God's Simple Plan

Scripture – Amos 5:25-27: ²⁵“Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the desert, O house of Israel? ²⁶You have lifted up the shrine of your king, the pedestal of your idols, the star of your god—which you made for yourselves. ²⁷Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is God Almighty.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) God has a simple plan for His people. He will be our God, providing all we need. We will be His people, trusting Him to take care of us. Through that simple plan, He will use us to spread His light in the world. Israel had refused to live by that plan. They gave their allegiance to other gods – idols they made for themselves. So Amos named the judgment. They would be sent into exile.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I certainly slip into the same thing sometimes. There are times I realize my behavior shows I’m attracted to other gods – money, calendar, family, church, etc. I will re-focus today on serving Christ. I will participate in God’s simple plan for life.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus Christ, you really have made things simple. I complicate matters by getting so much extra stuff going on, I lose sight of you. Forgive me for that. Give me a new beginning today. Teach me again how to live simply and faithfully.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.