Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
Israel are going about their religious activities and talking up the day when God would come to his people. But the LORD is clear that his presence will mean judgment on the people for the injustice they do to the poor and needy. Indeed, they have already been under judgment as he has witheld blessing from their land as he promised in Deuteronomy. However, the people have not responded with repentance. Amos therefore declares that they will be destroyed and exiled by a foreign army, with only a few surviving. It's sobering for those of us who assume the return of Christ will be good news. It will only be if we are repentant. And if not, we should respond to the evidence around us that our world is already under judgment. Just as famine, drought and disaster signalled this for Israel (4v6-10), so all the struggles of life for us, are signs that the creation has been subjected to decay (Rom 8v20-21). So, all need to return to the Lord. As you read note the sins of the people.
Amos 3-5
Amos 3-5
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.