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
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
