Daily Encouragement

September 5, 2010 - Remember What God Did In The Past

Meditation on Hosea 12

The prophet Hosea was trying to remind the Israelites their origin. What prayers God had answered for their ancestor, Jacob and how the Prophet Moses was used by God to lead them out of Egypt, and how they were preserved by the prophet even though all these times they were a people of trickery, deceit and unreliability. When they remembered all these things they should remember their God as Hosea said, "That is the LORD of hosts. The LORD is His memorable name. So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice and wait on your God continually." (v. 5-6 NKJV)

So it is today. Would you take time to think over your origin? Meditate upon what God had done for you in the past. What contribute to your success? If you have deviate from your faith in the Lord Jesus and neglect to serve Him, please return to Him and wait on His righteous plan for you.

September 6, 2010 - The Result Of Returning To God

Meditation on Hosea 14

Hosea had pointed out the tragic consequences of sinning against God. Then in his final words, he encouraged them to return to God by confessing their sins and asking God for forgiveness. Then Hosea said something similar to, yet long before the book of Hebrews was written like this, "For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips." (v. 2 cf. Hebrews 13:15) Then God would heal them and bless them abundantly. Israel would grow again powerfully. Their land would be productive again. God would not be angry against them but to love them freely.

Here was the most important manifestation of turning back to God: "Ephraim shall say, "What have I to do anymore with idols?"" (v. 8 NKJV) The abandonment of idols was the clear indication of their sincere repentance before God.

Do you have any idols that have been more important to your Savior? Keep yourself away from it.

September 7, 2010 - How To Turn Away God's Judgment

Meditation on Joel 2

The prophet Joel predicted that there would be great attack of locusts upon Israel. Therefore there would be great poverty in their land. The only way they could be prospering again was to have a spiritual revival. They needed to call a solemn assembly for everyone from the youngest to the elderly, the religious leaders to laymen. They must fast and pray to cry unto God for mercy. Then the LORD would bless them with good rain and crop as well as protection from their enemies so they might praise the Lord their only God.

The famous passage that was quoted by Apostle Peter later during the Pentecost is found in verse 28-29, "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days..." (NKJV)

Indeed, the Holy Spirit has come on that day of Pentecost so that now not only the people of Israel but even all people will have forgiveness and blessings from God for eternal prosperity if we first go to Jesus in an assembly for repentance and revival. Then whoever calls upon the name of the LORD will be saved. (v. 32)

September 8, 2010 - Judgments Against Violence

Meditation on Amos 1

Amos, a sheepherder was used by God to pronounce judgment upon the neighbors of Israel. Those cities mentioned in this chapter for punishment were Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon. The leaders and people of these places were against God's law three and four times meaning numerous times in the past. They were violent toward other nations or Israel. They also violated their own agreement with others. They had no mercy. So God sent fire and attack upon them.

God does notice the affair of His people. He specially takes note of the violence of any nation and people. Once his cup of wrath is filled, he will send judgment against those who are cruel toward their neighbors. Violence toward others would be punished by God no matter who you are.

September 9, 2010 - How To Walk With God

Meditation on Amos 3

The prophet had zeroed in the problem of the nation of Israel in their time. They worshiped God only superficially. Their heart was far away from Him. Therefore, Amos asked this pertinent question; "Can two walk together, unless they are agree?" (v. 3 NKJV) Obviously, the answer is no. The Israelites did not agree with God in almost every spiritual matter. As a result, they would experience God's judgment. For God had revealed his judgment to the prophets.

The relationship between God and His prophet was so intimate that He would do nothing unless He revealed His secret to His servant. Indeed they walked together. The prophet would only speak as God instructed him to. All that the prophet said would come true because God would agree with what the prophet said.

Have you searched your heart today? Are you in agreement with Him? Are you walking with Him?

September 10, 2010 - The Voice Of A Layman

Meditation on Amos 7

Amos was just a shepherd and a farmer who took care of sycamore-fig trees. He claimed that he was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet. (v. 14) But the Lord had called him to preach and prophesy to the Israelites. His words were heavy. His warnings were brutal against the nations and the king. Though the country was in relative prosperous condition under Jeroboam II, the people were bankrupt spiritually and morally. The rich were enjoying themselves lavishly but neglecting the great need of the poor. The so called religious leader was only interested in getting rid of Amos and his prophecy. (v. 10-16)

But Amos' word was from the LORD and was true. His words had become the powerful chastisement for Israel to return to the Lord so they may receive God's grace. Since Israel did not turn to the Lord, all the disastrous consequences prophesied by Amos were fulfilled in history.

In the congregation of our churches today, there would be one or two laymen that have been called by God to call us for examination of what God wants us to do. Our outward prosperity may not be a sign of our spiritual condition. Whether our budget is being met may not be an indication of our obedience to the Lord's command of discipleship. Let us heed the voice of those who really love the Lord.

September 11, 2010 - Judgment Time Will Come

Meditation on Amos 8

A basketful of summer fruits would not last long because the fruits will soon be too ripe and rotten. (v. 1-3) Amos saw through that vision that the judgment of God would come upon Israel soon. What were the reasons of God's fury? His people had been engaged in cheating and deceptive dealing in merchandise. Therefore earthquake, eclipse, flood would come. (v. 4-10) Since they had rejected God's word through the prophets time and time again as a habit, they would experience famine in spiritual nourishment. (v. 11-13) That generation would never recover because they had turned the worship of God into idols.

Do we see similar happening in this modern time? May God help us to repent quickly and seek the forgiveness of Christ Jesus our Lord on the cross.