Notes from my Bible Study for January 14, 2010

Passages Read: Psalm 13, Genesis 14, 1 Chronicles 14, Luke 8:22‐56

Psalm 13 - Years ago, DC Talk recorded a song entitled, The Hard Way. It was a song that dealt with the stubbornness of some of us when it came to what God wanted to teach us. Aren't you glad that God loves even stubborn people?

In Psalm 13:5 David writes, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."

No matter what we do, no matter what our past, no matter what we will do in the future; God's love for us remains steadfast.

As a pastor, I talk to so many hurting people. Not a week goes by where I am not in conversations with people who feel like their entire world is crashing. The good news is, God knows. He knows right where you are. He knows where you have been. He knows right where you will be. And, His love for you remains steadfast.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone in our lives loved us with that type of love? Without God, that type of love is impossible. The best friendships, the best marriages, the best parent/child relationships, the best jobs are all impacted by love that doesn't remain steadfast.

If God has called us to be like Him, and if His love is steadfast, then by His power, we too can show this kind of love.

So, let's stop learning the hard way. Let's stop running in every direction but the direction that will lead to fulfillment. Run to God's open arms. Let your hear rejoice in His salvation. And, show that type of love to others.



Genesis 14 - This is an interesting chapter as Abram shows himself to be dependent upon God and God alone for his provisions. I have always been fascinated by Melchizedek, King of Salem. Some scholars believe that Salem is short for Jerusalem, and that Melchizedek was actually an early high priest/king of Jerusalem. He shows himself to be righteous as he blesses Abram.

Abram rejects the King of Sodom's suggestion that Abram take the goods from the peoples that were just defeated in battle; showing that God alone is where his provision comes from.

1 Chronicles 14 - We learn a lot about why David was so blessed by God as a leader in 1 Chronicles 14. Before entering into battle with the dreaded Philistines, David sought God. Verse ten tells us that "David inquired of God, 'Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?' And the Lord said to him, 'Go up, and I will give them into your hand.'"

This was one of the most important battles of his early monarchy. And, David refused to go to battle with the enemy before first doing battle on his knees before God.

God did give him the victory of the Philistines. But, the Philistines were a mighty adversary. So, the Philistines now go on another raid against Israel. David again goes to God to inquire if he should go to battle. God again answers that he should.

Verses 16-17 show us the results of David's obedience to God.

16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.

Luke 8:22-56 - The power of Jesus is so evident in Luke 8:22-56. In verses 22-25 we read an account of Jesus calming a storm. In a boat, with His disciples, Jesus is sound asleep. A enormous storm comes. On this boat are some veteran fishermen. Even they are afraid at this storm. So, they awaken Jesus. (Interesting how the humanity of Jesus is shown here. Jesus got tired. So tired, that he could sleep through a ferocious storm.)

Jesus responds by rebuking the wind and the raging waves. The Bible simply states that they ceased and there was a calm. Jesus then looks at the disciples and says, "Where is your faith?"

I love the response of the disciples, "Who is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"

Later on in the chapter Jesus heals a man from demons and the crowd is blown away. Then he heals a woman and Jairus' daughter. There can be no doubt that Jesus is the Christ.

So, where is your faith today? Is it in yourself, in others, or in God? Place it in Jesus today.