READ: 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies. - Psalm 18:1-2, NRSV
SERMON: I CALLED; GOD HEARD
Questions from Pastor Tankersley
1. The conditions within which the kingdom of God grows are not always supportive. There are enemies both within and without that are resistant to the good news. C. S. Lewis in MERE CHRISTIANITY, wrote that we live in "enemy occupied territory." How would you describe the condition of your own heart? Is your life receptive soil for the seed of God’s Word?
2. David was surrounded by his enemies and knew he needed help. Therefore, he called out to God for help. Do you remember a time in which you needed help and cried out? Did the heavens hear? How did God answer? Are you still waiting for the answer?
3. Could you write a paragraph personal story of salvation, of how God saved you, rescued you and brought you into a new place? If you have never done that, give it a try, begin a journal and keep track of your prayers and dialogue with God.
4. Read Laura Hillenbrand’s book, Unbroken. It's Louis Zamperini’s salvation story. How did God answer his prayer, “If you will save me, I will serve you forever.”
5. King David could remember many times in which he was delivered from his enemies. Read Psalm 18, how would you summarize David’s story?
6. Is there a Grand Story, a Meta-Narrative of Salvation, to which the Bible bears witness? Let me suggest three movements in this Grand Story: Paradise Created; Paradise Lost; Paradise Restored. Interpret this movement!
For Prayer
Make a gratitude list of all God's blessings of your life.
Take some time to give thanks for God’s blessings in your life.
