Peace & Tranquility

David gives us background and reflection on this reading from Amos 7:1-9.Locusts, Fire and a Plumb Line1 This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king's share had been harvested and just as the late crops were coming up. 2 When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, "Sovereign LORD, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so...

This week, we look at the prophet Amos. Arthur begins with a lament from Amos 5:1-7.and its message for us today.A Lament and Call to Repentance1 Hear this word, Israel, this lament I take up concerning you: 2 "Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again, deserted in her own land, with no one to lift her up." 3 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to Israel: "Your city that...

Richard reflects on aspects of this passage about the angelic visitor that Paul speaks of in Acts 12:1-18.Peter's Miraculous Escape From Prison1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he...