Luxuries

O. T. #2123  "Luxuries"

Feb. 4, 2022

Amos 6

LET IT GLOW

Warm our hearts today, Lord Jesus. Outside is below freezing and 6 inches of snow. And inside this old country farmhouse, it only gets up to 65 degrees. I have my lap blanket and fuzzy boots on as I write this. In spite of all of the discomforts of home, I am thankful. Yesterday, I didn't know if 25 gallons of propane would get us through this snow storm. (Expecting 4-7 more inches of snow as I write this on Thursday.) I kept praying for it come, and it did! A shout out of thanks to the driver and to my God who is faithful to meet our needs!!!

Dear one, are you like me and need prayers answered, helped, rescued, protected, and need to feel God close? Then here we go. 

The rest of Psalm 145, verses 18-21, reassures us that the LORD:

• is close to those who call on Him and call on Him in truth; (verse 18)
• grants the desires of those who fear Him; (verse 19a)
• hears cries for help and rescues them; (verse 19b)
• protects all those who love Him, but destroys the wicked. (verse 20)

Therefore, I will praise the LORD, and may everyone on earth bless His holy name forever and ever. (verse 21)

Sweet Jesus, we are deep in snow and sin. Please deliver us today. We lay our back-breaking burdens down at the foot of the cross. And we give praise to Jehovah Jire, the Lord who provides.

 

LET IT GROW

Hang onto your knit cap and fuzzy boots. Amos pronounces "woe" unto 4 types of people in the kingdom of Israel:

1. ignorant (5:18-27)
2. indifferent (6:1-2)
3. indulgent (6:3-7)
4. imprudent (6:8-14) [The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

God's concern was for His people to be righteous in their character and just in their conduct. There is no reason for anyone to be ignorant of what God wants from us. We have the Holy Bible. Nor was there any excuse for Israel. They had the writings of Moses and the words of the prophets.

However, Israel oppressed the poor and indulged in extravagant luxuries. They gave themselves to ease, feasting, licentious music, and extravagant drinking. Also, they pampered themselves with the finest perfumes. Beds of ivory, costly meat, inventing musical instruments proved their lusts were more important than obeying and loving God, the one who provided for them. Be assured, God brought judgment upon them for their sinful lifestyle.

May our luxuries be used to bless others, not on our own lusts.

LET IT GO

You are way maker, miracle worker, light in the darkness, that is who You are God.

You are a wonder working God.

May the steadfast love of our God be felt today, for His mercy is new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness!

Jesus, I sing for all that You have done for me-salvation and propane!