Showing Love

O. T. #2145  "Showing Love"

March 9, 2022

Summary of Amos-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

We have found some new friends in the last 6 months. They have given us gifts, money, gift cards, fellowship together, and provided us with dinner. We have been overwhelmed! Certainly, they are showing the love of Jesus to us.

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (1 John 3:11)

John uses the word love some 7 times in chapter 3. Recken it is important for believers to show love?

I found 3 different forms of the Greek word love:

1. agapao (pronounced with a long o at the end) means to love (in a social or moral sense);
2. agape (pronounced with a long a at the end) means affection or benevolence;
3. agapetos means beloved, dear.

In this verse, the first meaning is applied. Isn't love for our neighbor the main theme for the Christian (as well as love for God)? The habit of love is to be displayed by those who possess a new nature (after being saved by Jesus). This love is a duty and a proof positive that we have truly been born again.  [Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

How are we showing generous acts of kindness to others  as an expression of love? Is someone in need of physical items, emotional encouragement, spiritual love of Jesus? As we think about our neighbors, don't forget our family, too.

LET IT GROW

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God. (Amos 9:15)

Some 800 years later, the Jerusalem council discussed allowing uncircumcised Gentiles into the Temple. James quoted it in Acts 15:16.

Then in 1945, Israel became a state/nation. Now, over 2,000 years later, the Temple is gone, but the grace of God has brought us into the family of God. One day Jesus will sit upon David's throne as king over Israel and the world during the Millennium. Afterwards, we will be a part of an everlasting kingdom in the new heaven and new earth.

Will you be with us, dear one? Only those covered with the blood of Jesus will be there. Have you been saved from the penalty of your sins? Jesus loves you so much that He died in order for you to be a part of our family.

LET IT GO

Open our eyes to see the needs of others.

Show us how we can show Your love, Jesus.

Thank You Father that Your Words are true.

 

Being a Member of God's Family

O. T. #2144  "Being a Member of God's Family"

March 8, 2022

Summary of Amos-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Last night, a lot of my husband's family met with his dad to celebrate his 91 birthday. What a blessing for them to have had him that long in their life. But the best blessing is that he asked Jesus into his heart a few years ago and was baptized by another son. This family continues to show God's love for one another throughout the years. Whenever health issues happen, we are there for each other. I am blessed to have been a part of this family almost 50 years. 

A far better blessing has been my being a member of God's family for almost 52 years. Jesus made it possible, not me. Friend, are you a part of God's family today? If not, you can be simply join by asking Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior. What a celebration we will all be a part of in heaven one day!

How are we to live as children of God, according to 1 John 3:7-10?

• Live in Jesus and not in sin;
• do what is right and show you are righteous;
• know we are born into God's family-born again through Jesus;
• love other believers.

Are we acting like a child of God? Is our lifestyle showing it? Are we living in Jesus and Jesus living in us? When we sin, do we confess it? Have you been born again spiritually? Are we showing love to other believers?

LET IT GROW

In Amos 8:11, God said He would send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor of thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.

Since Israel mixed worship of God with idolatry, the northern kingdom was no longer have His Word. They would seek it, but it would not be found. Wasn't it a tragedy for them to have religion and no word from the Lord?

God's Word gives us spiritual nourishment, light showing us the way to live, directions for our decisions, protection from the enemy. Are making or letting other things be more important than studying and hearing the Word from our God? (What about our family?) Do our neighbors, co-workers, friends see us living His Word? Are we applying what we learn?

Again, thank you friend for studying the Truth with me. I desire the Living Word of God to be living in you and me. (for His glory) Recently, there have been more people coming to this site. Please pray that I say the right words and they find Jesus here.

LET IT GO

Let us let go of our will, our way, our desires and let Jesus have His way in our life.

Let the Living Word be alive in us.

Let us love others as Jesus loved others.

Let us continue to pray for the Ukrainians.

How to Be Prepared

O. T. #2143  "How to Be Prepared"

March 7, 2022

Summary of Amos-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Listen to what 1 John 3:1-3 has to say to us.

As children of God, we:

• are loved by the Father;
• have eager expectation of His return;
• will be like Christ when He returns;
• will see Him as He really is;
• will keep themselves pure, just as He is pure.

I know we have heard about Jesus returning to earth throughout our lifetime. but dear one, one day that trumpet will sound and we children of God will be caught up with Him in the air, headed to glorious heaven. Are you ready and prepared? It's a one way ticket, that has already been purchased for us through Jesus Christ.

While we wait, we are to keep our self pure. Pure means clean; modest; perfect. That comes with having the blood of Jesus covering our sins and being clothed in His righteousness. Are you?

 

LET IT GROW

In Amos 7, he uses the word prophesy four times. Prophesy refers to speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse).

Discourse, according to Webster, means conversation or writing.

Amos spoke and wrote as he was inspired by Almighty God. In verse 15, God tells Amos to Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

How faithful Amos was to obey. It was not good news per say, but a warning of the Assyrian army to come if Israel did not repent of their sins. But they would not. It was not easy for Amos to hear and say what was coming for his people.

Obedience is a test of a faithful servant of God. Are you obeying God's call to you? (Life Application Study Bible)

Amos did not have special preparation, education, or upbringing. He simply obeyed His God. Are we being faithful to share with others wherever we go today? Jesus loves them and has heaven prepared for believers.

LET IT GO

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and clearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossian 3:12)

Which ones do we need to work on?

You Are Loved!

O. T. #2142    "You Are Loved!"

March 4, 2022

Summary of Amos-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Friend, do you know that you are loved? God loves us for who we are, not for what we do. Nothing can separate us from His love. The love of God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do we see His everlasting love working in every event of our life? Here is a verse that will brighten up your day, for it did mine.

Moving along in 1 John, we have this great promise:

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.  (1 John 3:1)

Sometimes we need to step back and reflect. We Christians are to reflect the love of God in our life. He loves us with an unfailing love. Nobody loves us like our Heavenly Father. Nobody loves you and me like You love us, Jesus. We stand in awe of Your amazing ways. I worship You as long as I am breathing. Thank You that You provided a way to be children of God. (I like that song.)

Okay now, here is the challenge: Are we loving others like a child of God should? Are we serving others by denying our self? Do we forgive like a Christian is told to do? (I am included, too.)

So child of God, walk the path of love today.

LET IT GROW

As we continue to review what Amos said, let's look at 7:8. And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? and I said, A plumbline. Then said the LORD, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will l not pass by them any more. 

The purpose of the plumb line was to show Israel they had strayed from God. We need a plumb line or standard so we can determine right from wrong. What is it? God's Word is our plumb line.  God established moral and spiritual laws that we are free to ignore, but we do so at our own peril. His Word is truth and He protects us when we obey it.

Upon what do we base our life? Is there a standard by which we make decisions? Do we measure our life by that of our neighbors or society? If so, then we are basing our life on lawlessness, and lawlessness is sin. (1John 3:4) (Blackaby)

 

LET IT GO

Thank You Father that You love us and always will.

How we are in awe that You would love us sinners and die for us!

How we all need that reassurance today.

Fill us with Your love so it can spill over in someone's life today.

 

Need Some Confidence?

O. T. #2141 "Need Some Confidence?"

March 3, 2022

Summary of Amos

LET IT GLOW

So I went for a walk down my country road yesterday, enjoying the warm weather. What a relief it is after 3 snow storms this year alone. I picked some daffodils for my table. What blessings God sends; we just have to look for them.

John is writing to the church at Ephesus. This 85 year old man uses the phrase "little children" some 5 times in this second chapter. (He also use "abide" some 5 times.)

And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (1 John 2:28)

Little children refers to a Christian convert; a child; an infant.

Sounds like John wrote to young Christians, maybe new converts to Christianity. What did John want them to do? Abide, remain in Christ. Then when He appears, returns back to earth, they will have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Confidence means all out-spokenness; frankness; bluntness; assurance.

Dear friend, do you have assurance that you are a child of God? Is your confidence in Jesus Christ today?

If not, then you can have it today. Believe Jesus loves you so much that He died on the cross to take your place for punishment of your sins. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and be your Savior today. He will. It isn't by works or who we are, but by grace that we are saved from the penalty of our sins. Then you will have confidence and assurance whenever Jesus comes back to get His children or if your death comes first. Then you/we won't be ashamed.

Tony Evans had this to say about this verse:

A Christian can be accepted but not "acceptable." A child who plays in the mud, is accepted by his parents; he is not, however, in an acceptable condition. Live everyday on high alert, looking for Jesus to return, and it will influence how you live.

 

LET IT GROW

As we continue to look back over some outstanding verses found in Amos, join us.

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of Hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. (5:14)

But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. (5:24) So we need to be righteous in character and just in conduct. (Wiersbe) A proper heart expresses these in all aspects of life.

Since none is righteous, no not one, except Jesus, we need to be covered in His righteousness. Is it flowing down on you like a stream? 

LET IT GO

We seek You, Jesus, for You are good.

Thank You, Father for Your acceptance and the confidence You give us.

Your love never fail, never gives up, never runs out on me.

Who Are We Abiding With Today?

O. T. #2140  "Who Are We Abiding With Today?"

March 2, 2022

Summary of Amos

LET IT GLOW

As we continue to look into 1 John 2, we find 5 times that he used the word abide, which means to stay (in a given place, state, relation, or expectancy); remain; stand; tarry, in the Greek language.

John tells us to not love the world, things in it-lust of the flesh and eyes, as well as the pride of life. He that does the will of God abideth forever. We are to walk in God's will, not walk in the way of the world.

In what things are we to abide, remain, stand?

• Abide in the doctrine of Christ,
• in the light,
• in the Word of God,
• abide with God,
• in His love,
• in the vine,
• in the paths,
• and in the teachings of Jesus.

 When we stay in God's Word, doctrine, and live by Jesus' teachings, remain in His love, and continue to be connected on the vine and paths established for us, then we are abiding in God's will and will abide forever in eternity with Him.

That's our challenges, dear one. Which ones do we need to work on? Others will see that we are a child of God and are overcomers of the wicked one. (verse 14)

 

LET IT GROW

Join me as we review what God had to say through Amos, a poor, lower class farmer, and formally uneducated hillbilly.

• God's judgment was coming upon 6 nations that mistreated Israel and God's chosen nation of Judah and Israel.
• God asked 7 questions in chapter 3.
• Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets. (3:7) Amos knew what was going to happen if those people did not repent.
• ... and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. (4:12) Are we prepared to meet God today?
• The LORD, The God of Hosts, is His name. (4:13) He is Jehovah God and we are all helpless before Him. Through Jesus we live and breath and are saved.
• ... Seek ye Me, and ye shall live. (5:4) God's judgment is inevitable, but can be avoided by seeking Him. (5:3)

God is our omnipotent  Creator and sustainer of life. Are we seeking Him?

He alone is our Hope, Help, Savior, Redeemer. Are we seeking Him?

He is the Everlasting Father. Are we seeking Him?

He is omnipotent, all-powerful God. Are we seeking Him?

He is gracious, merciful, and compassionate. Are we seeking Him?

He is omnipresent and everywhere God. Are we seeking Him?

He is our answer, compassion, strength, refuge. Are we seeking Him?

LET IT GO

Jesus, Your name is powerful because You are all-powerful.

You alone are worthy of our praise, worship, honor, and glory.

Keep us in Your will, so we won't be in Your way.

We pray for the people in Ukraine. Protect them, guide them, strengthen their faith in You. Do miraculous things for them that only You can do, Wonder Working God. Save the lost strengthen the weak.

May we faithfully abide in You until You call us home.

 

How to Abide Forever

O. T. #2139  "How to Abide Forever"

March 1, 2022

Summary of Amos

 

LET IT GLOW

If you need your day brightened up, read on, friend. We find it in     1 John 2:17, And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

What word appears 5 times in this chapter?

 Abideth means to stay (in a given place, state, relation, or expectancy); remain; stand; tarry.

Will is purpose; decree.

What can we learn from this one verse? The world and lust is passing away and passing by, while we are passing through. Loving the world comes with a price tag-loss of intimacy with God.

Those who do God's will, fulfill His purpose for their life, will live forever and ever. Amen. And along this journey, we will have peace with our Heavenly Father. We will experience His unfailing love, forgiveness, and strength to carry on. Does it get any better?

LET IT GROW

Folks, I am only a country gal, saved by grace, with the love of Jesus in my heart. I have no seminary degree, just have commentaries spread out on my desk, and have a hunger for the Word of God. this blog is two-fold, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and His salvation and forgiveness of sin; I want to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren-the truth of the Word of God.

Thank you so much for following along with me in this task set before me. How faithful you are, dear one. May you be blessed with His Word.

Looking back over the book of Amos, we learned:

• Amos was a shepherd of sheep and a fruit fig farmer, not a prophet by profession or education. (chapter 1)
• Judgments against 6 nations who were enemies of Israel was prophesied. (chapter 2)
• Judgments against Judah and Israel were pronounced if they did not repent of sins and idol worship, turning back to God. (chapter 2)
• Five symbolic visions of judgment were given by God. (chapters 7-9)
• Four messages of condemnation. (chapters 3-6)
• Restoration of the Davidic Kingdom. (chapters 7-9)

Amos loved his nation and Jewish family, but he loved God more and wanted to do His will. He submitted to God's purpose for his life, leaving the fields and giving hard messages and warnings. We can say this faithful man was abiding with his God. He stayed the course for his life, remained faithful to the task, stood up for the Word of God-all when it was such a difficult thing to do. Because he was doing God's will, he now abides in heaven with Him. What a reward!

Here is our challenge: Are we willing to do the will of God and abide forever?

LET IT GO

God is still the same, never has let go of me, and never will.

My God is still the same, He is always with me.

Merciful God use us to do Your will, for Your glory, Your way.

Continue to pray for the people in Ukraine, their safety and provisions and salvation. There are Christians in the country. Just read where missiles have disappeared and invading soldiers got lost. Isn't that our God!