Seek Not Bethel

In the book of Amos chapter 5 verse 5 we read, “Seek Me and live; but do not seek Bethel.” This seems rather strange because Bethel means House of God. Why is God against Bethel? Bethel had become filled with idols, substitutes for the real God--counterfeits. God is crying out to us to seek Him and not counterfeits. Yesterday I heard a sermon from Chip Ingram, Liviing on the EdgeHow to Get God's Best For Your Life Part 1 - 12/4/2007

Today we seek counterfeits in the same way that they did in Amos’ day…through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Chip’s insights on the counterfeits of life are quite unforgettable. He says that these three counterfeits can be best understood in layman’s terms.

1. The lust of the flesh is our desire to feel. We replace God with our desire to feel good with food or sex. This is hedonism…an addiction to be satisfied through our feelings.

2. The lust of the eyes is our desire to have. This involves our possessions…once I get that, or once I own this…a compulsion to fill the void with things.

3. The pride of life is our desire to be. This involves our ego…a desire to have status. This allows us to live by sight/status because living by faith and exercising humility is too risky.

These three counterfeits, pleasure, possessions, and position, keep us from seeking God and experiencing life! That is why God says to us, to SEEK ME AND LIVE! He has come to give us life and life more abundantly. BUT DO NOT SEEK BETHEL. Do not seek the counterfeit gods that fill you for a while but require more and more from you. These gods do not have your best interest in mind…they are thieves. Seek the LORD and live! Amos 5:6

Update on my dad: This is our 22nd day, waiting, praying, and hoping. We are still by dad’s bedside in the ICU. We have seen God answer prayer and have met many wonderful people. The staff has been great. We even have opportunity to share God’s love with other family members who have loved one’s here. Dad is still in critical condition. He came off of life support about a week ago and we were so excited, but on Friday, he was becoming short of breath again and they decided to place him back on the ventilator. The main problem is an infection that they have been unable to isolate which is causing a build up of fluid in his lungs. We appreciate your prayers…we are praying for a miracle…we serve the God of the impossible! And at the same time, we desire for God’s perfect will.