Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

10 July 2024

Reading From Amos 1-5

“I also raised up prophets from among your children
    and Nazirites from among your youths.
Is this not true, people of Israel?”
declares the Lord.
“But you made the Nazirites drink wine
    and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.”

–Amos 2:11-12

     Even in the darkest times when the majority of the Israelites were committing spiritual adultery with false gods and goddesses, Yahweh sent prophets to them along with holy men, pleading with them to return to the way of the Lord.  This is an example of the mercy of our God, that He would continually send messengers to them reminding of His love and warning of the destruction that sin leads to. 

     There are many, even today, who believe that if they have a priest in their community, a family member who loves God, or if they are kind to a minister or have no qualms about the Church, that these things mean they will be safe from His wrath.  But there is only one way to go from an enemy to a friend of the Father and that is by grace through faith in the Son, Jesus.  If you believe in your heart, confess with your mouth and turn away from sin in order to follow Him, then you will be saved. 

     Many wicked men and women set about trying to corrupt the sons and daughters of the Most High God.  It’s as though it’s a game to them; a challenge.  In the time of Amos, Nazarites had taken vows of holiness to the Lord.  So it is with modern day followers of Jesus.  We promise to live lives that honor Him.  To do that which is dishonorable compromises our witness of the Lord. 

     Unbelievers and even many in the churches want to silence prophetic messages.  This is nothing new.  Amos knew this quenching of the Spirit well.  People in rebellion against God or even those who are comfortable in their religion and do not wish for the boat to be rocked do not want to hear the Word of the Lord spoken through modern day prophets and prophetesses.  But it is good for us to hear from the One who loves us, even if in His love He is chastising us.  Let holiness increase and let the prophetic voices be heard.

“Lord, I pray that You would bring a mighty, soul-shaking revival to the United States and to the world.  Let the knowledge of You cover the Earth as the waters cover the seas.  May faith and trust in You increase as more come into Your Kingdom of Light and Your children are changed from glory to glory.  Open our spiritual ears to hear what You speak through Your servants.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

–I Corinthians 14:39-40

“‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.”

 –Acts 2:17

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophesyings.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Brethren, pray for us.

–I Thessalonians 5:19-25

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

–II Timothy 3:5