May 16 -- "Unexpected Calling"

 Today’s Reading:  Amos 6 & 7

"Unexpected Calling"

Have you ever felt like you were the least likely candidate for an important job? Amos gets it. God doesn't always pick the most polished or theologically trained folks for His tasks. Where we see Amos’s calloused hands from fig dressing, the Lord sees tremendous potential. So, don't be surprised if one day you're called to deliver His message or to serve Him in some unexpected ways. 

Amos, grew up as a farm-boy. Yet, he found himself plucked from his humble herdsman life and thrust into the spotlight as a prophet. This unlikely prophet delivered powerful, God-anointed messages that ruffled more feathers than a henhouse in a windstorm. He spoke of judgment, repentance, and God's heart for justice. But hey, when God calls, even a fig-dresser can't ignore it!

You might be thinking, "But I'm not a prophet!" That may be true, but we are all called to share God's truth and love. Your story, no matter how ordinary, is part of God's grand narrative. When opportunities arise to share your faith, don't hide behind fig trees! Embrace the call like Amos did, knowing that God equips the unlikely for extraordinary tasks.

Remember, God doesn't necessarily call the most qualified; He qualifies the called. This highlights God's transformative work in our lives. It's not about how much we know or how skilled we are; it's about our willingness to respond to His call and our openness to be molded, trained, and equipped by Him.

Think of it this way: God is the ultimate life coach and trainer. He doesn't look for those who have it all together; rather, He looks for those who are willing to step out in faith and obedience, trusting Him to provide what is needed. Just like Amos, who started as a shepherd and fig-dresser, God can take our unique backgrounds, experiences, and even our shortcomings, and turn them into tools for His purpose.

So, when you feel that nudge, that inner calling to step into something that seems beyond your abilities, remember that God's call comes with His empowerment. He doesn't expect us to be perfect from the start. Instead, He equips us along the way, providing us with the skills, wisdom, and strength we need to fulfill His plans. God's approach is a refreshing reminder that it's not about what we bring to the table, but about our willingness to let Him work through us.

May 15 -- "Seek Me and Live"

 Today's Reading: Amos 5

"Seek Me and Live"

God, the Creator of the universe, extends a personal invitation to His people to seek Him. It's an invitation filled with grace and love, showing that the Almighty desires a relationship with His created ones.

In this short but powerful verse, the prophet Amos delivers God's timeless message to the wayward nation of Israel as well as to us. The Lord, in His infinite mercy, implores His people to turn away from their sinful ways and earnestly seek Him. "Seek me and live," He declares, revealing that true life and fulfillment can only be found in a genuine relationship with the Almighty. In just four words, it encapsulates the essence of God's heart and His desire for humanity. Let's delve deeper into what this message means:

By inviting us to seek Him, God reveals His longing for a deep, intimate connection with us. He is not a distant deity, but a Father who longs to be known by His children. Just as a loving parent yearns for a close relationship with their child, God wants us to draw near to Him with an open heart.

The phrase "and live" is pivotal in the message. It points to the fact that real and abundant life can only be found in God. The world may offer fleeting pleasures, but true and everlasting life, vitality, and spiritual vibrancy comes only from a genuine relationship with the Lord.

Though it's an invitation, "seek me and live" also contains an implicit warning. Failure to seek God results in spiritual emptiness and separation from the source of life. When people choose to live apart from God, they are disconnected from the very essence of existence, leading to emptiness and spiritual decay.

In summary, "Seek me and live" encompasses God's yearning for a personal, intimate relationship with you. It highlights the transformative power of seeking Him and the eternal life that results from this pursuit. It's an invitation filled with hope and promise, urging us to turn towards God, find our true purpose in Him, and experience a life that transcends time and circumstance.

May 14 -- "The Revealer of Secrets"

Today's Reading: Amos 3 & 4 

"The Revealer of Secrets"

In today’s insightful verse from the book of Amos, we discover a profound truth about our gracious God. The Lord doesn't act clandestinely or in secret, leaving us guessing. Instead, He graciously chooses to reveal His plans and intentions to His faithful servants. Through the prophets’ messages and the pages of Scripture, God offers guidance, warnings, and hope for His people.

Isn't it wonderful to know that we serve a God who doesn't leave us in the dark like an unmarked hiking trail? He's not hiding behind some celestial curtain, playing hide-and-seek with His children. Our loving Father longs to communicate with us. He provides us with His Word, which is “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105). When we read and meditate on Scripture, we can discover God's heart and purpose for our lives.

The Bible is like a treasure hunt with God saying, “I hid some clues in there; can you find them?” It is not just a simple collection of stories and teachings; it is a complex tapestry woven together with layers of wisdom, foreshadowing, and deeper meanings. Many passages in the Bible have multiple layers of significance and foreshadow future events or point to profound spiritual truths. These "clues" are not always immediately obvious upon first reading, but they become apparent when we take the time to prayerfully study and explore the Scriptures with a discerning heart and open mind.

Remember, God's revelations aren't just for prophets of old or pastors in mega-churches. Every believer has the privilege of a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe – "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them." (Psalm 25:14). So, let's get into the habit of spending time with Him daily and discovering the clues He has left for us.

God wants to share His secrets with you. Don't be shy to ask Him questions or seek His guidance in prayer. Embrace the adventure of studying His Word, and be amazed at how He'll reveal Himself to you in unexpected ways. So, let's make it our daily goal to spend time with the ultimate Revealer of secrets, and watch our faith and relationship with Him grow!

May 13 -- "Ordinary People. Extraordinary Roles."

 Today's Reading: Amos 1 & 2

"Ordinary People. Extraordinary Roles."

God's calling is not limited to a select few. Amos, who prophesied around the same time as Isaiah, was not a professional prophet or part of a prophetic school but rather a shepherd and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. Despite his humble background, God called Amos to the critically important ministry of delivering messages of judgment and warning to the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of significant moral decline.

In today’s verse, the Lord reminds the people of Israel of His faithfulness and mercy towards them. He recalls how He set apart some of their young men as Nazirites and appointed prophets from among them. The Nazirites were consecrated individuals who voluntarily dedicated themselves to God, abstaining from wine and refraining from cutting their hair. The prophets were chosen to deliver God's messages to the people, calling them to repentance and obedience.

God's actions in raising up prophets and Nazirites reflect His desire for a relationship with His people. He chooses ordinary men and women and sets them apart for extraordinary purposes. Likewise, God has called each of us, in our uniqueness, to serve Him and be His messengers in this world. Whether or not we are gifted speakers, skilled artisans, or compassionate caregivers, we can be used by God to bring about His purposes.

Let us not forget that God's calling is not limited to a select few. Each one of us has been specially crafted and uniquely equipped to make a difference in the lives of others. Embrace your calling with joy and passion, knowing that God can use you in ways you could never imagine. Let's not be fickle like the Israelites, wavering in our commitment to God's plans. Instead, let us be steadfast and faithful, knowing that God's plans are always better than our own.

Remember that God's calling is not bound by convention or our expectations. Embrace your uniqueness, serve with passion, and hold on to God's plans with unwavering faith. Trust that He has a purpose for you, and even when life seems puzzling, God's got it all figured out!

May 12 -- "Faith Over Fear"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 8

"Faith Over Fear"

In our modern world, the internet and social media can quickly spread and amplify various conspiracy theories, creating confusion, fearfulness, and division among people. We may find ourselves tempted to believe in grand plots or secretive schemes to explain complex events or to gain a sense of control over uncertain situations.

In today’s passage, the prophet Isaiah delivers a vital message to the people of Judah. He encourages them not to follow the ways of the world or be swayed by the conspiracy theories which only breed fear and anxiety. Instead, they are urged to trust in God alone.

The term "conspiracy" in this passage refers to the fear and plots of the people of Judah. During this time, the nation was facing external threats, and there was a sense of panic and unease among the people. They were tempted to form alliances with other nations and seek worldly solutions to their problems rather than trusting in God's guidance and protection. Instead of placing their faith in the Almighty, they were entertaining conspiracy theories and looking for secret schemes to secure their safety.

The allure of conspiracy theories is not a new phenomenon; it has persisted throughout history and continues to impact people today. Just as Isaiah warned the people of Judah against being consumed by fear and seeking security in human alliances, we too must be cautious not to fall into the trap of conspiracy thinking.

As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Remember, the Apostle Paul warned against getting entangled in endless myths and genealogies (1 Timothy 1:4), and we should apply the same principle to conspiracy theories.

Rather than being swept away by the tide of conspiracy thinking, let's anchor ourselves in the truth of God's Word. Let's explore the depths of Scripture, finding genuine revelations that bring us closer to God's heart. Let's not be conspiracy theorists but rather believers who firmly stand on the solid foundation of God's truth. As we do, we will find peace in the midst of uncertainty and courage in the face of fear.

May 11 -- "Woe is Me!"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 6 & 7

"Woe is Me!"

There is no escaping the truth that when we see God as He is, we see ourselves as we are. And it is never a pleasant sight. In Isaiah 6, we witness the prophet's profound and raw encounter with the holiness of God. 

Isaiah finds himself in the Temple, beholding the Lord, high and lifted up, surrounded by heavenly beings. In the presence of such majestic glory, Isaiah can't help but acknowledge his own unworthiness, exclaiming, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips."  The contrast between God's holiness and Isaiah's sinfulness is stark and profound, highlighting the vast difference between the Creator and His creation.

God’s holiness means that He is perfectly pure, morally flawless, and completely separate from all sin. He dwells in unapproachable light, and the heavenly beings around His throne continuously proclaim His holiness with the refrain, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts" (Isaiah 6:3). His holiness is so overwhelming that even the seraphim, celestial beings devoted to worship, cover their faces and feet in His presence.

On the other hand, when Isaiah sees God's holiness, he becomes acutely aware of his own sinfulness. He exclaims, "Woe is me!” recognizing that he falls drastically and hopelessly short of God's perfect standard. As a human, he is tainted by sin, and as a prophet, he has not been immune to sinful thoughts, words, or actions. 

This "woe is me” moment is a crucial and transformative experience that every Christ-follower should encounter in their spiritual journey. It is a moment of profound self-awareness, where we come face to face with the reality of our sinfulness and our desperate need for God's grace and mercy.

This woe is me moment fosters true humility, repentance, dependency on God, gratitude for grace, compassion for others, deeper faith, and a renewed focus on the significance of eternity. It is a step toward a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of His grace and mercy. So, approach this process with a heart that is open to change and a desire to draw nearer to God, recognizing that your “woe is me” moment is the start of a glorious transformation from your sinful state into the very image of His holy Son, Jesus Christ.

May 10 -- "Upside-Down Morality"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 5

"Upside-Down Morality"

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah delivers a warning about the dangers of moral relativism and moral confusion. He speaks of a society much like ours today that has lost its way, calling evil "good" and good "evil." It's like navigating through an upside-down world where right and wrong are flipped, leaving people disoriented and lost in a moral maze.

The relevance of Isaiah's warning couldn't be more apparent in our times. We live in an age of constant information bombardment, where opinions are plentiful, and truth is often obscured. The moral compass seems to be spinning wildly, and it's easy to be swayed by popular beliefs, regardless of their ethical standing.

One example of this is by calling abortion a matter of “personal choice” and framing it as a “reproductive right”, society diminishes the value of human life, disregarding the unborn child's inherent dignity and worth. Such relativistic thinking allows for subjective and situational ethics, making it difficult to draw clear lines on when life should be protected.

Let us not be deceived by the trends of the world or the clever arguments of those who twist the truth. Instead, let's anchor ourselves in God's Word, where true morality is found. Embrace the wisdom taught by godly teachers and mentors, for they can help us navigate this topsy-turvy world.

In this world with values constantly flipping like a fish out of water, hold on to the eternal truths of God's Word. Only God's truth reflects reality. So, let's navigate this crazy world with God's wisdom as our compass and yardstick of truth.

In addressing cancel culture and other instances of moral relativism, let us approach these issues with discernment, grace, and a commitment to upholding God's truth. We can be a positive influence in a world that often struggles to find consistent moral footing, demonstrating the love and wisdom of Christ in our actions and attitudes.