Amos 7:1-17

For millennia builders have used a plumb line to measure accuracy of a vertical surface such as a wall. It consists of a weight suspended from a thin cord, and uses gravity to help create a reference line for comparison.

God’s Word is our plumb line to use as a reference for our lives. It provides clear definition of how we should measure our walk with God. Many times we want to compare how others “line up” without looking at ourselves.

Through Amos, God let the people of Israel know they did not measure up, and He was about to bring destruction. As we look at our own “plumb line” we see that as stated in Romans 2:23, we all fall short, but we have a Savior who has sacrificed for us, and gives us assurance that through Him we have new hope and alignment, as we are presented before our Maker.

Isaiah 1:1-20

Isaiah was a prophet during the reign of 5 kings in the southern kingdom of Judah. According to history, most of the kings followed God and did what was right. However, it was apparent that the people of Israel/Judah were being led astray in their actual practices.

The passage above declares that although the people were from Israel, they behave as though they did not know who God was or what He did for them. They were just going through the motions. Isaiah tried to explain that it is because of their actions, that God was ignoring their requests.

Isaiah closes out with a promise. If we return to God, and repent, He will make our sin as white as snow, through Jesus. Let us recognize when we have turned astray, and accept the gift God provided through the sacrifice of His Son to purify and restore a right relationship with God.

Obadiah 1-9

The prophets Obadiah and Amos had a message for the people of Edom, that God was about to punish them for their past actions, or lack thereof. Edom was the country established from the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. There was a lot of history between these brothers, and although it looked like they had mended their differences and moved on, there is no account that Esau (Edom) had forgiven Jacob (Israel).

Most of us have had an experience where someone has hurt us. It is much easier to avoid and move on than to forgive the one who hurt us. After all, look at what they did. However, we still have that unforgiveness in our soul eating away at our heart, and missing an opportunity for God to shine through.

If we keep our eyes on Jesus and how He provided the model, we remember what He went through as people mocked, beat and crucified Him. In the end He forgave them and let God shine through to mend hearts and grow the kingdom.

Ecclesiastes 7-12

Solomon’s wisdom caused him to question several things about his life. He was wealthy, wise and had great power. there were many thing he noticed that God controlled, and he did not understand. The basic conclusion he arrived at was that God is on control. this was summed up in his statement at the end of the book, reminding us to fear God and follow His commandments.

Fear God does mean to run away because of what He may do to us, but fear in the sense of respect and awe of understanding the power and love God shows to us. This requires trust in God’s wisdom and guidance to the point where we tremble in his presence, knowing that He is in control, and we are willing to follow.

Matthew 1:20-21

For those unable to attend, or who want to share the great story of our Savior’s birth, here is the entire candlelight service form this year.

Enjoy, and share the good news!

Ecclesiastes 1 – 6

Solomon was a wise, wealthy and powerful king over Israel, during the height of its history. He wrote this book toward the end of his life as a retrospective, looking back on what he had done in life. In this text we see that, although he had many accomplishments and experiences, it was all meaningless compared to what God had done.

Regardless of what he could do with his wealth, power and wisdom, it is the love of God that has lasting results. the commandment God has given us is to love God first with everything in our being. Only then can we love our neighbor.

Let us remember in this season when God loved us so much He gave us His Son as a baby in a manger. So that He would provide salvation for all through His sacrifice.

Song of Solomon

Many times we have read the book Song of Solomon and asked, “What is God trying to say here?”. the common perspective is to see God’s wonderful plan for life in marriage between a man and a woman with all the blessings.

This book does seem to lay out the progression of a relationship between lovers through courtship, the wedding night, the difficult times and reconciliation. Along the way, the attitude or focus changes between the woman and the man to be more centered on the other person, instead of themselves.

It is a beautiful story dealing with a loving relationship, but why was it included in the Bible?

Looking deeper, we can see how this same relationship process applies to our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through salvation we initially see it as what Jesus has done (or can do) for me. As we grow we realize through trust in Him it becomes how can I serve to please Him.

Proverbs 30

Not all proverbs are attributed to Solomon. Sometimes God uses obscure, unknown people to accomplish His plan. These words of wisdom from Agur, a humble servant, are one of those occasions. He writes to assure us that every word of God is true.

He closes with advice to help us be at peace with one another. How appropriate at this second week of Advent where we are to focus on peace. Especially the peace we receive as followers of Jesus Christ. Please remember to share both the Peace from God and the peace of God with others throughout the year.

Proverbs 23, 24

Proverbs provides wisdom is various forms. From stand-alone bits to topical thoughts to guide us in our daily lives. Other passages are grouped through literary forms to provide a consistent message. These words of wisdom provide direction on how God desires us to live our lives in order to provide hope to our souls.

This season of Advent starts with the hope of a savior coming to earth over 2000 years ago, but even more is the hope we have that He is going to return some day and gather us with Him in heaven. Let us keep this hope and share it with others to grow His kingdom.

Proverbs 21

Most of the time when we think of a scoffer, it is someone else. the one who makes a face, rolls their eyes, or even mocks someone out of disrespect. In Proverbs we can get a Biblical definition that provides some clarity. Proverbs 21:24 calls out the scoffer as someone who is arrogant, haughty and prideful. If we think about it, how many times are we this type of person?

Scoffing can bring about arguments, drive people apart, and more importantly, does not represent how God wants us to behave. We need to remember that Jesus humbled Himself to come to earth as a servant, died for us out of love. We need to lift others up above ourselves not think more highly of ourselves, and show the love of Christ to everyone we encounter.