SCRIPTURE
1 Chronicles 12:16-22 (NRSV)
Some Benjaminites and Judahites came to the stronghold to David. David went out to meet them and said to them, "If you have come to me in friendship, to help me, then my heart will be knit to you; but if you have come to betray me to my adversaries, though my hands have done no wrong, then may the God of our ancestors see and give judgment." Then the spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said,
"We are yours, O David;
and with you, O son of Jesse!
Peace, peace to you,
and peace to the one who helps you!
For your God is the one who helps you."
Then David received them, and made them officers of his troops.
Some of the Manassites deserted to David when he came with the Philistines for the battle against Saul. (Yet he did not help them, for the rulers of the Philistines took counsel and sent him away, saying, "He will desert to his master Saul at the cost of our heads.") As he went to Ziklag these Manassites deserted to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of the thousands in Manasseh. They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all warriors and commanders in the army. Indeed from day to day people kept coming to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.
DEVOTION
Today's scripture puts me in mind of the Bible verse, "If God be for you, who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31)
In David's day he needed a mighty army of warriors. In our day, God needs a mighty army, but not one armed with swords and shield, but with love, joy, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Just as Amasai and his men came to David pledging their allegiance, so too do we come to God with the promise to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The King of Love, sends us out to do battle with the forces of darkness--hatred, malice, fear. And we are not powerless against these adversaries, for Jesus lives inside of us and His Light overcomes the darkness (every single time).
Today, I pray that you will allow yourself to be used by God to show forth Love on this day. As you feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, love the unlovable, and forgive the unforgivable, God's Kingdom will come on earth as it is in Heaven.
I can't wait for that glad and glorious day when Jesus returns in all of His glory. But, in the meantime, we are called to be in service to the Kingdom of Love, as we share the good news that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!
In Christ, we will always be victorious!
Praise be to God!
Let us pray: Thank you God that we are able to overcome the darkness with your Light. Help us to love and serve others, as you have loved and served us. As we do, please advance your Kingdom until you come again. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL
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