September 23rd Reflection - A House of Cards - by Bill Lynch

Amos 6:1a, 4–7
Complacent Self-Indulgence Will Be Punished

Alas for those who are at ease in Zion,
   and for those who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
the notables of the first of the nations,
   to whom the house of Israel resorts!
Alas for those who lie on beds of ivory,
   and lounge on their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock,
   and calves from the stall;
who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp,
   and like David improvise on instruments of music;
who drink wine from bowls,
   and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
   but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
Therefore they shall now be the first to go into exile,
   and the revelry of the loungers shall pass away.

Reflection
A warning to those living at ease. We can't  assume and consume all the spoils and blessings of God without taking care of those in need. We must raise up all God's people in God's love. If we do live in our own luxury and assume that this is our own doing and our own reward; hear the warning of these verses given to a people long ago.

Selfish pride becomes a downfall. Selfish living becomes a curse. We are not only carried away into exile physically, we are carried away from God by being lost in ourselves. We think that we have made it on our own. But, in reality all could tumble down in a moment. All we have is a gift from God. Even our life.

Prayer
Lord, protect me from my own selfish pride and lead me to do your will in your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen