HEAR – SEEK – LIVE
Today’s Reading: Amos 5-6
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
These ruins are located in the area of ancient Samaria. Jesus said that if people failed to praise God, the rocks would cry out. In a very real sense, these rocks are crying out to us that when people don’t want God in their daily lives, He does not force Himself upon them. They are left to their own resources, and ruin is the inevitable result.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, clink HERE.
Key Verses: Amos 5:4, 6:14
For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel:
“Seek Me and live…”
“But, behold, I will raise up a nation against you,
O house of Israel,”
Says the Lord God of hosts;
“And they will afflict you from the entrance of Hamath
To the Valley of the Arabah.”
God, in His mercy, so often grants individuals and nations the opportunity to repent, yet again and again, that offer of forgiveness and a new beginning is ignored or rejected. Here in chapter five, after God, through Amos, points out Israel’s continuing rejection, He still continues His appeal to His people to repent. Four words in our key verse say it all… “SEEK ME and LIVE!” The word “seek” is in our reading three times. The dictionary says that “SEEK” means, “An attempt to find someone or something…searching…hunting.” Jesus said, “But SEEK first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness!” (Matthew 6:33a). He also urged seeking again in His powerful message on the hillside, “SEEK and you shall find!” (Matthew 7:7). Therefore, we are to SEEK for Him! The fact is that He is looking for us! Jesus said, “The Son of Man has come to SEEK and to save that which was lost.” Let’s read the story that illustrates this (Luke 19:1-10).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I seek for You! It’s not that You are lost, it’s that I’m often distracted by the pressures, events, and everyday happenings in my life. I pray that the Holy Spirit will shine the light on You every day through my reading of Your Word. Thank You that I know where to find You. You’re right here in Your Word to me as I read! You’re there every time I kneel to pray in a manifestation of Your presence. I’ll find You also at church, because You said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them!” (Matthew 18:20). I ask You to continue to provide me with daily light. In Your Name, Jesus, I pray…Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve just looked for “Orion” (5:8a) on Google. Click here for a look at this tiny part of the cosmos which God has created. I’m so glad that in order to find God, we don’t have to travel a billion miles into space looking for Him. I sought for Him this morning and there He was, so very close to me. He didn’t hide inside the mystery of a religious ceremony. God said that He is near to those who have a broken heart (Psalm 34:18a). I pray often that God will break my heart with those things that break His heart. He’s right here! The Apostle Paul quoted the prophets Moses, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah to make the point that God dwells in His temples, our bodies (2 Corinthians 6:16b). I don’t have to travel far. I begin to read His Word, meditate on His Word, and begin to worship Him with my love (mostly under my breath because people are sleeping nearby), and I praise Him for Who He is, for Jesus and His suffering and death on the cross for my sins. I experience that sense of love, peace and security which is a manifestation of His presence.
Yours for having the knowledge of His presence even if I don’t feel His presence. That’s because He promised to be with us!!! (Matthew 28:18-20),
David
P.S. Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in Red Deer, Alberta. What a tremendous annual event! (photo below). 
Amen! Just a minor edit. Key verse is 6:14 and not 6:15. Thank you for your message today Pastor David!
Thanks for catching that! We made the change.
OH, amen, amen, and amen to your beautiful prayer and message, David. Thank you, fine sir! And a wonderful photo of you, yesterday, at the prayer breakfast. Praise God through whom all blessings flow! Prayers of love healing and blessings to all saints!
United Pursuit, Since Your Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWYO7IbK0L8
Bless you David. The Lord is so faithful, you are a beautiful child of Gods. Thank you for this blog. Thank you Lord and continue to bring David peace love and security. Amen
Thanks for illustrating so clearly how God seeks us. By referring not only to specific verses in today’s passage but also to many others from different parts of the Bible, you really help us to see the big picture. It’s great you were able to share in Red Deer yesterday. I’m sure you blessed many there!
Amen
Thank you Pastor David for this am’s blog. God is so vast, so majestic and complex, yet so attainable and so personable to his creation.HE is a loving GOD and HE has given us men of GOD such as yourself (and women of GOD as well) to make us aware of HIS LOVE for each one of us including me. Oh that the world may receive HIM today and experience the Love of GOD in the heart and soul and Know beyond a shadow of a doubt that JESUS wants to forgive us our sins if we will confess them and JESUS wants to live in our hearts if we will invite HIM in and lastly, JESUS desires to bring us all to heaven (called the rapture) if we will obey HIM and let HIM have HIS WAY in our lives. Bless you David and all the precious bloggers who write in yo your blog.
Rev. Terrence (Terry) Felvus – Grassie.
Good comment on the Scriptures today David. You also quoted a Scripture that I can identify with, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”(Psalm4:18). You are expending yourself in this stage of your life David that younger people are not able to achieve, so you are producing and with good results as yesterday bloggers have shown. I am still going through a very difficult time of my life and am trying to keep everything in the Lord’s hands, but sometimes am overcome with anxiety, like early this morning but then I keep my daily Bible reading time and reading this blog and it settles me, knowing God is pleased and He will vindicate me and give me the victory in His good time but the waiting is hard. Love you all! Ger
You are in my prayers dear Ger. My psalm is 18 and I go there when I am in need of encouragement. You are a precious child of The Most High God and HE knows your needs at this time. Rest in HIS loving arms and have HIS peace. Blessings on you. Catherine
Thanks for introducing your readers to the Astronomy Picture of the day. Such a fantastic resource- especially since the Bible itself says, “The heavens are telling the glory of God”.So you are a messenger, too, introducing us in better ways than we–or you could ever have dreamed !
Thanks again for 100 Huntley–it just gets better and better !
And wow ! Loved Craig Evans today..Wed April 6/16. Everybody.. let’s share Dr Evans new book, “God Speaks” ! You can also forward his interview.
Hi once more–Yesterday I posted a comment, but maybe I made an error in my posting..since I don’t see it
My thought was that even tho we may not know exactly what the Lord has for us to do when we’ve been graciously given years we didn’t expect to have, it’s ok to just do whatever comes next– for example, this blog. Here is wisdom from one of the most faithful men on this earth, whose life story is filled with too many good, and even miraculous things to recount ! We can also forward it to friends both old and new, blessing even more people..
If you have heard of the Butterfly Effect, you can never feel your deeds are of no no account.. This B.E. is actually a scientific principle..the smallest movement of the wing creates movement that passes thru the air and effects other nearby objects, and so on in a chain of events that might change world history.Sounds impossible? Google this & see what you learn . Even the most unknown deed done in His Name has incredible importance. Eternity will tell.
Thank you for the Wisdom in your words. I’m glad that your posting was for today, as I have missed a few days and these words of encouragement are received.
I pray that David receives too and knows that his ministry, which is vast and far-reaching is more important than words can say.
In my life, I embrace your experiences and wisdom. David- thank you. I also give GOD thanks and praise for you.
Wonderful and inspiring teaching today. Thank you Pastor David and fellow bloggers.
Great photo…would have liked to have been there to hear your message Pastor David!
Agreed with your powerful pivotal prayer this morning.
Always appreciate your commentary and enlightenment of the Word in each daily manna. Thank you Pastor David!
What a comfort to know that The Spirit makes intercession for us when we know not what to pray…Romans 8:27 “And He that searches the hearts knows what is in the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the Will of God.”
This is the scripture that ministered to me this morning during my quite moment in the Word and in prayer. Thank You Jesus.
Have a Blessed Day in the Lord!!
Great link of Orion…looking forward to tomorrow’s.
Thank you Catherine for your encouraging words and yes, I am just getting to your blog and I will read Psalm 18. I love that psalm too. Blessings on you, dear sister. God knows our hearts, doesn’t He?
Good to see your photo, Pastor David!
Thanks for visiting my beautiful province Pastor David.( I live in Calgary).I am sure that all who heard your message were blessed. Your energy, passion, commitment and dedication amaze and inspire me! I pray God’s continuing blessing on your life.