Today’s Reading: Amos 7:1‐9:15, Revelation 3:7‐22, Psalms 131:1‐ 3, Proverbs 29:23

Different format today: The Word rocked me this morning.  Each reading involved God using the week and lowly of heart:

Amos 7:14-15 – Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’”

Revelation 3:8-9  – (To the church in Philadelphia) “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet and they will learn that I have loved you.

Psalm 131 – O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
 my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
 too great and too marvelous for me.
 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
 like a weaned child with its mother;
 like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, hope in the Lord
 from this time forth and forevermore.

Proverbs 29:23 – One’s pride will bring him low,
 but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Apply: It is OK, for me not to feel able to do the ministry God has called me to – God is able.  I must be defined by true humility.  God, help me.  You alone can guide my heart away from pride.

Why does God choose to use the herdsman (Amos), of little power (Philadelphia), whose eyes are not raised to high (David) and are lowly in spirit (Proverbs)?