Amos 3
LORD has message for both Israel and Judah verse 1
Hear the word that the LORD has spoken against you
O children of Israel
against the whole family which
I brought up from the land of Egypt
saying
LORD chose Israel and Judah alone verse 2
You only have I known of all the families of the earth
THEREFORE I will punish you for all your iniquities
LORD and Israel are not agreed verse 3- 6
Can two walk together except they be agreed?
Will a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey?
will a young lion cry out of his den
if he have taken nothing?
Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth
where no gin is for him?
shall one take up a snare from the earth
and have taken nothing at all?
Shall a trumpet be blown in the city
and the people not be afraid?
shall there be evil in a city
and the LORD has not done it?
LORD reveals HIS plans to prophets verse 7- 8
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing
but HE reveals HIS secret
to HIS servants the prophets
The lion has roared – who will not fear?
the Lord GOD hath spoken
who can but prophesy?
LORD has spoken for all to listen verse 9
Publish in the palaces at Ashdod in the palaces in the land of Egypt and say
Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria
and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof
and the oppressed in the midst thereof
Israel has forgotten to do right verse 10- 11
FOR they know not to do right – says the LORD
who store up violence and robbery in their palaces
THEREFORE thus says the Lord GOD
An adversary there shall be even round about the land
and he shall bring down the strength from you
and your palaces shall be spoiled
Israel because of false worship is punished verse 12- 15
THUS says the LORD
As the shepherd takes out of the mouth of the lion two legs
or a piece of an ear
SO shall the children of Israel
be taken out that dwell in Samaria
in the corner of a bed
and in Damascus a couch
Hear you and testify in the house of Jacob
says the Lord GOD – the God of hosts
THAT IN THE DAY that I shall visit
the transgressions of Israel upon him
I will also visit the altars of Beth-el
and the horns of the altar shall be cut off
and fall to the ground
And I will smite the winter house with the summer house
and the houses of ivory shall perish
and the great houses shall have an end
says the LORD
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I punish you for all your iniquities. (6485 “punish” [paqad] means to impose a penalty on, inflict punishment on, inspect, look at, make a search, hunt up, seek out, or to make a careful inspection.)
DEVOTION: Have you ever been chosen to play on a team on the playground? Sometimes the best players are picked first and then the rest are taken because there is no choice. The rest are just not good players.
Here we have God choosing the children of Jacob or Israel from all the families of the earth to be HIS followers. It started with Abraham then Isaac and finally Jacob to be called by God for special service to HIM.
HE was close to them. HE spoke to them personally in the wilderness. HE chose Moses to lead them. HE gave all HIS commandments to them for all to hear. It frightened the people so the said that God should only speak to Moses and they would listen to him. They lied.
God spoke and they disobeyed. What happens when you disobey your parents or leaders? There has to be discipline or there is no reason to obey in the future. The problem is that some parents never follow through in their discipline and the children just continue to disobey with no consequences. So they don’t listen in the future because they know the warning is not real.
That is not true with the LORD. HE does discipline after HE is disobeyed. HE starts with a soft discipline and finally after many warnings it is a very hard discipline which is usually captivity by another nation.
HE has blessed our nation but we have disobeyed after many warnings. What is going to happen next to us? Should we start changing our behavior? The sins of a nation have consequences.
CHALLENGE: This nation needs a revival and the only ones that can cause this to happen is genuine believers. What are we going to do about it???? The warnings are already here!!
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: 3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (3259 “agreed”
[ya‘ad]means meet, be gathered together, assemble, appointed, betrothed, be engaged or summoned)
DEVOTION: The LORD is making a statement here to the children of Israel. HE uses practical truth that is found everywhere in the world.
Two people are going for a walk together. If one person doesn’t like the other person they will not walk together. If there is disagreement between two parties over what action should be taken in a given situation, they will go their separate ways.
Now we have the LORD and the people of Israel walking in different directions. One direction is right in the eyes of the LORD and the other direction is wrong. God cannot condone sin. HE has to judge sin in anyone’s life even if it is in the life of those HE loves very much.
HE chose to walk closely with the children of Israel. HE picked them for HIS special people. HE loved them. HE promised many things to them if they obeyed. HE warned them if they disobeyed there would be consequences. They would not listen.
This is true even today. We are to agree with the basic teaching of the Word of God. We are not to reinterpret it the way we like. We are not to change the real meanings of words to please what we want to believe. We are not to think that the Bible is outdated and needs to be updated. This is not done by those who genuinely want to obey the LORD. We are either to agree and obey or disagree and disobey. No middle ground with the LORD or should there be with us.
CHALLENGE: Learn to agree with the LORD and then walk the way HE wants us to walk. Don’t give in to false teachings.)
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he reveals his secret unto his servants the prophets. (5475 “secret” [sod] means conclave, confiding, confidence, counsel, a purposed plan of action, implying thought and action or intimate fellowship.)
DEVOTION: The LORD reveals that HE has a close relationship with Israel alone. HE had delivered them from Egypt. HE has to deal with their sins. The agreement between Israel and the LORD had been broken. They were moving further away from the LORD with their sin. It had to be dealt with.
The ten tribes were committing violence and robbery from their palaces. That meant that the example of the nation’s leaders were wrong. They were setting a poor example for the rest of the people.
The LORD chose to speak to the people through the prophets. The prophets were a link between God and man. They received the message from the LORD and then shared it with the people.
The children of Israel didn’t want to listen to the prophets. This means that they didn’t want to listen to God. It was a sad state of affairs for the only nation that the LORD had picked to represent HIM. It was because of their attitude toward the prophets and HIS word that the LORD was going to send judgment on Israel.
Today we have the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit to inform us regarding the LORD’S desire regarding the work of the church and those who are members of HIS church.
Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. The Holy Spirit indwells us to help us with our prayers and our work for the LORD. The Word of God directs us regarding our relationship to each other and to the world around us.
The three persons of the Godhead are involved in our lives. The Father is the one who is presently blessing us with HIS blessings. The Son is at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. The Holy Spirit is indwelling us and giving us the assurance of our relationship to the Father and Son. All three persons are important.
God has revealed HIS plan for the rest of the existence of our world. HE has revealed to us that Christ is coming again to take us to be with HIM. HE has revealed that those without Christ will spend eternity in a literal place called Gehenna or the lake of fire.
There are many secrets revealed to us in the Word of God. Praise the LORD. The LORD has established pastor/teachers to instruct us in the Word of God. Are we listening? HE is doing no business without informing HIS people.
CHALLENGE: We need to make sure the voices we listen to are repeating the Word of the LORD and not just their personal opinion of what they think HE is saying. Interpretation is important. We need to hear: “Thus says the LORD.”
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 10 For they know not to do right, says the LORD, who store
up violence and robbery in their palaces.
(686 “store up” [atsar]
means make treasurer, to keep or lay aside for
future use, restrain, or accumulate things.)
DEVOTION: There comes a point when those who have disobeyed long enough, that they just don’t know what the right things to do are. Israel had gotten to that point. They had disobeyed for so long that it was normal for them to act against the commandments of the LORD.
The new normal was to do things that displease the LORD. It happened in Israel and it can happen in our lives as well. We have stopped listening to what the LORD expected and look at others for the right things to do. Everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes and we decide to follow their example.
When the LORD looks down at us right now what does HE see? Does HE see people who genuinely want to do what HE expects of them or does HE see people who want to please their neighbor and not rock the boat?
Our society is teaching us that we should be politically correct rather than Biblically correct. The problem is that many of our leaders in the church are teaching the same things. This is very displeasing to the LORD.
We need to go back to the point where we were doing things that are pleasing to the LORD and not be concerned about what society things of us or our teachings.
CHALLENGE: What are we accumulating regarding our growth in the LORD? Are we storing up sin or righteousness?
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Word that the LORD hath spoken verse 1, 8, 10- 12
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 1, 6, 10, 12, 15
Lord – Adonai (Owner, Master) verse 7, 8, 11, 13
GOD – Jehovah verse 7, 8, 11, 13
God of hosts verse 13
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign, Plural name) verse 13
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Land of Egypt verse 1, 9
Families of the earth verse 2
Ashdod verse 9
Damascus verse 12
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Iniquities verse 2
Evil verse 6
Israel knows not to do right verse 10
Violence verse 10
Robbery verse 10
Transgressions verse 14
Worship of false gods verse 14
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
lk together verse 3
Reveals secrets verse 7
Servants verse 7
Prophets verse 7
Prophesy verse 8
Do right verse 10
Hear verse 13
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Children of Israel verse 1, 12, 14
Mountains of Samaria verse 9, 12
House of Jacob verse 13
Altars of Bethel verse 14
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
3:2 “You only” is in the emphatic position ahead of the verb, contrary to normal word order. “You only” means “you alone, you and no one else.” The verb translated “chosen” (yādaʿtî) is “know” and suggests an intimate relationship between God and his people. As such the phrase implies the “elect” nature of Israel.
God selected one family (Israel) from among all the families of the earth to be in a special relationship to him. The verse may be a reference to Gen 12:3 (cf. also Gen 28:14) with the phrase “all the families of the earth.” If so, Amos traces the relationship between God and his people prior to Mount Sinai all the way back to Abraham and Sarah.
Gitay observes that to this point Amos’s audience had heard nothing new or surprising. He had only affirmed them in their relationship with their God. The connection of cause and effect, however,that Amos proceeds to make between relationship and punishment, introduced by the word “therefore,” may have sounded “contradictory if not absurd.” Such an unexpected turn would have grabbed their attention and called for an explanation. Israel was about to learn that their special relationship carried with it special responsibility and accountability.100
“Therefore” reaches back to God’s having “chosen” Israel for the explanation of his forthcoming judgment upon them. What God vowed to do was “punish you [Israel] for all your sins.” The term translated “punish” (pāqad) has a neutral meaning of “visit.” Visit to inspect is the essential idea in the verb. Context alone determines what kind of response the visitation calls for. Punishment may be the result if the inspection reveals a flaw, a fault, some disobedience, or a sin. The idiom here and elsewhere (cf. 3:14) is literally, “I will visit upon you all your sins.” The word “visit” in this case means “inflict” and the word “sins” is figurative, representing the effect (punishment) by means of the cause (sin). The word rendered “sins” is often translated “iniquities.” Activity that is crooked or wrong is the essential idea in the term. Depending on the context the word may refer to “iniquity,” “guilt” over the iniquity, or “punishment” due the iniquity. When read in connection with 3:14, the phrase “I will punish … for sins” forms an inclusio (envelope structure) to the chapter as a whole.
Israel’s privileged relationship to God carried with it heavy responsibility to God. As seen in the Book of Deuteronomy, living in relationship with God demanded loyalty and faithfulness. If the people failed, judgment and punishment would come. God holds his people accountable for their sins. (Smith, B. K., & Page, F. S. (1995). Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (Vol. 19B, pp. 70–71). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
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2 The statement “you only have I chosen [yāḏaʿ, ‘known’] of all the families of the earth” establishes Israel’s elective privilege. The word yāḏaʿ bears a special sense of intimacy. Jeremiah 1:5 uses yāḏaʿ in a similar way, describing God’s knowing and consecrating Jeremiah even before his birth. Thus the word connotes more than simple awareness or acknowledgment. It includes the idea of God’s sovereign activity whereby the object of that knowledge is set apart or chosen for a divine purpose. Such was the case with Israel.
Israel’s privilege, however, incurred her punishment. Verse 2 sets forth a foundational principle of Amos’s message and of Scripture in general: Elective privilege entails responsibility. The two stichs of this verse are connected by “therefore” (ʿal kēn), establishing a logical relationship between them. Because Israel failed to live up to her holy calling, she was punished.
God’s choice of Israel as the vehicle of his redemptive purposes is, from the human standpoint, strange. The people were slaves, possessing no homeland; and Israel was the weakest of the nations of the world (cf. Deut 7:7). The calling of Christians is quite similar, for Paul reminded us that God calls the weak so that human boasting may be excluded (1 Cor 1:26–29). (McComiskey, T. E. (1986). Amos. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Daniel and the Minor Prophets (Vol. 7, p. 298). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
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3:1–2. The reason God spoke this word … against … Israel and Judah—whom He brought up out of Egypt—was because they only had been chosen of all the families of the earth.“Chosen” (from yāḏa‘, lit., “to know”) was used in ancient treaties to describe a sovereign’s commitment to a vassal in a special covenant relationship (Herbert B. Huffmon, “The Treaty Background of Hebrew Yāḏa‘,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 181. February 1966:31–7). They alone were God’s people, the only nation He had ever really chosen to watch over and care for.
Therefore He would punish them for their sins. Because He had chosen them, intimately revealed Himself to them, and made available to them the greatest covenantal blessings a suzerain ever offered a vassal (Ex. 19:3–6; Deut. 28:1–14), they should have in return wanted to know Him and please Him. Because of His special commitment, their iniquities were even more terrible.
God’s electing grace is always meant to influence one’s conduct. His special commitments and blessings often contain special chastisements to discipline and to purge (Luke 12:47–48; 1 Cor. 11:27–32; Heb. 12:4–11; 1 Peter 1:7–9; 4:17). Because His love is so great, His people must be holy. (Sunukjian, D. R. (1985). Amos. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, pp. 1432–1433). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Third, their calling was an exclusive call (Amos 3:2a). “You only have I chosen [known, kjv] of all the families of the earth” (niv). The word “known” indicates an intimate relationship, such as that of husband and wife (Gen. 4:1). “To know” means “to choose” (see 18:19; Jer. 1:5; 2:2–3), a term Paul applies to Christian believers (Rom. 8:29). Because they were exclusively the Lord’s, God did for Israel what He did for no other nation (9:4–5).
Finally, it was a calling that involved responsibility (Amos 3:2b). Because He had chosen them, called them, and blessed them, the people of Israel and Judah were responsible to love God and obey Him. If they didn’t, God was responsible to chasten them in love and seek to bring them back to Himself.
The doctrine of divine election is not an excuse for sin; rather it is intended to motivate us to holy living. We should be so humbled by His grace and so amazed at His love (1 John 3:1–2) that our hearts would want to do nothing other than worship and serve Him. Privilege always brings with it responsibility (Eph. 1:3–5; John 15:16; 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9). “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48 nkjv).
As God’s chosen people, we’re to live worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1) and not follow the practices of the unsaved world (v. 17). This means living in love (5:2), in wisdom (v. 15) and in the Spirit (v. 18). To do anything less is to live beneath our high calling and the privileges we have as the children of God. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be concerned (p. 25). Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor.)
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WITH this chapter the second division of the prophecy begins, going on to the end of chapter 6, embracing the word of the Lord to Israel, a last solemn remonstrance ere carrying out the predicted judgment we have just been noticing.
It is not merely the ten tribes that Amos addresses under the name of “sons of Israel” in this prophecy, but “the whole family which [the Lord] brought up from the land of Egypt” (ver. 1). They are viewed as one nation though divided into two kingdoms at that time. Their special privileges made them far more responsible than their ignorant heathen neighbors. “You only,” He says, “have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (ver. 2). This is a divine principle we should never lose sight of. “Responsibility flows from relationship.” Because Jehovah had separated Israel from the nations, and taken them into covenant with Himself, they were expected to yield that obedience which their favored position demanded; otherwise they must be the special objects of His disciplinary dealing. The same is true as to the assembly of God in this dispensation, viewed collectively, and of every individual saint likewise. We are called to walk worthy of our exalted vocation; and if we do not, we incur our Father’s discipline. Nor does chastisement prove that God’s heart is hardened against us; but the contrary. It is His love that leads Him so to act. The world may go on in its folly, and know little of such governmental care; but it must be otherwise with the people who are called by the name of the Lord. (Ironside, H. A. (1909). Notes on the Minor Prophets. (pp. 151–152). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)
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Ver. 2. You only have I known of all the families of the earth, &c.] All the families or nations of the earth, and all the inhabitants of it, are known by the Lord, as he is the omniscient God; but none had been known by him as a family, or a nation, with that love and affection as this family had been, or distinguished by his favours and blessings as they, not only temporal, but spiritual; besides the land of Canaan, and all the good things in it, they had the law of the Lord, his word, worship, and ordinances, among them; he chose them for himself above all people, and gave peculiar marks of his affection to them, and special instances of his goodness, and of his care over them, and concern for them; see Deut. 4:6, 7, 8 and 7:6, 7; Psal. 147:19, 20; Rom. 9:4, 5. Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities; or visit upon you; or against you; in a way of chastisement and correction; they were a family he had highly favoured, and yet departed from him; children he had brought up in a tender manner, and brought out of a most miserable condition, and yet rebelled against him; he had followed and loaded them with his benefits, and they had proved ungrateful to him; he had given them a revelation of his mind and will, and they had rejected it, and therefore knowing, and not doing it, were worthy of more stripes; their sins were more aggravated than others’, being against goodness and mercy, light and knowledge; and therefore the Lord was determined to make an example of them; see 1 Pet. 4:17. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 6, p. 489). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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FROM MY READING:
Job 42
God blesses Job, restoring his good fortunes.
INSIGHT
Throughout life, there are things we do not understand. As we mature, we begin
to understand. Likewise, we do not understand why the righteous must suffer.
But someday, in heaven, we will understand. It will make sense. In the midst of
Job’s struggle, he makes some incisive observations that help us cope until we
receive full understanding: “When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold”
(23:10). “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (13:15). (Quiet Walk)
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“WITHOUT WRATH”
I will therefore that men pray everwhere,
lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Timothy 2:8
The second condition about prayer laid down by the apostle
Paul is “without wrath.” It is most important that we should realize
the exact meaning of this word “wrath.” It does not mean what is
usually suggested to us by the common usage of that word. It does not mean so
much anger or the expression or manifestation of anger as an unloving
disposition–not a violent outburst of temper, but rather a settled condition
of ill will and resentment. Here the emphasis is not upon the way in which a
man regards God and approaches Him, but on the way in which he approaches and
regards his fellowmen, his neighbors. Added to this, perhaps, is the whole
question of a man’s spirit–not only his actions, but also his outlook and his
attitude toward others and toward life. How vitally important this is! And how
tragically we all tend to fail at this point.
Often there is a feeling of resentment in our hearts even
against God while we are praying to Him. We feel that we have a real grudge and
a genuine complaint. We feel that we have been wronged. And yet we feel that we
are dependent upon God; so we ask Him for favors. We feel that He is against
us, that He is not fair to us, and yet in that state and condition we ask Him
to bless us, and we expect Him to do so. God says to the children of Israel,
“This people…honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from
me” (Matthew 15:8).
This same spirit also shows itself in our attitude toward our
fellows. If we have enemies, we must not hate them, but love them. The rule is,
“love your enemies.” “Without wrath.”
A
Thought to Ponder: The emphasis
is not upon the way in which a man regards God, but on the way in which he
regards his fellowmen. (From Why Does God Allow War? pp. 28-30, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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Greater Damnation
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’
houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the
greater damnation.” (Matthew
23:14)
Among
the eight “woes” in Matthew
23 is
this awful condemnation on religious leaders for misusing their office and
misleading their followers. What they did was pretty serious, but the emphasis
in the passage is on the “greater” result of their impact on many lives. James
certainly had this incident in mind when he said, “My brethren, be not many
masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James
3:1).
Paul’s second letter to Timothy listed a series of wicked attitudes that would
characterize religious leaders in the last days, warning us about the prevalent
conditions. They would have a “form of godliness” but would deny “the power
thereof.” Those of us who love the Lord are told to “turn away” from them, “for
of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women
laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to
come to the knowledge of the truth” (2
Timothy 3:5-7).
The overriding principle is this: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him
shall be much required” (Luke
12:48).
The Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day knew the Scriptures. Therefore, their
hypocritical and destructive behavior received His harsh judgment.
Just so, all those who use their platform of leadership to distort truth and
seek the praise of men (John
12:43)—whether
in religious environs, in positions of political authority (as were the
Pharisees and Sadducees), or merely the “masters” of academia—will reap “the
righteous judgment of God” (Romans
2:5).
May the Lord give us the discernment to avoid “them which cause divisions and
offences” (Romans 16:17). (HMM III, The Institute for
Creation Research)
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The Wells of Salvation
“Therefore with joy
shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3)
This beautiful verse is in the midst of a psalm
of praise for God’s deliverance of His people “in that day” (v. 4)—the coming
day when the Lord shall return to the earth and reign “in the midst of thee”
(v. 6). Until “that day” comes, however, we can appropriate its spiritual
blessings right now.
The word translated “wells” is more often
translated “fountains,” denoting flowing springs of water that never run dry.
It is first used at the time of the great Flood when in one “day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up” (Genesis 7:11). On that day, the primeval fountains provided by God for the perpetual
supply of living waters to the inhabitants of the “very good” world He had
created were cleaved open, the living waters became lethal waters, and “all
that was in the dry land, died” (v. 22).
But one day another fountain was cleaved open.
As Jesus died on the cross, “a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there
out blood and water” (John 19:34). At the great Feast of Tabernacles, He had
cried: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth
on me . . . out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38).
The blood and water flowed together from the
deep fountain opened in the Savior’s side that day, and their cleansing powers
became a fountain of life to all who will drink. The waters again became living
waters from a fountain that will never run dry, “a pure river of water of life
. . . proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:1).
Then, wonder of wonders, there is not
just one well, for all who believe likewise send forth “rivers of
living water,” as with eternal joy, we each share with one another, forever
drinking from the never-drying wells of salvation! (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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Anti-Christian violence has continued to spread across the West African nation of Burkina Faso, with a further four believers shot dead in cold blood at the end of June.
According to Christian Persecution charity Open Doors USA, on June 27, heavily armed militants were spotted entering the village of Bani with the aim of hunting down followers of Jesus. The small community was gripped with a paralyzing fear as the militants proceeded to order everyone to lie down.
Then, a search ensued. The terrorists had one clear mission: find those who claim Jesus as their Lord and savior. They searched tirelessly for anything that might identify the individuals as Christ-followers. Then, tragically, they succeeded—four men were found to be wearing crosses around their necks.
As soon as it became clear that these men were Christians, they were dragged away from the group and brutally executed. Their names were David Zoungrana, Philippe Zoungrana, Theophile Ouedraogo and Ernest Kassoaga.
“At this stage, we don’t know their ages or anything about the families David, Philippe, Theophile and Ernest left behind,” wrote Lindy Lowery at Open Doors USA. “Just that they followed Jesus—and their faith was part of them. They weren’t afraid to make a public statement of their belief in an area known internationally for its display of seven adobe mosques–six of which are built at the top of Bani’s main hill.”
Unsatisfied with their murderous acts, the men then went on to torch David Zoungrana’s shop. The group then headed through another town, Pougrenoma, where they warned residents, under pain of death, against reporting the incident to any government or military officials. The militants also ordered that any Christians in the community must convert to Islam or risk execution.
Some 27 Christians have been murdered in Burkina Faso since February 27. Heartbreakingly, the number of attacks against communities of faith has increased dramatically in recent years. In 2016, there were 12 reported jihadist attacks, in 2017 there were 33 and in 2018 this number rocketed up to an astonishing 158.
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Esther 6
Haman must honor Mordecai with acts which Haman himself suggested.
INSIGHT
Very few things in the Bible are actually funny. However, taken in isolation, chapter 6 of Esther is probably the funniest event in the Bible. The king asks Haman what he thinks is a good way to honor someone. Haman thinks to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?” (6:6). Then he tells the king what he, Haman, would like to have done for himself. The king then responds by telling Haman to do that for Mordecai. The irony is overwhelming—the humor irrepressible. The wrath of man is made to praise God. (Quiet Walk)
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THE LIFE OF THE SOUL
Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go
thou and preach the kingdom of God. Luke 9:60
Some men and women can see that there is truth
in the Christian message, but they are troubled by it and say, “Yes, of
course that is what I really must do–but not yet.” Take the prayer of
Augustine. He was a brilliant philosopher, but he was troubled. He was
listening to the preaching of Ambrose, that great preacher in Milan, and he was
disturbed by it. He knew it was right and that he was wrong, but he was living
with his mistress. And here, you see, is the fight and the conflict. He knew
what was right; so he offered this prayer: “Lord, make me chaste: but not
yet.”
Do you know something about that? “I want
to be good, but I also want to have this other thing. ‘Suffer me
first…'” How many have done this! “Let me make my name first. I do
not believe in some of the things I am doing, but they have to be done, and
once I have got on, then I will be a thorough Christian. I really will!”
And so our Lord confronts this man immediately and shows him that he is all
wrong, and He puts it in a very striking manner: “Let the dead bury their
dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”
Christ says in effect, “The kingdom of God
is for live people, not for dead ones. I am not in this world to deal with
matters like that. They are all right; there is nothing wrong with a man
looking after his aged parents and burying them; but you know, that is not the
first thing in life. The first thing in life is the soul! The men and women in
My kingdom are alive, awakened to the fact of the soul and its eternal destiny
and its relationship to God.”
A Thought to Ponder: The first thing in life is the soul (From The
Kingdom of God, pp. 129-130, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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“I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church”
Charles H. Spurgeon
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We now have a Facebook page for Small Church Ministries – please invite others to join us on Facebook. Thank you. Look for the logo from the devotionals.
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PRAYER AND PRAISE:
Prayer request policy: If you want the prayer request to be private or just between me and you please say so in the email. I will pray for those requests. If you don’t mind others praying for the request, then just send the request with no restrictions and I will put it in the devotional for other to pray. We don’t include last names in any of our prayer requests. Thank you.
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Update on Ida (OH): Still waiting on test results. The doctor will be in sometime today. You know how that is Angie’s said she send you an email. Thanks, got the prayers. Will let you know the results.
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Adam writes (MT): Pray for Adam & Anna. Please. Especially Adam, he is withdrawing and shutting down from lack of attention and nurturing. Sad, but true.
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Edith writes (MO): Today is the day! We have waited 3 years for this day. 3 years ago we applied to a clinical trial for stem cells for cerebral palsy. Finally today she is receiving stem cells. God knows the perfect timing for everything.
This is the last phase of the clinical study for Zoe. I can’t wait to see the results of the study and hope that stem cells becomes FDA approved soon so that all children with cerebral palsy can benefit from such an amazing therapy.
His Word is full of so much promise and hope.
“And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly,
I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the
sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come
to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in
prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:22-24
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1 John 5:14
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
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Please pray for the persons whose last name begins with the letter “X” on your prayer list, which includes your address book, church directory and email list.
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Please remember to pray for the Biblical churches and pastors in the states of Missouri and Alaska. (REMEMBER THAT IF YOU KNOW BIBLICAL PASTORS IN THESE STATES TO LET US KNOW THEIR NAMES AND CHURCHES AND WE WILL PRAY FOR THEM)
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Perika (India): Greetings from India. I am a pastor Independent churches at Challapalli, India. Please pray for us our ministries. .I am agree with you and your ministry. Thank you sir (He just started receiving the devotions. Please pray for more to join the family)
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Kay writes (NY): Request prayers for Ashley as she will be going to Europe with American Music Abroad Freedom Tour. Prayers for safety to and from all destinations,,that all concerts are a success. May the Lord bless all with enjoyment and safety.
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Rebecca writes (WA): Today I’m doing my annual colonoscopy prep. Tomorrow is my colonoscopy and added endoscopy at 11am. This year has been especially busy with new medical journeys. This is my final procedure/test until October. I’m eagerly awaiting this break.
This week is especially long with doctor office visits
four out of seven days this week. It is also the anniversary month of my cancer
diagnosis. Emotions tend to run high and anxiety likes to take control.
When my heart begins to feels heavy I’m reminded of everyone who have supported me through
this journey. Your prayers, time and encouraging words over the last three
years . I’m in awe of how much love has been poured out to me. A constant
reminder of God’s faithfulness.
I don’t know tomorrow’s results as – so far blood work and CT scans are showing everything looks great. I’m hopeful for good news after my procedure. I’m keeping myself grounded in the reality that cancer is a tricky bugger but I’m still hopeful. My mind often goes to the book Psalms in the bible. Today’s mediation is on Psalms 139. It is a well loved passage of the Bible for me.
139 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my
ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it…
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Cassandra writes (AZ): Today was day two of 11 hours of driving. For some reason my feet and legs have decided to swell up to the point where my skin feels like it is going to burst! I am not sure if it’s from all the sitting during driving? I am soaking them in the cool/gross pool water at our hotel now.. I am definitely looking forward to getting home tomorrow night to put my feet up!
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Kasper writes (MD): Gout isn’t no Joke Day 5. Ouch It will make a wimp out you (Please pray for him, thank you!)
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Update on Jordan (AR): Coach Stokes is very excited to be a part of the DTSOI family! He will be teaching business and computer science courses, as well as taking over the lacrosse program for the entire Springdale School District. Coach Stokes received his Bachelor’s Degree in Career & Technical Education and his Master’s Degree in Athletic/Activity Administration. He has spent the last 6 years working in college football and most recently worked at SOI as a long-term sub. He and his wife, Ashlyn, live in Springdale with their goldendoodle, Remi. Incredible teachers like Coach Stokes are why Springdale Schools are # THE Choice. (Please keep him in prayer as he starts married life with this responsibility. Thank you)
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Faith and Bible based ministry that encourages the faithfulness of the local church and their leaders to the LORD.
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Please invite friends to visit our website: www.smallchurchministries.org or visit our Facebook page at Small Church Ministries with a Bible logo.. If they would like to receive the devotions via email – please have them send their address to me with “devotional” in the message box. Also, if you don’t receive the devotions because you have visited our website or some other source please sign up. The devotions normally go out each covering a chapter of the Bible each day. In three and a half years the entire Bible is covered. Thank you.
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