Day 253, or September 10th. Make haste, slowly. Our thoughts today come from Amos chapter
8 verse 5. When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath be
ended, that we may market wheat, skimping on the measure, boosting the price, and cheating
with dishonest scales?
And now the big picture surrounding this verse. The prophecy of Amos comes to a close as
he declares the five promises of the restoration of Israel. He knows that ending on a positive
is such an effective way to close a sermon. Judgment will still come if there is no immediate
change of heart, but God will restore His people despite their wilful disobedience.
Find out today's action step.
Amos hits the northern tribes right where it hurts—their pockets. They simply want
to get their religious duties out of the way and then continue with their lives even if
they are riddled with dishonesty. They have a religious standard for the temple, and another
one for everyday life. Amos points out that there are few things God hates more than when
we hold different standards depending upon where we are and who is with us. The world
thinks that being a Christian is all about going to church, but being a Christian is
all about a lifestyle that is based on biblical principles and which reflects Jesus Christ.
The challenge is enormous and quite beyond me working by myself. We need God's help
every day, so be sure to ask Him every day. Take it a step at a time. A good place to
start is doing what you are doing already, getting some Bible into you every day. Each
day with God's help we need to try to put into practice whatever the Lord shows us from
our Bible reading. Don't be downhearted if no one notices any improvement. None of us
learn to walk or talk overnight, so be patient with yourself on your spiritual walk. Small
steps are the answer. Before you know where you are, you will have moved on from the person
you were and nearer the one God wants you to be.