Reading for today: I Samuel 30:16-25 and Ephesians 6:10-12

“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.” I Samuel 30:19

David’s reliance upon the Lord was greatly rewarded as God gave him and his men a great victory over the Amelekite army, seeing they were vastly outnumbered.  “David recovered all” that had been lost, and in addition, took a great spoil from the Amelekites.  David’s generous and unselfish heart is shown as he graciously shares the spoils with those left behind, as well as the inhabitants of the land. (vs.26-31)  In vivid contrast, the men that were with David wanted all the spoils for themselves, showing us how easily greed and selfishness can take over in our hearts.

Reading for today: I Samuel 30:11-15 and Ephesians 6:5-9

“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.” I Samuel 30:11

David’s “chance” meeting with the sick Egyptian man reminds us that God is truly Sovereign in man’s affairs.  The Lord allowed this young man to fall deathly sick for a season, only to find that this “trouble” in his life was to be used by the Lord to be a part of His plan for deliverance.  God can and will work all the circumstances in our lives for our good and His glory.

Reading for today: I Samuel 30:7-10 and Ephesians 6:4

“So David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I pursue this troop?’” I Samuel 30:8a

David not only encouraged himself in the LORD, he also knew to inquire of the LORD.  Praying and seeking God’s direction before we take action is crucial to knowing and doing the will of God, and experiencing true victory in our pursuits.  Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort!

Reading for today: I Samuel 30:1-6 and Ephesians 6:1-3

“Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep.” I Samuel 30:4

Ever had a day when everything went wrong?  This was probably David’s worst day ever.  His town burned to the ground, all the men’s wives and children taken captive; and on top of it all, David’s loyal men wanted to stone him!  Their grief was so intense that they wept until they had no more power to weep.  But David found the strength he so desperately needed as he “encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

Reading for today:  Matthew 2:19-23

“And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.’” Matt 2:23

It is clear that the Lord is looking out for the safety of His Son Jesus and His earthly parents Joseph and Mary.  He sent His angel to guide them to a safe place of dwelling. God has a master plan and He will never allow anything to stand in its way.  God looks out for us as well, whether it is at work, at school, or on vacation.  He protects and guides His children in everything that they do.  Whatever God has planned for me will take place, as long as I follow Him and do His will.

Randy Nelson
 

Reading for today: Matthew 2:1-12

“When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.” Matthew 2:9

The birth of Jesus was an amazing event.  King Herod wasn’t too thrilled to hear about the news.  Three astrologists went to Herod to find Baby Jesus in the East by a star.  Once they got there, they gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  In a dream they were told not to go back to their king and, oddly enough, they obeyed the dream.

Kayley Brault

Reading for today: Luke 2:7-20

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

The Lord came to this earth in a way that was truly humble and graceful.  He was laid in a manger for all to see.  Shepherds were sent to spread the news by an angel sent by God to spread the good news.  The Lord is ever graceful and humble; we must not forget how He was brought into this world – in a manger because there was no room in the inn.  The Lord is God and our Savior and will be with us always.

Matt Pinault

Reading for today: Luke 2:1-6

“…to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.”  Luke 2:5

Joseph stayed with Mary, even though she was with child before they were married.  He listened to God and had faith in Him through all they went through.

Kelsey Clayton

Reading for today: Luke 1:39-56

“…My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”
Luke 1:46b-47

We can clearly see in this verse Mary’s praise to God.  Imagine that… a young girl with no husband - not even old enough to be considered a woman in our society today.  An angel of the Lord came to her and spoke of the coming Savior.  He was to be her child.  Mary had been with no man, yet she believed the angel and trusted in God with her life.  Mary surrendered all she had for her child and her God.  Take time today and apply this to your own life.  Are you willing to let God take control?  Do you trust Jesus with every aspect of your life?

Laura Greska

Reading for today: Luke 1:26-38

“Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’”
 Luke 1:30

Gabriel came to Mary saying she has been blessed among woman.  Mary was probably not prepared for the news Gabriel was about to tell her, revealing God’s promise from the Old Testament of the Savior’s birth.  God might answer a prayer when you least expect it.  Mary was not expecting an angel from heaven telling her she was going to give birth to the Savior of the world.  God’s timing is everything.  We just need to trust in Him and always be prepared.

Michelle Mahoney