Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Amos 7:1-6 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

This is what the Lord God showed me: he was forming locusts at the time the latter growth began to sprout (it was the latter growth after the king’s mowings). When they had finished eating the grass of the land, I said,
“O Lord God, forgive, I beg you!
How can Jacob stand?
He is so small!”

The Lord relented concerning this;
“It shall not be,” said the Lord.
This is what the Lord God showed me: the Lord God was calling for a shower of fire, and it devoured the great deep and was eating up the land. Then I said,

“O Lord God, cease, I beg you!
How can Jacob stand?
He is so small!”

The Lord relented concerning this;
“This also shall not be,” said the Lord God.

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Reflect

Have you ever found yourself suffering the natural negative consequences of decisions you made without consulting God? Whatever the reason, the result many times is a spiritual desert. Hopelessness and destruction can set in. Sounds ominous, but if we are honest, many have been there at one time or another, myself included. James 5:16, tells us: “…The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” Even knowing this, how many times do we see prayer as a last resort rather than the mighty tool God has given us?

Amos, a shepherd and tender of sycamore-fig trees in Judea, was an ordinary man. By his own words, he was not a prophet, son of a prophet or priest. However, he was obedient to God’s call and fearlessly proclaimed what God showed him through visions. In today’s scripture, we see Amos wielding this God-given weapon of spiritual intercession on behalf of the nation he was sent to. Because of his compassionate prayer, God did not rain destruction on the Jewish people as displayed in Amos’s vision. They did suffer consequences of their sin, but God made a way for their restoration.
God has made a way of restoration for us through Jesus. Hebrews 4 tells of our high priest, our advocate, Jesus, the Son of God. He understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us.

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Be obedient. Commune with God through prayer and His power, wisdom and revelation knowledge is available in time of need.

 

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Pray

Almighty God, I come today thanking You for redemption through Jesus, Your Son, my Savior. I confess that I have allowed other things to take priority over fellowship with You. Please forgive me this sin and restore a right relationship between me and Thee. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen

Go with God!