As I write this article, I am just finishing up several weeks worth of work on a paper over the book of Amos.  Amos prophesied during a time of incredible prosperity in Israel.  There were no foreign armies attacking the nation, and in fact, Israel had recently won back most of the land conquered by David and Solomon.  There was much trade with other countries, and the upper class of Israel had grown very rich.

Most people in Israel thought that God was blessing them with their wealth, and they responded by worshipping Him with a wonderful abundance of songs, offerings, feasts, and celebrations.  However, one thing was missing from their worship and thanksgiving: real devotion to God and His commands to love one another.  While the rich Israelites worshipped the Lord loudly, they had neglected to care for the poor among them.  In fact, they had oppressed and used the less fortunate to gain more power for themselves.  For this reason, Amos declared, and others, Israel would be conquered and carried away into exile.

The message of Amos is very clear.  God requires more than a perfect show of worship: He commands us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and He insists that we love our neighbors as ourselves.  This is true worship of the Living God, and anything less is empty religion--as the people of Israel discovered.

So as we continue to give thanks to our Creator and Sustainer and Lord this holiday season, let us remember that a life of true thanksgiving is one that is offered up to the God who meets all our needs.  May we not forget to serve God by blessing others as He has blessed us.

David Taylor

The Pacesetters will have their Annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, Dec.13 at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall.

The Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 10th.

STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2005