Strength to Carry On

O. T. #2101  "Strength to Carry On"

Jan. 5, 2022

Amos 1-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Here are some good verses in Psalm 138, explaining why we should praise and worship Jesus Christ:

In the day when I cried Thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. (verse 3)

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thou shalt stretch forth Thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me. (verse 7)

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of Thine own hands.  (verse 8)

I will praise Thee with my whole heart. (verse 1)

I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name. (verse 2)

The Lord will work out His plans for my life and your life. In Jeremiah 29:11, we read that He has plans for our life, plans that will  prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. Our own plans could not match those of Jesus' plans for us. He goes before us and opens up the way, as well as walking alongside us.

Friend, let's keep choosing what is better, spending time with Jesus in His Word. don't skip out but make it a sacrifice of time that pleases Him and strengthens us. How I appreciate your walking with me through the Word of God, dear one.

 

LET IT GROW

Well, today we cover the fifth nation upon which God's judgment fell just as Amos predicted. Who were the Ammonites and what did they do to cause God to take revenge upon them for His people?

First of all, Ammon and his brother Moab were the sons of Lot and his daughters. (Gen. 19) They were relatives of the Israelites, for Lot was Abraham's nephew. However, the Ammonites were hostile toward Israel, even though Israel began to worship their idols. They had attacked Israel back in Judges 10. After Saul became king, his first victory in battle was against the Ammonites. (1 Sam. 11)

In 2Kings 8:12 and 15:16, we read of the Ammonites killing women, children, and unborn children, since land was more important to the Ammonites than life. This horrible crime was to be judged by God. Revenge was satisfied whenever the Assyrians swept through the land of Ammon in 734 BC. (Ezekiel has also predicted the destruction of their land in 25:1-7) Their god Molech was not able to save the Ammonites.

There is no place to hide from God. Our secret sins are not a secret to God. This new year would be a good time to change our ways. That is what repentance means, going the other direction. God's grace is unlimited, so let's reach for it today.

 

LET IT GO

May we carry out Your plans for our life, Jesus.

May You receive the glory for it.

Protect You people around the world from the evil ones and strengthen our faith.

Thank You for Your lovingkindness and truth.

May we proclaim Your Truth, Jesus is the only way to God and to heaven.