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.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
