Adders and Subtractors

Daily Reading // Deuteronomy 20-22

(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)

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S // SCRIPTURE

Select a verse from today’s reading

Deuteronomy 20:8 (NKJV) “The officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart.’

O // OBSERVATION

Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text

In a typical military draft ‘the more the merrier’. Everyone who is capable must serve. The bigger the army the better.

But God says that’s not true. Some people actually reduce the effectiveness of an army. Someone in battle can have a negative effect on others who are fighting. You don’t want those people around.

When Gideon created his army he was instructed to use this principle. It greater reduced the number of his army but greatly increased their effectiveness.

A // APPLICATION

How can I apply this to my life today?

The same thing is true in life. Some people add by their presence. Other people subtract.

There are two good applications from this:

1- Be an Adder. Be one of those people who make others around them better.

2- Avoid Subtractors. Whenever possible, avoid people who, through their negative attitude, reduce your readiness for battle.

P // PRAYER

Express yourself in prayer

Father, Gove me wisdom to see how I can make others better. Amen.