All that we need

Amos 1:1-12

So we're back to the prophets, reading about God's punishments on Israel and her enemies. Israel was actually very prosperous when Amos prophesied - but was falling away because they were indulged in luxury and corruption. It seems like Israel never enjoyed prosperity without falling away from God. In today's passage, God speaks through Amos about all the punishments he'll bring on Israel's enemies for their sins. But later in Amos, God will speak of the punishments he'll bring to Israel for its own sins.

It's funny how we can't seem to have the best of both worlds. When we have what we want, we fall. But we cry out to God when we're in need. One time I was talking with a pastor in Chicago, and he said he actually prayed for one of his sons to grow up to be really rich. The pastor saw in his son the potential to be used for God's kingdom from the boy's gift of generosity. If godly men and women who have give to those who don't, with a kingdom vision that sees the world through God's eyes, man.. wouldn't that be an awesome world?

I tend to carry a "my glass is always empty" mindset. I say, I'll give when I have - but when I do have, I feel like I need more before being able to give. Jesus laid down his life for his sheep - regardless of the circumstances. Laying down his life was his calling. And he called out to us to go and make disciples of all nations. And taught us that we'll have everything to gain by laying down our lives. The Great Commission is a call to die to ourselves.

It may sound funny, but I really had to fight myself in deciding whether I should go to the youth group's summer retreat. Only when I realized that even my vacation time can be used as an offering to God was I able to decide comfortably. My personal plans for this winter will have to change, but if I need rest and vacation, I'm sure God knows the best place and timing for giving them to me. Please pray that I can connect with the kids and continue serving as a dedicated teacher to these children.