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.