SOAP 04/08/2016; Amos 6:7

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 3, 4, 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8*

S) "⁷ Therefore, they will now go into exile at the head of the exiles,
And the sprawlers’ banqueting will pass away."

Amos 6:7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 6

O) The people described in this opening portion of the chapter are those who were the most affluent, the most at ease. One of the common themes throughout the Old Testament (and it carried to the Pharisees' thinking), was that a successful person (especially financially successful), must have a life that pleases God. On the contrary, those who were the most at ease, the most financially successful, the ones who sprawled on their couches (v.4), who had great leisure (v.5), they were among the first to be judged.

A) The most important thing to remember, is that everything I have is a gift from God, both my money and my time. I don't think it's bad to recline at a table, or to relax. After all, Jesus still took time to eat great meals with tax collectors, sinners, and His disciples. He attended at least one wedding. So then, it's important to me to be sure that my leisure time is still honoring God. Am I using my "free time" selfishly? Or am I building relationships? Am I using my "extra money" to gratify my own selfish desires? Or am I using my money on shared experiences and to bless others? Leisure time cannot be just for the sake of relaxing. Entertainment cannot be used just for the sake of pleasing my eyes and ears. I still need to be viewing the blessings I do have, for how they can be used for His glory.

P) Father, I am very blessed. You have been gracious and good to me. I don't always feel financially blessed, but I really am, still. I am certainly blessed with time, too. I have leisure in my life. I know that it's not bad, in itself, but I also don't want it to become a snare to me. Help me see every gift I have, as an opportunity to bless others and glorify You, Lord. You have been good to me, and I want to be good to others. It starts with my wife, and my kids, but it doesn't end there, either. Help me take opportunities to bless others with my time and money. Let Your will be done with my leisure. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.