I will briefly review what I believe are some of the things the book of Amos tells us today.  As always, when we read the Bible, God's written word to us, we need to look for the message for us today.  First, we see that the people of Israel had become God's people in name only, and had no real relationship with Him.  Many today, in America, claim that we are a Christian nation, but our actions are often inconsistent with our words.  I am no longer sure that the majority would even claim this, but those who claim to be followers of Christ often live by the same standards as those who deny God.  The nation of Israel in Amos' day felt that they would be materially blessed simply because they were known as being God's people.  Some who profess to be Christians, God's people today, believe that this means that God will materially bless them.  Another thing we learn from Amos is that God has a great concern for the poor and helpless of the world and expects His people to help meet their needs.  At no point does God ask His people to be the judge of whether someone is worthy of help or not.  We, as followers of Christ, cannot simply ignore at best or look down on at worst those who are less fortunate than us today and claim they don't deserve help.  We never deserved salvation, and it did not come to us because we were worthy, but salvation was a free gift from God.  Just as we did not deserve salvation but God gave it to us freely, we must obey God's direction and help those who are physically in need today.  Helping the poor and needy is a consistent command to God's people throughout the Bible, and I don't believe this has changed today.  Also, Amos said the people would hunger and thirst, not for bread and water, but for the word of God.  We today need that same hunger and thirst. We have become an obese nation in America physically, but we seem to be starving spiritually and are not concerned.  Also, we are reminded that God does not accept empty, ritualistic worship that is not based on a personal interaction with Him.  Worship should always be our praising God, and He should be the focus.  As long as our focus is on God, we can worship Him wherever we gather in His name.