Amos
Can there be any doubt God is disappointed when we treat each other so poorly? The God who loves us so much He sent His son to die can only tolerate it so much when we take advantage of other people. How can our selfish dreams compare to His dream
Amos
God does not want us creating and living in a society where our moral compass is fueled by our selfishness. He came to save us because we need Him. He cares for us and teaches us a better way. We are His people, not His possessions. Amos points towards a
Amos
God wants us to seek Him and find Him, not create hollow rituals that look good on the outside. God tells Hosea, a contemporary to Amos, that He desires steadfast love rather than sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6). God desires relationship with
Amos
God teaches us to look past the surface of our life and find out what truly exists in the depth of our heart. God is always interested in what motivates us. His concern is as much about our why as our what. Sin and righteousness are not just determined by
Amos
God doesn’t want us to destroy ourselves in our own sinfulness, but in our free will we sometimes leave Him with no other option. He wants to be with us in love. He wants us to choose to follow. Unfortunately, we are sinful. Life is a tug-of-war. It is
Amos
Coming to the altar isn’t about the show, it is about God and being humble before Him. Is God impressed by our fancy bands, our smoke screens and stage performances, and the size of our projection screens? Is God impressed by how entertaining the sermon is or how many
Amos
When people are raised to see their fellow man as a source for increasing their own wealth, society has a problem. We all struggle against sin, but the sin learned in the home can be the most difficult to root out. It is imperative that households don’t become breeding
Amos
If we worship a generous God, how can we justify hording His blessing? If I do not earn God’s love, yet He blesses me anyways, how can I justify demanding others to earn my love? It’s not a case of giving everyone what they want; it is genuine
Amos
Unfortunately, few people understand the concept of enough. I truly struggle in the right circumstance. Sit me down with a carton of peanut butter ripple chocolate ice cream and I can convince myself to eat the whole container before I feel I’ve had enough. Other people passionately acquire things.
Amos
Do I listen to God when He sends people into my life to chasten my action? Am I humble enough to receive rebuke or stubborn enough to demand my own way? Is my heart malleable or hardened? God presents six scenarios illustrating cause and effect: * For two people to walk
Amos
To whom much is given, much will be required. Jesus speaks these words when talking to His disciples in Luke 12:48. The greater context of His quote is a lesson about the condition of our heart, where we place our treasure, and how prepared we are to be with
Amos
Systems that focus wealth up the chain and create dependencies upon those with power are inherently contrary to God’s design. God is a God who sets people free. God empowers us to change, improve our being, and then live into our calling. He wants us to become like Him.