avoiding the traps

It is now the end of Samuel’s life.
Things had not gone well, and that promising young man Saul had disappointed all of God’s people.
As Samuel entered his last years, he fell into the same traps that many seniors fall into.
Grieving for the past and mourning the good old days.
Fearing those whom he never feared before?
Judging people by their appearance?

Do we fall into the same traps that Sam did?
These are common responses for those of advanced years.

Sam had these feelings and fears. Yet he did not give in to them he obeyed the Lord and successfully completed his life’s work.
May we overcome these traps, just as Samuel did.
Don’t lose it now that you are so close to the finish line.

Pastor Wayne

filling in the blanks

To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

It was time for Saul to expand the kingdom of God.
It was time to put an end to the evil raiding of the Amalekites
And Saul was glad to do this for the Lord.

Saul obeyed the Lord
he destroyed the Amalekites
he defeated Agag.
He asked for forgiveness for his sins.
He worshipped the Lord at Gilgal.
Yet, the Lord was grieved that he had made Saul king over Israel.


Saul obeyed, but for his own glory.
Saul worshiped the Lord
but Sam had to finish Saul’s uncompleted deeds.
Samuel was faithful to God
in his rebuke of Saul
in his oversight of God’s command
in the putting to death of Agag

Will we be faithful when those around us put their comfort and glory ahead of God’s kingdom.

Or will we say I have done my share. I will not pick up the slack of others?
It may bring sadness
it may bring depression and grief.
But will we listen and obey?

Pastor Wayne

The art of waiting

There are times when God says “wait”
we may not know the reason why.
Perhaps it is to reveal that our faith has limits.
Perhaps it reveals a resentment of relying on God.
Perhaps someone else must learn to deal with suspense.

Saul did not wait for Samuel, or the Lord
He forgot Gideon – where God reduced the numbers to 300.
He did not need the help of mercenaries if God was with him.

Saul did not seek the heart of God but he chose to protect himself, and in doing so, he lost.

Who is your king? You or the Lord?
The threats are real - even sometimes by our own hand.
But it is God who chooses the number of defenders and the timing.

Will you trust your king?
If the Lord has promised victory, then wait for him.

Pastor Wayne

Anointing God's Replacement

The people had rejected Samuel and God. They demanded a king -- someone to lead them into battle and fight their battles for them.

Now Samuel is asked to facilitate their sin. To anoint a king.

Sometimes in life God asks us to let, or even help someone choose a different king. What do we do? How much do we protest, and how can we stop them?

The real question ends up -- Is He my king, and will I obey him, even tho I disagree?

God bless,

Pastor Wayne