David Under Pressure

 Pastor’s Pen…

Several decades ago the television show mission and possible began each program with a silver haired man and a tape. Following the recorded message where the words, “This tape will self-destruct in 5 seconds!” 


That's actually where we find David in our text this morning-- he is just about to self-destruct. And this study is extremely important, because you and I could self-destruct the same way, when we find ourselves under pressure the way, David found himself in this passage.


It is doubtful whether anyone under the age of 30 had ever experienced all this young man, David, had been through. From my surprise anointing, to an incredible victory, to cheers from the nation, to angry rejection by the King, to a period of running for his life, David found his very existence threatened daily. (23:14) He had experienced a serious conflict, made the right decision, and then it seemed he was worse off than before! Have you ever been there? So he makes a decision that seems to lead to better circumstances; then the roof falls in!



*****

We appreciate those who help sanitize our facilities for services each Saturday morning in preparation for Sunday worship as well as those who make it possible for us to ‘live-stream’ on Facebook at 10:45 each Sunday morning, and to post each Sunday’s message on our website (www.fccwylie.org) on Sunday afternoons. 


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)




“David Under Pressure”                                                                                1 Samuel 27:1-14                                                                                            


  • David’s response to rejection (1-3)
  • He ran from pressure 
  • He wallowed in self-pity 
  • He failed to think straight 
  • He focused on himself, not God


  • The result of David's decision (4-7)  
  • Saul backed off his pursuit  
  • David is accepted by a king
  • His followers get a home

  • Day by day, men desert Saul to join David (1 Chronicles 12:22) 
  • The reaping begins (27:8ff)       
  • Callous acts of destruction
  • Trapped in a lie
  • On the wrong side of a battle 
  • Ruin at home (Ziklag)
  • The final result 
  • David returns to God 
  • David seeks God's direction 
  • David resumes walking with God 

Lessons for us 

  • Beware the cancer of self-pity 
  • Beware of losing perspective on God's plan for your life
  • Don’t assume outward prosperity proves you are walking with God 
  • Don’t take advantage of God's grace 
  • It’s never too late to turn back to God!



Prayer items: 


Our country following the election


Kay Holley continues recovery following knee replacement surgery


Robbie in rehab, needs our prayers


Bruce Moilan recovering from dental surgery


Dennis’ parents, Kim’s son and daughter-in-law


Bruce’s Uncle James; Betty’s friend Billie Henderson


Katie, (Craig’s daughter) battling cancer


Donna Hancock, facing spinal surgery Nov. 10

Pray for new mother, Lexie, to regain strength

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

                                                             *******

RADIO THIS Weekend: The airwaves are saturated with advertising about Medicare, and everyone seems to have questions. Medicare authority Calvin Sulak joins Don Hawkins with practical answers to Medicare questions, this weekend on Encouragement Live.

Encouragement Live can be heard Saturday at 7:05-8:00 PM in 90.5 FM (AFR), and on theworshipchannel.org. A rebroadcast can be heard 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

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