Category: Bible Study

My kitchen is filled with staples!

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines this type of staple in the noun category:

b:something having widespread and constant use or appeal

c: the sustaining or principal element : substance

As I prepare meals, I’m in constant demand for bread, milk, salt, oil. When I’m running low on a staple, I need to add it to my grocery list because it’s difficult, if not impossible, to cook and bake without any one of these sustaining substances.

Summon your power, O God; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.

Psalm 68:28

To consider the power of God is amazing!

It’s awesome!

Psalm 68:28 has been a “staple” to me! I’m in constant demand for it; it sustains me; it is my substance! When I recognize my need for God — to heal or to intervene as only He can; when I don’t know what to do; how to pray; or even if God is listening, I pray this verse. It reminds me of amazing, awesome power of God. And at the same time, I am asking God to show me that power.

I wonder how and why He has to summon it! Does He summon forth His Holy Spirit? Does He summon the angels to work?

1) The first part of our Bible Study is to study that power – a) What, how, why, when, or from where, does He summon His power? b) Whatdo we learn in the Bible about God summoning or calling about His power?

2) Next, let’s consider how he shows His strength (“show us your strength, O God, as you have done before“). a) What has God done in your life that has shown you His strength? and b) What do we learn in the Bible about God’s strength?

Please post your comments / replies to this post. Add throughout the week. Respond to other’s postings. We’ll conclude this study on Wednesday, January 16. (I’m expecting great things on that day – will share more about that later!)

Let’s study the Word together because . . .

“. . . the righteousness that is by faith says . . . The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart. . . that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming.” (Romans 10:6-8)

Wow! In our brief study of Romans 5: 1-5, I was overwhelmed by what God taught me through His Word and my study partners. How can we rejoice in suffering? I’ve gleaned from these honest ladies, and I’d like to share it with you:

Amy commented, “It really is JOY. Is it the happy, skipping, life is wonderful, kind of joy? NO. But.. It is the incredible joy of having that intimate, deep, dependence on, and relationship with HIM. When nothing makes sense . . .  when all is dark . . . when all seems lost . . . that’s when His light of peace and JOY penetrate your soul. Yes indeed, there is joy in suffering. The wonderful, incredible joy of holding hands, and being held by our Great, Loving, Compassionate Father.”

So the joy isn’t in suffering – the joy is in having Him so near.

Deb openly confessed from the depths of her heart, “I’m not rejoicing in my sufferings – I’m still waiting to rejoice.”

Why is it worth the wait? Why is it worth the suffering? Because of the end result.

Our passage shows the steps it takes: suffering > perseverance > character > hope.

The end result is hope!

Please read Deb and Amy’s comments in full – see the Bible Study posting, “Rejoice in Suffering? How?”

And  look for our next brief, online Bible Study soon. “The Word is near you. It’s in your mouth and in your heart.” (Romans 10)