What Are We Sowing?

O. T. #2057 "What Are We Sowing?"

Oct. 29, 2021

Hosea 10-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 99:5 says, Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at His footstool; for He is holy.

Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. (verse 9)

The psalmist praises God, the King who:

• reigns; (verse 1)
• is holy-unique, separate, and awe-inspiring; (verse 3)
• is enthroned between the cherubims, high above the people; (verses 1-2)
• is exalted above all peoples; (verse 2)
• reigns with justice and righteousness, so all humanity ought to bow in worship at His footstool; (verse 5)
• is an extraordinary God who answers prayers of ordinary men (and women); (verse 6)
• communicates when His decrees are kept; (verse 7)
• holy and an avenger of sin, yet shows mercy;
• to be exalted and worshiped, for our Mediator Jesus Christ intercedes for us and is the One through whom we get forgiveness of sins. (verse 9)

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

Three times the psalmist calls Jehovah The LORD our God. Is He your LORD, God, Savior, King, and love of your life?

LET IT GROW

The third reference of Israel is to a trained heifer. (verses 11-5) The heifer was used to tread out the grains of corn. This was probably the most pleasant job the animal could have for it was allowed to eat the stalks and grain whenever and as much as it wanted while separating the grain from the chaff. It had easy days, eating freely without doing any real labor. Israel's easy days were soon over. She would be yoked to a hard plow. They were plowing wickedness instead of being free from the bondage of their sins. 

This was a far easier work than plowing, since cattle were not bound together under a yoke, unmuzzled. Since Israel desired to be yoked with false deities and foreign kings, the Lord would really put them in a yoke of exile to Assyria. (MacArthur)

The Lord called Israel to sow righteousness and reap faithful love. (verse 12) Instead, they chose to reap a roaring battle against them. War will devastate their king and the people. (verses 14-15)

Galatians 6:7-8 says, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Are we sowing in the spiritual things? Do we desire to sow in righteousness? Then we will reap mercy.

 

LET IT GO

What an awesome God You are!

Thank You for providing for us to be Your child through Jesus Christ.

Help us let go of the things of this world and desire spiritual things.

May we sow love, joy, peace, patience, faith today.

Marvelous Grace

O. T. #2056  "Marvelous Grace"

Oct. 28, 2021

Hosea 10-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 98:1-2 says, O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvelous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory. The LORD hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen.

Has God performed great wonders, marvelous things in your life? Then sing a new song to the LORD. Has He made known His salvation to you? Then praise ye the Lord.

When I meet new people, I like to hear of the great and marvelous things God is doing in their life. Isn't it wonderful for us that Jesus came to bring us salvation!

Salvation (yshuwah/yesh-oo'-aw) means something saved; deliverance; victory.

Jesus is my Yshuwah! Is He your salvation? Jesus provided deliverance for believers in Him from hell. That is reason to shout, folks!

LET IT GROW

Previously, we learned of 6 pictures of Israel and their coming punishment because of their idolatry and refusal to turn from it and come back to God. The first was Israel was like an empty vine.

Secondly, Israel was in a state of anarchy. (verses 3-10)

• They will have no king because Israel did not fear the LORD. No king could help them, but King Jesus. They would not turn. Not only were all their previous kings godless, but the people's own hearts were not right with God.  Israel's last 5 kings were anarchies, unworthy of respect.
• They spoke words falsely. (verse 4) Deceitful and unfaithful people would not keep their word with others, nor with God. They did not intend to keep any covenants they made.
• They feared what would happen to their calf idol. (verse 5) It was carried off to Assyria as a gift to their king there.
• Israel was brought to shame since they trusted in idols. (verse 6)
• Samaria and its king will be cut off. (verses 7-8) Israel will beg the mountains to bury them and the hills to fall on them. Judgment will be so fearful that the people will wish to die.

Verse 10 says it was God's desire to punish them. So many prophets warned Israel, the 10 northern tribes that it was coming, yet they would not heed the warnings.

Are there sins we need to confess to God, ask forgiveness, and turn from repeating? He knows about them anyway.

LET IT GO

Sing a new song of praise unto our Lord.

Share what wonderful things He has done for us.

Give testimony to our salvation in Jesus Christ today.

What He has done for us, He can do for you.

How marvelous is Your Grace, Jesus!

 

Lavishing Love, Blessings, and Gifts

O. T. #2055 "Lavishing Love, Blessings, and Gifts"

Oct. 27, 2021

Hosea 10

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 96:8-10 says, give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before Him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth...

Is God working in your life, friend? When He works overflowing blessings in us, we have something to share with others. How marvelous it is to think that the God who created this universe is involved in our life individually!

 

LET IT GROW

My husband has been filling in preaching at a church for the past month as they are searching for a new pastor. Since this is pastor appreciation month, they surprised us with a beautiful basket filled with cards, gift cards, money, pies, and a lovely fall arrangement. Now I call that lavishing love on us. Truly our cup was overflowing.(We needed the encouragement, which came in various forms.) Are we showing the Lord Jesus our love by lavishing love on Him and others? 

Liberty Bible Commentary tells us,

In this section Israel's retribution is portrayed in six figures:

1. as a spreading or luxuriant vine; (verses 10:1-2)
2. as in a state of anarchy; (verses 3-10)
3. as a trained heifer; (verses 11-15)
4. as a youth; (11:1-11)
5. as one who feeds on wind (11:12-12:14)
6. as one who is spiritually dead (13:1-6)

In verse 1, Israel is an empty vine. The word empty means to empty or to spread out.

A vine is only valuable for its fruit. Israel had no spiritual fruit since it was not connected to God. She worshiped pagan idols.

God's blessings upon Israel actually made them worse; they attributed the blessings of God to false gods. (Tony Evans)

The more prosperous the nation became, the more love Israel lavished on idols. More, more, more-bigger houses, better cars, finer clothes-that path can lead to destruction without our using them for kingdom work and meeting others' needs. Are we consuming money all on ourselves or is it used for God's purposes?

God is Sovereign of the heart, He will have it all or none. (Matthew Henry)

LET IT GO

Jesus, You always know what we need. Thank You for providing for us.

How loving and lovely You are!

May we lavishly love You and others today.

Let us worship Him in the beauty of His holiness.

Why and Because

O. T. #2054 "Why and Because"

Oct. 26, 2021

Hosea 9

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 96:1-4 says, O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.

We are called to praise the LORD God with a fresh, new song. It should proclaim His salvation and glorious deeds from days gone by. He alone is worthy of our worship, praise, glorified, and feared.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)

Dear one, have you done this already? If so, have you thanked Jesus lately for salvation? If not, today is a good day to do so. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior. I pray you do it before it is too late.

LET IT GROW

In chapter 9, we read of 5 reasons why Israel is prohibited from rejoicing:

1. because of her immorality; (verses 1-2)
2. because of her coming captivity; (verses 3-6)
3. because of her spiritual insensitivity; (verses 7-9)
4. because of her sterility; (verses 10-16)
5. because of her coming exile. (verse 17) Liberty Bible Commentary)

Israel was depending more on its production of land, money, wine, and immoral leaders.

Hosea said in verse 17, My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto Him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.

Israel did not repent of their sins so judgment fell. In 722 BC, the Assyrian army invaded the land, and the ten tribes as a nation vanished from the pages of history. They should never have split off from Judah in the first place.

To this day, no one knows who comprises the ten "lost tribe"; yet they are all well-known to God. In His time the whole nation will be restored. the ten tribes did not return after the captivity. They were a mixture and spread throughout the land.

 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. (Ps. 33:12, NKJV)

 

LET IT GO

May we worship the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ in song.

Let us bow before Him now before it is too late.

 

Bowing Down or Stubborn as a Donkey?

O. T. #2053 "Bowing Down or Stubborn as a Donkey"

Oct. 25, 2021

Hosea 8-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Are we too prideful to bow down before our Holy God in worship? Do we bow at the altar to submit to God in prayer? Is our heart broken and we need His help?

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness. (Psalm 95:6-8)

The psalmist calls God's people to demonstrate their submission to Him by bowing before Him, a posture symbolizing the recognition of His sovereignty. Like sheep depend on their shepherd to protect and provide for them, so we, as the people of God's pasture, look to Him for every good thing we need. (Tony Evans)

Are we listening and obeying the Lord Jesus' voice? Or are our hearts hardened and in rebellion.

LET IT GROW

How does Hosea refer to Israel's conduct which merited a sentence of judgment by God?

• Sowing and Reaping-They sowed vanity and reaped a whirlwind; the enemy would harvest their crops of peace and prosperity, benefiting from promises made. (verse 7)
• Worthless Pottery-There would be no grain for them to cook and eat, for Israel would be of no value, no one would fear them, nor want them.
• A Stupid, Stubborn Donkey-They would not turn to God in repentance like a dumb animal loosing its way in the wilderness.(verse 9a)
• A Prostitute-Israel sold themselves for money, bribing the king of Egypt to help them, as well as the king of Assyria to not conquer them. Neither attempt worked, for god was punishing Israel for their idolatry. (verse 9b-10)
• Egyptian Bondage-Hosea mentions Egypt 13 times in his book. Did Israel not learn life lessons while in bondage in Egypt? (verses 11-14)

Practicing idolatry did not please God. Israel's leaders did not teach God's Word and Laws, so the people did not understand the concept of a high priest.

Jesus is our High Priest, interceding for us at the Throne of Grace. Are we offering ourself as a sacrifice on the altar? Are we showing mercy to others? Are we sharing what God has done for us and who He is to the next generation?

LET IT GO

Come and let us bow down and worship our God, our Maker.

He alone is worthy of our praise.

Thank You Jesus for bearing our cross. What amazing love and grace!

You are the King of Glory, above all kings.

Sow to The Wind and Reap a Whirlwind

O. T. #2052 "Sow to The Wind and Reap a Whirlwind"

Oct. 22, 2021

Hosea 8-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:1-3)

Is God your rock? Do we run to Him whenever we are hurt for a refuge? Is God our strength when we are weak? Is Jesus your salvation today?

Rock refers to a refuge; strength.

For what are you thankful right now? Have you been singing praises unto our Great God?

LET IT GROW

One time we came home from a trip to find a whirlwind had come through our property. It was so strong that it took down our barn, tin off the old chicken houses, the top of our pine tree, and uprooted huge old oak trees in its path. (Officials said it was only a straight-line wind.) We had tin wrapped around tree; tin lying in the pasture. It was amazing how strong that wind was. (Thank God our house was left standing.) Israel was going to reap what they had sown-a whirlwind.

The Northern Kingdom worshiped a calf-idol made with hands. This angered God, and justifiably so. This national religion of idol worship was breaking God's laws. They should have been worshiping the God who made them and gave them hands. (verses 5-6)

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind... (verse 7a)

In the Hebrew language, whirlwind is a hurricane; storm; tempest.

Planting good seed in good soil and having proper sunlight, moisture, and fertilizer will likely yield a good crop. One seed can produce multiple fruit. However, Israel had sown its spiritual seed to the wind, investing itself in activities without substance. Like the wind that comes and goes, its idolatry and foreign alliances offered no protection. Apart from God there is destruction. When we seek security in anything except God, we are in great danger. Without God there is no lasting security.                                            [Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

Assyria was coming to Israel like a hurricane, to sweep them away and clear away everything Israel had.

In what are we putting our trust? Is it in God or in money, power, government, knowledge, or technology, etc.?

LET IT GO

Jesus, I sing for all that You Have done for me.

You are the King of Glory, the King above all kings.

Yours is amazing grace and love. That You would take me place, baring my cross.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. Worthy of praise and glory!

Stepping Over The Line

O. T. #2051 "Stepping Over The Line"

Oct. 21, 2021

Hosea 8

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 94:11-12 says, The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of Thy law.

Psalm 94:14 says, For the LORD will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance.

Most of the time I do not stop to think that God knows my thoughts and intentions; He sees in my heart. Our problem is found in Isaiah 55:8-9, His thoughts are not like ours, neither are His ways and our ways.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Are we seeking His thoughts and ways concerning our circumstances? We may not understand the why's  and what for's here, but God has a purpose for them. Thank God that He does not throw us away nor forsake us.

LET IT GROW

The Northern Kingdom had stepped over the line and God's judgment for Israel was inevitable. As Israel turned from God, they looked to their king and wealth to deliver them instead of to God.

Two things are introduced here in verse 1-the trumpet and the eagle. According to Numbers 10, the trumpet was used by the Jews to announce special occasions, to sound alarms, to gather the people for assemblies, and to proclaim war. This call was a trumpet of alarm because the enemy was coming and God was giving His people opportunity to repent.

Secondly, the eagle, Assyria, was going to swoop down and destroy God's house because the nation was given over to idolatry, and the leaders were not seeking God's will in their decisions.

According to verse 2, when this happens, Israel will cry unto God saying they know Him, but it was not a personal way, with a heart knowing of God. Unfortunately, their knowledge of God was only historical.

Since Israel had cast off the good thing, disregarded God's covenant and law, Israel was going to fall into the hands of the enemy.(verse3)

Their problem was that Israel set up their kings and removed their kings to satisfy their own desires, supporting their man-made gods. Without God's involvement in picking their kings, Israel was destined to fail. (verse 4)

Folks, one day the trumpet will sound and believers, living and dead, will rise to meet Jesus in the clouds. Are you ready? Are we listening for that trumpet? 

LET IT GO

Help us, Jesus, to seek Your thoughts and ways for our life.

Thank You for not casting us off  nor forsake us when we fail You.

Such grace and mercy!

Gray Hairs, Fluttering Doves, and Bent Bows

O. T. #2050  "Gray Hairs, Fluttering Doves, and Bent Bows"

Oct. 20, 2021

Hosea 7-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

The LORD reigneth, He is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith He hath girded Himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. (Ps.93:1)

Thy throne is established of old: Thou art from everlasting. (verse 2)

Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh Thine house, O LORD, for ever. (verse 5)

The grandeur of creation testifies to the greatness of God. They exist by His will and operate under His control. God's testimonies are completely reliable. His Word is without fault and cannot fail.(Tony Evans)

He is way-maker, miracle worker, light in the darkness-that is who He is. May we worship God is spirit and in truth. Do we receive His Word with delight and obey it without delay?

LET IT GROW

Israel had compromised:

• like a man getting gray and not knowing it, loosing strength and not detecting it, having pride to not admit it; Israel mixed with the nations and ignored the Lord, loosing strength, failing in their purpose of witnessing to the pagan nations; (verses 9-10)
• like a silly dove without heart; Israel flit off to Egypt for help and fluttered to Assyria when the southern kingdom was attacking them; (verse 11)
• God had redeemed them, but Israel refused to stop sinning and seek the Lord. (verse 13)
• as they cry upon their bed, drunken, Israel did not cry unto God with their heart, but rebelled; (verse 14)
• like a faulty, bent bow, they were not dependable to hit their target; Israel would not win the battles without God. (verse 16)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

LET IT GO

Even when we don't understand our situation, may trust in You, our God.

May we acknowledge You wherever we go today.

We need You to direct our paths in Your will.

Reign in our hearts as Majesty on High.

Burned, Raw, or Baked Biscuits

O. T. #2049 "Burned, Raw, or Baked Biscuits"

Oct. 19, 2021

Hosea 7-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Today, I need some encouraging words after reading about all those sins in Israel during Hosea's day. I found it in Psalm 92:

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High: To show forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night.(verses 1-2)

For Thou, LORD, hast made me glad through Thy work: I will triumph in the works of Thy hands. (verse 4)

They shall still bring fruit in old age: they shall be faith and flourishing; To show that the LORD is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (verses 14-15)

As some of us are getting on in years now, we can find encouragement that we can still bring spiritual fruit, bring glory to Jesus, and declare His righteousness and faithfulness.

LET IT GROW

Raw biscuit dough is not all that good to eat with a meal. Also, burned biscuits are not desirable to eat. Now when a biscuit is baked just right, done on the inside and brown on the bottom-mmm bring on the honey, jelly, or apple butter. It is good to eat!

In this chapter, we have three similes that Hosea uses to compare Israel with in verses 4-8:

1. Their passion for sin was like a fire in an oven: bank the fire at night, and it will be ready to blaze out in the morning, ready for baking bread in the morning. The "fuel" for the fire was wine, for alcohol and sin often go together. The physical adulterers were also spiritual adulterers, unfaithful to God as they went after idols.
2. A palace celebration during which the king and his officers got drunk, giving the king's enemies opportunity to overthrow him and even kill him.
3. A half-baked cake-bread was baked on hot rocks by nomadic peoples. If the dough wasn't turned, one side was burned and the other side uncooked. Israel mixed with the other nations and became like them. Israel burned for Assyria on the one hand and left uncooked on the other. The Lord's working in us must permeate our whole being so that our heart, mind, and strength are all devoted to Him.

Is our passion for God and not for things of this world? Does our soul burn for Jesus? Are we all in wholeheartedly or half-hearted for Him?

 

LET IT GO

Jesus, penetrate our mind, soul, and body for Your service.

Fill us with Thy Spirit today.

May we sing Your praises throughout this day.

No matter our age, may You find us faithful.

Deliverance is Available

O. T. #2048  "Deliverance is Available"

Oct. 18, 2021

Hosea 7

LET IT GLOW

We just returned from a week in the beautiful city of Nashville, Tennessee. Since we were on a business trip, we were provided a room at an elaborate resort. It was like an island of its own-nice people, top-notched meals provided, clean accommodations, and gorgeous gardens. However, the last night changed everything. Our crowd was bused into town on the well-known street to a bar and grill with loud music and drinks provided. (If we had been warned ahead of time, we would not have gone.)

Another Christian couple with whom we had become friends joined us and we decided to leave such a sinful environment. Walking the streets, some 4 blocks away to a fairly quiet rooftop restaurant, we talked and ate sandwiches and drink only sodas. We could even hear what the other was saying while there.

But in order to get to that nice place, we had to walk the streets full of nightlife styles that we wanted to have nothing to do with, for sure. Drunken and homeless people, along with robbers were present. We gals clung to our guys. (Homosexuals were probably present, but we walked so quickly that I didn't notice.) A busload of folks left early on a bus to return to our wonderful resort, for which I was glad. Certainly, God delivered His children in our time of trouble.

And so it had become in Israel, where wickedness prevailed, also. Israel was given the chance to turn to the God who loves her as He tenderly called them back to Himself before judgment came. But they would not do so. They turned to Egypt and Assyria instead of turning to God. God would have healed and restored Israel, but they would not turn.

Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom. Ahab and Jezebel built a palace there. It was a choice spot with nothing to obstruct the view in any direction. Now it is a wasteland.

During Hosea's day, what was happening in Israel was that the sin which had been covered was being uncovered. What they had been doing secretly was now done in the open. There was no shame, no conviction, no conscience relative to their sin. God would forgive their iniquity if they would only repent and turn to Him. Instead, they persisted in their wickedness and went farther and farther into it.

Does our society accept sinful life styles as the norm? Is there any difference from worldly people and Christians? Do people think no one is watching them? Do they consider that they are getting away with their sins? Folks, God is watching and sees all, for He is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere-present). We will answer to Him one day. All we say and do is done right in front of His face. (verse 2)

LET IT GROW

The wickedness of the nation of Israel went all the way to the top:

• The king and the princes were pleased with evil. (verse 3)
• There were guilty of adultery, drunkenness, and anger. (verse 4-6)
• They were liars and thieves. (verses 1-2)
• They kill kings one after another, and no one cries to God for help. (verse 7b)

... there is none among them that calleth unto Me. (verse 7c)

The word calleth refers to call out to (address by name); cay unto; preach; proclaim.

Do we cry to God for help? Are we proclaiming His mercy to sinners?

Psalm 50:14-15 say, Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.

Dear one, if you are in the day of trouble, call upon God. He will deliver you. After you give Him thanks and pay vows.

LET IT GO

Thank You Merciful God that You deliver us in our day of trouble.

God Sees All

O. T. #2047   "God Sees All"

Oct. 15, 2021

Hosea 6-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

What good can be found in this chapter? In their future, God will return Israel, His people from the captivity, to their land. (verse 11)

Israel responded in external religious formalism and idolatry. Their hearts were not committed to loving and serving God. So He sent prophets to warn Israel what would come if they did not repent of their sins and turn back to Him. They broke their covenant with God.

The word translated men is adam, in verse 7. Hosea's pun in speaking of humanity's transgression of the covenant-Adam's-disloyalty and that of inhabitants there throughout Israel, was represented by the city of Adam (see Joshua 3:16) The city of Adam is the present site of Damieh, some 16 miles north of Jericho, a few miles north of the Dead Sea.

Gilead was a city east of the Jordan river, where iniquity was and it was polluted with blood. in 2 Kings 15, there were 50 men of Gilead who helped assassinate King Pekahiah. (verse 8)

 

LET IT GROW

In verse 9, the priests, religious leaders should have led the nation by their obedience to God, instead, they led Israel into its sin. In Genesis 34, Levi (forefather of all the priests) and Simeon deceived and murdered the men of Shechem to avenge the rape of their sister Dinah. The people and priests broke God's laws, entered into violent conspiracies, and brutally exploited others for personal gain. It is horrible, as verse 10 describes their actions. God sees all and knows all. (Prov. 15:3). Today, the same is happening-murders, fraud, and sexual immorality without remorse. Israel is defiled; Judah is not far behind them.

What does God see when He looks at us? Are our sins right in front of His face? Are we honest with the Lord?

 

LET IT GO

May we not murder people with our tongue.

May we be found truthful, with integrity, and not commit fraud.

May we remain morally committed to God and our spouse.

May we be found faithful and true to Jesus when He comes back to get His church.

Why Do We Serve?

O. T. #2046  "Why Do We Serve?

Oct. 14, 2021

Hosea 6-Part 3

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice. And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (verse 6)

LET IT GLOW

God continues to care for Israel, both the northern and southern kingdoms. We read about it in verse 4, as He asked what He shall do to them. He noted that their goodness (chesed, which means kindness, lovingkindness, goodness in Hebrew, for Him is like the early dew, sporadic, here and then gone.

Then in verse 6, mercy is that same word, chesed, in the Hebrew language.

Usually, chesed refers to God's love and faithfulness to the Israelites. Here it is used to refer to what should characterize a human posture toward God. A faithful God rightly expects faithfulness and loyalty from His people. Relationships work as they should only when both sides are committed to each other. God has been faithful to you and me, no question. How faithful and loyal have we been to Him?

LET IT GROW

No amount of activity for God will ever take the place of a heart that is right with Him. People have thought they could please God with their service and offerings regardless of their heart condition. God made it very clear that He will not be pacified by even the most generous offerings and zealous service if our hearts are not right with Him. (Micah 6:6-8)

So no matter how much we do in God's service, regardless of how active we are in our church, no matter how honorable our reputation in the Christian community, He will not overlook a sinful heart. His desire is that we devote ourselves to knowing Him and loving Him with all our hearts. (Blackaby)

Do you get the feeling that Israel prided themselves in being the special nation blessed by God? Do we tend to forget His mercy upon us sinners?

Many claim Jesus as Lord, but how many do what He says to do? (Luke 6:46) How many are alert to help others? witness? tithe? volunteer at the church? use their gifts and abilities in ministry? Many church members do; however, many more do not.

Paul thought he was doing right when he persecuted Christians until he met the Savior. His zealousness did not please God. Even if we have faith to move mountains, give all we have to feed the poor, offer our body to be burned for God, yet have a heart that is not right, it profits us nothing. Paul realized this as he wrote 1Corinthians 13:1-3.

So dear one, let us look at our motives for doing. Is it for the glory of God, they One we love? Or is it for our glory and recognition?

LET IT GROW

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true.

Change my heart, O God, may I be like You.

 

LET IT GO

Mercy

O. T. #2045   "Mercy"

Oct. 13, 2021

Hosea 6-Part 2

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (verse 6)

LET IT GLOW

Legalistic Israel piled up sacrifices and burnt offerings to God, but they withheld their mercy and made little or no effort to know God. For that, they stood condemned.

What is pleasing to God? Mercy and the knowledge of God. We tend to want God to show us mercy, and we little show mercy to others.

Will we be merciful to others today?

 

LET IT GROW

There is coming a day when God will restore Israel back to their land, a third time. Ezekiel 37 spoke about it, when they will be redeemed and justified through the blood of Jesus. Then Israel will have a right relationship with Almighty God.

Paul spoke of it in Romans 11, when people out of every tongue and tribe and nation will come before God to worship. This is the Millennial reign of Christ as King.

In the meantime, what is God going to do with Israel and Judah?

• He gave them prophets. (verse 5)
• He saw their transgressions of the covenant, external religious formalism and idolatry. (verse 7)
• He saw their religious leaders lead them into sin. (verses 8-9)
• He would not put up with the disobedience of Israel. (verse 10)
• He saw their idolatry in the house of God. (verse 10)
• Judah would be no better than Israel, although 130 years before Babylon conquers them Judah. (verse 11)

LET IT GO

Be merciful to me a sinner, God.

Help me show mercy to others.

Return, Know, and Press On

O. T. #2044 "Return, Know, and Press On"

Oct. 12, 2021

Hosea 6

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  (2 Peter 1:21)

LET IT GLOW

When I first began reading this chapter, I got excited-Israel return to the LORD God. However, the more I read, my mind changed. You know, God is always ready to receive and forgive us when we repent and return to Him. When we are young, we often go our own way, doing our own thing, enjoying the pleasures of this world. But when we get older, we realize those things were only empty as they required our time and energy. Gadgets come and go, people come and go, life washes away years and what do we have to show for it? Unless we are anchored to Jesus, our boat of life sails on a troubled sea, always. He never changes; His love never fails; He never leaves us alone to face whatever. But Israel did not learn that lesson. They turned away from God and turned to empty idols made of wood and stone, that did not live, nor cared about them.

With that said, let's jump into the Word. In returning, Israel knew God could heal them, bandage their wounds, and restore them so they could live in His presence. (verses 1-2)

Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know Him. (verse 3, NLT)

Hosea is looking down the road after the captivities of Israel and Judah, when a remnant recognizes Jesus Christ as the Savior, the Son of God. One day they will be converted. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) God will set up His Millennial Kingdom and reign for a thousand years in Jerusalem and the whole earth. The entire nation we change then.

Friend, do we press on to know God? So many of you do, for you have continued with me through the study of the Old Testament. Thank you. I know how difficult it is to grow in faith with so many distractions, troubles, ungodly people around us.

LET IT GROW

Those who did not understand the depth of their sins, were presumptuous. Those in Hosea's day did not turn from idols, regret their sins, nor pledge to make changes. Maybe they thought God's anger against them would only last a few days. They were only interested in what God could do for them, not worshiping a Merciful God. Look at verse 2:

After two days He will bind us up, the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight.

Lest we judge Israel too harshly, what do we hope to gain from our religion? Do we repent easily without making changes in our life?

Hosea was referring to the supremely truth of Jesus Christ, whom God raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Cor. 15:4)

What will you do with this Jesus? Will you worship Him as the King of Glory and the King of your life?

LET IT GO

Thank You precious Jesus for taking my place on the cross.

Thank You for providing me salvation, redemption, and hope of eternal life by faith in You alone, Jesus.

Bind us, raise us, so we can live in Your presence daily.

Give us a hunger to know You more.

* Our purpose is to know, love, and serve God. (Adrian Rogers)

Moths and Worms

O. T. #2043    "Moths and Worms"

Oct. 11, 2021

Hosea 5-Part 3

Therefore will I be unto Ephraim as a moth, and to the house of Judah as rottenness. (verse 12)

LET IT GLOW

The other day I found a pretty, little moth dead on my kitchen floor.  I didn't think much about it, for there are  always several flying around our porch light if we leave it on very long at night. So I put it in the trash. I read that moths like to eat on wool, clothes, blankets, and fabrics, just as the worm or termite eats on wood.

Then I recalled Hosea mentioning the moth in verse 12. The judgment of God was coming upon Israel like a moth and rottenness and a worm. Slowly, Israel was wasting and decaying away by their sins. God used the prophets to warn His people of their future captivity, but they do not heed the warning.

 The moth breeds in the clothes, and the worm or rottenness in the wood; thus sinners are consumed by a fire of their own kindling. (Matthew Henry)

Ephraim suffers for following man's will, not God's will. (MacArthur)

It takes a wooden board or a wooden foundation of a house a long time to become rotten. (McGee)

God said in verse 12 in New Living Translation: I will destroy Israel as a moth consumes wool. I will make Judah as weak as rotten wood.

And so He did.

When Judah warred against Israel, taking the land of Benjamin, they sought help from an ally, Assyria. It backfired on Israel, for Assyria attacked Israel and penetrated the Northern Kingdom. In 722 BC,  they conquered Israel and brought Jerusalem under siege in 701 BC. Then Babylon conquered Judah. God will bring His children to repentance, no matter the cost or method.

We must come to Him in repentance of our sins, lest we consumed, too.

LET IT GROW

I have a mamma cat, Boots, who is very protective of her 4 kittens. If another animal or cat comes around them, she is ready to fight. so it is with mamma lions as they protect their cubs.

However, God is going to be as a lion towards the Northern Kingdom., pouncing on them. He intended to destroy them for their idolatry, adultery, and sins. No matter how much they whined and cried, He would not rescue them, for judgment had come.

Even today, God judges us and nations. Look at the effects venereal disease and the deadly Covid virus. Will we turn back to God? Will we stop sitting by and not condemning sin?

The good news is that when we seek God with our whole heart, confess our sins, turn away from them, He forgives us. Such a faithful and merciful God!

LET IT GO

Jesus, You alone are our ray of hope.

Keep us humbly serving, loving, and seeking You.

Let us run to the Heavenly Father, again and again.

A Ray of Hope

O. T. #2042 "A Ray of Hope"

Oct. 8, 2021

Hosea 5-Part 2

I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early. (verse 15

LET IT GLOW

What a ray of hope found in the midst of judgment for Israel, the Northern Kingdom. Sin-sick Ephraim (Israel), sick nigh unto death, will go to the king of Assyria (Jareb), but he will not heal them, nor cure them of their wounds. They went to a quack doctor. Only through repentance of idolatry would God (Jehovah Raphe) and could  He heal them of their sicknesses.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains:

God's purpose is not punitive; it is therapeutic. He will withdraw from His people with the purpose of causing them to seek Him; and just as certainly as the judgment will fall, so certainly will come their repentance, though the judgment is essential; for they would not seek His face without it.

This ray of hope is coming for the remnant as we read later in chapter 6. We read of the restoration in Nehemiah and Ezra, and in Jeremiah 31:31-34. God will make a new covenant with Israel and it will be in their hearts. Jesus Christ is the One and Only New Covenant, as He saves our soul from the penalties of our sins. His love, grace, and mercy in in our heart when He is our Savior.

Now that is Good News! Have you experienced it, dear one? He is only a breath away. We must seek His face before our breath is taken away. Our God is still on His throne.

 

 

LET IT GROW

Although, in about 20 years, Israel will fall under Assyria's rule, it will take about 130 years for Judah to fall under Babylon's rule. (verse 14)

Israel should have turned to God for healing instead of the king of Assyria. Instead of trusting politics and useless treaties, they needed true repentance and prayer. All the Lord could do was withdraw and wait for them to seek His face in truth and humility.

When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. (verse 13)

LET IT GO

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.

We need Your ray of hope today.

Help us remember that You are in charge, all-powerful, fighting for us, Your children.

Raise us up with Your strength, Jesus, so we are not overtaken nor overcome.

The same power that rose Jesus from the grave can lift us up; that raised the mountains up; calms the raging seas, lives in us.

You alone are our hope, Jesus, for You are our Overcomer.

Revolters and Rebukes

O. T. #2041  "Revolters and Rebukes"

Oct. 7, 2021

Hosea 5

LET IT GLOW

So far, we have read about the charges that the Lord had against the nation of Israel (Northern Kingdom), the priests,  and the spectators in the court (Judah watching). Now, we will see the evidence that the Judge applied to the rulers/leaders of Israel (verses 1-7):

• The religious leaders (priests) and governmental leaders were prominent in leading the nation into sin. Their snare and spread net lead into idolatry. (1a)
• They trapped innocent people and exploited them; sin paralyzed them.
• They were revolters, which means departure from right. They could not hide nor escape from the notice of God.
• Therefore, God was their rebuke, chastisement; reproof; warning or instruction; discipline. God saw them for what they truly were-idolators, adulterers. He knew completely and thoroughly them and their condition. (verses 2-3)
• They would not frame (leave, turn to God, yield) their doings to God. Rather than repenting and being ashamed of their sins, they flaunted them. Their sins affected others, for Judah would follow them.
• Their pride and arrogance testified against them. (verse 5)

Strong accusations, huh? Yet, they were guilty since God could see into the hearts of the leaders in Israel. What was the cause of all of this? They did not know the Lord and their arrogance only lead them to stumble and fall into sin. (Prov. 16:18)

May we not fall into this same trap! I am sorry for disobeying Your Word and You, for making things more important than You, God. Please for me and us.

LET IT GROW

What will happen next to Israel?

• When they come with their flocks and herds to offer sacrifices to the LORD, they will not find Him because God has withdrawn from them. (verse 6)
• They betrayed the honor of the LORD, bearing children that are not His. Their illegitimate children and their monthly feasts would soon become funerals.
• Their false religion will devour them along with their wealth.

When they approach God in hypocrisy and insincerity, God's judgment  fell upon Israel. Their possessions and religious trappings were taken into captivity by Assyria.

Folks, the same could happen to our nation. Giving away free money will bankrupt us. Making allies with ungodly nations will only make us prey for them to conquer. Turning from God and not teaching His Word to the next generations will put us deep into the pit of sin as Israel.

LET IT GO

May we walk in Your Truth, Your Ways.

May we identify sins that are rebellion against Holy God.

May we turn back to You.

Keep us humbly serving You.

May we love You Jesus, forever and ever.

May we proclaim Your salvation, holiness, forgiveness, love, and truth.

A Rebellious Heifer

O. T. #2040 "A Rebellious Heifer"

Hosea 4-Part 3

Oct. 6, 2021

LET IT GLOW

Living on a cattle farm, we have had heifers jump a fence in order to eat the grass on the other side of the fence. Sometimes I think they do it just because they can. It profits them nothing, for they are herded back into the field with others where green grass is available, also.. Now, there have been times that a heifer has shown others the way out, to jump also. Well, I call that rebellion, the blind leading the blind. Often times, that rebellious heifer is sold, in order to keep order with the herd. So it could have been with Israel-they could have caused Judah to stray into idolatry, so God gave Hosea these words of warning for them.

So far, the Judge, God, has brought accusations of sin against the nation of Israel, against their priests, and now against the spectators in the court.

The 10 Northern Kingdom nations, called Israel and Ephraim, had sinned by worshiping idols, allowing women to be prostitutes, and sacrificed to and sold out to the pagan god of Baal, instead of Jehovah Lord God.

Now, in verses 15-19, we read of the warnings to the spectators in the court:

• The remaining 2 faithful nations, known as Judah, remained faithful to worship God. Here they are encouraged to refrain from spiritual harlotry as Israel.
• Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend: and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, the LORD liveth. (verse 15)
• Judah was warned to not expose themselves to idol worshp in Gilgal and Bethel. Gilgal (circle, wheel) was the location of the school for prophets during Elisha's day. (2Kings 2:1; 4:38) Bethel (House of God) was renamed Beth-aven (house of iniquity).
• Judah was warned to not observe sinful practices, lest they become contaminated, too. Judah was to separate itself completely from all of the God-dishonoring practices of Israel. (2Cor. 6:17-18)
• If Judah proclaimed that the Lord liveth, they would mingle the True God with idolatry, which He forbade in Zeph. 1:5.  They were commanded to not take oaths there. Do not mix light and darkness, good with evil, for there is no fellowship.

LET IT GROW

• Israel was backsliding (apostasy; turning) like a heifer (a young cow that hasn't had a calf). She was stubborn (and rebellious, may I add). (verse 16a)
• So should the LORD feed her like a lamb in a lush pasture? (verse 16b)
• Judah was told to leave Israel alone, because they were married to idolatry, not God. (verse 17)
• Israel's rulers finish their drinking, then go off to find prostitutes. They love shame more than honor. (verse 18)

We find the result of Israel's sins in verse 19, So a mighty wind will sweep them away. Their sacrifices to idols will bring them shame.

In just a few years, some 20, Assyria would capture Israel, and they would no longer own the land, a part of their heritage, the Promised Land. Truly, they would be ashamed (bring to shame; cause shame; put to shame; with shame).

Their only hope of restoration is to recognize their guilt and seek (His) face. (5:15) God's favor, blessings, and fellowship are only accessible when we submit to the road of repentance.[Tony Evans]

Folks, the same is going to happen to America if we do not repent of our sins and turn back to God.

LET IT GO

Holy Spirit, bring conviction of our sins before we wander too far away from God.

Bring us to submit to the road of repentance.

Help us bring others to this road.

Faithful God, forgive us of our sins.

May we seek Your fellowship, Your way.

Shame or Honor

O. T. #2039   "Shame or Honor"

Oct. 5, 2021

Hosea 4-Part 2

Yet let no man strive nor reprove another; for thy people are as they that strive with the priest. (verse 4)

LET IT GLOW

Israel was guilty of sins before God. He had a quarrel with them and warned them of judgment to come if they did not repent. First came the charges to the nation-no truth, no mercy, no knowledge of God in the land.

The good news is that God would not forget His children of Israel. He would call out a remnant, establish a new kingdom where righteousness shall reign. We know this happened after Judah fell to Babylonian rule and Israel to Assyrian rule. (Also, during the Millennial reign of Christ as King this will happen.) (verse 6)

Second, came the accusation to the priests of Israel. What were they guilty of? Verses 4-14 tell us:

• The people were to not strive (rebuke; debate)  with others nor with the priests. They were pointing fingers and passing blame. God's complaint was with the priests. They will stumble and fall, and God will destroy Israel, their mother. (verses 4-5)
• God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge because the priests forgot the law of God. They were not teaching the truth of God's Word. Since the priests refused to know God, then God will refuse to recognize those priests. (verse 6)
• Even though Israel increased in numbers, they sinned against God. Fathers were not teaching their children God's Law and righteousness. So the children were worse sinners than their fathers. There glory would be changed into shame (disgrace; dishonor; reproach). They exchanged the glory of God for the shame of idols. (verse 7)
• The priests did not help the people face their sins and deal with it. They delighted in the sins of the people and made that the object of their desire, instead of the Law of God.(verse 8)

LET IT GROW

Do we argue with the preacher about the Word of God, try to get rid of him, or just leave the church? Do they tell the truth about our sins? Are we teaching our children what the Bible says about the way to live? Is our life pointing others to Jesus? Do we have shame or glory?

These are things to ponder on, folks. Our society is in bad shape. Sin is made into laws allowing it to be legal to kill babies, homosexuals are given rights and leadership positions, schools no longer discipline children, many parents commit adultery and their children fornication. We need to share the truth of God's Word, that judgment is coming if we do not repent and turn from our wicked ways.

LET IT GO

Father God, You can make all things new. Renew our hearts and lives, convicting us of our sins and changing our lives. May we fall down on our knees begging for mercy for our nation and pulpits.

Folks, pray for and support the preachers that are telling the truth of God's Word. May the Lord bless you and give you strength to stand for His Word.

Charges Brought Against Israel and Us

O. T. #2038  "Charges Brought Against Israel and Us"

Oct. 4, 2021

Hosea 4

LET IT GLOW

Do we stand in awe of our God and see His goodness in the wildest sense? (3:5)

Just this week two friends have had heart surgery and are doing good. Also, I have a cousin, with health problems, that survived Covid. Truly God is good all the time!

Israel would have experienced the goodness of God had they heeded the prophets warnings and repented of their many sins. Yet they would not.

God has a controversy (quarrel, dispute, strife) against Israel. He is going to bring them to court, spell out the charges against them, and prove those charges. The message of chapter 4 is that Israel is guilty of lawlessness, immorality, ignorance of God's Word, and idolatry. (Wiersbe)

The Judge gives the charges to various groups:

• the nation of Israel as a whole;(verses 1-3)
• the priests; (verses 4-14)
• spectators in the court; (verses 15-19)
• priests, rulers, and people. (5:1-7)

Israel was given the Mosaic Law for them to pattern their laws and ways if they wanted to be blessed. They promised back in Exodus 19:8 to obey all that the Lord had said, but broke their promise. There was no faithfulness (truth) in the land, no loyal love to the Lord God. Their land would be mourning, as well as the animals, birds, and fish, which will disappear as Assyria comes to conquer the Northern Kingdom.

Israel was to be a peculiar treasure above all people, a special people, set apart unto holiness. What God expects of Israel, He expects of us.

LET IT GROW

In verses 1- 2, God clearly spells out the sins of Israel:

• There is no truth,
• no mercy,
• nor any knowledge of God in the land;
• swearing,
• lying,
• killing,
• stealing, committing adultery.

Israel was brainwashed through their idolatry. Their conscience was seered over. Like a river bursts out of its banks and floods, it destroys all that goes before it. Bloodshed was everywhere because they lusted and had not.

Greed, the almighty dollar, and material things are seen there in America, as well as all of the above. It is legal to murder babies as a result of fornication and adultery. Homosexuality is in the open now, but is an abomination to God. He did not create us to be like that. Marriage is between a man and woman.

LET IT GO

Merciful Father, we have allowed sins to prevail and generations do not know right from wrong.

Please forgive us, turn us back to You, Holy Father.

Good in the Wildest Sense

O. T. #2037 "Good in the Wildest Sense"

Oct. 1, 2021

Hosea 3-Part 3

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and His goodness in the later days. (verse 5)

LET IT GLOW

The northern kingdom of Israel had rebelled against David's dynasty and had taken Jeroboam as their king. (1Kings 12-13) They reverted back to worshiping idols of gold. So God had to discipline them by moving Assyria to conquer them. Without repentance of sins, agreeing with God against us, there is judgment ahead. How much better it is to have His love and blessings.

Gomer would spend a period of time with Hosea on probation. She was to prove her faithfulness to him, and he to her during the period. After she truly responded to his gracious love, Hosea would restore her completely as his wife.

What was required of the straying Israelites?

• They must return (turn back; to retreat; fetch home again; retrieve)to the LORD. (22 times it is used in this book)
• They must seek [to search out (in worship or prayer)] the LORD their God and their King Jesus who was of the line of David and God's Son, the Messiah.
• They shall fear (stand in awe) of the LORD and His goodness (good in the wildest sense).

Israel will turn back to worshiping God instead of idols. They will worship and pray to Him alone. Also, they will stand in awe of the things He does for them and who He is. Finally, they will experience God's goodness in the wildest sense, beyond all their dreams. This will happen during the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ as King.

Are you ready?

LET IT GROW

When we return in real repentance of sins, then God's blessing are experienced once again. God's miraculous love and grace call all straying believers and lost unbelievers to turn to Him for mercy and salvation.

LET IT GO

Lord God Almighty, we need Your love, grace, and mercy.

Please forgive us of our sins and change our hearts.

May we always stand in awe of You, the One and Only God.

Open our eyes to see Your goodness in the wildest sense.

Thank You Father.