Stomp-on!

     Like many of the Old Testament prophets, Amos recognized that the people who have resources tend to make rules that keep those lacking resources from ever getting them (Amos 8). God judged Israel harshly not just for their mistreatment of the poor, but also for the way they violated the laws God gave them to give the poor help and benefit. Can you think of rules that we use today to keep the poor from gaining wealth?

Amos and the truth of sin at home

 The prophet Amos was a shepherd and didn't seem to possess any political or religious power. However, God used this man to show Israel that they were guilty of the very same sins as the nations that Israel often considered "heathen" or inferior (Amos 1-2). How often do we consider those who disagree with us as inferior, when we are in actually just as guilty as they are?

 Like many countries, the United States of America sets aside a day to reflect on and give thanks for the many good gifts (like good crops, etc) God gives to us. While we are enjoying our benefits, we should also remember and give to those who have less than we do (1 John 3).

Leaving your cave

 God called Elijah out of his cave of despair so that he could receive a final mission (1 Kings 19). God seems to have consoled Elijah by reminding him that God is still all-powerful and that He still had work for Elijah. Are you able to find consolation in God's mission for your life?

Super Awesome Mega Pastor...Rides Again!

 We are naturally drawn to exciting and powerful speakers who, like Elijah  (1 Kings 19), seem to do the impossible. Jesus warned of those who try to worship God by teaching man's commandments instead of understanding the heart of God (Matt 15:9). We would do well to seek God first and test what we hear against what we know to be true of God.

Hiding Out

 

After his greatest victory, Elijah feared for his life and went into hiding (1 Kings 19). In his cave of despair, Elijah rehearsed all of the evil his country was facing and began to see an exaggerated version of the problem, where he was the only one left who loved God and that God had abandoned him. Do you have exaggerated versions of your problems? Are you feeling abandoned by God? Can you tell God how you feel?

Following the popular politicians

 

Elijah became an "enemy of the state" when he began the process of reinstating his country's original Theocracy (1 Kings 19). The queen's state religion derived its power from a political state and a charismatic leader, Elijah showed that the one true God is not bound by state politics or human popularity. Are you able to trust God over leaders, political parties, or even your favorite political issue?

All the cool churches have one

 

Israel resisted God's leadership and demanded a king so that they could be like the other nations around them (1 Sam 8). God warned Israel that a king would prove costly and that it was a decision they would regret. As Christians we should ask if we are seeking popularity through enterprising techniques, or are we acting out the gospel so that others can see Jesus in us?

Hiding the truth from the king

 

Samuel feared for his life when God called him to anoint King Saul's replacement. Rather than chastise Samuel for his reluctance, God gave Samuel an excuse for visiting the village where the anointing would take place (I Sam 16). God's care for Samuel's legitimate fear is the opposite of Saul's evil leadership (Prov. 29:2). May God save us from leaders who love power more than their constituents. 

Political power in our pulpits

 

When Samuel came to anoint David king of Israel, the people in the town became afraid (I Sam 16:4). Considering the political power he represented, it was no wonder people were concerned. As we see politicians given place during our worship times, we also might want to consider the political power presented and if truly aligns with our faith and practice.

Remembering the Good Old Days - or not

 

Many of us are tempted to rewrite our histories to be happier or somehow better than our current circumstances. Even Gods' people began to feel nostalgic for their days of slavery, because of the food that was available (Ex 16). As Christians, we might be tempted to think that a particular decade was more moral, or more spiritual because we fail to recall all happened in that time.

Who are you listening to?

 

During times of transition and turmoil, it might be tempting to find comfort and counsel in the many voices that demand our attention. We might do well to consider the advice given to the child, Samuel (1 Sam 3), when he was advised to answer God's call with attentive listening.  How do you listen to God?

Saving vs hoarding

 While most Christians consider it wise to set back a portion of wealth for use in case of an emergency, there is a difference between saving and hoarding. The Israelites had to trust God every day for their provision of food while in the wilderness (Ex 16), and were unable to accumulate wealth by holding it back. How tightly do you hold onto your savings? Do you trust God for your well-being or are trusting in your savings?

Social Media formation

 Christians have long understood the importance of personal and communal spiritual formation. While we seek to be formed into someone more like Jesus Christ, we will often find other interests that are ready to take the place of spiritual formation and mold us to be less like Christ (Rom 12:2). What forces in your life do find influencing how you behave?

The Burning Bush

 

The Bible describes Moses as curious when he saw the burning bush (Exodus 3). He left off from his work as a shepherd to draw near to the bush and focus on it. What appeals to your curiosity? Are you drawn to God's presence in the everyday life?

Jacob's Ladder

 Jacob's dream of the ladder (Gen 28) reaching to Heaven and accommodating angelic movement might remind us of the way Christ bridges the mundane and ordinary bits of life with full presence of God Himself (1 Tim 2:5). How is God trying to break into your life today?

The miraculous in the mundane

 Jacob experienced an unusual revealing of God while he slept in the desert (Gen 28). This miraculous vision caused Jacob to understand that the land he had slept on was special, and deserved his attention. Are you able to see the wonders God is showing you in the seemingly mundane moments of your life?

Life out of chaos

 

God's creation began with a chaotic mass, or void (Gen 1). From this place of confusion God created life and brought a sense of order to sustain that life. In our times of confusion and disorientation, Christians can take comfort that God is still bringing life and the means to sustain that life out of our personal chaos. God not only masters the chaos, but fashions it into something amazing. Let us take heart in times of chaos.

Finding God in His word

 

Psalm 137 provides a glimpse into what Israelites felt when their nation was dismantled and they were taken into captivity. In a time when everything they knew to be true was being undermined and their connections to the God of their fathers was being lost, they held the words and stories sacred. Do you take comfort in God's faithful words in the Bible, or do you read it as legal or scientific document with no special power?

Does your humility outweigh your privilege?

 

Jesus seemed to insult the Syrophenician woman when she asked he heal her daughter (Mark 7). Jesus's response was the way Syrophenicians treated Jewish people. By exposing the possible prejudices, Jesus gave the woman an opportunity to declare herself different. Her humble response was rewarded and her Jesus granted her daughter the healing she needed. How often do you come from a place of privilege?