Scripture
1 Samuel 30:9-10,18-24 David and the 600 men with him came to the Besor Valley, where some stayed behind, 200 of them were too exhausted to cross the valley, but David and the other 400 continued the pursuit.
David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his 2 wives. Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. He took all the flocks and herds and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying "This is David's plunder."
But all the evil men and troublemakers among David's followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go." David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us. The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike."
Observation
There were evil men and troublemakers among the "congregation" of David's followers. Those men were 'stingy' and did not want to share the plunder with those who had stayed behind guarding the supplies.
David recognized that it is the Lord who delivered and protected them to recover their families - it is the Lord's, not 'David's plunder.'
David was just and generous and showed kindness by sharing with all and even giving to his friends in Judah - 'giving them a gift of the plunder of the Lord's enemies.'
David recognized God is the Giver of the plunder and in turn, he distributed it with fairness and liberality.
Application
God is the Giver, Deliverer, Rescuer, Protector . . . all belongs to Him. We are the distributer of God's blessings. God's ways are not our ways. My idea of fairness is not the same as God's. David was a man after God's own heart. Don't be a 'stingy' person or hoarder - be a giver! Become a cheerful giver!
Prayer
Father, You are a Giver! The giver of Your beloved Son, the giver of the Holy Spirit, giver of life and breath, blessings, promises, provision, and all we possess. All that I have is Yours Lord. Teach me to be a good steward and to become a cheerful giver of the blessings You have given me. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
1 Samuel 23:15-18 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. "Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained in Horesh.
Observation
David was being pursued by Saul so he could kill him. Saul felt threatened by David and was going to get rid of him. Jonathan, Saul's son, knew how to find David and went to him to encourage and comfort him. A 'constant' friend who is faithful, dependable - it's Jonathan. Pure, noble, and self-denying Jonathan came along side to support David and strengthen him in God. He tells him not to be afraid - God has his back! God has said David will be king and Jonathan reminds David, "You will be king over Israel!" Jonathan gladly puts himself as second to David even though Saul wants Jonathan to be king.
Application
The friendship of Jonathan and David is a great example of how God wants me to be a friend and also receive friendship from others. One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24) Christ Jesus, will never forsake those who trust in him and love him. He has given His Holy Spirit to encourage and strengthen me in my walk with God.
Prayer
Father, You have sent me friends at specific times in my life to come along side and encourage me to trust in You and not be afraid of whatever I may be facing. You've given Your beloved Son, who is my Friend and Savior, and Risen Lord, along with Your Holy Spirit power and grace to be my Helper and Teacher. You have not left me alone but have given me all I need. May I not only be a true and faithful friend to others, but also be willing to receive friendship from those You send my way. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
2 Corinthians 13:5-6 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith, test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you ? - unless of course, you fail the test. And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
Observation
Genuine faith is Christ in me. Look into your heart - is faith and trust there? No matter the circumstances of life - trust in God and you will prove your faith is ROCK solid!
Application
When life gets tough, no matter how bleak, no matter if it seems God doesn't care or see - trust in Him. Wait for Him.
Examine myself to see whether I am in the faith. Test myself and have a regular check up. Do the right thing and wait for God.
Prayer
Father, praise be to Your name! You do not withhold Your love from me even when I mess up. I submit to You for correction and instruction. Guide me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me in the way I should go. Purge from me anything not of You. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 16:7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you . . .
Observation
A passing visit - a greeting, a wave of the hand - a brief hello. God doesn't want an informal 'howdy do' from us, anymore than Paul the Apostle did with his friends! He desires quality time, sweet fellowship, and to commune with Him. And we need it!
Application
Time with God must be a priority in my life. Not just a few moments here and there, or having a set devotional time, but to learn to live a life of devotion - 24/7. To learn to sit at His feet.
Prayer
Forgive me Lord for the busyness of my life and my shallowness in times of reading and worship. My mind wanders, and I start thinking about all kinds of things. May I draw near to You dear Lord and will You show me how to live a life of devotion and worship? I love You Lord. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 31 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were influential, not many were of noble birth.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are. So that no one may boast before Him. Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
Observation
Consider your life before Christ. God chose us not because of anything good in us, but because we need Him. We are foolish, weak, base - the lowest of low without a moral compass to guide us. Despised, selfish, and self-centered. We have nothing to boast about. But God called us and by His love and grace - we are in Christ Jesus. Jesus who is Wisdom, Righteous, and saves and redeems us.
Application
Just because I asked - God gave me the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. I will therefore boast in Him and talk excessively about what great things He has done for me.
Prayer
Father, just because I asked, You saved me, called me, filled me with Your Holy Spirit power and grace. I need You in my life every hour of every day. You are my strength and song! I pray that the lost will come to you and just ask and receive your love and forgiveness. I am thankful, I asked - in Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief."
Observation
Faith, belief, is a gift given to us by God. Is is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, we have unbelief hidden in us too. Believe in God and the faith we have, though it may be as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains!
Don't focus on the unbelief - focus on the promises of God and believe and trust that with God 'all things are possible.'
Application
Wait for God. Trust and believe. Have faith, hope, and love in your mind and in your thoughts and actions. Be ready and walk everyday with a prepared heart. Seek God, live a life of devotion, set your heart's direction and don't be negative. Pray and obey.
Prayer
Father, a mustard seed is so very small but like faith, it can begin small and grow and flourish! You have given me renewed hope to believe and take hold of the promises You have given. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
Numbers 27:15-17 Moses said to the Lord, "May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord's people will not be like sheep with a shepherd.
Observation
Moses is going to the mountain to see the promised land, and to die. But Moses asks God to appoint a new leader; not to leave the people without a shepherd. His love for God and love for God's people, are Moses main concern.
Application
Nurture a shepherd's heart within myself by loving God and loving people. Lead with love, wisdom, understanding, kindness, patience, humility, grace and the power and strength of God.
Prayer
Father, give me courage today to follow you and help me embrace all you have for me in these days. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
Numbers 10:29,32,33 Now Moses said to Hobab, son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses father in law, "We are setting out for the place about which the Lord said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel."
He answered, "No, I will not go. I am going back to my own land and my own people."
But Moses said, "Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness and you can be our eyes. If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us."
Observation
Hobab was Moses' brother in law - Zipporah's brother. He was very familiar with the terrain and all the good land as the Israelites traveled the wilderness led at night by a pillar of fire, and a cloud by day. Moses promises favor and good treatment if Hobab just comes along. Moses earnestly implores Hobab to stay with them. His final plea was to say, "If you come with us, we will share with you whatever the Lord gives us. Receive the promises of God."
Application
Moses is headed to the promised land - Canaan. We should ask/plead with family, friends, and acquaintances, to come with us. Come with us as we follow God.
Prayer
I want to take as many as will come with me Lord. Give wisdom and grace I pray as I encourage others to join me in my pilgrimage to the promised land to receive all your blessings and promises. In Jesus Name. A-men.
