Lamentations is a poetic summary of Jeremiah's longer work. Written largely as accrostic poetry, all chapters are in multiples of 22 verses, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Two chapters front and back, recount Judah's faithlessness, while a central chapter is all about God's grace.

Jeremiah ends with a summary of Jerusalem's demise. Only hundreds were left of a nation that once numbered in the millions. But there is a ray of hope at the end of the book as a former king of Judah is restored to honor. This brief foreshadowing shows that there is hope for God's people.

Luther called the epistle of James an "epistle of straw." He resisted its strong tone in tying together works and righteousness. Despite Luther's reservations, we appreciate James as a necessary antidote to the lazy faith so prevalent today.

"Philadelphia" is the greek word for "brotherly love." William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, named the capital of what would become known as his state, and for a time, our nation's capital, after this sentiment. What a great encouragement for us Christians to strive for "Philadelphia" in all we do, with all whom we serve.

God's wrath falls on Babylon, who was puffed up with pride after defeating most of the known world at the time. She mistakenly took credit for her many victories, failing to recognize she is only a tool in the Lord's hand. Here we learn how God uses the good, the bad and even the ugly to draw His people back to Himself.

Israel's nearest neighbors to the East are condemned for following dreadful idols instead of seeking the Lord. We learn that pride was their downfall, and repent of our own pride and shameful attempts to find salvation in money, our military or false sense of security. Instead, let us be humble, finding our only hope in Christ and Christ alone.

Building on the Hall of Fame chapter of the Bible, we are encouraged to run with endurance the race that is set before us. Great training and discipline go into training. Distance running is a test of physical strength, determination and endurance. We should not be shocked that even more discipline and training go into life and death spiritual exercise.

As God's wrath is prophecied on Judah's neighbors, including the Babylonians, we hear a few verses of promised redemption. God had to punish His wayward children for their sin, so that they would return to Him and be healed by His mercy. Here we learn that the Lord's plans for His people is as prophesied in chapter 29, to give them a future and a hope.

Baruch has suffered in everything right along with Jeremiah as his faithful scribe. When he despairs of their lot, God promises to preserve him. Here we are encouraged when we are down, because the Lord knows those who are His, and He will redeem us in the end.

This list of heroes of the faith demonstrates the power of God's power at work in the lives of His people. We are greatly encouraged by these men and women of faith, because we see how God has blessed them and used them mightily.