As a young boy, there were times when I would walk just on the edge of a mud hole or slippery slope only to fall in a get all messy. But being a boy, I didn't mind.
God is warning Judah don't fall into the same harlotry that Israel is involved with, this is leading to destruction.
Hos 4:15 Though you, Israel, play the harlot, Do not let Judah become guilty; Also do not go to Gilgal,
Or go up to Beth-aven And take the oath: "As the Lord lives!" NAS
Let this be a reminder to all of us who want to walk on the edge of the slippery slopes of life. Don't! You will get sucked into it.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Listen Up!
You better be listening to me, I remember those words coming to my ear by my father. He has something to say and needed me to pay attention. Listen up! Critical words to all of us.
Sadly, Israel was not listening to God. They thought they were getting away with doing their on thing. God warns them that they are not getting away with anything.
Hos 5:1-2 Hear this, O priests! Give heed, O house of Israel! Listen, O house of the king! For the judgment applies to you, For you have been a snare at Mizpah And a net spread out on gone deep in depravity, But I will chastise all of them.
One of the reason my father was stressing the importance of my listening to him was because there would be consequences if I failed to follow his instructions.
God is warning us. Listen UP! There are consequences when we fail to listen.
Sadly, Israel was not listening to God. They thought they were getting away with doing their on thing. God warns them that they are not getting away with anything.
Hos 5:1-2 Hear this, O priests! Give heed, O house of Israel! Listen, O house of the king! For the judgment applies to you, For you have been a snare at Mizpah And a net spread out on gone deep in depravity, But I will chastise all of them.
One of the reason my father was stressing the importance of my listening to him was because there would be consequences if I failed to follow his instructions.
God is warning us. Listen UP! There are consequences when we fail to listen.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Easy Option?
Many times we like to choose the easier option. However, if an athletic decides not to train because he wants the easy option he will not continue to be a successful athletic. Training is required.
The Lord warns Israel that they are choosing some easy (and wrong) options.
Hos 4:13-14 13 They offer sacrifices on the tops of the mountains And burn incense on the hills, Under oak, poplar and terebinth, Because their shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters play the harlot And your brides commit adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot Or your brides when they commit adultery, For the men themselves go apart with harlots And offer sacrifices with temple prostitutes; So the people without understanding are ruined.
They are choosing to stay on the mountains, they don't want to travel to the temple to worship as required. But all of this easier option is leading them to having a lack of understanding.
I must ask myself, am I taking the easy road with my faith? Am I unwilling to seek the Lord diligently?
Consider your heart, are you taking the easy road?
The Lord warns Israel that they are choosing some easy (and wrong) options.
Hos 4:13-14 13 They offer sacrifices on the tops of the mountains And burn incense on the hills, Under oak, poplar and terebinth, Because their shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters play the harlot And your brides commit adultery. I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot Or your brides when they commit adultery, For the men themselves go apart with harlots And offer sacrifices with temple prostitutes; So the people without understanding are ruined.
They are choosing to stay on the mountains, they don't want to travel to the temple to worship as required. But all of this easier option is leading them to having a lack of understanding.
I must ask myself, am I taking the easy road with my faith? Am I unwilling to seek the Lord diligently?
Consider your heart, are you taking the easy road?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Where does your GPS Take you?
GPS can be great unless it takes you to the wrong address. How can that be? Well, sometimes there are streets with the same name. GPS doesn't know which street you want so you are lead astray by the very thing that you thought was helping you. When that happen you would be the first one to say that the GPS was useless. However you don't usually find this out until you are not where you want to be.
Hos 4:11-12 11 Harlotry, wine and new wine take away the understanding. 12 My people consult their wooden idol, and their diviner's wand informs them; For a spirit of harlotry has led them astray, And they have played the harlot, departing from their God. NAS
God was telling the people of Israel and how they were being lead astray. Consulting "wooden idol" or the "spirit of harlotry" these things will lead us down the wrong path. We will look at our life and see how far away were are from where we want to be.
We need to be submitting ourselves to God and His Word.
Hos 4:11-12 11 Harlotry, wine and new wine take away the understanding. 12 My people consult their wooden idol, and their diviner's wand informs them; For a spirit of harlotry has led them astray, And they have played the harlot, departing from their God. NAS
God was telling the people of Israel and how they were being lead astray. Consulting "wooden idol" or the "spirit of harlotry" these things will lead us down the wrong path. We will look at our life and see how far away were are from where we want to be.
We need to be submitting ourselves to God and His Word.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Have it Your Way
Children often want things their way. They want what they want, when they want and how they want without any regards to knowing if it is really good for them. Sometimes a parent must make the hard choice of letting their child "have their way" in order to teach them some valuable lessons that not everything they want is good for them.
God sometimes allows us adults to "have our own way" as well. He lets us (with much sadness) learn that what we want will not provide what we expect. We need to learn that He knows what is best.
Hos 4:7-10 7 The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame. 8 They feed on the sin of My people And direct their desire toward their iniquity. 9 And it will be, like people, like priest; So I will punish them for their ways And repay them for their deeds. 10 They will eat, but not have enough; They will play the harlot, but not increase, Because they have stopped giving heed to the Lord. NAS
We better listen and obey the Lord's will for our lives and seek to avoid the desire to "have it our own way."
God sometimes allows us adults to "have our own way" as well. He lets us (with much sadness) learn that what we want will not provide what we expect. We need to learn that He knows what is best.
Hos 4:7-10 7 The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame. 8 They feed on the sin of My people And direct their desire toward their iniquity. 9 And it will be, like people, like priest; So I will punish them for their ways And repay them for their deeds. 10 They will eat, but not have enough; They will play the harlot, but not increase, Because they have stopped giving heed to the Lord. NAS
We better listen and obey the Lord's will for our lives and seek to avoid the desire to "have it our own way."
Friday, September 17, 2010
Study and Learn
Has your mom ever asked you "How did you get so messy?" Now as a boy, I was always getting messy, I just assumed that was my job. God describes some horrible things He is seeing done by the children of Israel. But God doesn't ask "How did this happen, He knows!" Notice what He says in verse six. He points to not only a lack of knowledge but a rejection of that knowledge. They had forgotten the law of God.
We are challenged to learn the Word of God. May we not be like the children of Israel and reject knowledge.
Study the Word and pass the Word along to our children!
Hos 4:2-6 There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery. They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed. 3 Therefore the land mourns, And everyone who lives in it languishes Along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky, And also the fish of the sea disappear. Yet let no one find fault, and let none offer reproof; For your people are like those who contend with the priest. 5 So you will stumble by day, And the prophet also will stumble with you by night; And I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. NAS
We are challenged to learn the Word of God. May we not be like the children of Israel and reject knowledge.
Study the Word and pass the Word along to our children!
Hos 4:2-6 There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery. They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed. 3 Therefore the land mourns, And everyone who lives in it languishes Along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky, And also the fish of the sea disappear. Yet let no one find fault, and let none offer reproof; For your people are like those who contend with the priest. 5 So you will stumble by day, And the prophet also will stumble with you by night; And I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. NAS
Monday, September 13, 2010
Knowing God
Can you think of someone famous that you would like to meet and get to know? You may think of a number of individuals but now ask this question. Would they be interested in knowing you? Would they say, "who'?
God wants to be know by us. He wants us to know Him.
Hos 4:1 Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel, For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land. NAS
If we are to get to know God we need to listen to His Word. He is sadden because of what He is finding in the land.
May He find you faithful!
God wants to be know by us. He wants us to know Him.
Hos 4:1 Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel, For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land. NAS
If we are to get to know God we need to listen to His Word. He is sadden because of what He is finding in the land.
May He find you faithful!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Love Again
Over the winter a garden is brown, dusty and full of let overs from the previous season but no gardener says, I am done. Just look at how brown everything looks. No, they prepare for spring because they know that when they provide all the attention their garden needs it will once again to be fruitful. They are not guaranteed that this will happen but they work hard expecting positive results.
God tells Hosea to once again pursue Gormer. God instructed Hosea to love her just like any other woman who is loved by her husband. Now that is the full display of forgiveness. No conditions or restrictions to His love...just simply love her to the fullest.
Hos 3:1-5 1Then the Lord said to me, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the sons of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes." 2 So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a half of barley. 3 Then I said to her, "You shall stay with me for many days. You shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you." 4 For the sons of Israel will remain for many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar and without ephod or household idols. 5 Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days. NAS
Do you need to forgive and love like this? This is the love God has for you, an unconditional love. We are called to do the same to those around us.
Go again and love them as Christ has loved you.
God tells Hosea to once again pursue Gormer. God instructed Hosea to love her just like any other woman who is loved by her husband. Now that is the full display of forgiveness. No conditions or restrictions to His love...just simply love her to the fullest.
Hos 3:1-5 1Then the Lord said to me, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the sons of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes." 2 So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a half of barley. 3 Then I said to her, "You shall stay with me for many days. You shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you." 4 For the sons of Israel will remain for many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar and without ephod or household idols. 5 Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days. NAS
Do you need to forgive and love like this? This is the love God has for you, an unconditional love. We are called to do the same to those around us.
Go again and love them as Christ has loved you.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Calling you "Sweetheart" I Am In Love with You!
Remember those dating years? I know for some of us it was a long time ago. However, you can still remember how it was never a problem stopping at your girl friends home. You would drive an hour just to spend ten minutes. You wanted her to know that you cared. Ladies, you would gladly sit through an afternoon for baseball or football just to be next to your boyfriend. You wanted them to know that you hoped they would be in your life forever.
God has a call on Israel's life. He did all He did to pursue them and seek to win their hearts again. They had walked away but He was gently and carefully seeking to win their hearts again. Notice how He sought them.
Hosea 2:14-23 "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. 15 There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. 16 "In that day," declares the Lord, "you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master.' 17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips; no longer will their names be invoked. 18 In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battleI will abolish from the land,so that all may lie down in safety. 19 I will betroth you to me forever;I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,in love and compassion. 20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,and you will acknowledge the Lord. 21 "In that day I will respond,"declares the Lord—"I will respond to the skies,and they will respond to the earth; 22 and the earth will respond to the grain,the new wine and oil,and they will respond to Jezreel. 23 I will plant her for myself in the land;I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one.' I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people';and they will say, 'You are my God.'" NIV
Remembering how your spouse sought you can refresh those wonderful memories and renew the love you have for one another.
Remembering how the Lord had sought and bought you can also renew the love you have for Him.
Think about the time you were drawn to Christ. Thank HIM and tell Him that you Love Him because He loves you.
God has a call on Israel's life. He did all He did to pursue them and seek to win their hearts again. They had walked away but He was gently and carefully seeking to win their hearts again. Notice how He sought them.
Hosea 2:14-23 "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. 15 There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. 16 "In that day," declares the Lord, "you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master.' 17 I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips; no longer will their names be invoked. 18 In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battleI will abolish from the land,so that all may lie down in safety. 19 I will betroth you to me forever;I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,in love and compassion. 20 I will betroth you in faithfulness,and you will acknowledge the Lord. 21 "In that day I will respond,"declares the Lord—"I will respond to the skies,and they will respond to the earth; 22 and the earth will respond to the grain,the new wine and oil,and they will respond to Jezreel. 23 I will plant her for myself in the land;I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one.' I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people';and they will say, 'You are my God.'" NIV
Remembering how your spouse sought you can refresh those wonderful memories and renew the love you have for one another.
Remembering how the Lord had sought and bought you can also renew the love you have for Him.
Think about the time you were drawn to Christ. Thank HIM and tell Him that you Love Him because He loves you.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Best to Give Praise
Growing up mom always made sure that we Thanked God for each meal. It might seem like a small thing but it helps us focus our praise to God and provides a regular understanding that all we have comes from God.
Gomer had run away from Hosea and she failed to recognize that he was still providing for her. Despite his care, he was now going to remove those provisions.
Hosea 2:9-13 9 "Therefore, I will take back My grain at harvest time And My new wine in its season.
I will also take away My wool and My flax Given to cover her nakedness. 10 "And then I will uncover her lewdness In the sight of her lovers, And no one will rescue her out of My hand. 11 "I will also put an end to all her gaiety, Her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths And all her festal assemblies. 12 "I will destroy her vines and fig trees, Of which she said, 'These are my wages Which my lovers have given me.' And I will make them a forest, And the beasts of the field will devour them. 13 "I will punish her for the days of the Baals When she used to offer sacrifices to them And adorn herself with her earrings and jewelry, And follow her lovers, so that she forgot Me," declares the Lord. NAS
But before you think this has no impact on us we must take another look. God saw the same response from Israel. They failed to recognize that all they received was from HIM.
Do you and I recognize that what we have come from HIM? Take time right now and Thank Him for what he has provided. Clothes to wear, work, food and all that we need comes from Him.
If we fail to praise Him what will he do next?
Gomer had run away from Hosea and she failed to recognize that he was still providing for her. Despite his care, he was now going to remove those provisions.
Hosea 2:9-13 9 "Therefore, I will take back My grain at harvest time And My new wine in its season.
I will also take away My wool and My flax Given to cover her nakedness. 10 "And then I will uncover her lewdness In the sight of her lovers, And no one will rescue her out of My hand. 11 "I will also put an end to all her gaiety, Her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths And all her festal assemblies. 12 "I will destroy her vines and fig trees, Of which she said, 'These are my wages Which my lovers have given me.' And I will make them a forest, And the beasts of the field will devour them. 13 "I will punish her for the days of the Baals When she used to offer sacrifices to them And adorn herself with her earrings and jewelry, And follow her lovers, so that she forgot Me," declares the Lord. NAS
But before you think this has no impact on us we must take another look. God saw the same response from Israel. They failed to recognize that all they received was from HIM.
Do you and I recognize that what we have come from HIM? Take time right now and Thank Him for what he has provided. Clothes to wear, work, food and all that we need comes from Him.
If we fail to praise Him what will he do next?
Saturday, April 17, 2010
God Cares- Despite Our Actions
Sadly when things go wrong we blame God for "failing" us. We don't give credit to God for keeping things away from us because of our unwilling to accept what God has provided for us.
Hos 2:8 "For she does not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine and the oil, And lavished on her silver and gold, Which they used for Baal.
When we waste God's provisions why should He continue to provide.
Take a moment and take stock of what God has provided for you. Then examine your heart and be certain that you are not using these things to serve "other gods".
Hos 2:8 "For she does not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine and the oil, And lavished on her silver and gold, Which they used for Baal.
When we waste God's provisions why should He continue to provide.
Take a moment and take stock of what God has provided for you. Then examine your heart and be certain that you are not using these things to serve "other gods".
Friday, April 16, 2010
Will Not Satisfy
How many times have you looked to find something to satisfy you? Maybe a job, a new community, even finding a wife.... only to decide that it doesn't satisfy. Sadly we look for other things.
Have you every given thought to the fact that God is trying to get us to find our satisfition in Him. God tells us that He place a "hedge" around her in order to get her to return to her husband.
Hos 2:6-7 6 "Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her way with thorns, And I will build a wall against her so that she cannot find her paths. 7 "She will pursue her lovers, but she will not overtake them; And she will seek them, but will not find them. Then she will say, 'I will go back to my first husband, For it was better for me then than now!' NASU
God calls us through Isaiah to come to HIM! HE provides the things that satisfy.
Isa 55:1-3 55 "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. 2 "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. 3 "Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David.
Have you every given thought to the fact that God is trying to get us to find our satisfition in Him. God tells us that He place a "hedge" around her in order to get her to return to her husband.
Hos 2:6-7 6 "Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her way with thorns, And I will build a wall against her so that she cannot find her paths. 7 "She will pursue her lovers, but she will not overtake them; And she will seek them, but will not find them. Then she will say, 'I will go back to my first husband, For it was better for me then than now!' NASU
God calls us through Isaiah to come to HIM! HE provides the things that satisfy.
Isa 55:1-3 55 "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. 2 "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. 3 "Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Coming for you
Hos 2:2-5
When a child is lost we call upon all our resources to find them. God is telling Israel that despite their actions He was going to continue His pursuit of them
Hosea 2: 2 "Contend with your mother, contend,For she is not my wife, and I am not her husband;And let her put away her harlotry from her faceAnd her adultery from between her breasts, 3 Or I will strip her nakedAnd expose her as on the day when she was born.I will also make her like a wilderness,Make her like desert landAnd slay her with thirst. 4 "Also, I will have no compassion on her children,Because they are children of harlotry. 5 "For their mother has played the harlot;She who conceived them has acted shamefully.For she said, 'I will go after my lovers,Who give me my bread and my water,My wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.' NAS
Notice their behavior. They have acted like they weren't married. They chased after other "gods" and ran from God. They must turn away or God will expose them for who they are. Without God we too are nothing.
Things that are acheived through our actions of harlotry are worthless to God. He has no compassion on the products of harlotry. Dispite God's providing for Israel, they continued to chase after other gods. They think what they have has come from the gods of the world.
We too, can be like Israel. We rely on our education, wisdom and strength to gather things in the world without one thought that God has provided for us.
Turn today and Praise God for all you have received. Do not chase after the things of the world thinking that you by your strength have obtain this thing.
When a child is lost we call upon all our resources to find them. God is telling Israel that despite their actions He was going to continue His pursuit of them
Hosea 2: 2 "Contend with your mother, contend,For she is not my wife, and I am not her husband;And let her put away her harlotry from her faceAnd her adultery from between her breasts, 3 Or I will strip her nakedAnd expose her as on the day when she was born.I will also make her like a wilderness,Make her like desert landAnd slay her with thirst. 4 "Also, I will have no compassion on her children,Because they are children of harlotry. 5 "For their mother has played the harlot;She who conceived them has acted shamefully.For she said, 'I will go after my lovers,Who give me my bread and my water,My wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.' NAS
Notice their behavior. They have acted like they weren't married. They chased after other "gods" and ran from God. They must turn away or God will expose them for who they are. Without God we too are nothing.
Things that are acheived through our actions of harlotry are worthless to God. He has no compassion on the products of harlotry. Dispite God's providing for Israel, they continued to chase after other gods. They think what they have has come from the gods of the world.
We too, can be like Israel. We rely on our education, wisdom and strength to gather things in the world without one thought that God has provided for us.
Turn today and Praise God for all you have received. Do not chase after the things of the world thinking that you by your strength have obtain this thing.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Family
Family, they are the ones we do not choose. Well, there are times when we are chosen to be part of a family. A young man chooses a lady to be his wife and invites her into his family. She by accepting, accepts his family as well. Family can be helpful but sometimes family can be a heart wrenching experience.
God instruct Hosea with this, Hosea 2:1 Say to your brothers, "Ammi," and to your sisters, "Ruhamah."
Ammi = my people.
Ruhamah = she has obtain compassion.
God wanted to tell the people of the nation of Israel that they were His people who have received compassion. They started out well but............... his heart is breaking for the chooses they are making.
Were you walking close to God at one time in your life? Have you walked away from that close fellowship. Why not return to Him today. He longs to fellowship with you again.
God instruct Hosea with this, Hosea 2:1 Say to your brothers, "Ammi," and to your sisters, "Ruhamah."
Ammi = my people.
Ruhamah = she has obtain compassion.
God wanted to tell the people of the nation of Israel that they were His people who have received compassion. They started out well but............... his heart is breaking for the chooses they are making.
Were you walking close to God at one time in your life? Have you walked away from that close fellowship. Why not return to Him today. He longs to fellowship with you again.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Who Is Gomer
What is in a name? We think long and hard about what name to give to our children. Sometimes as they grow up we can see how that name "fits" them. Other times we may wonder, maybe we should have given them a different name.
So who is Gomer? Her name means, complete. She is the unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea; Hosea's relationship with her was symbolic of God's relationship with wayward Israel
Gomer also stood as a symbolic example of Israel's relationship with God. Her waywardness paralleled that of the nation.
But I believe these individuals also are examples for us today. We too are in danger of being like Gomer. We are in danger of turning away from God and His commands.
No one wants to be called a harlot, but when we dishonor God and put other things before him we are in danger of become the same kind of harlot as was Gomer.
Today, examine your heart and be certain that you don't have any other god's in your life except the One True God!
So who is Gomer? Her name means, complete. She is the unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea; Hosea's relationship with her was symbolic of God's relationship with wayward Israel
Gomer also stood as a symbolic example of Israel's relationship with God. Her waywardness paralleled that of the nation.
But I believe these individuals also are examples for us today. We too are in danger of being like Gomer. We are in danger of turning away from God and His commands.
No one wants to be called a harlot, but when we dishonor God and put other things before him we are in danger of become the same kind of harlot as was Gomer.
Today, examine your heart and be certain that you don't have any other god's in your life except the One True God!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Number 3 Born
Hosea and Gomer had their third child [a son], Lo-ammi, which means "for you are not My people and I am not your God." Wow, why would God tell them to name a child "unwanted"?
Consider this, "How many times has God provided instruction into your life"? How many times have you decided, "I won't obey"? Who decided not to be obedient, you or God?
Sometime we think we can simply run around and do whatever we want without suffering any consequences in our relationships. News stories repeatedly show the surprize of individuals when the are "caught". They can't believe that many are upset with them. They fail to see that actions have consequences
Don't assume on the grace of God! If their are actions which you need to confess as sin to God, do it today. Start fresh, 1 John 1:9 tells us the He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Consider this, "How many times has God provided instruction into your life"? How many times have you decided, "I won't obey"? Who decided not to be obedient, you or God?
Sometime we think we can simply run around and do whatever we want without suffering any consequences in our relationships. News stories repeatedly show the surprize of individuals when the are "caught". They can't believe that many are upset with them. They fail to see that actions have consequences
Don't assume on the grace of God! If their are actions which you need to confess as sin to God, do it today. Start fresh, 1 John 1:9 tells us the He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Total Obedience/Not Particial
Raising three children taught me the importants of "long term" obedience. There were times when the children obeyed if I was watching or just for the short haul but they thought after doing something a few times they didn't have to do it any longer. aka..cleaning their rooms.
Hosea was obedient to God's command, not just having one child but by being the father to additional children.
Hos 1:6-7 Then she conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. And the Lord said to him, "Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I would ever forgive them. 7 "But I will have compassion on the house of Judah and deliver them by the Lord their God, and will not deliver them by bow, sword, battle, horses or horsemen." NAS
The name of the second child was to show that God's compassion has reached a limit. He would not show compassion on Israel. Judah was restored but now my their own strength but by the Lord.
Depend on God, not on your own strength.....be completely obedient.
Hosea was obedient to God's command, not just having one child but by being the father to additional children.
Hos 1:6-7 Then she conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. And the Lord said to him, "Name her Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have compassion on the house of Israel, that I would ever forgive them. 7 "But I will have compassion on the house of Judah and deliver them by the Lord their God, and will not deliver them by bow, sword, battle, horses or horsemen." NAS
The name of the second child was to show that God's compassion has reached a limit. He would not show compassion on Israel. Judah was restored but now my their own strength but by the Lord.
Depend on God, not on your own strength.....be completely obedient.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Obeying is Hard!
Obedience can be hard. When our boss give us instructions we must decide to obey or not obey. Often we will obey but if the danger is great or the consequences of our action could have serious impact on our life we might choose not to obey.
Hosea was given a command. Hos 1:2-5 2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, "Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord." 3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 And the Lord said to him, "Name him Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 "On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel." NASU
God was going to use Hosea's obedience to teach both him and the nation of Israel some lessons. Lessons which can apply to us as well. No, we are not commanded to go marry a woman of harlotry. We are to consider where we place our affections. Are things more important than God in your life?
Gomer obeyed and Gomer had a son named Jezeel (as God instructed). God was showing that he would punish Israel for unrepentance and the sin of Jehu.
Will you obey the hard things that God calls you to do? Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Confess you sins to God, be forgiven and seek to be obedient in all things.
Hosea was given a command. Hos 1:2-5 2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, "Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the Lord." 3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 And the Lord said to him, "Name him Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 "On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel." NASU
God was going to use Hosea's obedience to teach both him and the nation of Israel some lessons. Lessons which can apply to us as well. No, we are not commanded to go marry a woman of harlotry. We are to consider where we place our affections. Are things more important than God in your life?
Gomer obeyed and Gomer had a son named Jezeel (as God instructed). God was showing that he would punish Israel for unrepentance and the sin of Jehu.
Will you obey the hard things that God calls you to do? Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Confess you sins to God, be forgiven and seek to be obedient in all things.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Word of the Lord
Hosea 1:1 The word of the Lord which came to Hosea the son of Beeri, during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. NASU
If your home is like our home you have a good number of Bibles. Each one containing the Word of the Lord. However, having many Bible sitting around, maybe even on the coffee table, does not provide for us a benefit. We need to pick them up (or a least one of them) and begin to read and apply it to our life.
We will begin to discover the message given to Hosea and how he respond. We will also see how the message contained in Hosea applies to our life.
Today: Ask yourself, what did I receive from God's word today? If you haven't read anything from the Bible NOW is a great time to begin.
If your home is like our home you have a good number of Bibles. Each one containing the Word of the Lord. However, having many Bible sitting around, maybe even on the coffee table, does not provide for us a benefit. We need to pick them up (or a least one of them) and begin to read and apply it to our life.
We will begin to discover the message given to Hosea and how he respond. We will also see how the message contained in Hosea applies to our life.
Today: Ask yourself, what did I receive from God's word today? If you haven't read anything from the Bible NOW is a great time to begin.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Don't delay
To many times in our life we wait for just the right moment to do something. We know it needs to be done, we just choose to wait till some other time...just not now.
There can be many blessing that we miss or are delayed simply because we wait & wait. I remember delaying taking my Pastoral exams. I delayed them because of wellll.... fears... that I should not have worried about anyway.
After finally, taking and passing them a good friend chided me... "see now, what were you waiting for".
We Rebekiah heard how God brought all the events together she chose to go immediately with the servant and meet her new husband.
If God is calling you to obedience, Don't Delay, Obey Today!
Gen 24:54-59
54 Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night. When they arose in the morning, he said, "Send me away to my master." 55 But her brother and her mother said, "Let the girl stay with us a few days, say ten; afterward she may go." 56 He said to them, "Do not delay me, since the Lord has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master." 57 And they said, "We will call the girl and consult her wishes." 58 Then they called Rebekah and said to her, "Will you go with this man?" And she said, "I will go." 59 Thus they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse with Abraham's servant and his men.
NASU
There can be many blessing that we miss or are delayed simply because we wait & wait. I remember delaying taking my Pastoral exams. I delayed them because of wellll.... fears... that I should not have worried about anyway.
After finally, taking and passing them a good friend chided me... "see now, what were you waiting for".
We Rebekiah heard how God brought all the events together she chose to go immediately with the servant and meet her new husband.
If God is calling you to obedience, Don't Delay, Obey Today!
Gen 24:54-59
54 Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night. When they arose in the morning, he said, "Send me away to my master." 55 But her brother and her mother said, "Let the girl stay with us a few days, say ten; afterward she may go." 56 He said to them, "Do not delay me, since the Lord has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master." 57 And they said, "We will call the girl and consult her wishes." 58 Then they called Rebekah and said to her, "Will you go with this man?" And she said, "I will go." 59 Thus they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse with Abraham's servant and his men.
NASU
Friday, February 5, 2010
Obedience to Whom?
As we go through life we need to know to whom we will be obedient. Once we understand that issue everything else will fall into place. Or maybe I should ask the question another way, "Who is your "boss"? Who do you follow?
Abraham's servant was given the task of finding a wife for Isaac. In that task he had specific instructions, "Don't take Isaac back to Canaan." But Abraham wasn't expecting the servant to follow his instructions. He was expecting him to follow God's instruction.
If you are a teacher, parent or leader in any capacity you should be helping people to obey God. Teach them the truth of God.
If you do not know what God's truth is then I encourage you to open the Bible and start reading. It might be easiest to start in the New Testament. Or you can post a comment and I would be delight to help you find God direction for your life.
Gen 24:5-9
5 The servant said to him, "Suppose the woman is not willing to follow me to this land; should I take your son back to the land from where you came?" 6 Then Abraham said to him, "Beware that you do not take my son back there! 7 "The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and from the land of my birth, and who spoke to me and who swore to me, saying, 'To your descendants I will give this land,' He will send His angel before you, and you will take a wife for my son from there. 8 "But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this my oath; only do not take my son back there." 9 So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.
NASU
Abraham's servant was given the task of finding a wife for Isaac. In that task he had specific instructions, "Don't take Isaac back to Canaan." But Abraham wasn't expecting the servant to follow his instructions. He was expecting him to follow God's instruction.
If you are a teacher, parent or leader in any capacity you should be helping people to obey God. Teach them the truth of God.
If you do not know what God's truth is then I encourage you to open the Bible and start reading. It might be easiest to start in the New Testament. Or you can post a comment and I would be delight to help you find God direction for your life.
Gen 24:5-9
5 The servant said to him, "Suppose the woman is not willing to follow me to this land; should I take your son back to the land from where you came?" 6 Then Abraham said to him, "Beware that you do not take my son back there! 7 "The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and from the land of my birth, and who spoke to me and who swore to me, saying, 'To your descendants I will give this land,' He will send His angel before you, and you will take a wife for my son from there. 8 "But if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be free from this my oath; only do not take my son back there." 9 So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.
NASU
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Do Not Abuse Power
When someone becomes rich or famous many people want to be around them. They are willing to give things to them because there can be an attitude that they deserve this stuff. What is even more dangerous though it that there are individuals that assume that because of who they are they deserve these benefits.
Remember the phase: Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Abraham is showing us that despite the fact the many in the country where he lived felt he was worth receive a burial site "free" he was unwilling to have something given to him. He knew that this could offer leverage to them to get him to do something he might regret later.
Consider how you can serve rather than be served.
Gen 23:4-20
4 "I am a stranger and a sojourner among you; give me a burial site among you that I may bury my dead out of my sight." 5 The sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, 6 "Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our graves; none of us will refuse you his grave for burying your dead." 7 So Abraham rose and bowed to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. 8 And he spoke with them, saying, "If it is your wish for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me, 9 that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he owns, which is at the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in your presence for a burial site." 10 Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth; even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, 11 "No, my lord, hear me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the sons of my people I give it to you; bury your dead." 12 And Abraham bowed before the people of the land. 13 He spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, "If you will only please listen to me; I will give the price of the field, accept it from me that I may bury my dead there." 14 Then Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, 15 "My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead." 16 Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard. 17 So Ephron's field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, that were within all the confines of its border, were deeded over 18 to Abraham for a possession in the presence of the sons of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city. 19 After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field at Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 20 So the field and the cave that is in it, were deeded over to Abraham for a burial site by the sons of Heth.
NASU
Remember the phase: Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Abraham is showing us that despite the fact the many in the country where he lived felt he was worth receive a burial site "free" he was unwilling to have something given to him. He knew that this could offer leverage to them to get him to do something he might regret later.
Consider how you can serve rather than be served.
Gen 23:4-20
4 "I am a stranger and a sojourner among you; give me a burial site among you that I may bury my dead out of my sight." 5 The sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, 6 "Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our graves; none of us will refuse you his grave for burying your dead." 7 So Abraham rose and bowed to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. 8 And he spoke with them, saying, "If it is your wish for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me, 9 that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he owns, which is at the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in your presence for a burial site." 10 Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth; even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, 11 "No, my lord, hear me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the sons of my people I give it to you; bury your dead." 12 And Abraham bowed before the people of the land. 13 He spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, "If you will only please listen to me; I will give the price of the field, accept it from me that I may bury my dead there." 14 Then Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, 15 "My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead." 16 Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard. 17 So Ephron's field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, that were within all the confines of its border, were deeded over 18 to Abraham for a possession in the presence of the sons of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city. 19 After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field at Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 20 So the field and the cave that is in it, were deeded over to Abraham for a burial site by the sons of Heth.
NASU
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Family Tree
I always get confused when someone starts talking about their family tree. Mostly because each parent has parents yet when someone follows a family tree they usually research only one side of the family. But what about everyone else?
Well, here is the short version of "my family tree". By faith, I am part of the family of Abraham.
Gen 22:15-19 15 Then the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham lived at Beersheba.
NASU
Gal 3:8-9 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.
NASU
So are you part of the family of Abraham? You can be, simply by receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour. Why not do that today?
Well, here is the short version of "my family tree". By faith, I am part of the family of Abraham.
Gen 22:15-19 15 Then the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham lived at Beersheba.
NASU
Gal 3:8-9 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.
NASU
So are you part of the family of Abraham? You can be, simply by receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour. Why not do that today?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Journey of Faith
Let me ask you a simple question. What have you experienced in your journey of faith?
There are things today that I believe are possible simply because of what I have learned from God in the past. Things that can happen, not because I am better but because I can trust God with great assurance.
Abraham did not wake up one morning to be asked to sacrifice his son Isaac without having years of training by God. All of his life, God had been preparing Abraham for this moment.
God is training you too! Learn from the smaller moments in life. Trust God for the bigger situation.
A life of great faith begins with a simple step of trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior. Have you started that journey? If you haven't today is a great day to begin.
Gen 22:1-14
22 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 2 He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. 5 Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you." 6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" 8 Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 12 He said, "Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." 13 Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. 14 Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, "In the mount of the Lord it will be provided." NASU
There are things today that I believe are possible simply because of what I have learned from God in the past. Things that can happen, not because I am better but because I can trust God with great assurance.
Abraham did not wake up one morning to be asked to sacrifice his son Isaac without having years of training by God. All of his life, God had been preparing Abraham for this moment.
God is training you too! Learn from the smaller moments in life. Trust God for the bigger situation.
A life of great faith begins with a simple step of trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior. Have you started that journey? If you haven't today is a great day to begin.
Gen 22:1-14
22 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 2 He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. 5 Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you." 6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" 8 Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 12 He said, "Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." 13 Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. 14 Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, "In the mount of the Lord it will be provided." NASU
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Do you mean it?
Sadly the days when business could be concluded with a hand shake are long gone. Now we have sign contracts for nearly everything we do. Some of that is good because it details what is expected by both parties. Some of that is not as good because it simply point to the fact that we can not trust someone to do what they said would be done.
Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech and then both men did exactly what was promised. They fulfilled the deal.
Are you trustworthy? Will you do what you say?
Beginning a new year is a great time to began again. To commit yourself to being trustworthy in all you say and do.
Gen 21:27-34 27 Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. 28 Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29 Abimelech said to Abraham, "What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?" 30 He said, "You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well." 31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath. 32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.
NASU
Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech and then both men did exactly what was promised. They fulfilled the deal.
Are you trustworthy? Will you do what you say?
Beginning a new year is a great time to began again. To commit yourself to being trustworthy in all you say and do.
Gen 21:27-34 27 Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. 28 Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29 Abimelech said to Abraham, "What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?" 30 He said, "You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well." 31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath. 32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.
NASU
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