differently. To lead homes that don’t reflect the world, but reflect Christ. Bethlehem may have been filled with Israelites, but their hearts were filled with idolatrous activities. And if we’re not careful, our homes can become just as spiritually hollow. Stop living like the culture and expecting God’s continued approval. Your Godliness begins with you at home. If you want the world to see the difference, they need to see it first in you. ASK THIS: Where has comfort made you spiritually lazy? Can others tell by your life that you belong to Christ? How does your home reflect holiness—or worldly habits? What’s one way you can lead your family to live differently this week? DO THIS: Lead your family in one act of obedience—read Scripture together, serve a neighbor, or repent together in prayer. Ask God to make your home a holy contrast to the culture. PRAY THIS: Lord, open my eyes to the ways I’ve looked like the world. Strip away my comfort and awaken my conviction. Make my home distinct, my faith courageous, and my heart devoted fully to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Set Apart.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38907515

The Results of a Pastor Who Strays from God’s Word | Judges 19:1-3 12/28/2025

The Results of a Pastor Who Strays from God’s Word | Judges 19:1-3 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . This isn’t just another story—it’s a wake-up call. The Levite’s failure reminds us how quickly spiritual leaders can drift from conviction to compromise. God is looking for men and women who will not only know His Word but live it, defend it, and pass it on with courage. In those days, when there was no king in Israel, a certain Levite was sojourning in the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, who took to himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. And his concubine was unfaithful to him, and she went away from him to her father's house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months. Then her husband arose and went after her, to speak kindly to her and bring her back. He had with him his servant and a couple of donkeys. And she brought him into her father's house. And when the girl's father saw him, he came with joy to meet him. — By the time we reach , Israel has plunged to its lowest point. Even the Levites—men once set apart to teach and guard God’s law—no longer remember it. The opening line says it all: “There was no king in Israel.” In other words, there was no authority, no truth, no standard—only self-rule. Here stands a Levite, a man supposed to model holiness. Instead, he takes a concubine—a live-in girlfriend with marital benefits but no covenant commitment. She betrays him, runs home, and after months apart, he decides he wants her back. The relationship is dysfunctional from every direction. But the greater tragedy is this: a priest who should lead God’s people can’t even lead himself. That’s the climate of moral collapse—when spiritual leaders trade holiness for cultural conventions, then the nation no longer knows what righteousness looks like. We live in the same era of moral relativism—everyone doing what seems right in their own eyes. Churches ordain what God calls sin. Pulpits preach self-esteem instead of repentance. Pastors chase applause over truth. But notice they still wear the robes, carry the titles, build buildings, and quote a few verses—but like this Levite, they’ve abandoned the covenant. And the result? Confused believers. Compromised faith. A generation that can no longer tell the difference between God’s truth and cultural tolerance. We’ve come a long way from Joshua’s bold declaration—“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Now we say, “As for me and the truth, we’ll do what feels right.” When leaders forget the Word, the people follow their feelings. And when that happens, nations collapse from the inside long before enemies ever invade. The Levite’s story isn’t just a scandal—it’s a warning shot and a challenge. When God’s people drift from His Word, it’s not enough to simply shake our heads—we must act. Step up where he stepped back. Lead where he lacked courage. Recommit to Scripture in your home, your marriage, your circle of influence. Because when we return to God’s Word, broken relationships can be healed, leadership restored, and love redeemed. ASK THIS: Where have you seen “moral relativism” creep into the church? Have you traded biblical truth for cultural comfort in any area of life? What voices in your life hold you accountable to Scripture? How can you encourage your pastor—or yourself—to stand firm on truth this week? DO THIS: Pray daily for pastors and leaders to preach truth with courage and clarity. Recommit to reading Scripture before social media or news; make God’s Word your authority again. PRAY THIS: Lord, reignite conviction in Your people. Make us builders of truth and defenders of faith. Give us courage to lead boldly where others have drifted, and help us restore what weak leadership has lost. Commission us to act—not just believe—so that Your Word defines every choice we make. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Come to the Altar.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38906975

When a Nation Forgets God | Judges 18:30-31 12/27/2025

When a Nation Forgets God | Judges 18:30-31 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . And the people of Dan set up the carved image for themselves, and Jonathan the son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. So they set up Micah's carved image that he made, as long as the house of God was at Shiloh. — The tribe of Dan ends their story with idols, not inheritance. They set up a fake priesthood, a false religion, and call it “faith.” It looked spiritual—but it was hollow. Everything they built was founded on force, not faith; ritual, not repentance. What began as one man’s compromise became a tribe’s tradition—and a nation’s decay. And that’s exactly where we stand today. We’ve kept the symbols of faith but lost the substance. We sing about Jesus but live as if His Word no longer defines truth. We’ve traded repentance for relevance and holiness for acceptance. The signs are flashing, and time is running short. Our culture isn’t collapsing because evil is stronger—it’s collapsing because truth is weaker. The light has dimmed. The Church has grown quiet. We’ve learned to tolerate what we should confront and bless what we should repent of. But this is not the time to coast. It’s time to come back. Not next year. Not after things “settle down.” Now. Because a nation that forgets God doesn’t lose Him overnight—it loses Him one compromise at a time. The tribe of Dan thought they secured their future, but they only secured their judgment. And if we keep drifting from the truth, we’ll do the same. God is calling His people. It’s time to return to the Lord while there’s still time. ASK THIS: What signs of drift do you see in your own heart or church? How can you personally help call others back to truth? What step of repentance could you take today? DO THIS: Pray daily this week for revival—in your heart, home, and church. Speak truth where others have grown silent. PRAY THIS: Lord, wake us up. Stir Your people to repent, return, and rebuild on truth. Let revival start in me—and spread before it’s too late. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Revive Us Again.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38838185

Force, Not Faith | Judges 18:25-29 12/26/2025

Force, Not Faith | Judges 18:25-29 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . And the people of Dan said to him, “Do not let your voice be heard among us, lest angry fellows fall upon you, and you lose your life with the lives of your household.” Then the people of Dan went their way. And when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his home. But the people of Dan took what Micah had made, and the priest who belonged to him, and they came to Laish, to a people quiet and unsuspecting, and struck them with the edge of the sword and burned the city with fire. And there was no deliverer because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with anyone. It was in the valley that belongs to Beth-rehob. Then they rebuilt the city and lived in it. And they named the city Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor, who was born to Israel; but the name of the city was Laish at the first. — The Danites finally get what they wanted—a city, a priest, and a name. From the outside, it looks like triumph. But it’s all built on theft and deceit. They conquered Laish not through faith, but through force. God never told them to take this land. They took it because it was easy. They called it “God’s will,” but it was just willpower. That’s how sin disguises itself: it borrows the language of faith to bless the work of the flesh. The Danites built a city on the illusion of success. But anything built on disobedience will eventually collapse. We have all done this: We push instead of pray. We manipulate instead of trusting. We use strength, strategy, and spin to get what we want—and then call it God’s blessing. But real victory never comes by force. It comes by faith. Faith waits when force demands. Faith obeys when ambition rushes. Faith surrenders when pride insists. The tribe of Dan won a city—but lost its way. Don't lose your way, do things God's way. ASK THIS: Where have you been pushing by force instead of walking by faith? Have you ever mistaken human success for God’s blessing? What would it look like to stop striving and start trusting? How can you rebuild what’s been done your way, God’s way? DO THIS: Pause before your next decision—ask, “Am I forcing this, or is God leading it?” Read : “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” PRAY THIS: Lord, keep me from building by force what You’ve called me to build by faith. I don’t want hollow victories or false success—only what’s done in Your strength and truth. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Wait On You.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38835840

Self-Deception Sounds Spiritual | Judges 18:21-24 12/25/2025

Self-Deception Sounds Spiritual | Judges 18:21-24 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. And Merry Christmas to you all. Our text today is . So they turned and departed, putting the little ones and the livestock and the goods in front of them. When they had gone a distance from the home of Micah, the men who were in the houses near Micah's house were called out, and they overtook the people of Dan. And they shouted to the people of Dan, who turned around and said to Micah, “What is the matter with you, that you come with such a company?” And he said, “You take my gods that I made and the priest, and go away, and what have I left? How then do you ask me, ‘What is the matter with you?’” — The Danites march away from Micah’s house with his idols, his priest, and his faith-for-hire religion. Micah chases after them and shouts, “What’s the matter with you?” It’s the right question — but no one in this story has the courage to answer it. The Danites should’ve said, “Our cowardice.” They were too afraid to claim the land God gave them, so they stole what belonged to others. Disobedience bred desperation, and cowardice turned into theft. The Levite should’ve said, “My ambition.” He left Micah’s house not because of conviction, but because the job offer was better — more people, more influence, more recognition. His ministry was a career move, not a calling. But neither the Danites nor the Levite can face their sin. So when Micah asks, “What’s the matter with you?” they flip it back: “What’s the matter with you?” That’s what sin always does — it deflects instead of reflects. We do the same thing. When confronted, we defend. And we say, “I’m just under a lot of stress.” When corrected, we justify. And we say, “At least I’m not as bad as them.” When convicted, we rationalize. And we say, “God knows my heart.” But the heart is exactly where the problem lies. Like the Danites, our disobedience starts small — fear, laziness, pride — until it grows into actions we can’t explain or admit. And like the Levite, ambition can masquerade as ministry until the applause becomes louder than obedience. But the question still stands: What is the matter with you? This question is not intended to shame you, but to awaken you. To make you stop running long enough to face what’s hiding in your heart. Because until you name the sin, you’ll keep defending it. The Danites justified their sin all the way into idolatry. But God calls us all to something better: to stop deflecting and start repenting. ASK THIS: When was the last time you blamed someone else instead of owning your sin? What’s harder for you to confront—cowardice or ambition? Have you ever used “spiritual” excuses to justify disobedience? How can confession restore courage and integrity in your life today? DO THIS: Ask the Spirit to reveal one area of your life where you’ve been justifying sin. Write down the excuses you’ve used to defend it—then confess them one by one. Replace justification with repentance. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me stop deflecting and start confessing. Reveal the cowardice or ambition hiding in my heart, and give me the courage to face it with repentance and faith. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Refiner.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38834925

Symbols of Faith Without Surrender of Faith | Judges 18:11-20 12/24/2025

Symbols of Faith Without Surrender of Faith | Judges 18:11-20 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. And Merry Christmas to you all. Our text today is . So 600 men of the tribe of Dan, armed with weapons of war, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol, and went up and encamped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah. On this account that place is called Mahaneh-dan to this day; behold, it is west of Kiriath-jearim. And they passed on from there to the hill country of Ephraim, and came to the house of Micah. Then the five men who had gone to scout out the country of Laish said to their brothers, “Do you know that in these houses there are an ephod, household gods, a carved image, and a metal image? Now therefore consider what you will do.” And they turned aside there and came to the house of the young Levite, at the home of Micah, and asked him about his welfare. Now the 600 men of the Danites, armed with their weapons of war, stood by the entrance of the gate. And the five men who had gone to scout out the land went up and entered and took the carved image, the ephod, the household gods, and the metal image, while the priest stood by the entrance of the gate with the 600 men armed with weapons of war. And when these went into Micah's house and took the carved image, the ephod, the household gods, and the metal image, the priest said to them, “What are you doing?” And they said to him, “Keep quiet; put your hand on your mouth and come with us and be to us a father and a priest. Is it better for you to be priest to the house of one man, or to be priest to a tribe and clan in Israel?” And the priest's heart was glad. He took the ephod and the household gods and the carved image and went along with the people. — The Danites raid Micah’s house—not for gold, not for land, but for religion. They take his idols, his ephod, and even his priest. They want everything that looks spiritual—but none of what demands surrender. This is the heart of false faith. It wants the blessing of belief without the burden of obedience. They want a god they can move, not one who moves them. They want a priest who blesses, not one who confronts. They want the look of religion without the Lord of righteousness. It’s the same impulse alive today. We still crave the symbols of faith without submitting to it. We want a baby christened—but not a child discipled. We want a church wedding—but not a marriage that honors God. We want a pastor to conduct our funeral—but not a life spent following Christ. We want faith that makes us feel covered—but never changed. This is why false religion is so attractive: it offers comfort without conviction, community without accountability, and symbols without sanctification. It gives you everything except transformation. The Danites carried off the priest and the idols, thinking they’d secured God’s favor. But they weren’t following God—they were franchising a fake religion. Don't turn faith in God into a performance of externals. Don't settle for “religious moments” in place of regular obedience. God doesn’t want your religious props and symbols; he wants all of you. He is here not to tag along but to transform you. ASK THIS: Where have you settled for symbols instead of surrender? Do you display faith publicly but resist obedience privately? What modern “idols” have you borrowed to make faith feel easier? How can you move from religious performance to real pursuit of God this week? DO THIS: Ask God to expose any area where you’ve kept religion but lost relationship. Read : “Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” Replace outward habits with inward devotion—prayer, confession, and obedience. Live today as if God’s presence, not your performance, is what defines your faith. PRAY THIS: Lord, save me from the trap of empty religion. I don’t want symbols of faith; I want surrender. Strip away anything that looks spiritual but keeps me from true obedience to You. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Christ Be Magnified.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38834720

Don’t Confuse Opportunity With Obedience | Judges 18:7-10 12/23/2025

Don’t Confuse Opportunity With Obedience | Judges 18:7-10 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Our shout-out today goes to Scott Kacos and family. Thank you so much for partnering with us on We cannot do this without you. This is for you today. Our text today is Judges 18:7-10. Then the five men departed and came to Laish and saw the people who were there, how they lived in security, after the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and unsuspecting, lacking nothing that is in the earth and possessing wealth, and how they were far from the Sidonians and had no dealings with anyone. And when they came to their brothers at Zorah and Eshtaol, their brothers said to them, “What do you report?” They said, “Arise, and let us go up against them, for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And will you do nothing? Do not be slow to go, to enter in and possess the land. As soon as you go, you will come to an unsuspecting people. The land is spacious, for God has given it into your hands, a place where there is no lack of anything that is in the earth.”— Judges 18:7-10 The Danite scouts find Laish—a city that looks perfect. Peaceful. Prosperous. Secure. Everything their own land was not. And they instantly assume, “God has given it into our hands.” But notice—there’s no record of prayer, no word from the Lord, and no evidence of obedience in the moments leading up to this. They mistake opportunity for confirmation. They see abundance and assume it’s God’s blessing. But it’s fake faith—faith built on feelings, not on truth. This is how counterfeit obedience works. It looks spiritual, it sounds hopeful, but it’s driven by convenience and comfort, not conviction. Remember, the Danites didn’t want to fight the Amorites for the land God gave them in Joshua 19. They wanted the easy win, and this was it. Easy victories frequently lead to empty lives. We do the same when we chase the “Laish” in front of us: The job that pays more but pulls us from church. The relationship that feels good but bends God’s truth.| The comfort that whispers, “This has to be right, it’s working.” But not everything that looks right is righteous. Sometimes what looks like God’s favor is just avoidance in disguise. When our faith loses its fight, it starts settling for false flags. And the Danites here traded commands for the convenient conquest—and then called it compliance. Real faith does not do this. It never chases comfort; it counts on God even when the command is challenging. ASK THIS: Where have you confused convenience with God’s calling? What’s your “Laish”—the easy path that tempts you to compromise? Have you been mistaking peace for permission? How can you return to the ground God actually called you to claim? DO THIS: Identify one area where comfort has replaced conviction. Choose faithfulness over feelings this week—even if it costs you ease. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for chasing comfort and calling it faith. Teach me to obey You when the way is hard and to trust You when the road isn’t easy. Give me real faith—not imitation peace. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Trust In God.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38834405

When You Ask God to Bless What You Already Decided | Judges 18:2-6 12/22/2025

When You Ask God to Bless What You Already Decided | Judges 18:2-6 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . So the people of Dan sent five able men from the whole number of their tribe, from Zorah and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land and to explore it. And they said to them, “Go and explore the land.” And they came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, and lodged there. When they were by the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young Levite. And they turned aside and said to him, “Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? What is your business here?” And he said to them, “This is how Micah dealt with me: he has hired me, and I have become his priest.” And they said to him, “Inquire of God, please, that we may know whether the journey on which we are setting out will succeed.” And the priest said to them, “Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord.” — The Danite scouts stop by Micah’s house, meet his Levite-for-hire, and ask three questions that sound curious but expose their compromise: “Who brought you here?” “What are you doing in this place?” “Why are you here?” Not one of those questions mentions God. They’re interested in Micah, not in God. It’s a spiritual conversation with no Spirit in it. If this Levite had been faithful, he would have responded very differently: You would go where God sends, not where you choose. You wouldn't stay in a house filled with idols. You would claim the land God already gave you, not shop for easy pickings. But instead, the Levite answers, “Micah has done these things for me.” Not “God brought me.” Not “I serve the Lord.” Just “Micah.” His allegiance—and his paycheck—come from the same source. The Danites and the Levite both prove the same point: they’re using spiritual language to hide spiritual rebellion. The Levite blesses their mission; they leave feeling “confirmed.” But it’s all self-validation dressed up in spiritual garb. We do the same when we call it “discernment,” but it’s really rationalization. When we pray, not to surrender, but to get reassurance. When we say, “God’s got this,” but never ask if God is sending us. Faith without conviction always drifts toward convenience. And convenience disguised as faith is still disobedience. ASK THIS: Are you seeking God’s will—or His approval of your will? Have you ever asked God to bless what He never called you to do? Where have you replaced obedience with rationalization? Who in your life tells you truth instead of what you want to hear? DO THIS: Pause before your next big decision—ask, “Is this obedience or convenience?” Read and invite God to redirect you. Seek counsel from someone who tells you truth, not comfort. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for blessing my own plans in Your name. Teach me to ask Your questions, listen for Your answers, and follow where You lead. Amen. PLAY THIS: “What I Needed.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38823070

Lack of Conviction Leads to Future Compromise | Judges 18:1 12/21/2025

Lack of Conviction Leads to Future Compromise | Judges 18:1 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking for itself an inheritance to dwell in, for until then no inheritance among the tribes of Israel had fallen to them. — The story of the tribe of Dan is one of lost conviction. Dan had already been given land by God—its boundaries clearly marked in . But tells us why they never possessed it: they were driven back by the Amorites. Instead of standing firm in faith, they retreated to the hills. They settled for survival rather than fighting for obedience. Now, in , decades later, they’re still wandering—looking for “an inheritance” that was already theirs. It wasn’t that God failed to provide. It was that they failed to believe, obey, and act with conviction. This is the ripple effect of cowardly leadership. When men and women stop living with conviction, they begin living by convenience. What should’ve been conquered through faith now becomes a lifetime of compromise. That’s the Danite story—and sadly, it’s ours too. We do the same when we abandon the ground God has already called us to stand on. We know what’s right, but we don’t want the conflict that comes with it. We back off, blend in, or look for easier paths. And every time we do, we lose spiritual territory that God already gave us to possess. The Danites didn’t need new land—they needed renewed faith. They didn’t need to search for an easier inheritance—they needed to fight for the one God already promised. This is what happens when conviction dies. Faith becomes flexible. Truth becomes negotiable. The mission becomes manageable. And before long, we’re not following God anymore—we’re following comfort. Sound familiar? We see it in families that won’t confront sin, churches that bend to culture, and believers who settle for peace over purity. Every compromise we tolerate today becomes the conflict we inherit tomorrow. The Danites’ failure to lead with conviction didn’t just cost them land—it cost them legacy. When God gives a calling, the only right response is courageous obedience. Anything less invites compromise. ASK THIS: Where in your life have you chosen convenience over conviction? What “land” or area of obedience has God already called you to claim? How does fear of conflict keep you from living with conviction? What would courageous faith look like in that area today? DO THIS: Identify one area of your life where you’ve retreated instead of standing firm. Read : “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Reclaim that ground in prayer and obedience today—don’t keep wandering where God already gave you victory. Commit this week to act from conviction, not convenience. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for backing away from battles You’ve already called me to win. Give me courage to stand, conviction to obey, and faith to take hold of the promises You’ve already given. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Battle Belongs.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38822815

False Confidence in a Fake God | Judges 17:13 12/20/2025

False Confidence in a Fake God | Judges 17:13 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . “Then Micah said, ‘Now I know that the Lord will prosper me, because I have a Levite as priest.’” — Micah’s homemade religion is now complete. He’s got a shrine, a priest, and a title. And now—he’s got confidence. “Now I know,” he says, “the Lord will prosper me.” But it’s all fake. Fake priest. Fake faith. Fake confidence. Micah believes he’s in God’s favor simply because everything looks right. But this is the final stage of spiritual delusion: when you mistake comfort for confirmation. He assumes that because his setup feels spiritual, it must be spiritual. That’s what happens when religion becomes self-made—you start measuring faith by your feelings instead of His truth. This is the heart of counterfeit Christianity today. People claim assurance, quote Scripture out of context, or redefine sin, all while drifting further from God’s Word. They’ve built a religion that feels peaceful because it never confronts them. And the more they say “God told me,” the less they actually listen to what God already said. Micah’s confidence wasn’t rooted in Scripture—it was rooted in self-deception. And that’s what makes this so dangerous. You can be completely convinced you’re right with God and still be miles from Him if your faith isn’t built on truth. We also see this in the church. Whole movements chase emotional experiences but ignore biblical obedience. Believers trust in positive feelings, prosperity, or political comfort instead of God’s holiness. It’s the American version of Micah’s religion—comfort without conviction, blessing without obedience, and faith without truth. False confidence always feels strong—right up until the truth tests it. So here’s the question I would present to you: Is your confidence based on God’s Word—or your own worldview? ASK THIS: Where are you mistaking spiritual comfort for spiritual confirmation? What beliefs or habits have you justified that don’t line up with God’s Word? Have you built confidence on truth—or convenience? How can you anchor your assurance in Scripture instead of emotion? DO THIS: Take a truth inventory: what do you believe that’s not clearly rooted in Scripture? Replace assumptions with alignment—submit your confidence to God’s Word. Pray for humility to let God’s truth confront your comfort. PRAY THIS: Father, I don’t want false confidence. Expose any lie I’ve believed about You or about myself. Anchor my assurance in Your truth—not in feelings, comfort, or imitation faith. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Build My Life.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38474065

Fake Ordination, Fake Faith | Judges 17:12 12/19/2025

Fake Ordination, Fake Faith | Judges 17:12 Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is . “And Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah.” — Micah finally finishes building his fake religion. He’s got a shrine, a priest, and now an “ordination.” It sounds holy—but it’s hollow. Micah “ordains” a Levite, believing that if he calls it spiritual, it becomes spiritual. He convinces himself it’s from God simply because he said so. But that’s not faith—that’s fabrication. This is what happens when people stop grounding their beliefs in Scripture. They start declaring things “from God” that God never said. They replace divine revelation with human imagination—and then call it holy. It’s the birth of self-made religion. Micah didn’t reject God outright; he simply replaced God’s authority with his own. And that’s what makes false faith so deceptive—it looks spiritual while quietly dethroning God. When we start believing our feelings carry the same weight as God’s Word, we’ve already started building our own religion. We see it everywhere today. People say, “God told me to be happy,” or “God just wants me to live my truth,” or “Love is love—so it must be holy.” But if it contradicts Scripture, it’s not revelation—it’s rebellion. Calling something “anointed” doesn’t make it approved. Micah’s fake ordination is a warning to every believer who wants spiritual authority without scriptural submission. God’s blessing doesn’t rest on what sounds right or feels right—it rests on what is true. And here’s the danger: when fake ordination goes unchecked, it breeds fake faith. Micah thought ordaining a Levite would make him holy, but both of them were lost—confident, religious, and completely wrong. That’s what happens when we build a faith not on the foundation of God’s Word but on the echo of our opinions. It may look spiritual, but it leads people away from truth. And a lie repeated in God’s name is still a lie. True authority doesn’t come from our declarations—it comes from God’s revelation. The moment we separate “God said” from what God wrote, we’re not worshiping Him anymore—we’re worshiping our own imagination. ASK THIS: Have you ever declared something “from God” that wasn’t grounded in Scripture? Where do you see culture redefining truth and calling it faith? How can you better discern between human opinion and divine authority? What step can you take today to anchor your faith more deeply in God’s Word? DO THIS: Test every “God idea” against Scripture before you believe or share it. Read : “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from listening to the truth.” PRAY THIS: Lord, keep me from creating a version of faith that fits my feelings. Anchor me in Your Word so deeply that I can spot false truth from a mile away. Teach me to follow revelation, not imagination. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Holy Spirit Come.” /episode/index/show/resolute/id/38473815

The Daily Devotional by Vince Miller

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