How to Treat Your Enemies

 Pastor’s Pen…

It's been said just that the real test of your godliness is not how you treat your friends, but how you treat your enemies. In light of Matthew 5:44-48, this is a biblical concept.


Two incidents in David's life demonstrate that he had a handle on how to deal with his enemy. In both situations his life was at risk. Yet each time David demonstrated love and respect for his enemy, Saul. And each time God protected David.



These two incidents are found in the context of 1 Samuel 23, a chapter where David returns to spiritual sanity. He consults God about the Philistine attack on Keilah and gains a great victory. (1-6) Then when Saul launches an attack, He again consults God about what to do. Although chased by Saul, he is protected by God and encouraged by his friend Jonathan. Despite daily pressure from his persistent enemy, David returns to trust in his powerful God.


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)




“How to Treat Your Enemies”                                                                                1 Samuel 24:1-22                                                                                          

  • Opportunity #1 (Ch. 24)
  • The setting (1-4) 
  • David’s response (5-15)
  • Saul’s reaction (16-22)
  • Opportunity #2 (Chapter 26)  
  • The setting (1-3)
  • David’s response (4-16)
  • Saul’s reaction (17-25)

Lessons for us 

  • Love our enemy (Matt. 5:43-48)
  • Don’t seek vengeance (Romans 12:
  • Treat God’s anointed with care 
  • Develop a sensitive conscience
  • Don’t succumb to the pressure of others 
  • Be wise as serpents; harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16)
  • Remember—God is sovereign—trust Him!

*******


Prayer items: 


Pray for a full recovery for Kay Holley following knee replacement surgery


The Erickson family 


Katie, (Craig’s daughter) battling cancer


Donna Hancock, facing spinal surgery Nov. 10

Barbara’s nephew and wife: she’s in ICU, they are losing their house

Dennis Ramsey’s mother is battling two cancers plus other health issues. Pray also for Kim, who is recovering an outpatient procedure

Jim’s sister Sherry, and friend Sam Smith

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

                                                             *******

RADIO THIS EVENING: The Coronavirus pandemic, economic chaos, limited social interaction and the upcoming election have generated a great deal of anxiety, fear and confusion. How should God’s people respond? With prayer. 

This weekend on Encouragement Live, Dr. Glenn Cook, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Fate, Texas, will join us to discuss the role of prayer in dealing with the issues before us. We will also take time to pray with and for callers. 

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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