Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

"I hate all your show and pretense—

the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.

I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings.

I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings.

Away with your noisy hymns of praise!

I will not listen to your music, no matter how lovely it is.

Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice,

an endless river of righteous living."

I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person.

And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.

Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,

who, O Lord, could ever survive?

But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.

I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him.

I have put my hope in his word.

You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’

And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire.

Then you will be rich.

Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness,

and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.

I correct and discipline everyone I love.

So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

Amos 5, Revelation 2, 3, Psalm 130