Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Excellence”
Our Bible verse for today: “You drink wine by the bowlful and perfume yourselves with fragrant lotions. You care nothing about the ruin of your nation.” Amos 6:9 (NLT)
Our thought for today: “An excellent life should include the discipline of moderation.”
Recently I’ve been studying the Old Testament book of Amos and I’ve been stunned by the parallels between Old Testament Israel in the days of Amos, and our own country today. In the words of the editors of the Daily Walk Bible, “Israel had grown fat, apathetic, and proud, choking on its own luxury.”
In verse six Amos writes of how the people were no longer satisfied with a simple “glass” of wine, they had gotten to the point where they were drinking it by the bowlful.
Wow! Can I get a witness? That’s us! “Can I supersize that for you?” “Would you like to try the Ultimate Supreme Half-Pound Bacon Double Cheeseburger with an extra large order of fries?” “And how about a half gallon of Coca Cola to wash it down?”
We’ve become a society that’s obsessed with conspicuous consumption. We’re taught to always want bigger and more. And it shows. Obesity is now a nationwide health crisis. The average family is drowning in debt. People stand overnight in long lines in hopes of being the first to get the latest version of the newest iphone. More, more, more … newer, bigger, better. More is never enough.
But that’s not the way of Jesus, and it shouldn’t be the way of His people. The Bible teaches us to live in moderation and contentment. Here’s just one passage that teaches this concept: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothes we will be content with these.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
I want to share with you a devotional thought offered by the editors of the Daily Walk Bible in connection with the lesson Amos was teaching:
“Luxury-loving Israel was so “owned” by its possessions and materialistic lifestyle that God had become the “previous owner.” Enjoying things from God had replaced enjoying God himself. You may proudly think of your house, your car, your boat, your (whatever) as being “owned by me,” but never forget it is actually “loaned by God.” Wouldn’t now be a good time to consider a transfer of ownership? Close your eyes and you will see everything you actually possess.”
An excellent life must include the discipline of moderation. I encourage you to examine your life. Ask yourself, “How much is enough and how much is more than enough?” Then consider if perhaps some changes are in order.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 