Lamentations 2 - 12.15.25

Scripture: Lamentations 2:13

What can I say for you?

With what can I compare you,

Daughter Jerusalem?

To what can I liken you,

that I may comfort you,

Virgin Daughter Zion?

Your wound is as deep as the sea.

Who can heal you?

Observation

Although the author of the book of Lamentations did not identify themselves, many scholars and theologians believed that it was the Prophet Jeremiah. The author was sharing their grief and sorrow to God. The southern kingdom of Judah was utterly destroyed by the Babylonians, and its capital Jerusalem was sieged. The kings and their royal families were stripped of their power and prestige. The Levitical priests were robbed of their authority and their duties for the nation’s sacrifices and atonement. The soldiers of Judah were defeated, and the rest of the population were under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. If they were not killed by the sword or by famine, they were taken into captivity and driven away from their home except for a small remnant of the poor to remain in a completely destroyed Jerusalem. Worst of all, the presence of God departed and the temple was destroyed.  In chapter 2 of Lamentations, the author describes the horrific events that took place in Jerusalem and what the people had to endure. The destruction of Jerusalem was due to the sins of the nation. The judgment of Jerusalem could be compared to the judgment of the previous nations that inhabited the land of Canaan. God’s promise to Abraham was also judgment for the Canaanites due to their sin. The Israelites were given time after time to repent of their sins, and now they were facing the wrath of God. During this time, it may have appeared that all hope was lost and forsaken, but God is always faithful to His promises. God was not going to allow His people to be destroyed completely. Hebrews 12:6 says that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Chapter 2 is a grim passage of scripture, but God can work and redeem His people through the toughest times.

Application

Everyone will face difficult times throughout life, whether it be from disobedience to God’s commandments, the evil of others, or just life in general. Regardless of the situation, we as believers know that we can turn to God and cry out to Him during our trials. We must remember that we serve a faithful God who loves us and will keep His promises. The Lord promised us eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ which brings us hope, peace, love and joy. Living a disobedient life of sin, that is without Christ, will lead one to captivity and destruction. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your Word. In 2 Timothy 3:16 the Apostle Paul tells Timothy that 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. I thank You for giving us countless examples of how to live a life that is pleasing to You. Holy Spirit, help me to remember Your words, and listen to those You have placed in my life to warn me about the punishments that come to those who disobey You. Lastly, guide me to also be a voice to warn others about living a life that is apart from You. Life without You will lead to sorrows and destruction, but I thank You for being a merciful God, full of love and compassion.

- Darrence Hamilton

Psalm 119 - 12.12.25

Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.

Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.

How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.

Observation:

This is a great how-to-guide for growing in your walk with God. This Psalm is an acrostic poem, divided into sections that begin with the same letter. First, we look to God and ask Him to teach us the “way” of His laws. This states more that just knowing what the law says but how to walk it out. Next, asking for understanding to keep the law so that they may obey and follow it with all their heart. Then, direct me, point me on the path to walk it out.

The next two lines begin with the word “turn.”  A turn gets you off the road you are on and onto another. They pray for God to turn their heart away from selfish gain and onto God’s statutes. Next, away from worthless things so that their life will be preserved. Finally they ask for a promise to be fulfilled so that God may be feared.  They express dreading disgrace and they know God is the one who can take it away.

Application:

I want to pray like this every day.  Following God’s Word will not happen automatically, I need to set my focus on Him and ask for His guidance and direction. I like that they prayed to turn away from selfish gain and worthless things.  It is easy to get distracted by something that appears urgent or demanding. I don’t want to “dread disgrace” or worry about what others think.  Doing God’s will keeps me on the right path.  Even if others don’t understand or ridicule me, God will preserve my life.  His ways are best!

Prayer:

Oh Lord, your ways are so marvelous.  You have a perfect plan for me.  It will include hardship and testing, but as I walk where you direct me, I will make it through.  May I focus on you each day seeking understanding of your Word,

Turn me off paths that will take me the wrong way.  Keep my focus off worthless things and onto glorifying you. Fix my eyes on you and help me to obey with all my heart. Thank you for how you lead me and supply all that I need. May I long to follow your precepts. Amen

- Cindy Howard

Acts 7. 12.11.25

SCRIPTURE

“But Stephen—FULL of the Holy Spirit—looked up to heaven—

and SAW the glory of God—and Jesus—standing at the right hand of God.

“Look,” he said, “I SEE heaven open—and

the Son of Man—Jesus—standing at the right hand of God.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭55‬-‭56‬ ‭NIV‬‬

OBSERVATION

Stephen had been arrested on trumped up charges. Some witnesses were persuaded to lie about what they had heard Stephen say about the Temple. Now Stephen is standing in front of the same Sanhedrin that Jesus stood in front.

Stephen could have been FILLED with Fear, doubt, or trembling.

His death seemed eminent. The accusations were false and the Judges were determined to do whatever was necessary to stop this “Jesus Movement”.

But Stephen was SO supernaturally FILLED with the Holy Spirit—that everyone—took notice of how is face was—glowing—as bright—as an angel’s.

“At this point EVERYONE in the high council STARED at Stephen—because his face became as BRIGHT as an angel’s.” (Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬)

Stephen became the first martyr for Christ and the Gospel—leaving a powerful example for us all to follow.

APPLICATION

When you spend time with Jesus—it SHOWS

I don’t want to Settle for anything less…

All we know about Stephen’s life and ministry is covered in two and half brief chapters in the book of Acts (Acts 6-8) yet God used his life and death to be the pivotal gateway in Spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem towards the Gentiles—Fulfilling Jesus Great Commission. The enemy was using the blinded Jewish Leaders to Martyr Stephen and squash the Gospel—instead it Propelled the Gospel and opened the door for one of its most ardent adversaries, Paul, to become a fully Transformed on fire—born again—Spirit Filled—Christ is my everything—Apostle.

Stephen was known as being well respected, Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. He was more than willing to take menial ministry work dispersing food to widows, yet scripture tells us he was so full of God’s favor and divine blessings that he did great wonders and signs and attesting miracles among the people. He was also given a special gift for understanding and explaining scripture in a way that no one could stand against—as God had given him divine inspiration. This was one gifted believer. And…he glowed. (Acts 6:8-10)

Believers who spend time with Jesus…have that special Glow. While Moses and Stephen are said to have had a special glow, there are other examples of God’s presence in believers lives such as Peter delivering his first sermon after being spirit filled and Daniel had a radiance in his god-given wisdom and understanding.

Last, Stephen saw Heaven opened up to Welcome him in and Jesus standing to greet him. What an amazing gift he was given to experience that vision before his death. Yet it speaks of the Future that every believer will get to experience when Jesus calls us home.

“Look,” he said, “I SEE heaven open—and

the Son of Man—Jesus—standing at the right hand of God.””

PRAYER

LORD Jesus,

Teach me how to Live for You like Stephen did. A man so full of Love and Full of Your Grace and Full of Your word. We cannot manufacture this. It only comes from You. Lord Jesus, change my heart to be more like You. Fill my heart with Your Love for all the things that You Love. Immerse me in Your Presence that others may SEE YOU in me. Give me an overwhelming Fear of Who You—so are that no other worry or doubt or fear will ever have place in my heart. You are an awesome God worthy of All my Praise. Be my First and Only Obsession.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tina L Kudelka