The Person God Wants

 Pastor’s Pen…

Of all the figures who crossed the stage of Old Testament history, it is the many sided David we see most clearly in triumph and tragedy, and faith and failure. Of the initial time we meet him when Samuel visited his home in Bethlehem, throughout the course of 50 years, high drama was never absent from his life. David's name is mentioned over 1000 times, more than that of any other biblical character-- more than Abraham, more than Moses-- even more references to David then to Jesus. He is frequently mentioned in the New Testament, and an in-depth study of his life will provide us with valuable lessons in terms of what it takes to please God today.

 

 If you haven’t already done so, let me encourage you to read from 1 Samuel 13 through the rest of that book, through 2 Samuel and the first two chapters of 1 Kings. By doing so you will have gained an overview of the entire life of David, and will be well prepared for our series. 

 

As always, thanks to all who help sanitize our facilities for services each Saturday morning in preparation for Sunday worship. Also, to those who make it possible for us to ‘live-stream’  on Facebook at 10:45 each Sunday morning, and to post each message on our website (www.fccwylie.org) each Sunday afternoon. 

 

If you haven't come out to worship with us recently, we sure love to have you! We continue to hold our Sunday services with all safety protocols and pre-service sanitizing in place. No Sunday school yet, and the nursery is not available.  We will continue following the protocols as outlined by GA-18 guidance.  Face masks, social distancing, no physical contact. We use bulletins printed untouched by human hands, with songs, etc. printed therein, and pre-packaged communion elements. Offering plates are located at the rear, or giving can be done online at www.fccwylie.org.

 

If you still feel uncomfortable attending, feel free to join our live stream on Facebook, at 10:45 AM, which includes communion and the worship hymns. Or the message is available each Sunday afternoon on our website. (www.fccwylie.org)

 

“The Person God Wants”                                                                                      1 Samuel 13:1-15

 

Saul had reigned as king for two years when his kingdom began unraveling. The issues were simple: impatience and disobedience. But before we examine our text, let's think about David's career.

 

            He was a shepherd

 

            He was a musician and poet

 

            He was a warrior

 

            He was a king

            He was a failure

 

            He was a man of God

 

Now to our text, 1 Samuel 13…

 

I.               The terrifying battle with the Philistines (1-7)

 

II.             The frustrating delay of Samuel (8)

 

III.            The rash action of Saul (9)

 

IV.           The stern rebuke of Samuel (10-14a)

 

V.             The ultimate quality God seeks (14b)

 

a.     God is interested in the heart above all else

 

b.    What is the evidence of a heart that is right with God?

 

                                               i.     The Lord is with him (16:18b)

 

                                             ii.     Full obedience (Acts 13:22)

 

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Prayer items: 

 

Continue praying for Barbara’s step-daughter Angie and three children in the loss of Angie’s husband. Also her neighbor has tested negative and is home from the hospital.

Melvin Graham is in ICU. Steve Michaels is on hospice care. Evelyn Henderson has a broken back. Also, pray for Greta Cramer

Bobby and his family, especially his cousin re: a job

Kim Ramsey would appreciate our prayers for her health and her son Kevin

Jim Casteel requested continued prayer for Judy Moblee, recovering from heart surgery

Feel free to contact me with urgent prayer requests, and I will include them in my weekly ‘Pastor’s Pen’ texts

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RADIO THIS EVENING: RADIO THIS EVENING: One of the most difficult consequences of the coronavirus has been the need to shelter in place. It has impacted everything from the economy to education to the family and the church. From his decades of ministry experience author and evangelist Josh McDowell joins me to address this issue and answer listener questions with encouragement and insight. 

Encouragement Live can be heard at 7:05 PM central time on American Family Radio (www.afr.net) and on theworshipchannel.org. A replay airs Sunday at 9:00 PM central time on theworshipchannel.org. 

May our Savior’s grace and peace continue to encourage you as you trust in Him during these challenging times.

Don Hawkins, D. Min.                                                                                                                          Interim Pastor