Good morning and welcome. Today is
Wednesday, and while we have no camel to represent it being hump day, we do have Lil Miss Biscuit laying in my lap with her stomach making all kinds of noises because she shared my breakfast and probably shouldn't have. I know how to say no, but, saying no to Lil Miss Biscuit just seems so unnecessary. Ha! It is
January 7, 2026, and, we celebrate our Madelyn Joy, our first Great Grand who is 16 today. Wow! I can hear Willie Nelson in the background, "Ain't it funny how time slips away." She is a talented young lady and we pray God's blessings on her today. We also recognize the birthday of our nephew, Darrin Rawles, a truly outstanding Christ follower, and son of the wife's brother Cleon who at 89 took his flight into eternity last year. Darrin exemplifies the character and testimony that we all hope for as we pass down the baton to the next generation. Praying for Madi and Darrin today.
Okay. Yesterday, I was indicating how faithful some people are in the most menial of service to the Lord. The good news? Nothing escapes His seeing and He will deal with it all in due time. The example I had in mind was the incident recorded in 1st Samuel Chapter 30. I was a little surprised at how Google AI presented this passage, but, I found it to clearly represent what I wanted to share:
"Staying by the stuff" is a biblical phrase from 1 Samuel 30, meaning
to guard the supplies or baggage while others go into battle,
signifying that those in supporting roles (like logistics, home front)
share equally in rewards with those on the front lines, emphasizing
faithfulness, perseverance, and the importance of every role in a larger
effort. It's a metaphor for remaining steadfast in one's duties, even
when they seem less glamorous, and trusting that God values all faithful
service.
Origin & Meaning:
- 1 Samuel 30:
King David's forces were attacked, and many men were exhausted. David
decreed that those who stayed behind to guard the supplies (the "stuff")
would share the spoils equally with those who went to battle,
establishing a principle of shared reward for different roles.
"The Stuff":
Refers to equipment, baggage, supplies, or resources that support the
main effort, but can also metaphorically mean one's responsibilities,
faith, or community.
Figurative Interpretations:
- Faithful Support:
It's a call to be faithful in less visible roles, like administration,
caregiving, or maintaining the home, recognizing their vital
contribution.
- Perseverance: It encourages not giving up when weary, but to "stay put" and remain faithful, trusting in the larger goal.
- Equal Value:
God sees the importance of every role, whether on the "battlefield" or
"by the stuff," and promises equal reward for faithfulness.
In essence, "staying by the stuff" means:
- Don't quit: Even if you're tired, your role matters.
- Guard resources: Protect what's essential for the mission.
Share the victory: All faithful service contributes to the win.
Here's a photo I took yesterday of The Dog. She did such a great job over the holiday period when we had so many folks in and out of our home. Sure. She can get so excited she goes a wee bit crazy, but, she does love people and little people too. That works better if you are making family photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus in your home. Right? I actually shared the photo mostly because we have a lot of folks out there who love their pets and in particular, love their dogs. I have nothing to say about cats and I really am not looking to learn much about them. Now it is on to me trying to figure out what version of 'Staying by the stuff' that I should be watching over. You have yours, I have mine. May God help us all to find ourselves busy in honoring Him as demonstrated in our loving and serving others.
Amen.
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