Keeping Things in Order

Scripture – Amos 5:4-6: ⁴This is what the LORD says to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live; ⁵do not seek Bethel, do not go to Gilgal, do not journey to Beersheba. For Gilgal will surely go into exile, and Bethel will be reduced to nothing.” ⁶Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the house of Joseph like a fire; it will devour, and Bethel will have no one to quench it.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is very striking to me. God says, “Do not seek Bethel.” Instead, “Seek me and live.” Now Amos is referring to various worship centers where people have been going through the motions of religion without letting those motions affect how they live. Obviously, I see the reference to “Bethel” and I think of Bethel Baptist here in Southgate. From that perspective, the command still fits. In fact, it’s even more personal.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I truly love our church. I focus a lot of my attention and energy on it. At the same time, this passage brings me back to a basic truth: My salvation comes through Christ, not Bethel Baptist. All my good works will not get me into heaven – even my work in the church. Only the work of Christ through His cross has accomplished that for me and for all of us. He has called me to serve Him through a local church. I will keep that straight. I will remember to seek Him and look to Him for guidance rather than Bethel.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for this simple reminder. Sometimes I get sort of confused. Keep my priorities straight. Keep my heart open to your direction today. For in you alone do I find life.

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 tomorrow 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.