Amos 3:2

January 7, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (Amos 3:2).

This verse is interesting because it pushes against some mistaken assumptions that people have about being in a relationship with God. Some people assume that being in a relationship with God means that everything will be perfect in their lives. 

Some people assume that God goes easier on those with whom He has a relationship. However, this verse suggests that those in a relationship with God, 1) actually sin and have problems, and 2) God does not turn a blind eye toward their sin. 

I can be guilty of those false assumptions, too. Therefore, I must guard my mind and heart to 1) avoid sin, and 2) to think rightly about God. 

Father, please help me to love you with all my heart. Help me to walk in righteousness and to think rightly about you. Amen. 

Filed Under: Amos, devotional thoughts, Old Testament

Amos 2:6-8

January 6, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“Thus says the Lord: ‘For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted; a man and his father go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned; they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined’” (Amos 2:6-8).

In this chapter, the Lord sets his sights on Moab, Judah, and Israel. Using the numerical heightening literary device again, Amos lays out the sins of all three. 

I am focusing on Amos’s charges against Israel. The authorities of the northern kingdom are accused of injustice toward the needy (”those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted”), sexual deviance (”a man and his father go in to the same girl”), and abuse of religion (”they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined”). All of this results in the Lord saying, “My holy name is profaned.”

I suspect in every one of those situations the offender thought it was their right to do what they were doing. Or, they simply said, “I don’t care what you say, I’m going to do what I want to do.” I am continually amazed at how sin makes us stupid. 

Why would a guy think he could get away with sharing a woman with his son? Sin! Why would a man think he could take advantage of people who are trying to obey God? Sin! Why do I think I can get away with disregarding the needy? Sin! It is hard to estimate the corrupting nature of sin. No wonder Paul said, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬)

Father, thank you for providing a way of salvation from my sin! Thank you for the blood of Jesus to cover my sin. And, for the indwelling Spirit that guides me toward righteousness. Please help me not to profane your name today. Amen.

Filed Under: Amos, devotional thoughts, Old Testament

Amos 1:3

January 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“Thus says the Lord: ‘For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have threshed Gilead with threshing sledges of iron’” (Amos 1:3).

Amos introduces himself as a shepherd from Tekoa, about 5 miles south of Jerusalem. He lived before the Assyrian exile and prophecied to both the northern and southern kingdoms, as well as the surrounding nations. 

In chapter 1, he uses a literary device called numerical heightening, where a number is given, then one is added. The added number is used for intensity. Here, Amos uses this device to prophecy against five surrounding nations, each of which is guilty of injustice. 

Drawing from his experience as a shepherd and farmer, Amos uses the image of a threshing sledge of iron. These are typically used to break up wheat, separating the grain for harvest. Amos uses the image to illustrate the harshness and cruelty of Damascus toward the Israelites of Gilead. This cruelty has angered the Lord. 

Father, thank you that injustice and cruelty matter to you. There is none like you. Amen.

Filed Under: Amos, devotional thoughts, Old Testament, Word Pictures

Joel 3:1-2

January 4, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land” (Joel 3:1-2).

These two verses prompt 2 different and opposite responses from me. First, I say hallelujah to the idea that God will restore Judah and Jerusalem. 

Second, I say yikes to the idea that God will gather the nations for judgment because they have scattered the people and divided the land. The US is currently pushing a two-state solution to the conflict. This is a peace plan that divides the land and will bring judgment on all the nations involved. 

Father, thank you for your kindness and your faithfulness. There is none like you. Amen. 

Filed Under: covanent, devotional thoughts, Joel, Land Promises, Old Testament

Joel 1:2-4

January 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“Hear this, you elders; give ear, all inhabitants of the land! Has such a thing happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers? Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation. What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten” (Joel 1:2-4).

Joel opens his letter with a call to the elders and everyone else to listen. So often, we think it is someone else’s job to listen to God’s word. Here, Joel calls on everyone to listen. Then, he used a historical event to make a spiritual truth/warning that should be passed on from generation to generation. 

During our first winter in Missouri, the weather forecast called for ice/sleet over the course of a few days. We weren’t alarmed by the weather forecast. We were alarmed by the reaction to it. Chatter started around town about the bad weather coming and that everyone should be prepared. The stores started running low on essentials, and every generator in town was purchased. Finally, we were told about the cause of the panic: Nine years before our arrival, an ice storm came through Springfield, taking down trees and power lines. Some parts of the city were without power for three weeks … in January! No wonder people were panicked. Now, 20 years after the initial ice storm, people still react to ice warnings because the story has been passed down, generation to generation. 

Joel reminded the people of an event they had passed, in which the locusts took it all:

“What the cutting locust left, the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left, the hopping locust has eaten, and what the hopping locust left, the destroying locust has eaten.”

He is using the locust event to encourage the people to repent and walk with the Lord lest his judgment come. And God’s judgment will be far worse than a locust plague. 

Father, please help me to see my own heart and repent of any sin that lingers. I feel like I’m in the middle of the locust swarm right now, so this word picture hits close. Please, Father, bless me with strong faith and a pure heart. Amen. 

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Joel, Old Testament, Word Pictures
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