blessings – CadreMen Press

Share The Spoils by Kirk Hunt

Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord”

1 Samuel 30:26
Please read also 1 Samuel 30:1-31

David’s rescue mission ended in victory and wealth. They recovered all (1 Samuel 30:19) of their wives, children, goods, and more besides. David then shared the spoils.

Their pursuit of the Amalekites started in anguish and grief. The Amalekite enemy had invaded and burned Ziklag. Through divine providence, the enemy took everyone and everything captive, but killed no one.

David and his elite soldiers caught up to the Amalekites and took back their wives and children. Then their stolen stuff. And after that, they looted the Amalekites.

Would you keep the hard earned spoils of the battle? David thought better of keeping all of God’s blessings for himself. He sent care packages to the leaders of the towns and cities around him. You would hope that this generous gesture earned him goodwill in the neighborhood.

God blesses His people. Sometimes, His benefits fall in our laps. Other times, we receive His benefits after hard-fought battles. However they come, remember to be grateful and thankful for His gifts to you.

And I am prayerful that you will remember to share the spoils. God is generous. He often gives more than you need. Share with others. There is a blessing of goodwill from your neighbors, and from Father-God.

Think: When you share God’s blessings with others, you become even richer.

Pray: “Lord, bless me so I can bless others.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

A Life Of Peril And Calling by Kirk Hunt

In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren

2 Corinthians 11:26 NKJV
Please also read 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 NKJV

The Apostle Paul could have had tenure. He had the intelligence, education and connections to establish a Christian Academy and live comfortably. He could have taught and published with zero risk to himself. Instead, he lived a life of peril.

Paul lived a life of danger, risk and suffering for the Gospel. Paul’s history, and scars, gave him tremendous credibility among the Roman legions. Some traditions report that Paul single-handedly evangelized the Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers and body guards of the Caesars.

Personally, I find more comfort in the scarred face of a veteran than the smooth skin of an academic. I like living proof that it can be done, or at least survived. I feel better knowing somebody else struggled, stayed with God, and overcame the same “little problems” I face.

Your scars are a blessing. They give you knowledge and experience you could never get any other way. They give you credibility with people you might not otherwise effect.

For someone, your scars are comfort and reassurance. Struggling folks often do not want to hear from someone smooth and polished. More often, they want to hear from a survivor. They want to hear from someone just like you.

Think: The scars, in service for God, are really a blessing.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully persevere in Your calling on my life.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.