Day 255

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The Only Hope!

Scripture

September 11—Amos 8-9: Visions of Horror and Hope

Observation

Israel's perverted sense of justice and oppression of the poor show that the nation has reached the point of no return. Like a basket of summer fruit about to spoil in the sun, she sits ripe for judgment. No one will escape. God's hand will reach into every corner of the kingdom, overlooking no one. But God never leaves his people without hope. Even Amos, the fiery prophet of doom, closes his prophecy with the promise of God's future restoration.

Application

Throughout the book of Amos, Israel has received special attention for her sin of injustice. (Do a quick review of the pertinent passages 2:6:8; 4:1; t:10-13; 8:4-6. But the prophet doesn't stop there. He delves beneath the surface to the root of the problem: materialism (6:3-6). Israel's prosperity has distorted her view of God and the worship of God. In her preoccupation with things—her desire for more and more wealth, possessions, prestige and security—she has totally ignored God's Person and purposes.

Today, we also live in a materialistic society where the concern for things—money, popularity, position—has obscured the importance of personal integrity and righteousness. Every day we face the pressure to conform to corrupting influences around us. What steps can we take to stay in tune with God?

A good place to begin is with a Bible memory program. "How can a young man stay pure? By reading your Word and following its rules" (Psalm 119:9). Several programs are available at your online Christian bookstore, or choose your own verses to memorize regularly. Think of them as bars of soap that, when hidden in your heart, help to keep it clean and responsive toward God!

Prayer

God, we want to obey you. Search us, O God, and know our heart. We know that first we must be obedient to your Word to obtain the full benefits of our prayer. Obedience follows love and prayer follows obedience. We want to let those that willingly come to you that even though they are disobedient they may pray and come to you with tears, confession and a heart full of regret and you will hear them and answer their prayer. So Lord, help us in our effort to lead the disobedient to everlasting life. And, we pray this in our Savior's name! Amen!

Obey and Pray!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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