Devotion
To the victor shares the spoils
David Jacobs
I used to follow sports fairly closely and always wondered what it would be like to win a championship on the highest stage. It would be such an honor to have all of your hard work rewarded. Some people would say that not every athlete deserves to say that they are champions, even if they are on a championship team. For example: if a player is injured for the majority of the games and the team goes on to win the championship, is he or she a champion? That player certainly would have wanted to play, but was unable due to injury. Some would perhaps put an asterisk next to their name, claiming that they are not a "true" champion.
King David approaches the town of Ziklag and quickly realizes the bad news: the town has been destroyed, ransacked, and people have been taken prisoners, including two of his wives (1 Samuel 30:1-3). The men weep until they can weep no more, but David remains confident. Similar to the story of Goliath, David remains steadfastly faithful, trusting God even when things look so bleak. 200 of his 600 men are unable to search for the Amalekites due to exhaustion, but David ventures out to search for the Amalekites, as well as return their belongings and especially, his wives.
They find and defeat the Amalekites, are reunited with their people and take back their belongings. The 400 men with David do not want to share the spoils of war with the 200 that were too tired to continue, but David chooses to be generous, because he knows that it was not he or them that provided, it was God. It is a great attitude to have in life and makes being generous so much easier: do not think that things are yours to be shared. God shares it with you. Remember the statute that David creates after this situation and share your spoils with your fellow man.
Prayer
When was the last time you gave back to society? When was the last time you were truly generous? If you are unable to quickly think of a time, make an effort when you can. Your actions will be repaid.
Devotion
A Young Witness
Frances Taylor
Paul is giving Timothy both encouragement and instruction. Timothy is obviously young, but he has been chosen to preach. He is told, however, to be a good example of Christianity. Paul knows that the people will be watching him. He is also told to study as well as to encourage and to teach. We have been called to be disciples because of our Baptism. We too must be good examples of the Christianity we proclaim. It doesn't matter if we are young or old, we are expected to imitate Christ in our way of life, in how we show love to one another and by our moral choices. We are also expected to grow in our knowledge of the faith by reading the Scriptures, and to encourage others to be faithful and to teach others by word and example. We should never stop learning! I'm constantly amazed by how much I have forgotten of what I have read. And I am also surprised that a passage I have read many times before now has a different meaning to me. That's because ...
Morning Prayer
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Inspiration
Pride is one of the so called 'seven deadly sins', and with good reason. Arrogance in ones own importance over others is vain, and angers God. There is nothing that may rival Gods heights and power, and yet, he shows no arrogance. No nation, no group, no person is 'number one'. With true faith and love in ones heart, all are equal in the eyes of our Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love for all of us. I know you have made me in your image, so allow me not to choose falsely and fall into arrogance or vanity, but rather seek humility in all I do and may accomplish with your guidance. For all I have and all I will ever do, I know is so only because it is granted by you. O Heavenly Father, hallowed by your name. Amen.
Night Prayer
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Inspiration
Often, we speak before we have to opportunity to think about our words. In the heat of the moment, we immediately express negative feelings without analyzing the situation first. We jump to conclusions when directing meetings and speak in haste with our children before evaluating all sides. As leaders in any setting, we must be tactful and make decisions by weighing all details. Instead of expressing emotions with our authority, we must seek to mediate justly and reflect the mercy of God with our decision-making.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please forgive us when we jump to conclusions and fail to lead with mercy and grace. Guide us to reflect Your character when You place us in a position of authority. In Jesus' name, Amen.
