goodwill – CadreMen Press

Pause Your Pursuit by Kirk Hunt

Then they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David; and they gave him bread and he ate, and they let him drink water. And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins. So when he had eaten, his strength came back to him; for he had eaten no bread nor drunk water for three days and three nights.

1 Samuel 30:11-12
Please read also 1 Samuel 30:1-31

David and his men were in hot pursuit of the villains who stole their very wives and children. Still, when they came across a sick man, they stopped to help him. Sometimes, a pause in your pursuit, is the right move.

Did they know if the young Egyptian could help them? Not for sure. David chose to spend supplies and time, when every minute counted.

Could you argue that helping the Egyptian was a shrewd, calculated decision? Yes, of course. Remember, there were other ways to get information out of the boy. David chose the generous, honorable route to getting what he wanted.

Consider the young man’s position. His owner abandoned him as an inconvenience, and possibly to die. He woke from his fever to food, water and comfort. How would you respond to the folks who saved you from hunger and illness?

No act of grace and generosity is ever wasted. Pausing your pursuit will slow you down. Maybe your urgent pursuit can spare enough time and resources to be a blessing.

Think: How will God bless your generosity and patience towards others?

Pray: “Lord, help to know when to pause and bless others.”

This devotional is a ministry of 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.