Ignite 365: 14 of 365

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

Psalms and Wisdom Literature: Psalm 13

How Long, O Lord?
This is another cry from David consisting of the problem, his petition, and his praise. In the first stanza, four times he repeated the phrase "How long..." showing his great emotions feeling that the Lord had been so distant to him. This must be the time when King Saul was pursuing David trying to kill him. From one cave to another, David hid himself and his troop, fearing for his life and his crew's.

It is quite interesting that the next part of this psalm was a petition, appealing unto the Lord for help. It must be noticed that David did not rely on his own strength and skills to endure those hardships. After pouring out his emotions unto the Lord, he then sought for God's answer.

It must be noticed now that the last part became a stanza of praises. David, after pouring it all out unto the Lord, sought the Lord, and praised God afterwards (that is even though he was still in danger hiding in various caves). How great David's faith must have been!

What we can learn from David is that though it seems God is so distant and silent, we can always cry unto Him for help.


Pentateuch and History of Israel: Genesis 14

Abram Rescues Lot and Abram Blessed by Melchizedek
There was a time when the region where Lot lived were attacked. They were taken captive. When Abram learned about it, he immediately went with his "Rescue Team". The team was composed of 318 men. Imagine 318 men against numerous troops! But God was with Abram, and Abram succeeded. Then Melchizedek, King of Salem, blessed Abram. It must be noted that Melchizedek was priest of the Lord. Also, it was after this blessing that Abram gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek.


Chronicles and Prophets: 1 Chronicles 14

David's Wives and Children
This is the list of David's sons, and it must be noted that Nathan and Solomon are in the list, from whom Mary and Joseph will come from.

Philistines Defeated
One thing that is so consistent with David is that he inquired of the Lord before he went to any war. He asked "What should I do, Lord?", and God would answer back. How sweet their conversation must have been!

I believe God is the same God from the past. Like David, we can talk to Him and pour out our hearts, and God is listening. Just like what David did in Psalm 13.


Gospels and Epistles: Luke 8:22–56

Jesus Calms a Storm
This is where the disciples were rebuked for being of little faith. They panicked and thought of even dying, not even thinking that Jesus was just right there with them.

Most of the times, we are like the disciples. When things don't go as we planned, we panic and worry. Jesus asks, "Where is your faith?", then calms the storm.

Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon
It is weird that the men of the village feared Jesus with the disciples to the point of casting them away from the village. That was after Jesus healed this man who used to be possessed by a "Legion". A man who was running around like crazy, was turned to a calm man. Instead of giving glory to God for the miracle that happened and putting their faith on Jesus, they made the exact opposite - turn away from Jesus.

Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter
On both accounts (a woman who had 12 years of bleeding and a 12-year-old daughter who was dying), healing came because of faith - faith on Jesus Christ alone.


© 2014 Erickson Ibana

Image can be found at http://www.stevehackman.net/typhoon-usagi-calming-the-storms-in-our-lives-and-others/