Book of Amos

Book of Amos

Amos came to the Northern kingdom. The people were religious but superficial. Amos announces that the neighboring kingdoms will be punished. These wicked nations include Damascus, Gaza, Edom, and Tyre. Amos warns Isreael will be destroyed. He tells them about judgement. Amos announces Gods judgement to the Northern Kingdom and says "the day of the Lord" which reff to go God intervening to judge the wicked city. Lastly Amos talks about the restoration and hope of Israel.

In the book of Amos the people in the Northern kingdom sined many times. We are all sinner like the northern kingdom, but we can all get forgiveness an redeem ourselves just like the Northern Kingdom. In all the books of the bible they have a chance for redemption. Unfortunately in some of the books in the bible they did not always accept the chances layed out for them. Unlike them we need to embrace God and seek redemption.

I am thankful for winter break coming soon

Intention: Everyone studying for finals and people with high stress levels.

1 Samuel

1 Samuel 1-3, 8-11, and 16-17

Samuel is born to Hannah as a Nazarite dedicated to God. He is brought to the tabernacle to serve God. When Samuel got older he made his sons judges over Israel. His sons were Joel and Abijah. The Israelites vote on who would be a good King and Samuel anoints Saul to be king. Saul makes bad decisions and God rejects him from being the rightful king. God chooses David to be king.. Samuel anoints him when he is young.

I am thankful for good food (like tacos).

• Intention: everyone to stay safe as the holidays come close. 

Judges

Othniel 3:7-11, Deborah 4-5, Gideon 6-8, and Samson 13-16

Being an honest leader is important because it gives an example to your people. The faith of the people lies in leaders and it's their job to be a good example. The leaders represent us so it's important that they hold themselves with dignity and treat others with respect.

Judges may exist to apply justice, but it's important that we are our own judges and jury. It's up to ourselves to act on our moral duty. We need to use the moral compass inside of us to point us the proper direction in life.

I am thankful for friends-giving.

Intention: people traveling

Jaoshua 1-6

Joshua 1-6

After Moses dies, God calls to Joshua to lead the Israelites past the Jordan river. He will lead them into the promise land. God promises to never leave the Israelites and in turn they should always follow his laws. The people swear allegence to Joshua. Joshua sends two spies across the river in order to investigate the territory.

I am thankful for snow days and I really hope we get some this year.

Intention: everyone who wants show

Exodus 21-24, 32-34

Exodus 21-24, 32-34

While Moses was on the mountain the Israelites became impatient and afraid. They turn back to worshiping an Egyptian god in their fear. They make a golden calf and worship Apis. They revert back to idolatry. God says he will destroy them (as agreed to by the covenant). Moses intercedes for Israel and God has mercy on them. The only faithful tribe is the tribe of Levi.

I am thankful for delicious food.

Intention: anyone who is struggling in school or at work.

Exodus 15-20

Exodus 15-20

Moses parts the Red Sea to help the slaves leave Egypt. The Israelites are able to flee Egypt. In Exodus 20, God gives Moses the 10 commandments. They are the commandments that the Israelites will live by. They agree to all Ten Commandments and agree that if any are broken it is punishable by death. The Ten Commandments are important for everyone to live by even now.

I am thankful for when we only watch movies in class.

Intention: everyone!

Exodus 1-14

Exodus 1-14

Reflection: God has a plan for everyone. In Exodus 2 Moses mother sends him off through the river because she can't hide him anymore. He is found by the pharaohs daughter. Eventually he will become a disciple of God and lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. It's ok if we are not perfect and God will accept us even with our flaws. Moses was not perfect. He had good intentions but was doing bad things (like killing a task master in order to save a Hebrew slave). Like Moses, we can become better people even after we have sinned.

In Exodus Moses is drawn out of water in a basket by Pharaohs daughter. Moses is the protector of the weak and he kills an Egyptian to protect a slave. Moses meets God (the burning bush). Moses is called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he asks Pharoh rejects his request and makes them work harder. In return God sends the 10 pluages to the Egyptians.

I am thankful for off days at school.

Intention: everyone talking midterms or tests.

Genesis 43-50

Genesis 43-50

Even when Joseph is sold into slavery he is still positive. He tries to be the best slave he can and the best prisoner in jail. Even when life was down he still looked up and made the best of things. He saw God in everything he did. "What is meant for evil, God meant for good." Joseph put his trust in God even when things were going badly for him.

I am thankful for Wednesday's because I enjoy late starts that give me more sleep.

Intentions: anyone who is stressed out

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43-50&version=NIV

Genesis 37-42

Genesis 37-42

We should not take favorites because whenever we do bad things happen. Such as Joseph being the favorite son and then his brothers sell him into slavery. Favorites are nothing but trouble. Dreams also have importance in the bible. It's usually foreshadowing or a warning for what is about to happen. Such as the Pharaohs dreams in genesis 41.

I am thankful for weekends for giving me a break from school and stress

Intentions: everyone taking their midterms

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+37-42&version=NIV

Genesis 31-36

Genesis 31-36

Esau forgives Jacob even after Jacob stole his blessing. Even though he was wronged he still gave forgiveness. We should give forgiveness like Esau did to those who wronged us. If we were the Jacobs in this we would want to be forgiven. God will also forgive us for our sins of we are truly sorry for them.

I am thankful for authors who make really great books.

Intention: anyone who has lost a pet recently.

Genesis 27-30

Genesis 27-30

Isaac is getting old and he can't see anything. Jacob pretends to be Esau (the first born son) and tricks Isaac. Jacob took away Esau's birthright by tricking his father into blessing him instead of Esau. Esau hates Jacob because of this. Esau plans on killing his brother in his fury. Jacob meets Rachel and serves her for 7 years. Rachel's sister has kids and Rachel didn't so she envied her. 

I am thankful for the Internet. The Internet makes everything better and is really helpful. 

Intention: the creators of the Internet 

Genesis 24-26

Genesis 24-26

The lord blessed Abraham in all things. Isaac has gone to carry on the work of his father for God. The lord blessed Issac during his mothers death with a wife. His wife (Rebekah) helped to comfort Isaac during this time. Abraham took up a new wife (Keturah). He has sons with her (Midian, Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah). Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. After Abraham died the lord blessed Isaac. He and his wife had twins named Jacob and Esau.

I am thankful for the author of Fairytail for updating his manga consistently on Mondays. I am thankful that he does not make us wait for updates for over 3 months.

Intentions: The Legacy high school football team

Genesis 16-23

Genesis 22

In Genesis 22 Abraham was prepared to sacrifice everything for God. When God asked it of him, he was going to sacrifice his son Isaac to him. Isaac was Abrahams only son with his wife Sarah. This shows that he would do anything for God. Because of this, God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. An angel came down and stopped him. Instead, he sacrificed a Ram.

Prayer Intention: To those who has been falsely actuated or convicted.

Genesis 12-15

Genesis 12-15

God has made many covenants with man-kind. God always keeps his word even if we do not. The covenants we have made with God are eternal and good. God will always watch over humans even if we do not see him. God will always love us because we are his children made how he wants us to be.

Abram and Sarai made many mistakes while they were in Egypt. They did not put their trust in God. God helped push them in the right direction just like how he will for us. Even when we stay God will push us to be better people and follow in his plan. Even when things go wrong we should put our trust in God. The key is to believe in God in both the bad times and in the good. God calls to each of us in our own ways using our own God given gifts and talents.

I am thankful for Korea and all the K-pop bands as well as K-drama's that spew out. They never fail to entertain me and lift my spirits.

Prayer Intention: To everyone who is stressed out about work, school, or anything else.

Genesis 4-11

Genesis 4-11

Even when we have failed God, he still loves us. God always gives us chances for redemption, even if it is just one person who is his hope. No matter how many times we fall God will be there for when we stand back up. He will help us on our path and protect us. Humans are drawn to temptations but we also have the power to reject those temptations. Although God was angry at our sinful ways he still gave us a chance for redemption. It is up to each of us to reach for that chance of redemption.

Even when I stray from my path God is there watching me. He waits for me with open arms and knows that when I can resist the temptations around me, that I will come back to him. He is patient with me, and for that I am grateful. He is all loving, so I know he loves me, even with all of my flaws.

I am thankful for whoever invented glasses because I would be blind without them.

Genesis 3

Genesis 3

God created us all. He loves all of his creations and we should love him because of it. We have to put our faith in God. Adam and Eve did not put their trust in God and blindly fell into the trap of the serpent. It is important for us to resist temptations. It is also imprtant for us to own up to our own mistakes and ask for forgiveness for them. Do not put all the blame others for mistakes.

I am thankful for my education and the doors that open because of it.

Prayer intention: everyone suffering from natural disasters.

Genesis 1 and 2

Genesis 1 and 2

The lord spent 7 days and 7 nights creating the world. He created everything in this world with his love. He loves all of his creations. God did not rest until his work was complete. God created man with all of his love. He also created woman become the partner of man. These first humans are Adam and Eve.

I am thankful for being born in the United States where many opportunities await me.

Prayer intention: Anyone going through hard times.

The Divine Shepard (Psalm 23)

The Divine Shepard. 

The Lord is my Shepard and he will guide me because I am his sheep. God always takes good care of me. The lord will guide me in the right direction and won't leave me alone even when I stray from the right path. Even when I go through dark times God is there to guide me to the light. The Lords presence comforts me. He brings many good blessings upon me. 

I am thankful for my beautiful friends Ana, Laura, and Fiona. I am thankful for the family I have.

Prayer intention: Everyone starting a new school year.