Amos 1-4
Amos is an example of the Lord using a simple man to further his cause. Amos was not a priest or a prophet. He was a shepherd whom God called to be a prophet.
Much of what he says is right in line with what the other prophets have spoken. The people of Israel can never say that they weren’t warned. Time and again, the Lord raised up men to warn the people of their wrong doing. But they just wouldn’t listen.
In these first four chapters of the book Amos makes some statements which have been often quoted.
One of these is “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?”(3:3) We see the wisdom of that statement often when people are attempting to accomplish the plans of God. Many churches have the problem of several people trying to pull in different directions. That can be devastating to the plan of God, because strife always ensues when people are in that mode. Strife and a huge standstill. It’s impossible to move forward when many are trying to go different ways.
The second famous verse is another one we should take to heart. “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” (3:7) When big moves of God are about to take place, there will be many who hear from God concerning the moves beforehand. It’s one reason it’s so important to listen to prophets. They can hear and bring insight to others concerning the future.
Sometimes these words are warnings; sometimes they are words of encouragement. In either case, the words from God will protect us and keep us on the right path.
As we move along with the Lord, He will bring correction to the church. Suddenly new revelation will spring forth. Words which have never been noticed will suddenly be brought to light. Those who want to be on God’s cutting edge will truly benefit from such revelation. They will adjust and flow with the Father’s plans rather than pull against them.
You may be thinking that you aren’t in the elite class of ministers who hear dramatic things from the Lord. If you think that, you’re wrong. Neither was Amos, but He heard and reported what He heard, bringing a blessing to all of us.
So watch and listen to see what the Lord might be showing you. As you read the Word, He will speak to you also.
Hold on to what He says to you.
Revelation 8
In this chapter, we see a day of judgment which is coming on the world. Fire sent to the earth and seas, turning them into bitter waters which will kill the creatures within.
As we read these chapters, it seems scary to many. But it should not be frightening to those who are the Lord’s people. The last days and the final “wrap up” are God’s final dealings with Satan and his followers. As we proceed into the next chapters, we will get a more complete understanding of Satan and his history. We will also get a more complete understanding of God’s plans to take care of him for good.
One thing is for sure. God is the Almighty, great God, and Satan is a fallen angel. He has caused a lot of trouble, but Satan is no match for God.
Satan’s power is only in his ability to confuse men and cause them to turn away from God. He puts thoughts in the minds of men which cause them to turn from God. He will often call good evil and evil good.
Our present cultural environment shouts to us, attempting to get people to question God and to turn away from Him. There is no question that Satan is behind much of the confusion and perversion of God’s plan.
That’s why it’s so important for us to stay focused on God’s Word and for us to continue in locked step with Him.
God’s Word is true. His way is right. Hang in there, knowing that you can’t go wrong if you stick with God Almighty!
