What is Our Focus?

O. T. #2138

Feb. 28, 2022  "What is Our Focus?"

Amos 9-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Previously, John told us to not love the world nor the things in it. (1 John 2:15)

So many consider worldliness to be limited to external behavior, places we go, activities we are involved in, and people whom we associate, things we have. It is also internal because worldliness begins in the heart. 

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

Amos tells us of the 3 attitudes that characterize worldliness:

1. The lust of the flesh; This can involve eating becoming gluttony, and sex in marriage vs. immoral sex fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

Lust refers to desire; longing (for what is forbidden); flesh is the body [as opposed to the soul (or spirit)], human nature (with its frailties).

2. The lust of the eyes; It can involve accumulating things, bowing to the god of materialism. What we see, we desire, we get, even if the Bible is opposed to such things in the Christian walk of life.

3. The pride of life in lifestyle. This is an obsession with status or importance.

Satan tempted Eve in these areas. (Genesis 3:6) He also tempted Jesus in the wilderness, as his three areas of attack. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Eve submitted to those temptations, yet Jesus did not. It is only through Jesus that we can do so.

Let's strive to avoid sinful pleasures of the world, attitudes of worldliness in our heart and words. God values self-control, a spirit of generosity, and a humble service. Do we reflect those values in our actions?

Our flesh never gets enough of whatever it is desiring. It is up to us to remain committed to Jesus and living His ways.

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

 

LET IT GROW

As we look at the last few verses written by the prophet Amos, we find encouragement for Israel as it is restored in the future:

1. The Davidic dynasty restored (verse 11)
2. Israel will be supreme over the nations (verse 12)
3. The nations will be converted (verse 12b)
4. The land will experience unparalleled productivity (verse 13)
5. Its devastated cities will be rebuilt (verse 14)
6. Israel will be permanently established in its own land and will never go into captivity again (verse 15)

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

In spite of His judgment, God will not forget His beloved people. Jesus will sit on the throne in the millennial reign. There will be abundance, restoration, peace, and prosperity according to His agenda. Israelis will have a permanent residence while this earth exists. Then a new heaven and new earth will be for all believers in Jesus as Savior. Do you believe in Him today?

LET IT GO

Let others see Jesus in me.

Keep my eyes, heart, and desires focused on Jesus.

Please give faith to believe in You, Jesus, as their Savior for all who read this.

Have mercy on the souls of us sinners.

To Jesus be the glory and honor forever!

What Shiny Things Have Your Heart?

O. T. #2137  "What Shiny Things Have Your Heart?"

Feb. 25, 2022

*Pray for the Ukrainians as Russia invaded and killed many there in an attack to take over the nation. 

LET IT GLOW

1 John 2:15 warns us of a sin to avoid: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

I find it interesting that the word world means decoration.

The world gives us a lot of decorations to tempt us away from God and living by His principles. Satin tempts us to sin with shinny, pretty things, right? And those things tend to attract our attention and lasso us into it.

We are told to love God above all things. but if we love those shinny things more, then the love of the Father is not in us. Wow! So we cannot love both the things of the world and God. It can't get any plainer than that.

Do we love a shiny car, beautiful house, spiffy clothes more than God? Is our time spent more with them or with our God?

LET IT GROW

Amos give 4 affirmations from the heart of the Lord in this chapter:

1. I will strike! (verse 1)
2. I will search! (verses 2-4)
3. I will destroy! (verses 5-10)
4. I will restore! (verses 11-15)

Now that we have the conclusion of the prophecy of Amos, verses 11-15, we read about the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom. The Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC and by the Romans in 80 AD. Right now, an Islamic temple stands over its place. Jews are allowed in the court, but not in the gold dome. So a false god is worshiped there.

Good news, friend, according to verse 11, God is going to build it again. during His Millennium reign. It will be restored to its prominence and glory as in the days of Solomon.

Gentiles will be allowed to worship there. (verse 12) (Edom represents the world.) Christians are a part of God's redemptive plan. James speaks of this verse 11 in Acts 15:16. The Tabernacle of David will be built. God had promised him to have one of his family on the throne always. Jesus is a descendent of Judah, as David.

Are we ready for the rapture? The Bear is moving south. It wants to conquer the world and reign without Christians.

LET IT GO

Father, You are so loving; fill us with Your love.

Keep our focus on You, not on the world.

We trust in You, the One who has the whole world in His hands.

Is Our Faith Growing?

O. T. #2136 "Is Our Faith Growing?"

Feb. 24, 2022

Amos 9

LET IT GLOW

We begin as children, physically and spiritually. We start out as babies, develop into teens, then mature into adults.

1 John 2:12-14 reminds believers who they are:

• Little children forgiven-We are adopted as His children when God forgives our sins and becomes our Savior.  they have to be fed the Word and taught how to live for Jesus. (verse 12)
• Little children who know God as Father (verse 13)
• Young men go through temptations and battles, and overcome the wicked one (verse 13)
• Fathers  (adults) who are strong, abide in the Word, and persevere over the long haul.

Circumstances do not dictate the actions of the mature believers. Their eyes are on the eternal. Which developmental stage are you in your Christian walk? Is our faith growing stronger or becoming stagnant?

LET IT GROW

In the last chapter, we read about the last vision of the Lord standing on the altar that Amos had. This prophecy describes the destruction of the idolatrous temple in Bethel of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. What is going to happen?

• The Temple columns will be struck and its foundation will shake.
• The roof will fall upon the heads of the people, killing them.
• Those who survived  the collapsed building will be killed by the sword.
• It will not matter where they hide, God finds them and they have no help. (verses 2-4)

The Israelites knew better than to worship idols instead of the One True Living God. Prophets were sent to warn them what would happen if the did not repent of their sins and turn back to God. So they were without excuse. And so are people today. Nature reveals the God of creation, Christianity teaches from the only Word of Truth, people tell them the gospel. They will be without excuse when they stand before a Holy God if they are not covered with the blood of Jesus Christ.

When death comes, it will be too late to trust Jesus as Savior. Do it now, today.

LET IT GO

Thank You for mercy and grace, Father.

Thank You Jesus for dying in our place, taking our punishment for our sins.

Grow us in faith and obedience.

May we serve, worship, and surrender to You God.

Glory to God in the highest, the King of Glory!

Famine and Hunger

O. T. #2135  "Famine and Hunger"

Feb. 23, 2022

Amos 8-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

If we look for a new commandment, we won't find one. In 1 John 2:7-11, we find what John is speaking about-love one another. Jesus lived this truth and He expects us to live it, also. We are to let the True Light shine in us, showing His love.

What lesson are we to learn here?

• If we claim to live in the light, but hate a Christian brother or sister, then we are living in darkness. (verse 9)
• When a believer loves another believer, we are living in the light and does not cause another to stumble. (verse 10)
• But anyone who hates another brother or sister in the faith is still living and walking in darkness. They don't know the way to go, for they have been blinded by the darkness. (verse 11)

What it boils down to is we are told to love others. John told us in the gospel to love. Love is not only expressed by showing respect, it is also expressed through self-sacrifice and servanthood. (John15:13)

Love is the key to walking in the light, because we cannot grow spiritually while we hate others. (Life Application Study Bible)

Who do we need to show love to today? How about those in our church or business?

  

LET IT GROW

Amos wraps up chapter 8 in sharing what the Lord told him to say:

That I will send a famine to the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.     (verse 11)

A famine is a hunger.

The Israelites had brought idols into their sanctuary and worshiped them along with God. After all the warnings of judgment coming, they still would not repent and remove the idols.

God granted Israel's desire. He no longer worried them with His Word. Even though they would search for the Word, it was not to be found. (They got rid of the prophets.) It was like He was saying, "You chose those gods over Me, let them save you."

There was no nourishment for the soul, no direction for decisions, no protection from enemy. (Wiersbe)

There was no light in the darkness. Assyria was coming to kill and to conquer, like the devil tries to do to us. Those who swore by false gods would fall, never to rise again. (verse 14)

Jesus said, Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 7:16-17)

What a day that shall be when we see Jesus and live with Him forever more! I think we will feast on the Word of God in heaven, but others think we will eat food. Whichever is fine with me.

LET IT GO

Fill us with Your love today, Jesus.

May we love other believers and unbelievers, enemies and friends because You love them, Jesus.

Prepare us for that day, when we step into eternity, Jesus.

Glory to You, Sweet Jesus, Savior and King.

Which Tea Drinker Are You?

O. T. #2134 "Which Tea Drinker Are You?"

Feb. 22, 2022

Amos 8-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

John wrote these three letters so that believers in Jesus would know some things, so they (and you and me) would understand and be sure of some things.

Okay, friend, here is a command that John told us to obey:

He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. (1 John 2:6)

In the Greek language, abideth  means to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy); remain; dwell.

Walk refers to live; follow (as a companion or votary).

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. (NLT)

If we hang out with Jesus, His love, joy, forgiveness, peace, and mercy will rub off on us.

Tony Evans gives the illustration of making tea:

• Some people dip their teabags in and out of the hot water. They dip in and out of church, with little change in their life.
• Others place their teabags in the water and let them remain. Soon the tea seeps into the water and transforms it. For Christ to influence and transform your life, you must remain in Him.

Here a Sunday and there a Sunday for worship does not develop a strong relationship with Jesus. Neither does Bible study, so we must be consistent. Which tea drinker are we?

LET IT GROW

Amos told the Israelites the end was coming and why. Now he tells them how God's judgment is coming:

1. An earthquake (verse 8) with the a flood;
2. Darkness; (verse 9)
3. A funeral with mourning and wailing (only sons died, ending the family name and line); (verse 10)
4. A spiritual famine without the Word of God. (verse 11-14)

The parties in Israel turned into mourning and funerals, joyful songs became cries of despair, resulting in bitterness. In order to avoid this, all they had to do was repent of their sins and return to God in worship. But their pride sunk them to the bottom of the barrel. It was their own doing.

Do we know anyone scraping the bottom of the barrel in life? Throw them a lifeline-Jesus.

LET IT GO

Jesus, we need You everyday.

Please forgive our sins.

Fill us with Your love.

Jesus, You can move mountains. Our God is Almighty God!

Your are mighty to save. You rose and conquered the grave!

Jesus, You alone are our hope!

Help us today, walk with us, lead us, use us, for Your glory.

Needs of the Needy

O. T. #2133  "Needs of the Needy"

Feb. 21, 2022

Amos 8-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

John uses the word "know" some 30 times in this little book of 1, 2, 3, John. Just in chapter 2, John uses it 9 times.

Know means perceive, be sure, understand.

How can we be sure that we have true fellowship with God? John MacArthur tells us:

1. We have joy in knowing that we have eternal life. (1John 1:4)
2. We affirm sin's reality (confess). (1John 1:8-9)
3. We obey God's commands.(verse 3)

But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. (verse 5)

Do we have joy in our life, knowing that we have heaven awaiting us? Do we confess our sins throughout the day? Are we obeying God's commands? Are we striving to please our God?

LET IT GROW

What do we do with an extra basket of fruit? Do we share with others or keep it to ourselves?

The vision of the summer fruit in a basket, referred to Israel being ripe for God's judgment. In verses 4-6, we read about how they oppressed the poor:

• They did not observe the feasts and Sabbaths, nor religious observances which God established for them.
• They engaged in merchandising, selling corn and wheat, not helping the helpless and poor. (verse 5)
• Their scales were imbalanced, shrinking the amounts and inflating the prices. (Sound familiar today?)
• They sold the refuse of the wheat, which was supposed to be left for the poor to gather.
• So they made slaves of the poor, who could not buy food at high prices.

Yep, Israel was guilty of taking advantage of the poor brethren. They were breaking God's laws and not living up to His covenant. They did not love God, nor their neighbors. (Matt. 22:36-40) They did not conduct their businesses with this kind of heart.

Are we needy people? Do we know that we sin and need forgiveness? Do we need love?

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Tim. 6:10)

Are we loving God and others more than money?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus, You keep on giving, so may we do the same.

Open our eyes to see the needs of the needy.

May we know that we know that we know You Jesus as Savior and we have eternal life with You, the Alpha and Omega.

How to Be Appeased

O.T. #2132  "How to Be Appeased "

Feb. 18, 2022

Amos 8

LET IT GLOW

Not only is Jesus our advocate with the Father, but He is also the propitiation for our sins and the sins of the whole world, according to 1 John 2:2.

Propitiation means atonement (reconciliation); expiator (appease; to extinguish the guilt incurred; put an end to).

Jesus has appeased God's just wrath against sin by His sacrificial death for the whole human race (unlimited atonement). (Evans)

Since we could not meet the requirement for forgiveness of sin (perfect sacrifice), we needed One who could-the Lamb of God. That was Jesus Christ, God's own Son. He paid the price so we could have fellowship with the Father and eternal life.

Do you believe Jesus loves you so much that He did this for you and me and others?

Rejoice sinner, for our guilt is taken away, Christian!

LET IT GROW

Did Amos continue to recall his commission from God to "Go, prophesy to My people Israel" as the visions of their future kept coming? He had assurance that those visions were not his made-up stories. What a burden to carry!

Here is the fourth vision God gave to Amos-vision of summer fruit.

A basket of summer fruit represents the completion of a full cycle from  growth to harvest to consumption. (Tony Evans)

Like ripe fruit is removed from its tree, Israel's sins was ripe for judgment. Their sins had come to completion, an end. God said that He would not pass by them any more. (verse 2) God's patience was tired out.

Israel's idol-temple songs will be turned to howlings because dead bodies would be everywhere. Grief will be so deep that those disposing of bodies will do their work in silence. (verse 3)

Jeremiah 8:20 reminds some folks, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

They missed their God-given opportunity to repent of their sins, and it would never come again. Israel had been disobedient and unfaithful to the covenant they made with the Lord. They turned to idol worship.

Dear one, have you put off your coming to Jesus? What can make us white as snow? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can for sin atone? What can make us whole? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Has Jesus washed away your sins yet? Today is the day of salvation. If He has, praise Him!

 

LET IT GO

Oh, Jesus, such love You showed us by dying on the cross in our place!

Thank You that it is by faith in You that we can be saved from the penalty of our sins.

How awesome a Savior!

Please save all who come to read this today.

Holy Spirit, convict us all of our sins.

Such mercy and grace!

Need a Lawyer?

O. T. #2131  "Need a Lawyer?"

Feb. 17, 2022

Amos 7-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Continuing in 1 John, we read 2:1, My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

By the time John writes this letter, he is about 88 years old or older. So we can understand his love for those Christians that he has know for years or converted. Like a father speaking to his children or a pastor to his flock, John shares with them words of encouragement.

John told his readers that they were crazy if they denied their sin. The closer we get to God, the more His light reveals sin in us. John challenges us to not sin. We don't have a license to sin just because we were converted. Confessing our sins frees us from its burden. Included is for us to turn away from repeating that sin. Then we can have intimate and joy-filled fellowship with our God.

Advocate (parakletos/par-ak'lay-tos) refers to an intercessor, comforter, counselor.

When we sin, we have an Intercessor Jesus Christ, who stands between us and the Judge our God. He is like a defense attorney in a court of law. We are a bankrupt sinner who has Jesus appointed  to our defense. Jesus is righteous and paid our debt on the cross by shedding His blood on the cross.

Praise ye the LORD!

LET IT GROW

Crooked Israel was unwilling to straighten up and turn to God in repentance. Priest Amaziah lied to King Jeroboam, saying that the prophet conspired against him. (verse 10)

The priest commanded Amos to quit preaching and go to Judah to prophecy. Amos knew whose agenda he had been called to follow. He knew he had to "obey God rather than people."  (Acts 5:29)

I got it wrong as to whom Amos' message was given to-Amaziah. It was he that would die on pagan soil, and Israel taken into exile. His sons would be killed and his wife would become a prostitute.

Look at this contrast:

• Amaziah had position, wealth, authority, and reputation, but Amos had the Word of the Lord.
• Amaziah served the king of Israel, but Amos served the King of kings.
• Amaziah had fear of those prophecies, but Amos had confidence in the Truth.

 

What is most important to us-world position or a heavenly position? Are we serving our flesh or our Savior?

Are we fearing the future or looking forward to it?

LET IT GROW

For the believer in Jesus, there is a better world coming.

Are we looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith or fearing tomorrow?

Let Hope reign in our heart today.

Rejoice! There is a better day coming!

Finding Love

O. T. #2130  "Finding Love"

Feb. 16, 2022

Amos 7-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

Have you sinned lately, friend? Think about it. We often do not commit what we call "big sins," but it is the "little sins" that we commit often throughout the day in our mind and heart that separates us from fellowshipping with our God. so John tells us that we deceive ourselves when we say we do not sin, for God sees straight into our heart and hears our thoughts. Therefore, when do this, we become a liar, which is a sin.

I like what the Life Application Study Bible says:

The false teachers not only denied that sin breaks fellowship with God (verse 6) and that they had a sinful nature (verse 8), but they also denied that their conduct involved any sin at all (verse 10). That was a lie that ignored one basic truth: All people are sinners by nature and by practice.

Hope is found in verse 9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Once we recognize our sins and that we are condemned to hell, we then come to confess them. Asking Jesus to forgive us, because He died for us, taking our punishment for our sins. Then we are free to enjoy fellowship with Christ since He removed them (present, past, and future).

Dear one, it take honesty and humiliation to get to that point in our life. As Christian believers, we still sin with the sin nature, and keep our slate clean by confessing those sins. How faithful is our Savior!

Jesus does not push us away, nor leaves us, but He continues to love us, no matter what we've done. So let's enjoy fellowship with the fantastic Savior!

Let it be known, If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (verse 10)

On our best days, we fall miles short of God's holy standard. We must admit that what the light exposes is not just a mistake, a bad habit, or a mere product of our upbringing. It is sin. This allows forgiveness and cleansing power to flow. To deny our sin is to call God a liar and forfeit the hope of His Word doing its transforming work in our life. (Tony Evans)

Have you confess your sins today? Jesus is waiting.

 

LET IT GROW

I am going to end our lesson today with that. It is a lot to take in and where we spend eternity after our death depends upon it.

We will pick back up with Amos tomorrow.

LET IT GO

Sweet Jesus, how thankful we are for Your love and providing our salvation by dying for our sins.

We love You!

Use this for Your glory and honor.

Bring us all to repentance of our sins.

Please save all who read it.

Living in The Light

O. T. #2129  "Living in The Light"

Feb. 15, 2022

Amos 7-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

It seemed like a week of gray clouds that brought snow and cold. When the sun shone, it was a wonderful sight. Not only hope of warmer days with snow melting, but it just made me feel better, too. Not only is God our source of joy, but light. Go with me into  1 John 1:5-7. What do we find there?

• This is the message John heard from Jesus.
• God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. (verse 5)
• If we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness, they we are lying. We are not practicing the truth. (verse 6)
• But if we are living in the light of God, then we have fellowship with each other. (verse 7)
• The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

In the Greek language, light means to shine or make manifest; luminousness (in the wildest application); darkness refers to dimness, obscurity, shadiness.

The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

Light's function is to reveal things as they truly are. Light exposes. If you want God's personal presence and activity in your life, you must be willing to allow His light to expose your sinful thoughts, attitudes, speech, and actions that are inconsistent with His character. (Tony Evans)

Others see the evidence that we are in fellowship with God by our walk, life, not our words only.

Are we willing to let God expose the sins in us? His light enables us to see our sin so we may repent. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us, then we are able to work in the light.

*An example of ultimate love is that of Jesus for you and me. Have a lovely day and know that you are loved!

 

LET IT GROW

Previously, we learned that Amos' vision of Jesus holding a plumb line while standing on a wall referred to a spiritual standard in which we know right from wrong. His Word provides this. When we follow God's laws, moral and spiritual, they make us free to live righteously.

Blackaby said that sin is choosing a standard other than God's law on which to base your life.

In the rest of this chapter, we see that Israel was living in darkness and not according to God's plumb line, thus it would be destroyed.

Amaziah, the priest in the sanctuary at Bethel, gave 3 indictments against Amos to King Jeroboam II:

1. Amos conspired against the king making personal attacks.
2. This attack took place in the midst of Israel so it was treasonous.
3. The peaceful land was unable to endure Amos' words, upsetting people.
4. The king would die by the sword.

The words of the priest were half-truths, thus lies. The people would be taken captive to another land, Assyria. Bethel was not a place of worshipping God, but where Israel worshipped pagan gods and idols. Amaziah was not a worthy messenger of God. What a conspiracy!

Are our words truthful? 

LET IT GO

May Your light shine upon us, in and through our heart.

Help us live in truth.

The light of the world is Jesus.

 

Are You Looking For Joy?

O. T. #2128 "Are You Looking For Joy?"

Feb. 14, 2022

Amos 7-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Now who couldn't use some joy today? I think we all could. Here is how we can get it.

John was an apostle who walked with Jesus. He was the beloved disciple of his Lord. He wrote one of the gospels, letters of I,II, III John, and Revelation. I thought we could use some love and encouraging, lovely words in this time. So turn your Bible open to I John and dig in with me.

John tells us how to enjoy our Christian life, walk of faith. In order to have this kind of life, we must first come to Jesus Christ as our Savior through repentance of our sins and by faith that He is the Son of God. Have you done so?

John is not delivering second-hand information, but he talks of what he heard Jesus say. Not only did John see Jesus, but he also observed and touched Him.

What does John tell us in the first chapter?

• Jesus is the Word of life. (verse 1)
• Eternal life is with the Father God. (verse 2)
• Fellowship with God come through His son Jesus Christ, thus we have fellowship with other believers, too. (verse 3)
• We can have joy that is full. (verse 4)

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.   (1 John 1:4)

Joy means cheerfulness; (calm ) delight; gladness; full refers to satisfy; finish; perfect.

So, you and I can be cheerful, delightful, and glad as we are satisfied in Jesus, who is the perfector of our faith. He finished completing the requirements God set for eternal life in heaven. Since we cannot live a perfect life, Jesus did for us, so He was the Sacrificial Lamb that takes away our sins.

Our challenge today is to be cheerful and delightful as we show the love of Jesus in our life to a dying world. Only Jesus can satisfy the soul.

Joy is not dependent upon our circumstances. It comes through knowing Jesus, walking with Him daily, surrendering to His will.

True joy transcends external circumstances. (Tony Evans)

 

LET IT GROW

In verses 7-17, we find that Israel had nothing joyful to look forward to according to Amos. The third vision he had was about a plumb line. This is like a string with a weight attached at the bottom. It was used in order to see if a building or wall was straight so it would not fall. In this vision, the Lord was standing on a wall made by a plumb line.

What was the meaning of this?

• High places where idols were on mountains in the northern kingdom, would be desolate, since they were not built on the plumb line of God's Word.
• Sanctuaries would be torn down, for Israel did not worship God there.
• The house of Jeroboam II the first king would be effected as the king is going to be killed.
• The king's wife becomes a harlot, his children slaughtered, the land divided among the invaders, and Israel goes into captivity.

Just as the plumb line was crooked on the wall, so were the people and they would be punished as Assyria comes to conquer them.

Is God's Word our plumb line by which we live? Do we recognize our sin as we read it, causing us to repent? Do we make decisions according to God's plumb line? When we do, we will have that joy that John spoke about to us.

 

LET IT GO

Jesus, be our joy today.

Fill us full and running over with Your love.

May we share this joy of peace with God and salvation in Jesus.

Thank You for heaven awaiting us.

 

Who Do You Praise?

O. T. #2127 "Who Do You Praise?"

Feb. 11, 2022

Amos 7-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Here we are friend, at the last of the psalms written. It is a song of praise to our LORD. When was the last time you recognized something God did just for you? Did you ho hum it or praise Him for it?

Praise means to boast, to rave, glory, celebrate.

Where and how are we to praise the LORD God?

• Praise God in His sanctuary. How beautiful it is when brothers and sisters in the faith sing together His praises.
• Praise Him in His mighty heaven. God is always on His throne and the earth is His footstool. His thoughts and ways are above us.
• Praise Him for His mighty works. Thank Him for the beautiful creation around us and provisions for us.
• Praise His excellent greatness. He alone is God and unequaled in greatness.
• Praise Him with instruments and dancing. What joy I had when I saw the white truck back into my driveway and filled my propane tank so we could have heat during the very cold, snowy days last week! I was dancing for joy, thanking my God!
• Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (verse 6)

Are we celebrating the breath of life and beat of our heart that God gives us right now? Do we rave about what blessings He has bestowed upon us? Will we give God the glory for the things He has done?

Will we stop and praise our Savior Jesus for dying on the cross for us? For His mercy and grace and forgiveness?

*So I looked up the first mention of the word praise. It was given by a woman, Leah, after her fourth son, Judah (Jacob's son), was born. I find it strange that it took that long for someone to praise the Lord God. Also, it took David 7 psalms before he praised the Lord.

How long does it take us?

LET IT GROW

Amos had five visions from God concerning the future of Israel, the northern kingdom. They were not of blessings, but of judgment which the Lord was going to pour out on His people. Israel would not repent of their idolatry and immorality. Although God is slow to anger, He does discipline His children.

The first vision was one of grasshoppers destroying the crops. Amos prayed and asked God to not do it, for Israel was small. Then the second vision came, one of fire. This was concerned with a devastating drought, causing the underground water supplies to dry up and the fields to be consumed. (MacArthur)

A second time Amos interceded for the people of Israel. They were already few in number, and if God had carried out this judgment, there would be none left.

Israel had fallen and cannot help them up, nor did he have a friend to help them. What would become of them if God's hand was raised against them and not to help them?

The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord God. (verse 6)

Matthew Henry says, "God did not change His mind, for He is in one mind and who can turn Him? But He changed His way, took another course, and determined to deal in mercy and not in wrath."

God did not bring the drought upon Israel. The sad condition of his people moved Amos to pray for them. James said, in 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

In the Hebrew, the word fervent means zeal (eagerness, passion); prayer is petition, request; righteous refers to innocent, holy, right.

Oh, believer, are we eagerly and with passion requesting the Lord God to save our loved ones?  Where is our prayer for our nation that has strayed from God's Word and principles? Are we interceding for others to repent of sin in turning to God? Death is only a breath away. Then it is too late. We must be urgent now to do kingdom work while it is day.

LET IT GO

In the waiting, searching, walking in brokenness, will we praise our Savior?

In the good times and hard times will we sing  praises to Jesus?

 

Intercede For Them

O. T. #2126  "Intercede For Them"

Feb. 10, 2022

Amos 7-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

For the LORD taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)

The word beautify in the Hebrew language means embellish.

Without Jesus, we can do nothing. (John 15:5) Without Him we have no salvation and beauty. Because of His salvation, we have reason to celebrate by:

• singing His praises with a new song, (verse 1)
• rejoicing in Him our Creator, (verse 2a)
• being joyful in our King, (verse 2b)
• praise ye the LORD. (verse 9)

If you are a child of God, then join me in shouting and singing His praises. His love never fails, never gives up, and never runs out.

LET IT GROW

Is there someone you know that needs a change of heart? That needs to change their attitudes and ways? Then we need to pray for them. God hears the prayers of His children, as He did Amos.

God showed Amos three disasters that He was going to bring upon the land of the guilty. Israel had two cuttings or mowings of the grass for hay. The king got the first one as a tribute to him. The second one was for the people to sustain them throughout the coming year.

The first vision was a swarm of grasshoppers, which can devour plants. so those insects would starve the animals and the people of Israel.

That tragedy so moved the prophet that he interceded for his people in prayer to his God. If God sent those critters, the people would die of hunger. Even though the plague was deserved, Amos loved the people.

Amos asked God, "O Lord God, forgive , I beseech Thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. (verse 2)

Amos asks God to pardon Israel of their sins and not carry out the vision. So the Lord called off the judgment. What happened?

The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD. (verse 3)

Repented means to pity.

The Lord showed compassion for Israel and did not bring the grasshoppers to eat up their crops.

What does that teach us about intercession?

Intercession warded off the  blow. If the church were united and prayed with one voice, she would be able to secure deliverance for the smitten earth. God repented when man changed his attitude. (F.B.Myer)

When we can't do anything about a situation, we can pray. God can do it.

Let's intercede for our sinful nation and sinful leaders, ya'll.

 

LET IT GO

No one loves us like Jesus.

Hold onto Him and pray for others.

Pray again and again to the Merciful God.

Warnings

O. T. #2125  "Warnings"

Feb. 9, 2022

Amos 7

LET IT GLOW

If you have been surrounded by deep snow this week, how did you react? Did you praise the Lord for its beauty and ask Him to cleanse your heart so it is white as snow? Or did you grumble for the mess and inconvenience it caused? Maybe both. We can take a lesson from the psalmist today. 

Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for He issued His command, and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decree will never be revoked.              (Psalm 148:5-6)

Consider all the things that God created-the heavenlies, weather, geographical features, animals, people, and positions. (verses 1-4; 7-12) The heavens and earth praise Him and so should we.

We should exult the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all. He is faithful to the Israelites, people of Abraham (believers), and blesses them. Jesus is greater than anything and everything He created. In all things Jesus has preeminence. (Col. 1:18)

LET IT GROW

God gave His servant and prophet Amos 5 special visions of judgment concerning:

• the locusts (verses 1-3)
• the fire (verses 4-6)
• the plumb line (verses 7-9)
• the basket of fruit (8:1-14)
• the ruined temple (9:1-10).

Can we see the struggle Amos has as he loved God and loved his nation? It grieved him to have to tell Israel and Judah that judgment was coming. Probably he wished he was back with the sheep and trees taking care of them. Yet, Amos knew the Sovereign Lord (LORD God used 11 times in 3 chapters) was in control. God's will is best, so Amos surrendered to it.

You know, there are times that doing God's will is very difficult; standing up for His Word may bring rough consequences; and speaking against the wrong may result in pain and suffering.

Amos interceded for his people, and God changed His mind about sending those things. He asked God to call off the judgments and He did. Are we believers interceding for our nation and people? Are we admitting our sinful lifestyles and laws, yet beg God to send repentance among us? Do we love Americans and our neighbors and family so much that we pray for God to not send His judgment?

 

LET IT GO

Father, You answered the prayers of Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Elijah, and Paul. Please hear our prayers today. Without Your Spirit and Hand of Mercy, we will perish because of our own sins.

We have experienced fires and snow, drought and floods, and a deadly virus as warnings. We are like Israel and confess our sins of idolatry, as well as miss treating others.

Thank You for doing what You deem right and just. Oh, Jesus intercede for us to the Father our God for mercy, lest an army come and wipe us out.

Jesus, you are our Savior, Creator, Sustainer, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Glory to You, the Only True Living God!

Horses

O. T. #2124 "Horses"

Feb. 8, 2022

Amos 6-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Are there things happening around you that you don't understand? Are you troubled with events in your life and just don't get it? Come to the One who understand everything perfectly clear. His understanding has no limits. Simply trust the God who knows how your are feeling.

Psalm 147, New Living Translation tells us:

• It is delightful, fitting, and good to sing praises to our God. (verse 1)
• He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. (verse 3)
• He counts and knows the stars by name. (verse 4)
• How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! (verse 5)
• God gives rain, clouds, and feeds the wild animals. (verses 8-9)
• He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. (verse 10)
• No, the LORD's delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love. (verse 11)
• He strengthens, blesses, sends peace and orders to the world, and satisfies hunger. (verses 13-15)

It isn't Mother Nature that provides those things, but the gracious hand of God. When we humbly submit to His agenda and depend upon Him for all things, we can rest assured that He is crazy about us. He loves His people and loves to bless us.

What have you thanked Him for today?

LET IT GROW

In the rest of the verses in this chapter, we see two analogies which point out how preposterous and unreasonable Israel's behavior has been (verses 12-13) Defying the Lord successfully is just that impossible. To deal with it, God sends brutal conquest by another power. (verse 14)

Horses do not run on rocks, or they would become lame; nor does one plow rocks with oxen, lest it breaks the plow. To violate nature's law is to reap the consequences of it. This is what Israel did. They violated God's justice and righteousness (verse 12b) and make their boast in their self-perceived strength, which is actually non-existent. (verse 13) So God brought a nation against them.

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary]

I think the psalmist knew what he was talking about in Psalm 147:10.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Ps. 20:7)

In what or whom are you trusting?

 

LET IT GO

Your love never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on me!

It overwhelms and satisfies my soul.

 

Do You Have Life by the Horns?

O. T. #2124  "Do You Have Life by they Horns?"

Feb. 7, 2022

Amos 6-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Are you experiencing difficult trials today? They will not last forever, friend. There is something else that will last forever. Know what it is? It is God's kingdom that will last forever and the LORD will reign forever, too. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 146 is one of the last five psalms which overflow with praise for God. They show us the where, why, and how to praise God:

• Sing praises to our God while we live. (verse 2)
• Trust Him for our help, not people. (verses 3-4)
• When God is our hope and help, then we are happy. (verse 5)
• He is Creator and keeps His promises forever. (verse 6)
• God gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry; frees prisoners. (verse 7)
• He opens blind eyes, lifts up those weighed down, and loves the godly. (verse 8)
• The LORD protects foreigners among us, cares for the orphans and widow, but frustrates the plans of the wicked. (verse 9)
• Praise the LORD! (verse 10)

I would say those are a lot of reasons to praise the Lord. He eventually melts snow, too. He provides heat for old, cold houses. Protects us on the icy roads. Keeps the well water from freezing. Gives us food on the shelf to buy that He has already provided for us. Keeps grace and mercy flowing to me. Forgives my sins. Yes, I have plenty of reasons to praise the Lord. How about you?

 

LET IT GROW

Now, continuing in chapter 6 of Amos, we find that God abhors the self-indulgence of Israel.

Abhor means to loathe (detest). 

They lived in luxurious palaces, but obtained them through ill-gotten gains. What was their outcome as the prophet predicted?

• Those houses would be burned and the people killed, while others taken away captive to Assyria. (verses 8-9)
• A fearful remnant would not dare to mention the name of the Lord so no more judgments would come upon them. (verse 10)
• God's judgment would fall upon the rich and poor alike. (verse 11)
• Just as violating the laws of nature brings consequences, so does violating God's law. (verse 12)
• They took life by the horns in their own strength, so to speak. Therefore, it would disappear. Assyria was coming. (verses 13-14)

Sometimes a cowboy can grab a calf by the horns and bring it down. Then they can do whatever needs to be done to it. Our son vaccinates them and checks out any problems the calf may have. since he doesn't have a horse, he must be careful.

Israel thought they were in charge of their life, but found out differently when God brought them down using the Assyrian army.

How about us? Are we living life by our own strength, will, desires? What does God have to do in order to get our attention and bring us down?

After repentance there is grace and mercy, beloved.

 

LET IT GO

Sweet Jesus, You do so much for us, provide for us, forgive us.

How can we help but praise You and thank You.

Bring us down off our high horse when pride reigns in our life.

Remind us that we are here to love and serve You.

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!

Are We Just and Merciful?

O. T. #2122  "Are We Just and Merciful?"

Feb. 3, 2022

Amos 5-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

So I turned the page in the Billy Graham daily devotional spiral sitting on my desk. Here was last Thursday's verse (Ps. 145:8).The jest of it is this: What would it be like in our world if God were only a God of love, never judging evil nor stopping it? Evil me would not worry about God judging them.

What the world be like if God were only a God of judgment, punishing us every time we did wrong? We would not have a chance since we sin every day.

God disciplines and corrects us because He loves us and wants us to turn from the destructive path we are on. Then we learn His grace, compassion, mercy.

The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works. (Psalm 145:17)

In the Hebrew language, righteous means lawful, just; holy refers to kind, merciful, godly.

Our God is just in all His ways and merciful in His works. Throw in grace and compassion, along with slow to anger. What a righteous and holy God we love and serve! Isn't He awesome!

LET IT GROW

I noticed that the phrase "The LORD, The God of Hosts" is used 4 times in this chapter-verses 14, 15, 16, and 27.  

LORD is Jehovah in Hebrew, and means Self-Existent or Eternal; Hosts refers to a company; soldiers; a mass of persons or things organized for war (an army)

This has been who spoke through Amos and declared judgment for Israel if they did not repent of their sins.

But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. (verse 24)

Since Israel was unconcerned for others, God would judge them. It reveals God's concern that His people be righteous in their character and just in their conduct. This is the key verse for the book of Amos. No matter how much religious activity we are involved in, if we do not love our brothers and neighbors, we can't honestly worship and serve the Lord. (Wiersbe)

LET IT GO

Holy, righteous Father, have mercy on me a sinner.

Help me to show mercy, to others, for I need Your mercy.

May we be just and kind in our dealings with others.

 

I Can Only Imagine When That Day Comes

O. T. #2121  "I Can Only Imagine When That Day Comes"

Feb. 2, 2022

Amos 5-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat in due season.  (Ps. 145:15)

To wait means to expect (with hope and patience); meat refers to a person, man; season is time.

So when the time is right, a man will come. Jesus, Savior and Redeemer, came to earth first to the Jews and then the Gentiles. With hope and patience we expect Him to come. The man is Jesus. The Old Testament believers and New Testament believers were waiting.  Now us church-age believers are waiting on Jesus to return and rapture us out of here.

Are you ready beloved? Is Jesus your Savior?

LET IT GROW

In verses 18-20, Amos predicts the lion and bear coming. Why? Because of Israel's religious activities were without heart. They were formal, empty, nauseous, and anger causing to God. He despised their feasts days and offerings. He wanted the noisy songs and instruments quieted. (verses 21-23)

The Day of the Lord for the Jews in the northern kingdom was not a time of rejoicing, but wailing, as He sent the Assyrian army into Damascus to conquer them in 732 BC. Then ten years later, Assyria overtook Israel in 722 BC. It was a dark day for them. (Judah's captivity by Babylon came some 100 years later.)

Stephen recited Amos 5:25-27 when he recounted the past sins of Israel in Acts 7:42,43. Judgment came on the whole nation, summarizing their idolatrous history and its results. Israel's idolatrous worship was of sun, moon, and stars. (MacArthur)

Are we careful to not look at horoscopes, listen to those who predict the future? Be sure that our children do not get caught up in the Greek and Roman mythology. Share the Truth about Jesus, instead.

LET IT GO

I can only imagine, when that day comes, surrounded by You glory, I will fall to my knees and worship Jesus.

I can only image when that day comes and I worship You Jesus face to face.

So we wait for Your return, Jesus.

When You Need Lifting Up

O. T. #2120 "When You Need Lifting Up"

Feb. 1, 2022

Amos 5-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

This psalm is the conclusion of David's 73 psalms he wrote. There are some good stuff here. Look at this, friend.

The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. (Psalm 145:14)

You talk about grace. When we fall and fail, God lifts us up. Those bent beneath their loads, God lifts up. Now if that isn't good news, I don't know what is! I think everyone is in one of those categories now and then. so be assured, He will lift you up when you're down.

LET IT GROW

In verses 15-16,  we are told again to hate evil and love good. True repentance, agreeing with God concerning our sin, will result in life. If only Israel had heeded the instructions of Amos. Had they restored their courts into true halls of justice, upholding God's Word. If only they had a change of heart and reformed their legal and social system. If only...

Had Israel done such, the LORD God of Heaven's Armies would have had mercy on the remnant of His people. God will be gracious to the remnant who repents.

So when they carried on as usual, and wailing and lamentation will come in their streets when Assyria attacks them.

Do you suppose that God is saying the same thing to America? Our moral decay is horrible. We have homosexuality out in the open, Immorality is ramped, resulting in abortions. Sunday is not a day set aside to worship the One True God and a day of rest. Business is carried on as usual.

 

LET IT GO

We bow down and we worship You Lord Jesus.

King of all kings you will be; King of all kings You are to me.

Hear our cry for help. Be gracious to us sinners.

Jesus, You alone are our hope.

Lift us up so we can look up.

Help us lift up those who are in need.