On Being Spiritually Mature

Scripture – 1 John 2:12-14: ¹²I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. ¹³I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. ¹⁴I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) John sort of touches on three stages of spiritual life. Why he does it like this, I don’t know. Some of these New Testament writers seem to reference hymns or common sayings in the early church that we don’t have now. Faith begins as children, accepting God’s forgiveness – beginning a personal relationship with Him. The stages of adolescence and early adulthood are the times faith is refined as it goes through various tests. An awareness of the power and persistence of the evil one is a primary learning. Maturity comes as I learn to accept and live in the sure knowledge of God’s presence, mercy and love. It takes time to get there.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I guess it’s time I admitted to myself I’ve reached a level of spiritual maturity that would put me in with the “fathers” in this passage. I still have much to learn and there’s work Christ is still doing within me. I will stay open to that. At the same time, I will also get more serious about helping other people mature in Christ.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done in me. Teach me how to encourage and teach others in their faith. Use me to bring a greater level of maturity to your church.

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.

An Old New Command

Scripture – 1 John 2:7-11: ⁷Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. ⁸Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. ⁹Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. ¹⁰Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. ¹¹But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The command to love one another is not new. It came from Christ before the church was established. Often we grow tired of hearing it – especially when I have to deal with specific people. Yet those are exactly the times it becomes a new commandment. It’s like it moves past “love one another,” to “love this person.” I am renewed when I obey.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll keep this old new command in the front of my mind today as I encounter people. I will live in the light.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, darkness is all around in this age. Save me from that. Keep opening my heart and mind to people around me that I might love them as you love me.

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.

An Interesting Partnership

Scripture – 1 John 2:1-6: ¹My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. ²He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. ³We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. ⁴The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: ⁶Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here’s the deal – if Jesus Christ is alive in me, my behavior will be affected. That’s how it works for me. Christ works from the inside out. At the same time, I can – and should – and do – act like I think a Christian should act. Sometimes I do that just because I know it’s the right thing to do. My heart’s really not in it. I’ve learned a change in my behavior will often lead to a change in my heart. So I don’t have to wait for Christ to change me before I do what He commands.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will make intentional choices today to “walk as Jesus did.” I’ll do that whether I feel like it or not. And I’ll trust Him to cover my sin when I fall short.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, this is an interesting partnership we have. Thank you for all you’re doing within me. Help me see my responsibility, as well. Teach me to live as you did. Guide me in my choices today. Please keep bringing my heart closer to you.

Avoiding Self Deception

Scripture – 1 John 1:8-10: ⁸If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Without even thinking, I will always admit that I sin every day. But….when it comes down to confessing my sin, I’m often hard-pressed to put my finger on specific acts. I catch myself blocking them out – believing I’m doing pretty good. Yet, as John writes here, when I do that I’m deceiving myself.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be aware of my sin today. I will confess when I see it, rather than build up a list I can submit at the end of the day. In that confession, I will accept God’s gift of forgiveness and new beginning. In that, I will live free.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your patience with me. Sometimes I overlook the simplest things in life. Give me an open eye today to see myself in your truth. Teach me to confess along the way and accept your forgiveness in the moment. Thank you for your grace and mercy.

God Is Light

Scripture – 1 John 1:5-7: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In the light I can see what’s around me. In the darkness I’m surrounded by the unknown. I don’t know what direction to go. I move slowly and tentatively – not sure what I may bump into. In the light I move with confidence. Sometimes I prefer the darkness. I’ll even shut my eyes so I won’t have to see something.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) The light of Christ reveals more than I want to see. Sometimes it seems like more than I can handle. Yet the fact is, truth is always better than a lie. Light is always better than darkness. I will keep my eyes open today. I will avoid the shadows.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord Jesus, for bringing your light into my life. I find your light uncomfortable at times because I see areas of my life where I still have work to do. At the same time, your light also shows me how far I’ve come – how far you have brought me. So keep me moving forward please. Teach me always to walk in your light.

Sharing What I Know

Scripture – 1 John 1:1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The heart of any gospel I proclaim or share is my personal experience of Christ. It’s of little value for me to tell about the experience of other people. John could speak of literally seeing Jesus in the flesh and touching Him with his hands. As I have opened myself to Him and invited Him to take control, I have seen miraculous things happen in my life. I am held by His love and mercy and grace and peace and power. In Him I live with the sure knowledge of eternal life. That puts this period of life in an entirely different perspective. I’m free to live each day in the light of hope – always knowing the best is yet to come. And that I proclaim with confidence.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will remember who I am and what Christ has done and is doing in me. I will bring that into conversations as naturally as I can.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for what you’ve done and are doing. Help me know when and how to share the good news of your salvation as I speak with people in whatever settings I find myself.

A Word of Hope

Scripture – Amos 9:7-8: ⁷“Are not you Israelites the same to me as the Cushites?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir? ⁸“Surely the eyes of the Sovereign LORD are on the sinful kingdom. I will destroy it from the face of the earth—yet I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob,” declares the LORD. ⁹“For I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will reach the ground. ¹⁰All the sinners among my people will die by the sword, all those who say, ‘Disaster will not overtake or meet us.’

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) At last, a word of hope is spoken! God will judge His people. The nation known as Israel will be radically changed – so much so that it will essentially be destroyed, even as a new nation emerges. There is a plan for those who have remained faithful. A new Israel is on the horizon.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) God’s discipline and punishment are always grounded in His lave for His people. His purpose is new life – a new creation. I will be aware of that today. His discipline in my life is always for my good. I always have that hope.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for being an active presence in my life. Teach me through all I encounter today. Grow me a bit more. Humble me and use me. Thanks again for the great hope with which I live every day.

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.

A Day for Introspection

Scripture – Amos 9:5-6: ⁵The Lord, the LORD Almighty, he who touches the earth and it melts, and all who live in it mourn—the whole land rises like the Nile, then sinks like the river of Egypt—⁶he who builds his lofty palace in the heavens and sets its foundation on the earth, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land—the LORD is his name.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This passage lifts up a simple reality. God alone is God. He is the ultimate power. If I put my trust anywhere else, I am a fool. It’s easy to point fingers back at the people of Israel. It’s much harder to look at my own life and heart. How do I live? What does my living reveal about my faith? Who do I trust?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) For me personally, this is a day for introspection. I need to examine myself and my heart. I know Christ is my Savior. I know in Him I have eternal life secured. I sometimes lose sight of Him as Lord. I get distracted. I begin acting out of my pastoral role rather than simply letting Him guide my steps. I will look inside myself today. I will take a hard look and invite Christ to move within me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy. I’m sorry I’ve let myself get distracted lately by all the things going on in my life. I do love you and I am ready to serve you. Please clear up my mind and heart. Take control of my life from the inside out. Direct my life this day.

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.

Whatever God Says

Scripture – Amos 9:1-4: ¹I saw the Lord standing by the altar, and he said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Bring them down on the heads of all the people; those who are left I will kill with the sword. Not one will get away, none will escape. ²Though they dig down to the depths of the grave, from there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to the heavens, from there I will bring them down. ³Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, there I will hunt them down and seize them. Though they hide from me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. ⁴Though they are driven into exile by their enemies, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix my eyes upon them for evil and not for good.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What a terrible picture this is. If God fixes His eyes upon someone “for evil and not for good,” what chance do they have? I find myself growing weary of these negative images from Amos. At the same time, that’s what the people needed to hear. That’s what God called him to say. Perhaps the message will begin to sink in.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pay attention to God’s call for me today – in this day and age. I will deliver whatever message He gives me as I read the Bible and draw the lessons for the church.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, give me the boldness and confidence to listen and respond to you. Let my preaching reflect your message for us in this present age – whether I like it or not – whether people like it or not.

More Than a Book

Scripture – Amos 8:11-14: ¹¹“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. ¹²Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it. ¹³“In that day “the lovely young women and strong young men will faint because of thirst. ¹⁴They who swear by the shame of Samaria, or say, ‘As surely as your god lives, O Dan,’ or, ‘As surely as the god of Beersheba lives’—they will fall, never to rise again.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) For me, this is another powerful image from Amos. I find most often God’s punishment is no more than letting me live with the consequences of my sin. When I deliberately walk away from God’s direction, He lets me go. And I’m forced to deal with whatever I encounter in my own strength. Eventually I learn to return to Him. The Israelites had ignored God’s word. So now, they would find out what it’s like without it.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I take having a Bible available for granted. I have several different translations on hand. Whether at home or in the office, there’s always a Bible within easy reach. How would my life be impacted if those were gone? I will remember God’s word is holy. While the printed Bible is just a book, at the same time, it is a powerful channel of God’s living word, effective and active today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for preserving and providing your written word. Remind me that it’s not just another book on the shelf. It contains your word for my life – your direction for your church. It’s not the printed book that’s holy, but your living word that shines through those printed pages.

Delivering God's Message

Scripture – Amos 8:8-10: ⁸“Will not the land tremble for this, and all who live in it mourn? The whole land will rise like the Nile; it will be stirred up and then sink like the river of Egypt. ⁹“In that day,” declares the Sovereign LORD, “I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight. ¹I will turn your religious feasts into mourning and all your singing into weeping. I will make all of you wear sackcloth and shave your heads. I will make that time like mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Amos continues with the message God has given him. The time of reversal is coming – “feasts into mourning” and “singing into weeping.” In our discussion last Sunday, the questions came up, where and how did Amos deliver this message? Was it one time in one place? Did he repeat it several times throughout Israel? How does a prophet function these days?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look into those questions. I have some reference books to check. I’ll see what they say regarding Amos. I’ll also stay open to God’s call and direction for my life. Does He have a prophetic message for me to deliver? If so, where, when and how might I do that?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) As we talked last Sunday, Lord, sometimes it’s hard just to tell the truth these days. Teach me today how to do that. Use me in the various ways you will to serve you today. If you have a word for me to deliver or simply to hear, open my ears and my heart.

Now Is the Time to Worship

Scripture – Amos 8:4-7: ⁴Hear this, you who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land, ⁵saying, “When will the New Moon be over that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath be ended that we may market wheat?”—skimping the measure, boosting the price and cheating with dishonest scales, ⁶buying the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the sweepings with the wheat. ⁷The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget anything they have done.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It’s easier than I care to admit to disconnect worship from daily living. In verse 5 I see the image of people sitting in church on Sunday morning, going over plans for the coming week – figuring out how to make even more money by cutting more corners. There’s no worship of God. Sunday becomes no more than an interruption in the work week – a pause from what’s really important. God will remember that.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) One effect of worship is that my attention moves off myself. As I seek God’s presence, as I lift up the name of Christ, as I bow my self before Him, I lose sight of who I am and what’s going on in my life. That’s when Christ can do His best work in me. I will worship and praise God today. I will keep myself humbled before Him today – throughout all the plans I have. I will keep myself open to His transforming presence today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for the changes you have effected in me already this day. Guide my steps today. That I might worship you in all I do and am.

Taken By God

Scripture – Amos 7:14-17: ¹⁴Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. ¹⁵But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ ¹⁶Now then, hear the word of the LORD. You say, “‘Do not prophesy against Israel, and stop preaching against the house of Isaac.’ ¹⁷“Therefore this is what the LORD says: “‘Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Your land will be measured and divided up, and you yourself will die in a pagan country. And Israel will certainly go into exile, away from their native land.’”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Amos’ response pointed out that he was not a preacher by any means. He was a lay person, working two jobs in his hometown. “But the Lord took me,” he said. The Lord made Amos a prophet for that moment in Israel’s history. And he was not going to be intimidated by Amaziah – a “professional” preacher. He had a word from God to deliver, and he did that. After he did what God called him to do, Amos just sort of fades away. I assume he went back to Tekoa and picked up where he left off. At the same time, his life could never be quite the same again.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Though I’m a quite ordinary person, God has called me to be a “professional” preacher. And I’m happy to serve as a local church pastor. At the same time, I keep myself open to His continuing direction. In the midst of this general calling, there are moments He has me do some specific work. I will keep myself open to Him. I will keep myself ready to go when God says, “Go!”

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you are the director of my life. You know that’s my goal. You also know I don’t always reach that goal. Keep me open to your on-going call. Give me courage to respond as you want. Take me wherever you would have me go.

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.

Bringing Unpleasant Truth

Scripture – Amos 7:10-13: ¹⁰Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: “Amos is raising a conspiracy against you in the very heart of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words. ¹¹For this is what Amos is saying: “‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.’” ¹²Then Amaziah said to Amos, “Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. ¹³Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is where faithfulness to God’s call always leads us. We will find ourselves in direct conflict with the culture in which we live – even the church culture. The charge against Amos is, “the land cannot bear all his words.” It has nothing to do with whether his words are true or false. Our world does not want to hear unpleasant truth. So the official “priest” of the land told Amos, “Get out…..don’t prophesy anymore.” This is a snapshot of the great confrontation we face every day. How will I respond today?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s been observed by people more astute than me that the church in North America has been swallowed up by the culture around it. We have always been called to stand against that culture – to be light in the face of darkness – to be truth in the face of deception. I will tell the truth today. And I will be aware of the times I’m tempted to avoid the truth.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, that’s a tall order. I can’t do it without you. “Show me your ways, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me; for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25)

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.

Using God's Plumb Line

Scripture – Amos 7:7-9: ⁷This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. ⁸And the LORD asked me, “What do you see, Amos?” “A plumb line,” I replied. Then the Lord said, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. ⁹“The high places of Isaac will be destroyed and the sanctuaries of Israel will be ruined; with my sword I will rise against the house of Jeroboam.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This image of a plumb line is pretty straightforward. It simply shows that Israel does not measure up to God’s standards. Since that’s of no concern to them, God will spare them no longer. It would be another thirty years or so before this prophecy would be fulfilled. But the message of Amos is unmistakably clear.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) By the grace of God, we are not measured by any plumb line to determine our eternal future. The New Testament makes it clear in various places that God’s law is there to show us our imperfection. In light of that, the cross of Christ has effected salvation for us. I will remember my imperfection today. At the same time, I will thank God for His mercy and grace.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, I know I would have no chance without you. Yesterday, I made a couple of stupid decisions. Today, in your good grace, I have a new beginning. Remind that even though I don’t have to measure up to your plumb line, it’s still a good guideline for me to follow.

Asking for Help

Scripture – Amos 7:1-6: ¹This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king’s share had been harvested and just as the second crop was coming up. ²When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, “Sovereign LORD, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!” ³So the LORD relented. “This will not happen,” the LORD said. ⁴This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: The Sovereign LORD was calling for judgment by fire; it dried up the great deep and devoured the land. ⁵Then I cried out, “Sovereign LORD, I beg you, stop! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!” ⁶So the LORD relented. “This will not happen either,” the Sovereign LORD said.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Amos shares two visions from the Lord: one of locusts, the other of fire. Both start with total destruction. Amos cries out for forgiveness. The Lord relents. Total destruction will not come to His people. It’s interesting to me that God seems to have a give and take sort of dialogue with Amos. If Amos had not cried out on behalf of the people, would God have acted differently? Are there things God will not do unless we ask?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes (though not as often as in the past) I forget to simply ask God to intervene. I’ve seen Him do that. I’ve seen Him change situations and relationships. I will remember to ask Him to help today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers. Show me again how to pray effectively. Remind me that you still do what I see as miraculous things. Give me faith and boldness as I walk with you and call on you today.

Depending on God

Scripture – Amos 6:11-14: ¹¹For the LORD has given the command, and he will smash the great house into pieces and the small house into bits. ¹²Do horses run on the rocky crags? Does one plow there with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness—¹³you who rejoice in the conquest of Lo Debar and say, “Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?” ¹⁴For the LORD God Almighty declares, “I will stir up a nation against you, O house of Israel, that will oppress you all the way from Lebo Hamath to the valley of the Arabah.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) One of the hardest things to remember is God’s strength is made complete in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). Israel had reached the point where they didn’t need God. They (at least, those in power) took care of themselves and provided for themselves. They felt like they were totally in control. So the punishment for them will be to lose control. Another nation will take them over and oppress them as they have been oppressing the poor among them.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Salvation begins when I recognize I cannot save myself. Following that beginning, spiritual growth is pretty much a process of letting go of more and more control in my life – trusting and allowing Christ to be the guiding influence in all of life. I have identified one area of my life where I need to do that. I will let it go as I give it over to Christ’s control today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, help me do that today. I cannot do it without you. Give me peace and strength this day to live more fully by letting you live more fully in me.

No Turning Back

Scripture – Amos 6:8-10: ⁸The Sovereign LORD has sworn by himself—the LORD God Almighty declares: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it.” ⁹If ten men are left in one house, they too will die. ¹⁰And if a relative who is to burn the bodies comes to carry them out of the house and asks anyone still hiding there, “Is anyone with you?” and he says, “No,” then he will say, “Hush! We must not mention the name of the LORD.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a hard picture. Israel has passed the point of no return. As Amos continues with God’s message, it’s like His anger grows deeper and His resolve even stronger. By the time things start happening to Israel, the people will truly recognize God’s wrath. The Lord is being clear, this will be His intentional act to punish Israel.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I don’t like reading passages like this. I don’t like seeing this hard edge to God’s love. Yet the fact remains, He never stops loving His people, just as He never stops loving me. I will live in a way that brings honor to Christ today. I will live a life of which God can be proud.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for sparing me from the punishment of Israel. I’m sorry for the times I disappoint you. Teach me and guide me as I move on through this day. Help me make good choices.

The Demon of Complacency

Scripture – Amos 6:1-3: 1Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come! 2Go to Calneh and look at it; go from there to great Hamath, and then go down to Gath in Philistia. Are they better off than your two kingdoms? Is their land larger than yours? 3You put off the evil day and bring near a reign of terror.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This hits the target for me right off the bat. Complacency is one of my most troubling sins. I like it when life and ministry run smoothly. I’m tempted to make that the focus of my work – to simply serve as a maintenance man for the church. My tendency is to let the engine run while the car sits in neutral. I’ll enjoy the quiet sound of the running engine. Maybe I’ll do some cleaning of the car. But all the while, we’re not going anywhere. I slip into that mode more easily than I care to admit.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will move out of and beyond maintenance mode. To be sure, there’s a need for maintenance. At the same time, the purpose of a car is to move us from one place to another.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, please shake me out of this. Show me your direction for my life and for the church. Save me from this demon of complacency that would try to move in and take control. Help me make the shift from neutral into drive. Then remind me to move over and let you be the driver.

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.

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.

Honoring God In My Living

Scripture – Amos 5:21-24: ²¹“I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. ²²Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. ²³Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ²⁴But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I wish Amos would say what he really thinks! God comes right to the point here – the problem is most clearly visible in worship. The religious/spiritual life of the people has been disconnected from their daily behavior and attitudes. So Amos brings these pointed, strong words from the Lord: “I hate, I despise….I cannot stand.” God will no longer pay any attention to these artificial worship rituals. Instead, His call still rings out today: “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Self examination is so important when I come to worship God. It’s a time for me to look at my heart, my motives and my priorities in life. I consider my behavior, not just my words. In worship I bring myself as honestly as I can into the presence of God. I will be careful about doing that. I will be honest about who I am in worship. I will keep open to Christ’s transforming power.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your mercy and grace. Help me worship you through my behavior today in all the situations I encounter. Please keep leading me in the way of righteousness. In my life, Lord, and in your church be glorified today.

A Good or Bad Day?

Scripture – Amos 5:18-20: ¹⁸Woe to you who long for the day of the LORD! Why do you long for the day of the LORD? That day will be darkness, not light. ¹⁹It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him. ²⁰Will not the day of the LORD be darkness, not light—pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness?

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The “day of the Lord” looks to be a future time when people thought God would somehow take full control of things. They had no clue that it would be a time of judgment for them. For us today, we have the promise of Christ’s return. There will come a time when time and history as we understand it will come to an end. Christ will return to earth. I don’t know that it’s an exact parallel with what Amos describes. I do know for some people that will be a great new day. For others it will be a day of trouble.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Am I ready for that? By the grace of God, I am. I will live with that assurance today. I will let a sense of urgency fuel me today, as well. As conversations about spiritual matters arise, I will be ready to talk about the grace of God and the good news of Christ.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, first of all, thank you for saving me and countless others. Give me compassion, wisdom and words as I engage people in conversation today. The longer you wait to come, the more opportunity people have. Remind of that often. Stir me to new action.

Our Deepest Need

Scripture – Amos 5:14-17: ¹⁴Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. ¹⁵Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. ¹⁶Therefore this is what the Lord, the LORD God Almighty, says: “There will be wailing in all the streets and cries of anguish in every public square. The farmers will be summoned to weep and the mourners to wail. ¹⁷There will be wailing in all the vineyards, for I will pass through your midst,” says the LORD.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) A hint of hope is given here. If the people will change their hearts and behavior, “perhaps” the Lord will have mercy on them. The primary problem, of course, still remains – the people don’t realize they’re doing anything wrong. The end of vs. 14 touches on that. They think the Lord is with them already, so why should they change?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) There’s a song we sing sometimes called “People Need the Lord.” That reality can be hard to communicate these days. There are so many voices in our culture today telling us what we “need.” A lot of people don’t know any better. So they spend their life chasing after the illusion that they can be satisfied by obtaining what the world says they need. I’m not sure how to counter that. I will listen for opportunities to initiate spiritual conversations today. I will follow through when those opportunities come.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, give me a sensitive, discerning spirit today as I talk with people. Remind me that you fill my deepest need, and you are the answer for everyone I meet.

God's Present and Future Kingdom

Scripture – Amos 5:11-13: ¹¹You trample on the poor and force him to give you grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine. ¹²For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. You oppress the righteous and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts. ¹³Therefore the prudent man keeps quiet in such times, for the times are evil.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This passage reminds me of a story Jesus told in Luke 12 about a rich man. The man used his wealth to build bigger storehouses for his grain so he could become even wealthier. Than one night, he died. And God said, “The things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20) These people in Israel have built their wealth by robbing the poor. They will not live much longer in their fine homes.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) How many people have housing they don’t use much of the time? (In this area of Michigan we usually refer to them as “a cottage up north.”) All the while we have people living without anyplace to call home. God will see that justice prevails. His kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. In this present day, we in the church are called to be a proleptic experience of that kingdom. I will live as a kingdom citizen today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, that’s a bold promise. I cannot keep it without your power in me. Teach me and use me today. Thank you for the blessed assurance of your eternal reign.

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.

Unwelcome Words

Scripture – Amos 5:1-3: ¹Hear this word, O house of Israel, this lament I take up concerning you: ²“Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again, deserted in her own land, with no one to lift her up.” ³This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong for Israel will have only a hundred left; the town that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What a sad image. God’s people are fallen and deserted. There is no one to lift her up. What did the people think when they heard these words? They certainly didn’t see any problems. Life was going very well for them. It’s no wonder prophets are not well received. Who wants to hear that the party will soon be shut down?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I still take so much for granted. I know there are homeless and hungry people. At the same time, I choose to not think about them most of the time. I hide behind the idea there’s nothing I can really do. I will come out of hiding. I will find a practical thing I can do, and I will do it.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, give me eyes to see and ears to hear. In this day, in this place, show me how to act in a righteous way.

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.