Nahum 3

ScriptureNahum 3:19Nothing can heal you;
    your wound is fatal.
All who hear the news about you
    clap their hands at your fall,
for who has not felt
    your endless cruelty? Observation - What does it say?The prophet Nahum declares the coming destruction of Nineveh, the great capitol of Assyria. It will be a complete destruction, and no one will pity them. Why? Because the world around them suffered at the hands of the Assyrians. The destruction of Nineveh, to the rest of the world, was the destruction of their oppressors – their enemies.The Assyrians were notoriously barbaric, killing all in their path. They would pile the skulls at the entrance to the cities as a sign to any who came by that the Assyrians had been there. They would plundering all the city had that was valuable and burn the rest. They were ruthless and like the prophet said, “…who has not felt your endless cruelty?” Understanding - What does it mean?You reap what you sow!King David found himself deeply troubled when he observed the prosperity of the wicked in his day. He wrote this (Psalm 73):¹² This is what the wicked are like—
    always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.¹³ Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
    and have washed my hands in innocence.
¹⁴ All day long I have been afflicted,
    and every morning brings new punishments.He was deeply troubled. It had appeared that you don’t reap what you sow! Righteous are suffering and the wicked are without trouble. But then God gave him revelation…¹⁹ How suddenly are they destroyed,
    completely swept away by terrors!Although the wicked may prosper for a time, they will eventually reap the destruction they’ve sown. And, thought the righteous may suffer for a time, they will eventually reap eternal life if they don’t give up!

The Apostle Paul reminded the Christians of his day, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”  (Galatians 6:7)

 Life ApplicationWhat are you sowing?

Am I sowing wickedness or righteousness? Am I sowing faith or doubt? Am I sowing for my own benefit or the benefit of others? Am I sowing in prayer or in gossip?

We are always sowing. And I’m reminded that if it doesn’t have to do with loving God or loving others, I’m not going to like the harvest.

God, may we learn from the Assyrians that we will never get away with evil. Purify us your people that we may shine bright like stars in the universe, showing the world what you’re like. May we be intentional to sow love and righteousness. We rejoice that although we may suffer for a time, we will receive a glory that far outweighs the suffering. Amen.

 

- Levi Thompson

 

Acts__26

Scripture  

Acts 26:28-29  Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”  And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”

Observation-What does it say?  

Paul is sitting before King Agrippa, as part of his appeals process.  He is slated to go to Rome, to be heard by the Cesar himself, but before he goes, Governor Festus and Agrippa want to hear his story.  Paul expounds on his life as a pharisee, his attack on Christians, and his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus.  He goes on to tell them that, through his extensive knowledge of the scriptures, he could not deny that Jesus was in fact the Messiah.  As they were listening, they were trying decide what notification they were going to give to the Cesar as to why he is appealing his case.  Both Festus and Agrippa agree that the Jews have no case to hold Paul.  During Paul’s testimony, Agrippa is apparently deeply affected by  his words.

Understanding-What does it mean?  

We all know that one guy, whether it’s at work or just an acquaintance, who is totally committed to whatever he is doing for about six months to a year and then onto the next thing.  Whether it’s mountain biking, or surfing, or snow boarding, it’s all you ever hear about from that guy for a period of time.  He gets all the right gear, spends a ton of money, and apparently masters the skill.  And what’s worse, he gets you interested in it too.  And now you have a new snow board, boots, pants, jacket, helmet, glove, an industrial tuning station in your garage, and you can barely make your way down the bunny slope.  Before you know it, your buddy is onto a new sport and you have just spent your life savings on a sport that you don’t really like that much, but are too committed to quit.

Paul is like that guy, except he takes it to the end.  He never lost interest, or moved onto something else, leaving his friends in the wake of a bored hobby.  Paul is the epitome of a true believer.  He takes the cause to the end, knowing that there is more left to the story.  Paul has the innate sense that he is part of something much bigger than himself.  He has tapped into that source that we are all looking for, and found his purpose.  Like the other apostles, his sense of resolve will carry him to lengths that would be unimaginable to most.  

Life Application  

Jesus, I want to know you and experience you like Paul.  I know that this means I must commit myself to taking the time to come to you and to hear your voice.  I must listen through constant time in your word and prayer.  Help me to have the resolve to overcome my weaknesses and to place my trust in you. 

-Tyler Galloway

Psalm 19

Scripture  Psalm 19:7-10 

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.  The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Observation-What does it say?  This psalm is another attributed to the man after God’s heart, King David.  The psalm is written in praise of the goodness of God’s law, which is pure and clean, bringing joy and wisdom, instruction and enlightenment to our souls.  David highlights the seemingly contrasting nature of God and his wisdom, to the world’s view of wisdom and knowledge.  The simple, or childlike, are made wise.  Rules and discipline are not intended to hinder, but to bring joy.  David had the same view of God’s words, which was later expressed by Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Understanding-What does it mean?  I had lunch with an old friend recently, someone who I have been close with for more than half my life.  He’s one of my closest friends, whom I can trust to be both good company and wise counsel, even when we go through times that our schedules prevent us from getting together.  As we caught up over a bike ride and lunch, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated and excited about life.  I was able to gain perspective on the problems that I was having and we could rejoice over the good things going on in our lives.  Almost anytime I get to spend time with old friends, I am surprised at the feeling of refreshing I get.  Proverbs 25:13 says these words are like a drink of cool water, “Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.” If the word of a friend is so refreshing, how much more so are the words of our creator?  God’s words and laws bring us the life and fulfillment we are looking for.  But, when we go through times that are trying and grow our faith, what do we fall back on?  If we fall back on the word of God, we will be refreshed and find life.  How do you know God's words unless we read them?  When we read and remember His words, then we can fall back on them.   6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Life Application  Jesus help me to remember your words more readily.  Words like those spoken through Paul, when he reminded us we can do all things through Your strength (Philippians 4:13), and that you work out all things for our good (Romans 8:28).  Help me to spread the refreshing of Your words with my family and friends.  Fill me with joy to sing of Your kindness and mercy.-Tyler Galloway