TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Amos 4:1-6:14
Revelation 2:18-3:6
Psalm 130:1-8
Proverbs 29:21-22
Amos 4:2 — Not much has changed between ancient Egyptian fish hooks and today’s fish hooks.
Amos 4:6 — “Cleanness of teeth” is not referring to good dental care but is part of the “sarcasm” of this passage. Note the invitation to transgression in Amos 4:4, a leavened sacrifice in Amos 4:5, want of bread in Amos 4:6, and a lack of water in Amos 4:7. It seems likely that the cleanness of teeth refers to lack of eating.
Amos 4:7 — Notice God’s control of weather. Jesus confirmed in Matthew 5:45 that the Father in Heaven “sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Notice the point God made: He withholds rain from one city to make people go to another city. They would go long distances for water but no distance for God (Amos 4:8).
Amos 5:4 — ”Seek ye me” is repeated in Amos 5:6 and Amos 5:8. Notice that He contrasts this with their rituals (Amos 5:21).
Amos 5:24 — This verse has been quoted by such people as Martin Luther King Jr. and former FBI Director James Comey. However, usually the context isn’t brought out by people with one foot in the worship of Yahweh (Amos 5:22), and one foot in the worship of Moloch (Amos 5:26). If you’re going to use this verse, you better be committed to the pro-life cause.
Amos 6:7 — The first captives are the ones who are enjoying the luxury of the day.
Revelation 2:20 — The last recorded words of Jesus, and we’re being warned about tolerance. The buzzword of today is the antithesis of commitment to Christ.
Revelation 2:23 — When you receive the reward for your works, what will you get?
Revelation 3:5 — Who are the overcomers? In Romans 8:37 they are identified as “we”, i.e. believers – they/we are the “more than conquerors.” But we are not given that title because of something we have accomplished, but we overcome “through him that loved us.” We can overcome through His love! 1 John 4:4 reminds us that we have overcome, because “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Psalm 130:5 — This year we’ve been hoping in His Word! Keep waiting for the LORD!
Proverbs 29:21 — Mentorship is important – if you haven’t seen The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, you’re missing a great movie.
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