The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Micmash, east of Beth Aven. When the men of Israel saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the

He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings. " And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 1 Samuel 13:8-9 NIV

To understand what Saul is doing wrong here, you will need another scripture. In 1 Samuel 10:8 Samuel

Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 1 Samuel 13:10 NIV

Wouldn't you know it? Just as soon as Saul took things into his own hands, Samuel showed up!

Let me share with you a testimony of a time I didn't wait on God. I was having a difficult time financially as I began a new business. It was the

"What have you done?" asked Samuel. Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, I thought, `Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering." 1

"You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord's command."

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."

Mark 4:35 NIV

Over the next several posts I want to walk through a Scripture that has shaped my life over the years. I preached on this passage recently. You can listen or watch that message HERE. I intend to walk through this familiar passage verse by

Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. Mark 4:36 NIV

Well at least the disciples went, that's better than I have done at times. If you are following this series then you know that there have been times in my life where I followed Jesus closely and other times where I did

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Mark 4:37 NIV

Is that not the way normal life happens? One day you can be doing everything you know to do right, smooth sailing seems to be the forecast of the day, and then out of nowhere comes a furious squall. Has that ever happened to you? On days

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" Mark 4:38 NIV

I have been told that the stern is the strongest part of the boat. The Creator of the universe was asleep there. The One who was there when the waters were parted and Moses led the people through on dry

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39 NIV

Just like thatstorm over!

How many times have I underestimated the power and majesty of my Creator? How many times have I tried to do something in my own strength only to realize that His touch is really all

He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:40 NIV

I always find that verse interesting. These were the disciples. These guys had left everything to follow Him. Jesus gave them authority to cast out demons. I don't have that authority. These guys had a front row seat to all the best of Jesus'

They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Mark 4:41 NIV

That word "terrified" here is probably better translated "fear". It doesn't mean fear like to be afraid of something. It literally means of those startled by strange sights or occurrences; or of those struck with amazement; or to treat

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 1-3 NIV

If you have never met our good friend in the Bible

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. Philemon 4-5 NIV

Philemon had matured. He had become an active, vibrant member of the Christian community. At one time, Philemon was just a slave owner. He met Paul, and through his witness, he became a

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 6 NIV

Did you know that my brother once traveled literally around the world? Or that my sister was a wonderful decorator? Had you heard that I have two terrific boys? You would have heard these facts and

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 7 NIV

There has always be someone in my church who refreshes the saints. I don't always get to see them on Sundays, because we have different services and so many people, but I know they are there. If I have had an

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- Philemon 8-9 NIV

Philemon was a good Christian man. We don't know what he used to be like, but we know that when Paul writes this letter to him, he

I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. Philemon 10-11 NIV

Onesimus was once a slave. Apparently he wasn't a really good slave. In fact, it doesn't seem that he was even very useful to Philemon. In the days when slaves were

I am sending him--who is my very heart--back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. Philemon 12-13 NIV

I used to have a boss that, when you did something he perceived as wrong, would call you in, have you to stick your hand in a bucket of water, and then

But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Philemon 14 NIV

One of the most frequently asked questions this Bible teacher hears is why, if God knew we were going to sin, did God allow us to make choices which lead to sin? Why didn't He "program" us us to obey Him; force us

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good-- no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done

I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus,