HEAR! RETURN!
Today’s Reading: Amos 3-4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
There are many spectacular mountain views as you explore Petra in Jordan. In our key verse, God is called, “He Who forms mountains.”
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Amos 3:7, 4:13
Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
…For behold,
He who forms mountains,
And creates the wind,
Who declares to man what his thought is,
And makes the morning darkness,
Who treads the high places of the earth–
The Lord God of hosts is His name.
Some believe that God as the Creator has abandoned His creation, hanging the world on nothing (Job 26:7), and then He proceeded to move to another part of the cosmos. Amos makes it clear that God has been involved in the past, is involved in the present, and will be involved in the future! There is a recent movie called, “God’s Not Dead 2″ that makes the point of God’s continued presence! Our first key verse states that the Lord is constantly communicating with us. He wants us to listen! Amos feels compelled to “Prophesy” (speak out what he has had revealed to him), “The Lord God has spoken, who can but prophesy!” (3:8b).
Our second key verse is not only stating the fact of God’s creation, but it shows that Amos is worshipping God for Who He is! The exercise of prophesying is not just foretelling but “forthtelling,” speaking of God’s greatness as we worship Him. Both chapters, Amos 3 & 4, begin with the word, “Hear!” Are we listening carefully, and are we, for example, doing the opposite to Amos 4:1? Are we doing our best to lift up the poor and needy? God cares intensely! During the entirety of these blogs we have paid attention to “repetition”…God’s way of making His point strongly. There are five repetitions of the words, “Yet you have not returned to Me, says the LORD!!!” This reveals the heart of God longing for closeness with His people.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I return to YOU! I run into Your open arms as Your wayward child! I pray that I will continually remain 24/7 in Your loving, strong embrace, hearing Your voice as I read Your Word, and doing that which pleases You. I pray this through the Person Who always pleased You, Father, Your Son and my Saviour, Jesus! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
[Note: this blog post was originally written by David on April 5, 2016]
I’m here in Red Deer, Alberta, just now. I’m scheduled to speak at the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast this morning. Ever since I passed the two-year life expectancy mark (the doctor diagnosed me with a terminal illness, MDS acute leukaemia, in March of 2012). I’ve been somewhat frustrated, because I don’t have a clear understanding of the reason why God has extended my life. I’ve read again the story of Hezekiah, whose life was extended 15 years by God and by the application of a poultice over the area infected. During those extra years he did something really stupid which resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem. I ask for the prayers of all my blog family!
Yours for finishing well,
David
How inspiring to read David’s words written in April 2016, how he made himself vulnerable to his readers and requested prayer. The “extension” of his life helped so many. He certainly finished well!
Amen, Eleanor.
Amen,yes David did.
Amen Eleanor!!
You finished the race well, indeed, David. Us saints, here on earth, worship You, Jesus. Our reward is to see Your shining face in heaven, after we cross that river. All glory to Your Name on high. Wishing all saints a blessed day in the Lord.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
In Christ Alone (with lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3ExMwj9Efw
Amen, Beverlee!!
Our featured verse today emphasizes that God controls the wind. How appropriate for us today. We saw the fierceness of the wind yesterday here in S Ontario! The sun is shining brightly today. Thank You Lord.
Pastor David you are still such an example to all of us. You fought the good fight to the end and are still Blessing us with your words daily.
Thanks to Ron for continuing this blog and for Ann and Reynold as well. Blessing to all, Elesnor M.
Amen Eleanor M.
God wants people to
return back to him.
Dear David – – so transparent and honest. And , amazingly, so humble ! If anyone didn’t have to worry about finishing well, it was him.!
Sah I saw this on the internet
Please try it and see if it will help you with the ant problem you are having.
8. Kill all sorts of pests
Borax has been known as a powerful bug-killer for decades, but what’s really impressive is the sheer number of pests it will kill.
A mixture of equal parts borax and sugar will draw in and poison flies, wasps, roaches, and other small bugs.
Just be sure to keep the mixture out of reach of your kids and pets. Try putting it under your fridge, or the sink.
A sprinkle of borax will also keep ants, beetles and mice away.
You can even keep away fleas and dust mites by sprinkling some borax in your carpet.
Amen, Eleanor finished well. Gave his all to the very end and we are still being inspired with his teaching through the faithfulness of his family. Thank you David and family. Was a wild and cold day today and went out for my yearly ecogram. God is faithful in all seasons. Think of the song, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” God bless you saints.
Amen, Ger, I agree with you, David finished well, and his family is carrying on, what he has begun, very well!!
Sorry, meant to say David finished well and believe you will too Eleanor.
Thanks Ger, as I do you too.
Yes, I agree, David finished!!
Thank you Ron, that you continue to bless us with this blog. From my point of view, and I believe in God’s too, you will finish well!!
Amen!