Encouraging News From Yourself

There are times in life when the news just isn’t good. In this present age it would be easy to assume the seat of the scornful for on every television, in each telephone call, every piece of mail, every newspaper, on every radio - the news isn’t good.

Our nation is in the throes of a war unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The economy is on the verge of recession. Unemployment figures are their highest rate in years. We are slowly steaming to a police-enforced state. Airliners are flying half-empty. The President and his cabinet are in a state of alert. The Secretary of State and Defense warn us to prepare for another major terrorist attack.

So where can we go for some good news? Families are in disarray. Our institutions of learning are in upheaval. Our leaders are unable to give us factual information because it’s “classified.” And let’s not think about going to so-called loved ones - they have their own set of problems. They are struggling as much if not more than you are.

I have come to suggest that the person who can encourage you is sitting in your seat right now. However, that person has to be sensitive, strong, and spiritually-prepared to dispense spiritual information to the one who may need it most - yourself.

I know - some of us think that people are crazy when they speak to themselves. But it’s not really that strange at all......

If you can sing to yourself in the shower - you can encourage to yourself.

If you can talk out the numbers while you dial the phone - you can encourage to yourself.

If you can read a recipe out loud when you’re the only one in a kitchen - you can encourage yourself.

If you can add up money out loud when you’re trying to buy something - you can encourage yourself.

Our text finds David returning to his home base of Ziklag. He has just returned from a battle that Saul has commanded him to. There are no parades in David’s honor. There are no City-Hall receptions. There are no national proclamations or any songs written in his honor. He returns home after being in the thick of the battle.

The long-standing threat to the safety of Israel, Amalek and his armies had once again confronted elite forces led by David. However, in chapter 30, David did what Saul could not do. In Chapter 15, God wanted Saul to eliminate Amalek and his armies - but he could not do it. In Chapter 30, David does what Saul couldn’t do and then allowed him to recover everything Amalek stole from Israel.

That should say something to somebody here - everything that the Devil took from you, with God’s help you can get it back.

The Devil took your job - But God can help you get it back.

The Devil took your family - But God can help you get it back.

The Devil took your joy - But God can help you get it back.

The Devil took your pride - But God can help you get it back.

The Devil took your reputation - But God can help you get it back.

The Devil took your friends - But God can help you get it back.

The Devil took your health - But God can help you get it back.

The difference is that David used holy methods and Saul used unholy methods. Saul consulted with a medium - a “Miss Cleo” of his day. David consulted with God. Somebody here by now ought to understand that its dangerous and a waste of time to consult a medium or to hang out with “Miss Cleo.”

Where was Miss Cleo when your heart got broken?

Where was Miss Cleo when you go into your car accident?

Where was Miss Cleo on September 10th ?

Where was Miss Cleo on September 10th in Boston?

Where was Miss Cleo on September 10th in New York City?

Where was Miss Cleo on September 10th in Washington, DC ?

Where was Miss Cleo on September 10th in Pennsylvania?

I don’t know about you - but it’s a good thing to trust in the Lord. It’s a good thing to rely upon Him. It’s a good thing to cast all your cares upon Him.

When David and his weary troops return to Ziklag, he discovers that the enemy, the Amalekites, have already been at their home base of operations. Although they were on the field of battle - the enemy was working at home.

Somebody here understands this principle. When you give God your best at church - the Devil will beat you home. When you praise God in the Sanctuary - the Devil will work on your husband. When you lift up holy hands in the Worship - the Devil will work on your children. When you shout at church, the Devil is working on your parent. And when you get home, you can almost sense that the Devil’s been busy.