Romans__1
Scripture - What stood out?Romans 1
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Observation - What does it say?In chapter one of Romans, Paul introduces himself and expresses his desire to go and visit the church. The second half of this letter is Paul’s description of what it means to be “unrighteous” in relation to God. Understanding - What does it mean?The phrase that really stood out to me was the second half verse 25, …”and served the creature rather than the Creator…” It just made me feel sheepish immediately. Like, yikes that’s a pretty major oversight. I ended up reading both verses several times because I felt like it gave such insight into the human condition. Hearts of impurity. Dishonoring our bodies. Worshipping creature over creator. All are results of believing a lie instead of God’s truth. I have just begun to scratch the surface in understanding how important truth is. In the 90’s the tv show the X-Files gave me a nudge towards the truth, just not in any biblical sense. Decades later I found that I didn’t have to look very far at all. God’s truth was here all along. I had lost so much time worshipping and serving creature rather than Creator. Because I refused to exchange - i refused to let go of my lie - in exchange for God’s truth. Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?Lord I pray for all who are lost in deception. May they see Your truth today. Right now. I am a follower of yours already but I pray that you reveal to me an area of my life where I am serving creature rather than Creator. Expose this lie to the light of Your truth. Help me to make the exchange. And by Your Truth may I continue to be set free. In the name of Jesus do I pray. Amen. -kenneth lee
Psalm 22
Scripture
Psalms 22:2-5
“Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.”
Observation-What does it say?
David writes this psalm in the midst of being under constant attack from his surrounding enemies. He is constantly crying out to God for help, but he is getting no response. David finds comfort remembering how much he already has overcome because of God. David remembers how his ancestors trusted God, and God rescued them. David trusts that God is holy and just. David stands on God’s promises to His people, knowing of God’s unfailing love.
Understanding-What does it mean?
In God we trust.
David was being put through a crucible in life. He was under constant scrutiny and attacks. His life was in constant danger. David called out to God for help, but it seemed God didn’t answer. What was David’s response? He trusted God. He remembered all the things God had gotten him and his people through. He is anticipating God’s mighty hand to rescue him once more. David vows to God that he and his people will praise His name for generations to come because of His faithfulness.
How many of us have been in David’s shoes? We feel life closing in on us. We feel that God isn’t hearing our cries for help. How do we respond? Do we turn our backs on God? Do we have the attitude of “Fine, I’ll do it myself!”? Or do we respond the way David did?..(Trusting in God’s goodness and holiness). We must understand that God has a reason behind everything. We may not understand it, but we must trust in Him, and know that He is good. God may be using that situation to strengthen you/your faith, and using it to reveal His strength, power, and unfailing love when it’s all said and done.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Life Application
Stand firm in God’s promises and seek Him during life’s storms.
How can I know God’s promises for me? I must continue to read and study His Word (SOUL Journal). How can I seek Him during those difficult times? By spending time with Him in prayer and worship (PB&J-Prayer, Bible reading, and Journaling). Being a Christ Follower doesn’t exclude me from life’s hardships (look at David’s life). But I am encouraged knowing that God hears our cries and is always faithful to those who constantly seek Him. 
-Moses Gaddi
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!
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