"David was in a difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over the loss of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God... The Lord replied to him, 'Pursue them, for you will certainly overtake them and rescue the people.'"
1 Samuel 30:6,8b
David was not allowed to fight alongside the Philistines, for fear that he would turn against them and fight with king Saul. When he went back to his home in the Philistine lands, he found an empty, burned-down village. All of the women and children had been kidnapped, along with all their flocks and other goods. Even though his people were outraged against him and threatening to stone him for allowing their families to perish, David consulted the Lord for guidance. The Lord recommended a path of selfless service, which is the fourth core value of the US Army.
What reaction did David have to his people's plight? He led 600 men in pursuit of their families' abductors, annihilated them, and took back their plunder. He risked his life and the lives of all his men in order to ensure the safety of the women, children, and flocks. Afterwards, rather than take all the plunder for himself and the men who fought beside him, David established a new statute for all of Israel - the man who stays behind with the supplies gets an equal share of the plunder with the soldiers who fight the battle. David spreads the wealth equally between all of his men, and he even gives portions to people who had nothing to do with this particular conflict - the elders and all the people of all the villages where he had roamed since he went to live in the Philistine lands. He didn't keep what he took, only what belonged to him (his family). The rest, he gave away.
Question of the Day:
Do you have a selfless enough heart to give even a small percentage of the mountains of blessings the Lord heaps upon you? If you give only a little, do you have the heart to give more? At what point do you stop being charitable? What factors determine the quantity of your charities? Do you give 10% because that's what you've been taught to give? Do you give more, or less, because that's what you feel Called to give? Are you willing or able to follow the Word of Jesus and give everything away, and follow Him?
Prayer of the Day:
Lord, I am ready to give my all to You, and let You be the director of my finances. In all the financial decisions which come up in my life, lead me towards choices which include ever-increasing amounts of charity. Help me to provide for the needs of my family and my self in such a way that the leftovers may be abundantly poured out to the needy in Your name. Amen.
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