I’ve posted over the last few weeks on some thoughts from the study of Acts 25-28. We learned that God was the source of Paul’s courage. The courage to admit that he once persecuted Christians and the courage to talk about controversial issues even when placed in a very difficult situation.
Paul had faith in God during his missionary travels to Rome and this faith helped when going through the storms at sea. His faith influenced others and this led to good judgment, confidence, and composure. After coming ashore on the island of Malta, the islanders showed kindness to those from the ship; building a fire for them to warm them up. The benefit from kindness is that it can be passed and returned. Like when Paul prayed for the sick and when the islanders returned this kindness with needed supplies as they set sail again.
In Acts 23:11, Paul was promised that he would one day testify in Rome and we see here that God was faithful. Christ in your heart is a promised treasure that will take care of you in your time of need. The church had expanded from Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, and into Rome. In thirty years, it had grown from just a few churches into tens of thousands. Though Paul was under house arrest, the Gospel message could not be bound or chained.
What should you do when people don’t understand or accept God’s message? One idea written about in the post “Discover What You Do Best” is to discover your God given strengths and use them so that people are able to make an association between the Good News and their needs.
The objective of any Bible study should be to not only learn the main principles of the Word but to keep the Word in our thoughts in order to apply them in our life. I will continue this objective with a study in the book of Amos 1-4 over the next few weeks. The aim is to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in order to yield fruit that nourishes others.
I invite you to join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas. God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion.
Amos 1-2
What are the sins evoking God’s judgment. What do they have in common? Are you building your life on a solid foundation or on lies that lead to a weak foundation? What inevitable consequences follow when a person or group turn away from God?
Amos 3
What relationship does God have with Israel? How does God bring Judgment? What do the closing verses suggest about the affluence and materialism of Israel (See 6:4-7)?
Amos 4
In addition to the destruction of their cities and homes what will happen to the people of Israel because of their sin? How has God warned Israel before its final destruction? Is there a need now to return to the Lord? If so, what can be corrected in order to be redirected?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. Last week, we celebrated the birthday of Jesus and now we will continue the celebration throughout upcoming year because of the gift God has given us.
With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
Image Source
Amos was from Judah (the southern kingdom) and he confronted the northern Israelites in the passage Amos 1-2. They are described as being immoral by Amos because they worship idols, oppress the poor, and provoke war. All this immorality had one thing in common; the rejection of the law of the Lord.
