In Acts 27, Paul begins his journey to Rome by sailing through stormy seas. Though all hope seems lost, God promises Paul that he and the crew will survive...

This is true for everyone, from parents of families to presidents of nations… Here we see the king of a country killing out of fear and insecurity. And if a king can kill because of his compulsion concerning one man, are we capable of anything less? David and Saul both have scouts spying out their next steps. David finds out that the enemies are attacking his people and David goes to save them. King Saul finds out, and uses David’s devotion against him, to trap him...

So, just what is a martyr? The English definition implies someone who dies for a cause. However, the original meaning of the word martyr has a very different connotation.

James considered himself a servant of God - a “slave” of the most honorable position. He shares a revolutionary viewpoint centering on God’s perspective and not our own. James reveals how we are to view hardships when we are in them. God’s perspective, and God’s wisdom, allow us to see things with our eyes wide open - with trust, and ultimately, with joy.

David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his family heard, they all came and joined him. All of his brothers were AWOL from King Saul, and became fugitives like David! Why? Because they were there when Samuel anointed David to be King - and now, trusting God for the future, they united their hearts in hope! Many others knew that David was the only hope for the kingdom, so they committed and came to the cave as well. Those who were in distress and broken for their nation - they all came to the cave.

As we enter Acts 25, two years have passed since Paul was imprisoned under the rule of Felix. A new governor, Festus, has now come into power. At the urging of the Jewish leaders, Paul now stands before Festus in a fervent Q&A. Amazingly, Festus is so impressed by Paul...

In Acts 24, we find Tertullus, the prosecutor for the Jews, presenting prefabricated accusations against Paul that were no more fact than all of the flattery he was flinging at Felix, the Roman governor. But notice, after all of the prosecutor’s artificial adulation, Felix chooses not to question the apostle; the governor simply raises his hand unto Paul, and then gives him the floor...

In 1 Samuel 21, we see David at an all time low; he is faltering and failing in his faith. Later in his life, he will write of the value of waiting on God, trusting God, and seeking God's will; but for now, he is lying to priests and kings while fleeing in the face of fear. What is your greatest fear? With God you can find the strength to face it!