|
Hosea 9 - Day 750 (link to reading)
Scripture: Hosea 9:7-9 Commentary (thewarehouse.blog): The definition for bankruptcy is an interesting word to consider. Besides dealing with finances, according to the dictionary, it also means: the state of being completely lacking in a particular quality or value; utter failure or impoverishment. But how do we get there? How do we end up in a place of utter spiritual impoverishment and lacking value or quality? For the Israelites, it was the slippery slope of compromise. It began innocently enough I’m sure but slipped into full-blown rebellion by the time it was over. With each turn downward their hearts became hardened, their minds steeled to Truth. Before they knew it they were far away from the God who created and called them. They failed to see the necessity of keeping in check their own standing before Him. Application: There are consequences for our actions. Even though we are all sinners, saved by the grace of God, we also have the Holy Spirit. Yes, we mess up and there are consequences but instead of wallowing in our self-pity, we can choose to repent and be sanctified because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Prayer: Lord, help my unbelief... Hosea 8 - Day 749 (link to reading)
Scripture: Hosea 8:11 Commentary (wernerbiblecommentary.org): According to God’s law to Israel, only one altar for burnt offerings was authorized for continued use. (Deuteronomy 12:4-6, 13, 14, 27) Ephraim, representing the entire ten-tribe kingdom by reason of its being the dominant tribe, violated this law. The first king of the ten-tribe kingdom set aside Dan and Bethel as centers for calf worship to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem for worship. (1 Kings 12:25-33) In time, many altars were erected for sacrificing to other deities. (Amos 2:8) In itself, increasing the number of altars would have been sinful. Their use for idolatrous purposes compounded the sin. Application: My "challenge" (sin), is my pride and arrogance which causes me to think that I'm always right. The Israelites, knowing that they needed to offer sacrifices to YHWH, built alternative altars thinking that, it was the best that they could do and YHWH would accept their offering because they couldn't go to the temple in Jerusalem (the northern tribes rebelled against Judah and the monarchy, causing a family feud). Their ability to rationalize and justify their sins only accelerated their descent toward sheol. YHWH tells us to seek wise counsel before making decisions so our pride won't get in the way. Prayer: Lord, You alone I long to worship... Hosea 7 - Day 748 (link to reading)
Scripture: Hosea 7:13-16 Commentary (wernerbiblecommentary.org): Both the reading of the Masoretic Text and the rendering of the Septuagint indicate that the Israelites did not return to YHWH. The significance of “not upward” may be that the people’s thoughts were not directed to YHWH in his exalted dwelling place. According to the Septuagint, there was no return to anything beneficial and so no improvement in the attitude and conduct of the Israelites. A defective bow is useless, as it cannot be aimed properly. The people, in having departed from YHWH, proved to be like a slack bow. Application: Couples do not get married with the intention to get divorced. Somewhere during their relationship something happened and the relationship fell apart. Similarly, when individuals start their relationship with God, they do not plan to walk away. From my observations, I've noticed that most people are still searching to fill that void within their souls, which only God can fill. Sadly, most will aimlessly wander from one thing to another. Prayer: Lord, help my unbelief... Hosea 6 - Day 747 (link to reading)
Scripture: Hosea 6:6 Commentary (wernerbiblecommentary.org): Although the Mosaic law outlined an arrangement for sacrifices, the Israelites lost sight of their purpose and offered them in a ritualistic manner without the reverential spirit that should have been evident in abiding faithfulness to their God and love for fellow Israelites. YHWH had no need for sacrifices or whole burnt offerings. What he looked for was the manifestation of loyalty to him and genuine expressions of mercy or compassion. Knowledge of God should have been evident in attitudes, words, and actions that harmonized with his upright ways. It should have been the kind of recognition that was fully aware of being accountable to him and evident in praiseworthy conduct that brought honor to him. Application: There are over 50 scriptural references that remind us that God desires our heart (obedience, loyalty, compassion, mercy, etc.) and not our sacrifice. Any spouse would agree, that they would prefer a loving and trustworthy husband or wife rather than someone who sacrificially does things to earn "points." Prayer: Lord, You alone I long to worship... Hosea 5 - Day 746 (link to reading)
Scripture: Hosea 5:1-7 Commentary (thewarehouse.blog): Sometimes there’s nothing more to say when we pray for someone so lost in their ways. Sometimes they need to be completely turned over to God and let Him drive them back to His fullness and forgiveness. Sometimes the prayer should be “Do whatever it takes, God” which opens the door in our own thinking that things are going to get far worse for them before they get better. I’ve thought a lot about this here of late in particular with burdens I hold and carry. The intercession for those God has placed upon my heart has come to a point of release. There’s simply nothing more of how I know to pray. The hardness of heart has gripped their consciousness; their waywardness in self has determined their fate. Persistent sin makes it difficult to repent. The heavy hand of God is needed to press in so they can hopefully realize how spiritually destitute they are... Application: Rather than waiting to pray, "Lord, do what it takes God. Do what You have to do...", if we really love this person, we should be starting with this prayer. Prayer: Lord, Thy will be done... |
AuthorHusband, Father, Pastor.... Archives
January 2024
CategoriesJoin Our Mailing List
|
RSS Feed
