Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 8.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+8&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“4 Hear this, you who trample the needy, to do away with the humble of the land, 5 saying,

“When will the new moon be over,
So that we may sell grain,
And the sabbath, that we may open the wheat market,
To make the bushel smaller and the shekel bigger,
And to cheat with dishonest scales,
6 So as to buy the helpless for money
And the needy for a pair of sandals,
And that we may sell the refuse of the wheat?”

7 The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob,
“Indeed, I will never forget any of their deeds.”  Amos 8:4-7.

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“Thus says the LORD, “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor.  Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow;  and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”  Jeremiah 22:3.

“But let justice roll down like waters
And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”  Amos 5:24.

“4 Do all the workers of wickedness not know,
Who eat up my people as they eat bread,
And do not call upon the Lord?
5 There they are in great dread,
For God is with the righteous generation.”  Psalm 14:4-5.

“17 O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear
18 To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed,
So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror.”  Psalm 10:17-18.

“5 A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.
6 God makes a home for the lonely;
He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, …”  Psalm 68:5-6.

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 6.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+6&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion
And to those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria,
The distinguished men of the foremost of nations,
To whom the house of Israel comes.

…

4 Those who recline on beds of ivory
And sprawl on their couches,
And eat lambs from the flock
And calves from the midst of the stall,
5 Who improvise to the sound of the harp,
And like David have composed songs for themselves,
6 Who drink wine from sacrificial bowls
While they anoint themselves with the finest of oils,
Yet they have not grieved over the ruin of Joseph.
7 Therefore, they will now go into exile at the head of the exiles,
And the sprawlers’ banqueting will pass away.

8 The Lord God has sworn by Himself, the LORD God of hosts has declared:
“I loathe the arrogance of Jacob,
And detest his citadels;
Therefore I will deliver up the city and all it contains.”  Amos 6:1 and 4-8.

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“16 There are six things which the LORD hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.”  Proverbs 6:16-19.

“O LORD, God of vengeance,
God of vengeance, shine forth!
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth,
Render recompense to the proud.
3 How long shall the wicked, O LORD,
How long shall the wicked exult?
4 They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly;
All who do wickedness vaunt themselves.”  Psalm 94:1-4.

“… God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  James 4:6.

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 5.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+5&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“3 For thus says the Lord God,

“The city which goes forth a thousand strong
Will have a hundred left,
And the one which goes forth a hundred strong
Will have ten left to the house of Israel.”

4 For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel,

“Seek Me that you may live.

…

15 Hate evil, love good,
And establish justice in the gate!
Perhaps the Lord God of hosts
May be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”  Amos 5:3-4 and 15.

——————

“… The city which goes forth a thousand strong
Will have a hundred left,
And the one which goes forth a hundred strong
Will have ten left to the house of Israel.”  Verse 3.

“Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved;  for the Lord will execute His word on the earth, thoroughly and quickly.”  Romans 9:27.

“Enter through the narrow gate;  for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.  For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14.

God “…did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;”  2 Peter 2:5.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.”  1 Corinthians 9:24.

Other doctrine is proud and teaches that man is basically good, God loves everyone, Christ died for everyone, and affirms a wide and broad range of spiritual beliefs and practices.

But, Reformed Doctrine is humble and teaches that man is totally depraved in his natural condition, God only loves His elect, Christ died only for His elect, and warns us “the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

The people of Israel thought they could act wickedly and yet worship God as they pleased.  But, God was not pleased.

“21 “I hate, I reject your festivals,
Nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies.
22 “Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings.
23 “Take away from Me the noise of your songs;
I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.
24 “But let justice roll down like waters
And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”  Amos 5:21-24.

Today’s Scripture urges us to be humble and seek God and do good and establish justice with the knowledge that “the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

“… Perhaps the Lord God of hosts
May be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”  Verse 15.

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 4.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+4&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“9 “I smote you with scorching wind and mildew;
And the caterpillar was devouring
Your many gardens and vineyards, fig trees and olive trees;
Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the LORD.
10 “I sent a plague among you after the manner of Egypt;
I slew your young men by the sword along with your captured horses,
And I made the stench of your camp rise up in your nostrils;
Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the LORD.
11 “I overthrew you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
And you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze;
Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the LORD.
12 “Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel;
Because I will do this to you,
Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.” Amos 4:9-12.

————-

Three times in the quoted Scripture above, God’s punishment is followed by God’s declaration:  “Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the LORD.”

Thus, today’s Scripture teaches us that God’s punishment can be good for us if it causes us to return to God.

But, if God’s punishment does not cause us to return to God, then there remains only God’s final conclusion:  “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.”.  Verse 12.

For God’s elect, “… He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.  All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful;  yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”  Hebrews 12:10-11.  For this reason, we should accept God’s punishment, repent, return to God, learn from it, and endure.

For God’s non-elect, they go on sinning willfully, and there only remains a certain terrifying expectation of judgment.

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.”  And again, THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:26-31.

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 3.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+3&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“4 Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey?
Does a young lion growl from his den unless he has captured something?
5 Does a bird fall into a trap on the ground when there is no bait in it?
Does a trap spring up from the earth when it captures nothing at all?
6 If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble?
If a calamity occurs in a city has not the Lord done it?
7 Surely the Lord God does nothing
Unless He reveals His secret counsel
To His servants the prophets.
8 A lion has roared!  Who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken!  Who can but prophesy?”  Amos 3:4-8.

———————–

In other words, Amos is saying, in my paraphrase:  “God has prepared everything to carry out His threats.  Everything is ready for the calamity.  God is roaring for good cause.  God does control everything.  God does cause calamity as part of His punishments.  God lets His prophets know what He is about to do.  I am one of God’s prophets.  God has spoken to me about what He will do.  I cannot resist telling others about what He told me that He will do.  Pay attention to my prophecy!”

We have all of Scriptures in which there are many prophecies of warning by God’s faithful prophets.  Pay attention!  Repent!  God may relent from doing the calamity that He has threatened.

““11 The LORD utters His voice before His army;
Surely His camp is very great,
For strong is he who carries out His word.
The day of the LORD is indeed great and very awesome,
And who can endure it?
12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD,
“Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
13 And rend your heart and not your garments.”
Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil.”  Joel 2:11-13.

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 2.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+2&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“4 Thus says the LORD,
“For three transgressions of Judah and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because they rejected the law of the LORD
And have not kept His statutes;
Their lies also have led them astray,
Those after which their fathers walked.
5 “So I will send fire upon Judah
And it will consume the citadels of Jerusalem.”

6 Thus says the LORD,
“For three transgressions of Israel and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because they sell the righteous for money
And the needy for a pair of sandals.
7 “These who pant after the very dust of the earth on the head of the helpless
Also turn aside the way of the humble;
And a man and his father resort to the same girl
In order to profane My holy name.
8 “On garments taken as pledges they stretch out beside every altar,
And in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.”  Amos 2:4-8.

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In the previous chapter and devotion, we meditated on the nations that were neighbors to Judah and Israel and God’s judgment and punishment for their sins.

There may be those in Judah and Israel who felt morally superior to the nations surrounding them, and they may have heard of Amos’ prophecy with delight and may have been eager to wag their finger at them.

But, in this chapter and devotion, we meditate on Judah and Israel and God’s judgment and punishment for their sins.

“9 What then?  Are we better than they?  Not at all;  for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;  10 as it is written,

“There is none righteous, not even one;
11 There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God;
12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless;
There is none who does good,
There is not even one.”  Romans 3:9-12.

And, God had the right to require more from Judah and Israel considering all the guidance, protection, and other blessings that He gave them as He detailed in verses 9-11.

“And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few.  From everyone who has been given much, much will be required;  and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”  Luke 12:47-48.

“Then what advantage has the Jew?  Or what is the benefit of circumcision?  Great in every respect.  First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.”  Romans 3:1-2.

Much will be required of us today.

Today, we too have been given God’s Word.  But, we have been given much more than the Jews in Amos day.  The Jews in Amos’ day had part of the Old Testament, but we have all of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament.  Most importantly, we have Jesus Christ, the exact representation of God, a Teacher and Savior.

We have countless churches and publications and other sources by which we can hear and read good preaching and good teaching.

We have two thousand years of forefathers in the faith from whom we can learn and stand on their shoulders.

We have all the sound doctrine developed by them.

In conclusion, it is noteworthy and a warning to us today that the very first transgression listed is that Judah rejected God’s law and did not keep His statutes.  See verse 4.  This rejection of God’s Word was likely the cause of the other transgressions and ultimately the reason for God’s punishment.

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.”  And again, THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:26-31.

Most may be required of us Reformed believers who have received knowledge of the truth.  Arminians believe that Christ’s blood was shed for everyone but that Christ’s blood was ineffective by itself to save, because they believe that something needs to be added to Christ’s blood in order for it to be able to save.  But Reformed believers know the truth of how precious the blood of Christ is, because Christ’s blood was shed only for God’s elect but is able to provide all that is needed for salvation.  Arminians believe that they need to contribute something to Christ’s blood to be effective for their salvation whether it be works, wisdom, or even just the alleged free-will to be saved.  But Reformed believers know the truth that they are saved by grace alone and that all the saving gifts were purchased by Christ’s blood.

Reformed believers have received knowledge of the truth, but will we Reformed believers trample on Christ’s blood, not in the sense of being hateful to it but in the sense of treating it as ineffective by itself, like the description in Matthew 5: 13:  “…if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?  It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”?

Reformed believers have received knowledge of the truth, but will we Reformed believers insult the Spirit of grace by taking partial credit for salvation?

What will we Reformed believers do with this knowledge of truth of which we have been entrusted?

“but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”  1 Thessalonians 2:4.

“For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.  For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed;  for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.  Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”  2 Timothy 1:6-14.

Today’s devotion comes from Amos chapter 1.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+1&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“11 Thus says the LORD,
“For three transgressions of Edom and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because he pursued his brother with the sword,
While he stifled his compassion;
His anger also tore continually,
And he maintained his fury forever.
12 “So I will send fire upon Teman
And it will consume the citadels of Bozrah.”  Amos 1:11-12.

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In Amos chapter 1, Amos prophesied God’s judgment on the nations, one by one, that were neighbors to Israel.  Using similar language as shown above in the quoted verses, Amos prophesied that for three transgressions or four of the nation, God would not revoke the punishment.  The total effect of the chapter is a demonstration of God’s justice and sovereignty.  No nation escapes God’s attention, control, and sovereign judgment.  No nation is only barely guilty.  No nation escapes God’s just punishment.

“You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations;
Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity.  Selah.”  Psalm 59:5.

“4 … You have sat on the throne judging righteously.
5 You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.
6 The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins,
And You have uprooted the cities;
The very memory of them has perished.

7 But the LORD abides forever;
He has established His throne for judgment,
8 And He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.”  Psalm 9:4-8.

“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.”  Psalm 97:1-3.

Today’s devotion comes from Joel chapter 3.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+3&version=NASB

I quote only the following verse.

“The LORD roars from Zion
And utters His voice from Jerusalem,
And the heavens and the earth tremble.
But the LORD is a refuge for His people
And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.”  Joel 3:16.

__________

“6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place;  You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah.”  Psalm 32:6-7.

“For You have been a refuge for me,
A tower of strength against the enemy.”  Psalm 61:3.

“20 Come, my people, enter into your rooms
And close your doors behind you;
Hide for a little while
Until indignation runs its course.
21 For behold, the LORD is about to come out from His place
To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity;
And the earth will reveal her bloodshed
And will no longer cover her slain.”  Isaiah 26:20-21.

Today’s devotion comes from Joel 2:18-32.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel+2&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“28 “It will come about after this
That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and daughters will prophesy,
Your old men will dream dreams,
Your young men will see visions.
29 “Even on the male and female servants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

30 “I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth,
Blood, fire and columns of smoke.
31 “The sun will be turned into darkness
And the moon into blood
Before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.
32 “And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Will be delivered;
For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
There will be those who escape,
As the Lord has said,
Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.”  Joel 2:28-32.

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Other doctrine put salvation in man’s control by only quoting the first part of the verse:  “And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Will be delivered”.

But, Reformed Doctrine see the qualifier at the end of the verse:  “Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.” which puts control of salvation in God’s control.

Likewise, we read a similar qualifier which puts salvation in God’s control in Acts chapter 2 which quotes Joel 2:28-32 and then later states:  “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”  Acts 2:39.

“For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him;  and I will raise him up on the last day.”  John 6:44.

“And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”  John 6:65.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”  Matthew 22:14.

Other doctrine nevertheless rebels against salvation being in God’s control.

But, Reformed Doctrine sees man’s “Total Depravity” throughout Scripture.  Man is dead in sin, hostile to God, enslaved to sin and Satan.  Reformed Doctrine understands that without God’s control, man would never come to God.

“10 as it is written,

“There is none righteous, not even one;
11 There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God;
12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless;
There is none who does good,
There is not even one.”  Romans 3:10-12.

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”  Ephesians 2:1-3.

“… you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,”  Colossians 1:21.

“… you were slaves of sin …”  Romans 6:20.

But, there is hope!  Salvation is in God’s control.

“But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:22-23.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:4-9.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God;  you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  1 Peter 2:9-10.