Warriors Arise: December 11, 2020
1 Samuel 30:18-20 (NKJV) So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. 19 And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all. 20 Then David took all the flocks and herds they had driven before those other livestock, and said, “This is David's spoil.”
Verse 20 is funny. The way it is written makes me think "those other livestock" were nothing compared to what David took. Since David took all the flocks and herds, what other livestock was there? It doesn't really matter, it makes me curious. In mean, I think of all the animals collected together in their own kind as a flock or herd. So, I just wonder what is different with what David took and those other livestock. Then we get to the end of the verse, "This is David's spoil."
As the leader of their group and the captain when they go into battle, David shouldered the responsibility of being a shepherd to these men and their families. We rarely understand, God begins to groom us for what we are called to do at a very young age. Then He will give us more responsibility through opportunities in order to refine our character, grow our gifts and sharpen our talents.
David started out as a shepherd boy. He killed lion and a bear while tending his father's sheep. David's dad sent him to take food to his brothers who are in battle and want to hear about how they are doing. David gets the opportunity to be used by God to kill Goliath. If David had NOT been faithful to shepherd the sheep would he have been alive to tell the story of Goliath? Would he have even thought to fight Goliath?
When we neglect the responsibilities we have currently, no matter how mundane they may be, we are not ready for the opportunities before us. While being a shepherd, David rescued the sheep which led to him being ready to rescue the nation from the Philistines, when he killed Goliath. What you practice today either sets you up to achieve the God-opportunities tomorrow or leads to the downfall of your dreams.
This was not a one time occurrence for David. As a boy he was shepherd to his father's sheep. When King Saul was out to kill David, he fled. He did not want to fight him. David was there to serve Saul. But when King Saul's jealousy consumed his mind, David had to leave. It would not have ended well and David was the better fighter. Not only that but David wanted to honor God so he had no desire to kill the king. God also was protecting David. David had already been anointed as the next king in Israel. He knew he was not to die by Saul's hand.
When David fled from Saul, it was not a cowardly action. He protected the anointed king of Israel and God protected David. Over time, 600 men came to serve David and pledge their allegiance to him. David was again a shepherd not of sheep this time but of men and their families. What David had practiced as a boy God positioned him to do with people. Scripture tells us never to despise small beginnings. Sometimes when we are the shepherd boy out in the field we need to learn to worship God and fight off the enemy as David did. Even now, in 1 Samuel 30 this is not David's "it". He had not arrived to the fullness of what God had for him.
David is not out of line because of the portion of the spoils he has taken. Remember, they were going to kill him, stone him to death because their city was burned to the ground, their wives, children and possessions had been taken. They definitely felt David was responsible for their outcome; therefore, in the winnings David would claim what would be his as their captain.
Some might consider this prideful. But I think is shows how God wants to bless us. When we follow God's plan there is a reward, a blessing. The blessing will be more than enough, it will be the abundance Jesus died to give us (John 10:10b). It isn't pride to take what is yours, for the position you have or for the responsibility you have been expected to carry. How can we lend to the nations if we, as Christians, are paupers?
Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV) “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
When we follow God's plan, He gives us the power to get wealth. David worked for his wealth. He went to get back what was stolen from him and his men but then he got so much more. Doing the right thing, following God's plan gives you back more than what was your's.
Father, I ask for You to come and minister to each business executive, business owner, and worker. I pray for You to guide them through the shutdowns this pandemic has caused. I pray each one would strengthen themselves in the Lord. I pray they would speak to You, to do as You instruct and follow through no matter the delays. I pray they would see You leading them to overtake the enemy who has stolen from them. I ask for You to speak clearly, giving precise instructions. I thank You for Your faithfulness to walk with us, build us up, and see to our needs. I ask for You to provide jobs for all those who are now without a job. I pray we would not become a lazy nation but fulfill the responsibility we have been given. I ask for You to open wide the floodgates. Wash us clean of this coronavirus and rid our nation of the corruption. I pray for the truth to be revealed. The things done in darkness, behind closed doors to be revealed and justice to take place in our nation. We will stand for truth, justice, righteousness, and life in our nation. I pray for the corruption in the 2020 election to be exposed and for You to move on the people to want the truth. I pray for the lying mouths to be shut in Jesus' name. I ask for You to heal those who are infected with the coronavirus. I ask for those who have lost someone during this time to feel Your arms wrap around them and strengthen them in Your love in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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