Amos 5:14 · KJV
"Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken."
King James Version
What does Amos 5:14 mean? →Passage Context
Devotional Reflection
Quite a few people say that God is on their side. The real question is whether or not we are on God's side. That's more about what we look for and do than what we say and think. God wants to be with us, but He won't change who He is to give us cheap grace that doesn't require us to be like Him. He doesn't want people who say they are Christians but don't act like it.
Prayer
God, Most Holy. I cannot comprehend Your holiness and righteousness. I am aware that despite my best efforts, achieving them will be in vain. However, I yearn to resemble You more in every way, dear Father, than is humanly possible. As I seek after You and Your character in my life, please let me know that You are with me. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
How amazing is it that so many people say that God is on their side? God has been "claimed" by people who want to keep others in slavery, be racist, lie, bribe officials, be hypocritical, do wrong to the weak, and commit "ethnic cleansing." But God makes the test pretty easy: do good things and look for good things, or you're not my family. In the words of the prophet Amos, this meant fairness for everyone in the courtroom, the marketplace, and the place of worship. If we say God is on our side, we should stick close to God's side, which is the side of good, justice, and mercy as God sees them.
Prayer
I thank you, Most Gracious and All-Powerful God, who is merciful and loves justice and fairness, for your concern for those who are frequently overlooked. Convict me when I stand on the side of injustice and evil, and inspire me to work for the salvation of others, of my society, and of my world—not just salvation from eternal damnation, but salvation from the evil and hatred that are so pervasive. May your kingdom come to us more fully formed as it is in your heart and will. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
What are you looking for today? Do you seek good? Or will you pursue evil by harboring a grudge, spreading rumors, and indulging in lust? God desires to be with us and has promised to never abandon us. Wherever God goes, however, His character, righteousness, and goodness are certain to follow.
Prayer
Father, thank you for demonstrating what goodness looks like by sending Jesus. Thank you for infusing me with your Spirit so that I may produce your spiritually beneficial fruit. Thank you for placing me within the Body of Christ, your people, so that I may perform acts of kindness for those in need. But I know in my heart, Father, that only you are truly good. As I seek you, your character, and your goodness in my life, assist me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
A lot of illegal and bad groups have said that God was on their side. Under the cover of a "Christian" movement, terrible things have been done. Jesus, on the other hand, told us that we could tell who someone was by what they did. God is with those who look for good and hate evil, as well as those who do justice and kindness. Let's make sure that if we say God is with us, we also have God's character in our lives.
Prayer
God, You are powerful and kind. Thank You for being in my life. Please forgive me when I let sin and selfishness get in the way and make Your name look bad. Give me Your Holy Spirit so that I can live as Your holy child and show the world Your good character. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
Quite a few people say that God is on their side. The real question is whether or not we are on God's side. That's more about what we look for and do than what we say and think. God wants to be with us, but He won't change who He is to give us cheap grace that doesn't require us to be like Him. He doesn't want people who say they are Christians but don't act like it.
Prayer
God Most Holy, I can't understand how righteous and holy You are. I know that no matter how hard I try, I won't be able to fully grasp it. Still, dear Father, I wish I could be more like You in every way possible. As I seek You and Your character in my life, let me know that You are with me. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
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