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Bible reading for Nov 17 -- 18 Nov 17 -- Amos 6 and Luke 1:39-80 Nov 18 -- Amos 7 and Luke 2 ================ "Then the Lord said, 'Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them...'" (Amos 7:8)  THE LEISURE CLASS (ch 6). It seems Amos' generation had the same mindset as our advertisers today, that is, "You deserve the best!" Note how the people of Israel are described: idle, taking it easy, self-secure, partying, and enjoying the best beauty products (vv 1-7). This sinful lifestyle was rooted in pride (v 8) and injustice (v 12). Not all prosperity is bad, for example, we may enjoy what God gives when it is something permissible, prayed about, and used with gratitude and humility (2 Tim 4:4-5). But much luxury can come at the cost of spiritual compromise (idolatry), self-indulgence, and from taking advantage of vulnerable people (injustice).  CANCELLING AMOS (ch 7). In compassion and mercy, Amos inte...

Bible reading for Feb 15:  Genesis 48; Luke 1:39-80. Then Israel said to Joseph, "Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers." (Gen 48:21) The younger shall be greater than the older.  In his benediction upon Joseph's two sons, the aged Jacob (aka Israel) crosses his arms in blessing the boys, placing his right hand on the younger of the two, Ephraim . Joseph is distressed by this, but Jacob insists that the younger will indeed be greater than the older.  Jacob himself, by God's decree, was just such an example.  Though the tradition of primogeniture (the firstborn male's right to inheritance and family leadership) is generally observed, God himself reserves the right to switch this up.  The Apostle Paul writes, "...though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad - in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of his call - ...