Read: 1 Samuel 30:21-25.

When the Amalekite raiders attacked the city of Ziklag, they took away the people of the city and anything else they could find. David’s wives and children were among those taken by the raiders. Instead of wringing his hands, David prayed before taking 600 men in pursuit of the raiders. While two hundred men were too exhausted to continue the pursuit to the end, David and the rest were triumphant. Yet when it came to sharing the spoil, some of David’s followers were reticent to share with those who dropped out of the pursuit.

Sometimes we have a “what’s mine is mine” attitude about our resources. We look at those in need and come up with a list of excuses. Why don’t they get a job like I have? Why should I share my resources with someone who doesn’t work as hard as I do? But David didn’t have that attitude. Share and share alike was his motto. Is it yours?

Reflect:

Why do you think David mentioned the protection God offers when David answered those who refused to share the spoils? When have you heard someone rattle off a list of criteria he or she expected people in need to meet before offering help? How is that attitude similar to that of David’s followers in today’s passage?

How willing are you to share your resources with others? Consider what God has given you in the past, without your having to be “worthy” first. Then pray about how you can help someone in need this week.

Pray:

Forgive me, Lord, for any preconceived notions I cherish about my resources. Everything I have comes from you. Everything I have belongs to you.

Next: Day 10 of 40

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Throughout the world, land is highly valued. Good locations, fertile land, mining rights—whatever the attraction, people will do what they can to get hold of it. Some governments and powerful business interests think nothing of driving people from their land, bulldozing houses and redrawing boundaries. Even traditional lands are taken from those who have looked after it for generations.

Victims of land loss are usually the poor who cannot afford fees to fight their case. Who will defend their rights? We see that such helpless people have a defender in God. Proverbs warns against moving the stones that mark the boundaries of ancient Israel. As in biblical accounts, a person’s next of kin may play a redeemer’s role by buying back family land that had been lost. Similarly, God often acts as a person’s redeemer—fighting on behalf of his family to regain what was lost. See Proverbs 23:10-11.

Reflect:

Why do you think the moving of an ancient boundary stone became an important piece of advice? When have you seen someone victimized by land loss?

Live it:

How can you find out more about dispossessed people in other lands and their needs? What do you do to show your respect for the environment and the property rights of others? Brainstorm with your family about ways you can help the homeless this week.

Pray:

Our Lord, I know that you defend the homeless and desire that the poor are given justice. May I be someone you can rely on to help make your desires a reality.

Next: Day 9 of 40

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