Monday, February 13, 2023

Amos 7 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

Amos 7:14,15

Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’”

Just an ordinary man with an extraordinary God! Amos’ response to Amaziah is both encouraging and eye-opening. He says, “I used to be a lowly shepherd out in the fields, tending to the flocks and trees God gave me, but then God in His wisdom and power called me to prophesy, so I went.” Let this encourage you this morning: just because you used to be this or that doesn’t mean you’re stuck being this or that.

Amos wasn’t stuck being a shepherd just because he always was one and neither are we stuck in who we used to be because of Christ. He says, “Behold, I am making all things new,” not just some things or most things but all things new. God could have called any person He wanted to go and prophesy against His people, and I love that He picked this lowly shepherd. We’re not stuck in our past or who we used to be. With God, all things are possible and new life is promised. Just because I used to be an adulterer and idolatrous addict doesn’t mean I have to be one today. For God called my name into the darkness, and the chains broke at the sound of His voice.

One of the beautiful parts of being clay in His hands is He can shape and mold us into whatever He wants. Imagine God saying this to you today: “Oh you used to be this way or that way; well, today that changes; today you are Mine, and I will channel your life for My glory and the good of My people.” Now know that the thing I just asked you to imagine can be your reality today in Christ Jesus. The old can be gone and the new can be here, but it all starts and flows from Christ.

If you don’t know this Jesus I speak of, then reach out to one of us or even better reach out to Him yourself! Say something like “Jesus, I need You. Please forgive me, please help me, and please lead me today.” I promise you won’t be disappointed!

2 Corinthians 5:17- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Luke 23:40-43- But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

God bless! I love you all, but His love is greater than all and available today! Glory, honor, and praise now and forever to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!

 

 

 

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