What a day…

Well, Julie and I get in today and start our days off in the usual way.  We both start the computers, check work e-mails, check regular email, make coffee, put the newspaper up, etc.  Probably about an hour after we get here, she is asked if she would go take pictures of the Winnwood/Briarcliff area.  So she was excited that she could do this, thinking it would be within the week, then she is told they need her to do it this afternoon.  So now she is off to go eat some lunch and then go take pictures.  I told her to make sure she bundles up.  They would like her to get several hundred pictures for this project.  Nothing like a last minute thing.

So this morning in group we were talking about scripture.  That is what the chapter in John Pipers book was about.  We were asked if we have a favorite scripture.  I personally don’t.  I may have had one of those ah-ha moments, but I haven’t had one just stick with me.  Now my husband on the other hand, he has a favorite scripture.  It is even tattooed on him.  It is Galatians 2:20.  I would love to have a favorite verse, but I just haven’t had one that has struck me to keep a hold of it.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

But David said, “No, my brothers! Don’t be selfish with what the LORD has given us. … We share and share alike. …”When he arrived at Ziklag, David sent part of the plunder to the elders of Judah, who were his friends. “Here is a present for you, taken from the LORD’s enemies,” he said. The gifts were sent to the people of the following towns David had visited: Bethel, Ramoth-negev, Jattir, Aroer, Siphmoth, Eshtemoa, Racal, the towns of the Jerahmeelites, the towns of the Kenites, Hormah, Bor-ashan, Athach, Hebron, and all the other places David and his men had visited. 1 Samuel 30:23–24, 26–31

Encouragement for Today

David wasn’t selfish or grasping about the plunder. He used it to encourage his men, build unity, and build relationships with the leaders of Judah. He used worldly wealth—which he recognized came from God—to build relationships. (Jesus made a similar point in the parable of the shrewd steward). Wealth is to be invested in relationships, not things. David had a stewardship mentality about the wealth God had allowed him to gain from the plunder, seeing it not as his own, but as a means of building relationships and furthering God’s purposes.

So reading the Encouragement for Today, do you feel as though you are able to not be selfish and be able to build unity with the others?  I know that David was correct in letting the others join him, but I also know that my flesh would be very jealous.  It doesn’t seem fair to me, but I totally get what David is saying.  You should always let your brothers and sisters share in what you have.

Have a good day everyone.  Much love!!!  XOXOXO