Prophets and Pastors

Message Notes

Come, let us present ourselves before the living God. Bring all your troubles and anxiety to God in prayer. Surely God knows our thoughts and hears our prayers. We find strength for living as we praise God. Lay down your arrogance and false pride. Admit your needs as you seek God’s favor. We pour out our souls before the living God. We do not withdraw from God our misery and distress. God grants our petitions and gives us peace. The counsel of our God gladdens our hearts. In your presence is fullness of joy. As we meet together, we are encouraged and comforted.

18 Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!
    Why do you want the day of the Lord?
It is darkness, not light,
19     as if someone fled from a lion
    and was met by a bear
or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall
    and was bitten by a snake.
20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light,
    and gloom with no brightness in it?

21 I hate, I despise your festivals,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
    I will not accept them,
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
    I will not look upon.
23 Take away from me the noise of your songs;
    I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
24 But let justice roll down like water
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Amos 5:18-24