Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 265: Amos

Good afternoon, everyone!

Today I read Amos 6-9.

As you recall, the book of Amos is set during the days of King Jeroboam. Wickedness abounds in Israel and the surrounding kingdoms.

God shows Amos His judgment for Israel.

Amos intercedes, and God relents. Twice.

The third time, however, Israel has turned so far from God that He will not change His mind.

By the way, Amos wasn't a prophet. He was a shepherd.

I confess, I don't know all the historical information, and I haven't studied these books very closely. But it made me wonder. Were there no prophets at this time? God had to choose a shepherd. 

Well, I shouldn't say it like that, should I? David was a shepherd. And God chose him to be king.

I guess the point could be that you don't have to be considered "special" by the world. When God calls you, all you have to do is obey.

So, Amos interceded twice and God changed His mind. The third time He wouldn't. 

In fact, even the priests were corrupt. They called Amos before them to demand that he stop prophesying against Israel. In fact, Amaziah the priest told the king that Amos had conspired against him.

Basically they told him to lie or get out. But Amos continued to tell the truth, as God showed him.

Now, I know I haven't had a lot to share lately because the chapters have been a bit repetitious of Israel's sin and God's punishments, but this always amazes me.

In the old testament we find people like Amos, Daniel, and Moses, who go where God tells them to and do as He says, even sometimes at the risk of their own lives.

In the new testament we find apostles like Peter and Paul who do the same thing. Oh, and Stephen.

And it's amazing to me. What faith they must have had to do as God commanded even in the face of certain death. It's inspiring.

I know I don't always live my life for God the way I should. And I know that just because it's hard doesn't mean I have an excuse. But I want to. These heroes of the Bible (for they were heroes) truly inspire me. I want to be brave as they were. Bold as they were. And have faith as they did.

It's a process. I'm learning and growing every day. And I hope as you read your Bible and talk with God that you will grow too. Perhaps my blog may help in some way also.

If you have any questions or comments, leave them below and I'll do my best to answer.

I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Obadiah 1.

Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 264: Seek Good and Not Evil

Good afternoon, everyone!

Today I read Amos 1-5.

Today's reading is set during the days of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel. If you don't remember them, we learned about them in the books of the kings and the chronicles of the kings.

Today's reading is about God's judgment. If you remember anything from our readings in the Chronicles, you'll know that pretty much all of the kings were wicked. Not just from the surrounding kingdoms either, but also in Israel and Judah.

So, God promises judgment. But if His people will repent and return to Him, He will forgive them.

Forgiveness is a big theme throughout the Bible, because God is very merciful.

Amos :14 - Seek good and not evil, that you may live; And thus may the LORD God of hosts be with you, just as you have said!

Seek good and not evil.

Well, how do we know?

First of all, the Bible tells us what is good. God is good. His laws are good. Even the ones we don't understand.

Also, our own conscience will tell us when we do something wrong. Even when we don't acknowledge it, it still tells us.

So, let's all strive to seek good rather than evil. Don't worry about being perfect though. We're human, and we can't be perfect. We still have to try our best though, just like always.

I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read Amos 6-9.