* The path to blessing is through giving.

* The more you give the more you get.

* God made you to be a conduit, not a cul-de-sac.

* God gives to you so you can give to others (like an apple tree).

* Proverbs 18:16 - “A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”

* Backstory - David’s dad sent him to Saul with gifts for the king.

* He saw how this worked to put him in good graces with the king.

* Now, David is fighting a battle w/his men (it was with the Philistines).

* The Philistine leaders didn’t trust him and his men so they sent them home.

* When he comes back the city it was burned and their families taken.

* They take off in pursuit and defeat the Amalekites who took them.

* As a result, he ended up with the spoils of war.

* Three things he did:

* 1) He handed down - He shared it with those who didn’t fight. (Vs 21-24)

* Every position in the battle is valuable (those who guard the luggage).

* His focus was not on those who didn’t fight but on the God who brought him victory in the fight.

* This also shows how you should help those in need.

* 2) He handed out - He gave a gift to the leaders of Judah. (Vs 26)

* The best feeling is when your friends can be blessed by the blessings God has entrusted to you.

* 3) He handed up - He gave to God.

* David’s life was patterned after giving to God through tithes, offerings, and gifts.

* When you give like David, look what happens - David became king of Judah and Israel.

* 2 Samuel 2:4 - After Saul died, some time later …”the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.”

* The greatest gift you can give is yourself.