Self pity is a form of selfishness that isolates us and turns our focus completely inward. It's a debilitating sin that cripples us to the point that we almost can't function. Whether our problems are real or imagined, makes virtually no difference. We can fall into self pity just from fretting about the future, which hasn't even happened yet! In today's study, Pastor Mark gives us the antidote for this spiritual sickness through the example of David. Although he was being pursued and hounded by Saul, he refused to wallow in the mire of “woe is me”. Instead, he trusted God to direct his steps, and reached out to help others at great personal risk.

David was a simple shepherd when God called him to be king. He had no experience in leading people. He had never held any public office. And he was unfamiliar with many of the pitfalls of greatness. But as Pastor Mark points out, David loved God supremely, so God could lead him through the experiences that would prepare him to take the throne of Israel. David knew that God had called him, and so was willing to complete his “training” without becoming impatient. Has God given you a vision of service you do not yet feel qualified for? Perhaps many of the hardships and perplexing situations you find yourself in, are part of God's preparation.

David was a simple shepherd when God called him to be king. He had no experience in leading people. He had never held any public office. And he was unfamiliar with many of the pitfalls of greatness. But as Pastor Mark points out, David loved God supremely, so God could lead him through the experiences that would prepare him to take the throne of Israel. David knew that God had called him, and so was willing to complete his “training” without becoming impatient. Has God given you a vision of service you do not yet feel qualified for? Perhaps many of the hardships and perplexing situations you find yourself in, are part of God's preparation.

Pastor Mark's annual prophecy update.

Pastor Mark's annual prophecy update.

King Saul became insanely jealous of David and fearful that he would take the kingdom from him. He saw how much the people loved David and how they were beginning to give him higher praise than they gave to Saul. But as Pastor Mark illustrates in today's teaching, Saul's fears were really a product of his own lack of faithfulness to God. It was his sins and his selfish decisions that made him become paranoid, not only about David, but others as well. When we give sin the dominant place in our lives, we lose the peace and power that faithful obedience brings. Yet David retained his integrity and made wise decisions when dealing with Saul.

King Saul became insanely jealous of David and fearful that he would take the kingdom from him. He saw how much the people loved David and how they were beginning to give him higher praise than they gave to Saul. But as Pastor Mark illustrates in today's teaching, Saul's fears were really a product of his own lack of faithfulness to God. It was his sins and his selfish decisions that made him become paranoid, not only about David, but others as well. When we give sin the dominant place in our lives, we lose the peace and power that faithful obedience brings. Yet David retained his integrity and made wise decisions when dealing with Saul.

When David went out to confront Goliath, he answered the giant's taunts with forceful and confident promises to destroy him. Where did this come from? Was David so arrogant and filled with pride that he thought he could win by his own strength? As Pastor Mark makes clear to us in today's study, David's confidence was in God, not himself. Furthermore, David's anger at the Philistine's impudence toward the God of Israel was not something that he could allow to go unanswered. And He knew God would fight for him. David was in God's will, doing God's work, and he knew that because of that, God would defeat the enemy.

When David went out to confront Goliath, he answered the giant's taunts with forceful and confident promises to destroy him. Where did this come from? Was David so arrogant and filled with pride that he thought he could win by his own strength? As Pastor Mark makes clear to us in today's study, David's confidence was in God, not himself. Furthermore, David's anger at the Philistine's impudence toward the God of Israel was not something that he could allow to go unanswered. And He knew God would fight for him. David was in God's will, doing God's work, and he knew that because of that, God would defeat the enemy.

Pastor Mark's Wednesday evening teachings will give us an overview of God's Word from Genesis to Revelation. Tonight, Pastor Mark continues in the book of Joshua.