pleasing God – Page 3

Amos 5:21-24 Don’t Miss What’s Important

blue circle with a white dove sitting on a white judges gavel

Amos’ words to the people came after he had called them to repent. God had given Amos a vision of what was going to happen to the nation of Israel. This section is warning them of the coming judgment. Now, it speaks wisdom to us to as our new theme is “Living as God Desires.”

What speaks to you in today’s reading? While we’re not using burnt offerings and sacrifices much these days, there are plenty of examples of putting on a show with our worship. Anything from fog machines to high church ritualistic dirges can cloud our true allegiance.

Psalm 15:1-5 Am I Good Enough?

Read Psalm 15:1-5

How does God desire us to live? That’s the theme we’re investigating now. It seems our psalmist is asking the question, “who is good enough to worship God?” In other words, he’s asking God to set some standards or expectations.

God calls his people to be obedient. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we can’t help but be transformed. When the Spirit is alive and well inside us, we will crave to please God. These verses give us a glimpse into sinful behaviors we should be aware of.

Psalm 19:7-14 Why Pay Attention?

Read Psalm 19:7-14

Have you ever wondered, “Why should I pay attention to what God’s Word says?” It seems like more and more people want to downplay the Bible, water down the message, and possibly even disregard it all together. Today’s passage gives us good reason not to do this.

This the second reading in the category, “Listening to God’s Word.” Look at the reasons the psalmist gives us in the first eleven verses! Read those a couple of times! I don’t know about you, but seeing the great benefits is very enticing. Reviving the soul and bringing joy are only two of these nuggets we’re entitled to.

1 Kings 20:23-43 – Deal or No Deal?

Read 1 Kings 20:23-43

There’s a striking message for us in the “meanwhile.” I was a little perplexed at first reading, wondering what the story of the prophet’s black eye had to do with anything. I did a little digging so that I’d understand better the dynamics of the story. I’m glad I did.

We know from our last reading that God’s message to Ahab was to be ready for a second attack. Ahab knew that it was his duty to destroy the enemy. So why didn’t he? Why did he show mercy to his “brother,” Ben-hadad?

2 Samuel 21:1-14 – Pleasing God

Read 2 Samuel 21:1-14

Little girl looking up smiling with golden stars illuminated behind her

Are we like David seeking to please God? The famine is not pleasant, and it is good to see David seeking God’s counsel in the midst of it. Imagine how surprised David was when he heard God’s explanation. “The famine has come because Saul and his family are guilty of murdering the Gibeonites.”

We are not told when this famine takes place other than it’s during David’s reign. We have just entered the final chapters of 2 Samuel that begin with this narrative. However, it’s a random story, and where it fits into the scheme of David’s reign is not clear. We’ll need to read 1 Kings 1 to take up where our last chapter left us.