Merciful Kindness

O. T. #2076  "Merciful Kindness"

Nov. 30, 2021

Joel 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 117:1-2 says, O praise the LORD, all ye nations, praise Him, all ye people. For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

This is the shortest of the psalms by an unknown writer. He is inviting people everywhere to turn to the Lord and join believers in praising Him.

Wiersbe gives us 4 privileges that belong to God's people:

1. Worshipping God-The first praise means hallelujah-praise the Lord; the second praise means to boast, to extol and laud. It refers to us tell God how great He is, and we brag on Him to others.
2. Sharing the Gospel-To the nations (Gentiles) and peoples (nationalities in the world). Israel failed at bringing blessings to all the earth and giving true knowledge of God, Scriptures, and Savior.
3. Depending on God's great love-We are saved by grace, not by our good works. (Eph. 2:8-9) While we deserved death and darkness, God showed His merciful lovingkindness through Jesus Christ.
4. Resting on Divine assurance-Truth or faithfulness refers to stability, certainty, trustworthiness, faithful, sure. The character of God cannot change and His promises will not change. Our assurance is in the Word of God and the God of the Word. 

*I am sorry this has taken so long to post. My electricity went off and I was not able to get back on this site. Thank the Lord it was not erased. 

 

LET IT GROW

Look at verses 13-15 of the first chapter of Joel. The Word of the Lord through the prophet Joel is addressing the priests in Israel. No one was able to bring proper sacrifices to the temple because there were no meal, wine, or animals available. The people and the Temple were in need. Nice there was such devastation, the only thing man could do was to repent and mourn.

The priests and ministers were to:

• exhort themselves with sackcloth as a sign of mourning, even those attending the altar at night;
• Lament means to bewail (weep, mourn);
• Sanctify means keep holy, purify to a fast;
• Gather the elders and inhabitants of the land into the Lord's house;
• Cry refers to assemble, call (together), cause to be proclaimed unto the Lord.

Those are the instructions during the devastation of the locust plague, before the armies of world's empires attacked.

The main things was for the people to repent of their sinful idolatry and turn back to God.

Will we sanctify, lament, and cry before the Lord our God? His mercy endureth forever.

 

LET IT GO

Jesus, the lives of Patty and R. E. are in your hands, as well as us.

Your mercy has no end. Great is Your faithfulness.

Please show mercy unto them as they deal with cancer that wants to destroy their life.

We realize we are but sinners in need of a Savior today. You alone are our hope, Jesus. We give thanks unto the Lord, for Your mercy endureth to all generations.

In Your hands we leave our sister and brother in Christ.

Show Yourself mighty in each situation, according to Your will.

To You be the glory for ever and ever. Amen

Rejoice, Return, Rapture

O. T. #2075 "Rejoice, Return, Rapture"

Nov. 29, 2021

Joel 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Folks, Psalm 116 has a lot of good things to say to us believers in Jesus.

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple; I was brought low, and He helped me. (verses 5-6)

I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (verse 9)

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. (verse 15)

I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all His people. (verses 17-18)

God is always available so His children can reach Him immediately with our prayers and cry out for help. He bends down and listens to our voice. He answers the prayers of His children so He can give us His best. We are so precious to Him that God even chooses carefully the time when He calls us into His presence through death. God sees and values each life. So much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die in our place in order for our sins to be forgiven. What a sacrifice! Have you accepted it yet?

Do we offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD?

LET IT GROW

Let's remember that Joel probably prophesied during the reign of King Joash in Judah (835-796 BC). It would have been about 210 years before Babylon conquered Judah.

The people were careless and concerned only with their sinful pleasures instead of pleasing God and only worshiping Him. Sin's shackles had them bound.

What was going to happen in the land of Judah?

• The locusts (conquering armies) would devour the grapes so the drunkards could have no wine. (verse 5)
• A great lion/nation was coming as a lion to lay waste the fig trees.(verses 6-7)
• There would be no meat and drink offerings for the priests to give the LORD. (verse 9)
• Cornfields would be a wasteland, thus no oil available. (verse 10)
• No wheat or barley would be harvested. (verse 11)
• The pomegranate, apple, and palm trees will wither. (verse 12a)

The entire population is affected.

Joy is withered away from the sons of men. (verse 12b)

Is our joy withered? Are we so bogged down with troubles and despair that we just go through the motions of each day?

Our Creator will return to earth and set free those in sin's shackles, and then the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad... and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom like the rose. (Isaiah 35:1)

 

LET IT GO

Rejoice, for the Day of the Lord is coming!

Look up, for our Redemption draweth nigh!

One day Jesus will return and rapture us into heaven.

While we wait, let us rejoice, give thanks, and stay faithful to our King Jesus.

 

 

From Wasted to Productive

O. T. #2074 "From Wasted to Productive"

Nov. 26, 2021

Joel 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

As we continue in the psalms for encouragement, look at 115:

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake. Wherefore should the heathern say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased. (verses 1-3)

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. (verse 13)

Our God is is on His glorious throne, reigning as the Sovereign God of the universe, that is where He is. His throne is founded on mercy and truth (love and faithfulness), which reminds us of His covenant with Israel. Because He loved them, He chose them (Deut. 7:7-11) and gave them His covenant, which He faithfully kept. All of God's people can shout, "Alleluia! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns!"    (Wiersbe)

Who gets credit if God answers my prayer?

With a heavy heart I write, for my sister in law has ovarian cancer, and goes to the oncologist Tuesday for their plan of treatment. Also, a good friend in the ministry has stomach cancer. He is getting a feeding tube and port put in this morning. He will be finding out  the doctors' plan of treatment soon, also. We would appreciate your prayers for these two loved ones. Our God does whatsoever pleases Him, so we give glory to the Lord Most High.

LET IT GROW

As we look further into the first chapter, we read of the four stages of the locust in verse 4 that Joel tells Israel is coming:

1. The palmerworm, which hatches out, is characterized by its gnawing activity;
2. The locust, which gets its wings and flies;
3. The cankerworm, that grows and eats away leaves, fruit, bark;
4. The caterpillar, which is full growth and development, devours anything in its path.

How devastating it would be for the grape harvest to be lost, as well as other crops, such as wheat, barley, fig, pomegranate, apple, etc.

As the locusts invasions were horrible, so would those human armies as they attacked. Those 4 stages of the locust's development are often taken as prophetic of the Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman empires, which overran and controlled Judah.

Don't be discouraged, for God promised restoration in 2:25. He can repair our losses and make good on what damage we do in our life. Just come to Jesus.

As the father of the prodigal son made up for all that his son squandered, God vows that He will restore our loss.

Worthless years. Futile. Wasted.

Joni Eareckson Tada admits her hidden sins, lack of Bible reading, a dying prayer life after her disabling accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down. Although she has never recovered, she now uses her time and life to honor God and encourage others to come to Jesus.

LET IT GO

Father, please for my wasted years that I squandered on my fleshly desires. Renew my time so it is used for Your glory and honor, sharing the gospel with others.

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

Here are some verses in Psalm 113 that fits this time of year:

Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.

The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens.

Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

Who humbleth Himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! (verses 1-6)

God's name is the greatest. Do we glorify Him, making God look good to those who ignore Him, oppose Him, or do not know Him?

His throne is the highest. Are we exulting our King Jesus above all others?

The love and grace of God made Him stoop to our level as Jesus came to become one of us and die on the cross for us.

Think of Hannah (Samuel), Rachael (Joseph), Mary (Jesus), Elizabeth (John the Baptist).

No matter how dark the day or impossible the circumstances, our God is able to do the impossible. (Eph. 3:19-20)

Therefore, let us praise the God Most High, our Savior and Redeemer! There is no one like our God Jehovah!

An Urgent Message

O. T. #2073  "An Urgent Message"

Nov. 23, 2021

Joel 1

LET IT GLOW

Like a mystery, what is Joel about to reveal to his readers and listeners? Can we hear the urgency and intensity in his voice? When something extraordinarily good or extraordinarily bad happens to us, we can't wait to tell a trusted friend. What Joel is about to say is of such importance that he addresses his audience of:

• old men, elders, who were respected citizens of the land;
• those inhabitants of the land;
• hearers, regardless of their age, occupation, social position, or sex;
• and the descendants of Israel; (verses 2-3)
• drunkards, careless people in the land interested only in their sinful pleasures; (verses 5-7)
• farmers whose crops will be destroyed, as well as flocks and herds; (verses 8-12)
• priests, who were called to lament, pray, fast and seek the Lord. (verses 13-20)

Joel's prophecy is not to be forgotten, but communicated to succeeding generations.

Has the gospel become so urgent to us that we share with our children and grandchildren? Do we share our testimony when we have opportunity? How important to us is what Jesus did on the cross for us sinners?

LET IT GROW

This prophecy is not to be forgotten. It contains two unique, never-to-be forgotten events, but remembered and told to Israel's descendants-the locust plague upon Israel and the Day of the Lord.

We will read more details of those two events. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors? Can we imagine the tension and suspense of the readers and listeners? Well, what is it?

LET IT GO

May we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with urgency.

One day He will return to earth to take His children home. Will you be one of them?

Jesus is the only way to God and heaven.

Have you come to Him yet, in repentance of sins, admitting you need a Savior?

There is coming a day when everything will end. Are you ready?

What is God Saying to Us?

O. T. #2072 "What is God Saying to Us?"

Nov. 22, 2021

Introduction to Joel

The Word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. (verse 1)

 

I want to take this time and thank you for your faithfulness in joining me as we study the 12 minor Prophets. It is difficult to find encouragement during such discouraging writings. Yet, we know God is in control and we have a hope in Jesus, our Savior. May the Lord bless you! And if you have joined us recently, may we grow together in the knowledge of our gracious and merciful God.

Background

Author:

Little is known about this Joel who wrote these words in 3 short chapters and 73 verses. There are at least a dozen other men mentioned with the same name in the OT. He is mentioned in the NT in Acts 2.

The name Joel, pronounced Yow'el (Yo-ale'), means Jehovah (is his) God, in the Hebrew language.

The only background we have on this Joel is that his father was named Pethuel, which is mentioned no where else in the Scriptures. Other sources say that Joel was from the tribe of Reuben and from the town of Bethom or Bethharam, located northeast of the Dead Sea on the border of Reuben and Gad. It is hinted that Joel was a Judean from the Jerusalem vicinity, since the tone of a stranger is absent.

There are various opinions as to when Joel wrote his prophesies. There are no hints as to the world powers. He may have written them post-exilic prophets or during the reign of Joash (835-796 BC), which seems most convincing. Anyway, his message is timeless and can be applied in any age.

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Apparently Joel was not a priest. His ministry may have occurred shortly after the days of Elijah and Elisha. That would have made him an early prophet of Judah. He doesn't mention Nineveh or Babylon, but does mention the Phoenicians, Philistines, Edomites, and Egyptians.It is possible that Joel could have written after the Babylonian captivity because the walls of Jerusalem are mentioned, so that would have placed Joel after Ezra and Nehemiah.

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Setting:

Throughout the years, Judah experienced droughts, attacks of enemies, and economic devastation, leaving them a weak southern kingdom.

Judah had become prosperous and complacent, taking God for granted. They turned to self-centeredness, idolatry, and sin. Joel warned them that this kind of lifestyle would inevitably bring God's judgment.

Theme or Purpose:

A day of judgment was coming because of Judah's sins, resulting in devastation of the land (locust plague and drought) and the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD). The Day of the Lord will bring restoration, though. There is hope of the material, spiritual, and national restoration for Judah.

In verse 1, Joel begins his prophecy by authenticating his prophetic office. The words he wrote had their source in God. Joel did not seek this message. He was called by God. The King came to a servant and commanded the servant to comply. (Tony Evans)

What is God saying to us? Joel wanted the people to know what God was saying to them through those critical events.

Give us ears to hear Your Word to us in this time, Lord.

Open our eyes to see our sins, bring us to repentance, and change our heart so we honor You.

 

 

 

 

 

LET IT GO

Certainty in an Uncertain World

O. T. #2071 "Certainty in an Uncertain World"

Nov. 19, 2021

Summary of Hosea-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Tonight between 1-3am, there is a lunar eclipse in our area. Even though I have seen it numerous times in my lifetime, it is still amazing how our God lines up earth between the sun and moon. I hope He will wake me up to see His handiworks. (I write this Thursday morning.)

As we live in a time of uncertainty, there is certainty. Billy Graham said, "We live in a world that is broken because of sin, and we share in its brokenness. It should give us greater compassion for others and make us yearn for Heaven."

 Looking at Psalm 11, we find:

• We are to praise the LORD with our whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. (verse 1)
• The works of the LORD are great, honorable and glorious, so wonderful to be remembered. (verses 2-4)
• The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. (verse 4b)
• He gives us meat; he is always mindful of His covenant. (verse 5)
• He shows His people the power of His works. (verse 6)
• The works of God's hands are verity (stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness, faithful) and judgment. (verse 7)
• He sent redemption unto His people; He commanded His covenant forever. (verse 9)
• Holy and reverend is His name. (verse 9b)

Do we have our eyes open to see the working of God in our life and the life of others around us? The works of God's hands are our certainty. We see Him heal, mend, protect, and astound us with His power, grace, and compassion.

 

LET IT GROW

Israel knew and saw the love of God like no other nation knew it. He had delivered them from famine, redeemed them from sin, protected them from enemies, His forgiveness, revelation, and love. Still yet, Israel turned to dumb idols and gave herself to them. This is sin at its worst.

Hosea called for repentance of spiritual adultery, to turn back to their First Love. But they would not, so Assyria conquered them. Have we left our first love? Do we know others who have? There is coming a day when Israel will believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah and their salvation.  

We see this hope in 14:8, when Israel will one day return to God with her whole heart. Folks, God loves us so much that He knew we could not be righteous, so He sent Jesus to become our righteousness. Without Him we would perish in our sins. With Jesus as our Savior, we have a home in heaven awaiting for us.

Do you believe in Jesus? Have you trusted in Him as your Savior?

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are so trustworthy, certain, stability, and Truth.

There is no doubt or denying that it is You we need.

Start a fire in us today, so we are on fire for Jesus.

You are our only hope of eternal life.

Open our eyes to see Your handiworks around us.

 

Hope and Help

O. T. #2070 "Hope and Help"

Nov. 18, 2021

Summary of Hosea

LET IT GLOW

Feeling worthless these days? Then sing and praise God and attitudes will be changed. We should feel hopeful.

In Psalm 108, David said, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. (verse 1)

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies. (verses 12-13)

David expressed his confidence in God, praising Him for His faithful love and faithfulness. He desired to see God save His people and show His power over their enemies. Unless the Lord accompanied David's armies, there was no hope; human help is worthless. Without God, we are impotent to achieve anything. With God we will perform valiantly. (Tony Evans)

Hang on by a thread. God sees us and knows what we need, just when we need it, too.

LET IT GROW

After northern tribes of Israel broke away from the other two, they seemed to spiral down the political and moral tube. Their kings led them into spiritual idolatry and away from God.

 Hosea's marriage was purposed to be an example of how Israel treated God. We found it in the first three chapters. Gomer left Hosea to pursue her lusts, but Hosea found her, redeemed her, and brought her home again, fully reconciled.

Hosea's ministry was probably some five years before Assyria came and conquered Israel. Israel played the harlot, like Gomer did. God's judgment, love, grace, and mercy is woven into this story. The infinite, constant, and persistent love of God for His people will one day bring them to repentance.

Restoration of Israel will come during the Millennium reign of Christ as King on earth. In 2:15, Jesus is a door of hope, not only to Israel, but also to us.

Israel and believers will be people of God and He will be their God. (2: 23)

When there is no priest in Israel, Jesus is our High Priest, interceding for us to God. (3:4)

God desires mercy and not sacrifice; knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (6:6)

Are we showing mercy to others? Are we seeking God and His Word more than entertainment?

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus Christ, You alone are our hope. (1 Timothy 1:1)

May we sing, praise, and give glory to You.

Jesus, You are our only help in time of trouble. (Ps. 46:1)

Calmed Storms

O. T. #2069  "Calmed Storms"

Nov. 17, 2021

Hosea 14-Part 4

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. (Hosea 14:9)

LET IT GLOW

Friend, are you in the midst of a storm in your life? It may be financial, marital, family, or a job where there are waves of turmoil and distress. Do you need a storm calmed and waves stilled? Here is the answer for us.

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. (Psalm 107:28-29)

sometimes we do not cause a storm, but brought on by others. You may feel like you are almost drowning in the storm. The answer is to turn to Jesus for help. He has calmed storms and guided to the right port, like the disciples.

When God delivers us from overwhelming circumstances of life, we should respond with great praise. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

Read our key verse above. Are we wise and prudent, as well as have understanding?

New Living Translation says it this way, Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.

Prudent to separate mentally (or distinguish); discern; look well to.

Have we been listening carefully to what God said though Hosea?

What can we glean from this verse?

• Those that are wise and prudent, in right relationship and fellowship with God, will understand the things written in this prophecy.
• the ways of the LORD God are right, so those that are right with Him will heed the words of this prophecy and prosper.
• In contrast, transgressors, those out of fellowship with God, will not understand it and will fall because of the prophecies; they will be overtaken by the words and perish.

Because the Lord's ways are right, you need to transform your thoughts to match His. You need a kingdom mind. It views life from the divine viewpoint (found in His Word) and live accordingly. A kingdom mindset is the difference between the righteous who walk in God's ways and the rebellious who stumble in them. (Tony Evans)

Even though Gomer did not deserve Hosea's love, he still loved her. Even though we don't deserve God's love, we have it. Praise Him for His grace, turn to God in repentance, and live for His glory. 

LET IT GO

Everything will be all right,  for the whole world is in God's hands.

So our gracious God has our situation under control.

Therefor, we need to trust His wisdom, timing, and power to do the right thing for us.

What Kind of Sacrifices Please God?

O. T. #2068  "What Kind of Sacrifices Please God?"

Nov. 16, 2021

Hosea 14-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 107:22 says, And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

Who is the "them" in that verse? The answer is found in the previous verse-those that praise the LORD for His goodness and wonderful works. So not only are we to praise God with psalms, songs, and words, but we are also to give Him thanks. Do we share how merciful and gracious our covenant-keeping God is? How much are we rejoicing? (Speaking to myself, too.)

What are we to do? Sacrifice means to slaughter, offer, slay. Thanksgiving refers to adoration, an extension of the hand, confession, praise.

Do we offer our God adoration, praise, confession, with hands lifted high? We deny our self take up our cross, and follow Jesus with thanksgiving, He is pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16 tells us, By Him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Continually. So we are to thank God all the day long. I had not noticed that before.

LET IT GROW

Read verse 8, New Living Translation (NLT) says it this way:

O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from Me.

The 10 northern tribes of Israel separated themselves from God because they worshiped idols instead of Him. They were corrupt with superstitions and fictitious gods. Eventually, Israel will repent and confess those sins during the Millennial reign of Christ on earth. God will be their protector like a fir tree provides shade and remains green while other trees loose their leaves fall off. Their fruit only comes from God. Her gives rich and abundant life. (Keep in mind that Hosea is writing during the reigns of the last kings of Israel.)

We must be connected to Jesus in order to bear spiritual fruit, for without Him we can do nothing. Even though we make blunders and wrong choices, God is ready to forgive us. Do you recall Nineveh, where Jonah did not want to go preach repentance? God saved those horrible heathens.

LET IT GO

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, worthy of our praise and glory and worship!

There are so many things for us to thank You for, our merciful God.

Yours is amazing grace and unchanging love. You took our place, laying down Your life for us, so we do not have to pay for our sins!

Praise Jesus! Thank You Jesus!

Thank You for answering our prayers.

Use us today to bear spiritual fruit for You honor.

Choosing Blessings

O. T. #2067  "Choosing Blessings"

Nov. 15, 2021

Hosea 14-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8,15, 21,31)

Do you know that the word wonderful means marvelous; miracles; great in the Hebrew language?

What miracles had God done for you lately? Have you seen or felt His marvelous and great working in your life last week?

God gives me eyes that continue to see the beauty of His creation, those orange, yellow, red, and green leaves on local trees. How marvelous is His works!

As I spoke of previously, I had a colonoscopy Monday. I thank God for His goodness in keeping me from throwing up the prep drink and for His wonderful works in that there were only 2 polyps for the doctor to remove. How grateful I am for my gastroenterologist!

How about you, friend? What wonderful works has God done in your life lately? Would you share with us?

LET IT GROW

I found an old Sunday School lesson on this chapter. It gave the main ideas of: When God's Words become our words (verses 1-3); When God's blessings become our blessings (verses 4-7); When God's ways become our ways (verses 8-9).

Like Israel, may Christians have wandered away from God. They need to know they have hope for forgiveness and restoration to a right relationship with Him-but they must come to God on His conditions.

When we stop attending worship services and our behavior displeases God, we may feel guilty. We need encouragement and love to leave the mess in our life and get back on track with the Lord.

Israel had backslidden and slipped away from God, but He was willing to heal them. Do we realize when we make a blunder of our life and need to return to God through repentance? Perhaps we know someone in that condition spiritually. Reassure them that Jesus still loves them and will welcome them back with open arms.

Are we doing what God's Word says? Are we reading the Word daily and praying? Or has something taken the place of God?

Look at verses 4-7. God gives us some "I will's":

• He will heal backsliders. (Israel will repent of their sins during the Millennial Reign of Christ and recognize Him as the Messiah.)
• He will freely love them.
• He will turn His anger away from them.
• He will be as the dew so they grow as flowers. (They will be beautiful and productive for God.)
• He will cast forth His roots in Israel. (They will be stable and durable.)
• His branches will spread over them. (They will be firm and bountiful.)
• His smell will be over them as the olive tree. (No stench and scar of idolatry will be present, but removed.)
• His shadow will give them safety.
• He will cause them to grow (in faith and obedience) as corn.
• He will revive Israel and their fragrance will be as the wine of Lebanon. (Their sin will be dwelt with and they shall be cured.)

Hosea mentions Lebanon 3 times. Israel will again become a rich and fertile land under God's blessing and nourishing care. How grateful we are that God receives us, restores us, and revives us.

I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life.  (Deut. 30:19)

What a time of restoration! Isn't it marvelous when a straying child of God comes back to Him! It is a blessing, for sure! As long as they are alive, there is hope of repentance. continue to pray for our loved ones.

LET IT GO

Help us to serve You obediently, not disobediently, with our life.

May our decisions be wise and not foolish.

Let us choose God's ways and not our way , nor the way of the world.

Keep us on the right path, the Lord's path, the straight and narrow.

Doing an About Face

O. T. #2066  "Doing an About Face"

Nov. 12, 2021

Hosea 14

LET IT GLOW

O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. (Psalm 107:1-2)

God has done so much for us. Don't we have so much for which to thank Him? Are we sharing His goodness with others?

Jesus is The Way. (John 14:6)

Jesus is the Bread of Life. (John 6:33)

Jesus is the Living Water. (John 4:10-14)

Jesus is the Giver of Rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Who is Jesus to you?

LET IT GROW

Hosea calls Israel to repent and be restored in this chapter. Hosea is begging his nation to turn from their idol worship and back to God worship.  Israel's wealth could not save them. Israel's idols could not save them. Assyria (Asshur) could not save them. Nor could their arm save them. Their only hope was in God alone.

Repentance and returning to the LORD is the only response to God's anger against sin. Have we looked into our heart lately? When we ask forgiveness of our sins, do we do an about face and change our ways? Are we obeying Jesus?

God is help to the helpless, hope to the hopeless, a Father to the fatherless. He is mercy to us sinners who do not deserve mercy.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Worthy is the Lamb who is holy, worthy of praise and glory and worship.

LET IT GO

In Christ alone my hope is found. I will glory in the power of the cross.

Bless His holy name, Savior Jesus, our Redeemer!

Help is on The Way

O. T. #2065  "Help is on The Way"

Nov. 11, 2021

Hosea 13-Part 5

O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in Me is thine help. (verse 9)

LET IT GLOW

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's children.

(Psalm 103:15-17)

When you get my age  you thank God for each day of life He has blessed us with. It is because the days of our lives is like a flower that blooms for a moment and then withers and vanishes away.

Today, Mom would have been 99. I realize how short life is. She has been gone 24 years now, but living her everlasting life with Jesus, Dad, and her family. Next year my family needs to come together and celebrate their 100 years.

In contrast, the merciful love of the LORD is forever and eternal upon those that love Him. Even upon our children and grandchildren it is bestowed. It boggles my mind when I try to consider a forever life in heaven.

Are you going to be there with me, dear one? Look me up when you get there. I so much want sit down with you and hear your life's story and what Jesus did for you.

LET IT GROW

Now let's look at our key verse. The fall of Israel was brought on my herself. She turned away from Jehovah as her God to idols that were nothing. She could not rightful blame God for her destruction, loss of treasures, and taken away into slavery by the Assyrians.

We are each responsible for our own actions and condition we are in now. However, there is help available. We can get help (to surround, protect, aid) from our God.

We must humble our self before Him, look to God's Word, and believe He is the source of our strength and sustenance. (Tony Evans)

Otherwise, there is no telling what God may have to do to prove that you have no help but Him.

Here are some encouraging words from the Psalms:

Our soul waiteth for the LORD: He is our help and our shield. (33:20)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (46:1)

But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: Thou art my help and deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying. (70:5)

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (121:1-2)

Are you in need of some help today? Pray.

*Let us remember our veterans, our service men and women, and their families today.

 

LET IT GO

Thank You, God for letting us live in a free country today.

Please bless and protect our service people, past and present, and their families.

Praise to the God of our strength and help.

Please hear the prayers of those who need Your help.

Love, Compassion, and Mercy

O. T. #2064  "Love, Compassion, and Mercy"

Nov. 10, 2021

Hosea 13-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 103:13-14 says, Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.

Which word is used twice in verse 13? It is the word pitieth, which means to love, have compassion,  mercy.

Unlike the pagan gods, who are apathetic, Almighty God loves us like a father loves his children, unlike the unbelieving pagan fathers.

Thank you for your prayers Monday. God gave me strength to endure an only liquid diet on Sunday, then to drink the prep awful drink, to have faith through 3 pricks for the IV, and live through low blood pressure after the doctor removed 2 polyps this year instead of 3 as last year. As I write on Tuesday morning, I and depending on His strength to help me sit up and finish today's study. How great is our God!

God knows my weak frame, body. Since I have an autoimmune disease, Crohns, I feel like a weakling. Glory in the highest, our God and Savior reigns. How powerful He is!

One day my body will turn to dust, but it won't be today. God formed man from the dust and to dust he will return. He kept watch on us before we were born and throughout the lifetime of our body. Also, God keeps watch over our soul. He blesses and provides for His children now. How can I but praise the Living Savior Jesus Christ!

I am ready for eternity, whenever I the time for my being transformed to it come. Are you, dear one?

LET IT GROW

Last time we discussed how there is no Savior besides the Lord Jesus. (verse 4)

In verses 7-8, Hosea writes what God warned Israel. He would come as four animals, as Daniel 7 pictured the conquering nations:

1. a lion-Babylon,
2. a leopard-Greece (under Alexander the Great),
3. a bear-Medo-Persia empire,
4. a wild beast-the brutal Assyrian army. (J. Vernon McGee)

As a lion and leopard, God will track down Israel. As a bereaved bear, He will tear them to pieces; and as a lioness and wild beast, He will devour them. (All because Israel would not repent of their idolatry and immorality, turn back to God, and only worship Him.) 

Israel had forgotten their God who brought them out of slavery in Egypt, gave them the Promised Land, and made them to prosper. As they prospered, they forgot their Provider.

Folks, we must be careful to not follow in their ways.

LET IT GO

Remain faithful to a Faithful God.

Repent of our sins to a Righteous Savior.

King Jesus, You are our Living Water, our Bread of Heaven, our Righteousness, our strength, our life!

Such love, compassion, and mercy You show to us, Father!

You are always there for me, Jesus! You are always going to be-my God He is, ways, and will be forever and ever. Amen!

 

Only One Savior and Way to Heaven-Jesus Christ

O. T. #2063 "Only One Savior and Way to Heaven-Jesus Christ"

Nov. 9, 2021

Hosea 13-Part 2

Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but Me: for there is no Savior beside Me. (verse 4)

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 103:13-14 says, Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.

 

I remember as a preschooler in the afternoon Dad would sit in his chair to take a nap after all the chores were done. Sometimes I would crawl up in his lap and nap, too. I felt safe and loved there.

Our God is like a father-tender and compassionate. Although we can't be held physically by Him, we can receive His love in our heart by means of His Holy Spirit. (Rom. 5:5)

If you have not yet experienced this self-giving love, come to God through His son, Jesus Christ. It is eternal love. Just ask for it.

LET IT GROW

We can't work for our salvation; we can't plan it by being good or giving money. There is only one Savior, and He is Jesus Christ, who can save us from the punishment of our sins.

In John 14:6, Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

God was Jesus in the flesh. It was His way and plan to provide us a way to heaven and forgiveness of our sins.

In the Hebrew language, Savior (Yasha/yaw-shah') means to be open, wide, or free; to be safe; deliver; defend; rescue.

Jesus came to set us free from the bonds of sin, rescuing us. He makes us safe as He delivers us to the Father. He delivers us from the penalty of our sins-death. For sin must be paid for, which Jesus did with His blood sacrifice. He was the perfect sacrifice; we can't be. Wow! Grace and mercy.

Other Scriptures include: Isaiah 43:3, 11; 45:14, 21; 60:16; 63:8; John 4:42; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 John 4:14.

Christ Jesus is the Only Savior, so we need not look for another. Are we passing on this Good News?

LET IT GO

Thank You, Jesus, for loving us sinners, enduring the temptations of the world, and dying on the cross for us.

We love You Jesus, Yasha.

We praise Your name!

You alone are the One and Only Savior, and way to heaven.

Please save those who read this and do not yet know You.

Help them to admit they are a sinner in need of a Savior.

Give them faith to believe in You alone.

Wallowing in the Past

O. T. #2063   "Wallowing in the Past"

Nov. 8, 2021

Hosea 13

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 103:10-12 says, He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.

Look what Life Application Study Bible has to say:

When God forgives our sin, He separates it from us and doesn't even remember it. We need never wallow in the past, for God forgives and forgets. We tend to dredge up the ugly past, but God has wiped our record clean. If we are to follow God, we must model His forgiveness. When we forgive another, we must also forget the sin. Otherwise, we have not truly forgiven.

After reading this, I know one thing, I need to quit wallowing in the past hurt pool. I tend to swim there. Sometimes it almost drowns me. Forgive and forget, and go on. That is hard to do. With Jesus, I can. How about you?

LET IT GROW

Ephraim was a reference for the northern kingdom of Israel. Ephraim and Manasseh were the sons of Joseph; Ephraim Jacob blessed, but was not the first born. They felt they were an important tribe and deserved to be listened to and obeyed. Their pride caused them trouble. Gideon and Jephthah had to deal with it. The Ephraimites refused to submit to David's rule after King Saul died. They were so powerful that the kingdom was even called by their name.

The down-fall of Ephraimites was their idol worship. They made golden calves and offered human sacrifices to the man-made idols, even kissing them, worshiping them. Also, idols were made of gold and silver.

But idols are nothing. Hosea compared the people to the "nothings" with which they were familiar.

In verse 3, Israel was like:

• the early morning dew which vanishes away when the sun rises;
• the chaff that the wind blows away;
• smoke that disappears out the window and is seen no more.

[Resource: The Wiserbe Bible Commentary]

Through Jacob, God had promised abundant blessings to Joseph and his sons, and that promise was fulfilled. (Gen. 48-49) It's too bad the people did not use what God gave them for God's glory. Her days were numbered and soon they would vanish away.

Our lives are like dew, chaff, and smoke. Soon it will vanish into the grave. It is what we do with Jesus now that counts. Do you know Him as Your Savior? After we die it is too late, friend. He is God's Son who died in our place so we can be in heaven with Him forever. Either we believe Jesus took our place in sin-punishment or we pay for our sins personally. It is our choice.

LET IT GO

Seek Jesus' forgiveness of my sins.

Forgive others of their sins toward me.

Receive mercy and give mercy today.

What We Do Matters

O. T. #2062  "What We Do Matters"

Nov. 5, 2021

Hosea 12-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Continuing in Psalm 103:5-8, speaking about the LORD, Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

The same God who provided for and acted on the behalf of Israel and Moses in the wilderness can do the same for us. David experienced it, too.

Aren't so we glad that the Lord is merciful, gracious, and slow to anger, patient? Are we that way toward others?

LET IT GROW

How is Israel described by Hosea in verses 7-14?

• They were like crafty merchants that was deceitful in their business transactions, and love to cheat. (verse 7)
• They became rich, considering it was due to their doings, not God. Israel thought they could buy their way with money.(verse 8)
• Their worship is worthless because of their idol worship and sacrifice bulls. (verse 11)
• They provoked the LORD to anger. (verse 14)
• Their vanity and iniquity meant Israel was guilty and deserved death.

As a result of all of these sins, God declared:

• They would live in tents again  (in Assyria), just as they had previously in Egypt. Israel had yearly as a worshipful sign, lived in tents in observation of The Feast of Tabernacles, remembrance of God's deliverance out of Egypt and slavery.(verse 9)
• God had spoken to Israel by the prophets, visions, ministry, and similitudes (silence). They could not blame God for Israel's problems, for He had warned them.(verse 10)
• God had preserved Israel in the wilderness those 40 years of wanderings. (verse 13)
• They had provoked God to bitter anger. As a result, He would punish Israel, sentencing them to death as payment for their sins. (verse 14)

Are we like Israel and claim our success due to our own hard work, initiative, or intelligence? Is there pride, so we use our money for what pleases us instead of what pleases God?

Our faithfulness and character is more important than our pocketbooks. We need to remember that all our opportunities, abilities, and resources come from God. Do we thank Him for His graciousness toward us?

LET IT GO

Recall our humble beginnings and stay humble before our God.

Thank God for the milk and oats as we eat oatmeal for breakfast. Also, for those who process it for us to have.

Water, heat, food, clothing, family, jobs, cars, house, health, salvation, breath, and heart beat-all things come from God, Jehovah Jireh.

Thank You God, for Your grace, mercy, and patience daily shown toward us.

He's got the whole world in His hands, and us, too.

*Please remember me in prayer Monday morning while I have a colonoscopy.

Do We?

O. T. #2061  "Do We?"

Nov. 4, 2021

Hosea 12-Part 3

Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. (verse 6)

LET IT GLOW

Here is a wonderful and much needed psalm by David.

Psalm 103:1-4 says, Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

Do you know what the word bless means in Hebrew? It means to kneel; to bless God (as an act of adoration); praise; thank.

How often do we kneel before God in our prayer closet  to praise  and adore Him, as well as thank Him?

Do we:

• thank God for all He has done for us, and not take them for granted?
• recognize that He forgives all our sins?
• believe it is He that heals all our diseases?
• express our gratitude for His redeeming our life from destruction?
• know that God gives us His faithful love and compassionate tender mercies?

How great is our God! We, who deserve hell and punishment for our sins, receive mercy daily because of Jesus Christ. A snap of His finger and we would perish. We have so much to be thankful for, don't we?

LET IT GROW

If only Israel had done like Hosea spoke of in our key verse. If only they would have come back to God in repentance of their idolatry. If only they would have acted lovingly and in justice toward others. If only they had always depended upon their God. If only...

Are we in the same boat?

How about our waiting? Do we wait on God continually? Are you waiting on Him to answer a prayer, move in your situation?

Wait means to bind together (by twisting); collect; to expect; look; tarry; patiently.

Folks, I know that God is faithful, so let us continually look for and expect Him to do that thing we need. Now the patiently part is what I always have to work on. How about you?

LET IT GO

He makes a way when there seems no way.

Praise and thank God for what He is going to do.

Thank Him for His lovingkindness and mercy.

Who Is, Was, and Is to Come?

O. T. #2060 "Who Is, Was, and Is to Come?"

Nov. 3, 2021

Hosea 12-Part 2

Even the LORD God of Hosts: the LORD is His memorial. (12:5)

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 102:25-27 says, Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. They shall perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed: But Thou art the same, and Thy years shall have no end.

Have you thought about the fact that God will never change nor end?He is, was, and always will be. Even though the heaven and earth disappear, God will not. He is always with us. We know God is with us from the time we first trust in Jesus as our Savior, throughout our days of life, during our death, and forever, always, eternally. We find that in Hebrews 1:10-12; 13:5; Isaiah 34:4; Joshua 1:5.  

What a great promise!

LET IT GROW

Do you recall the name God gave to Israel as a memorial? Read our key verse. It is Jehovah, pronounced with a Y, not a J. (Don't know why it took me all these years to realize this.)

Jehovah means Self-Existent or Eternal.

This is what  name Israel would always know God as. In Exodus 3, we read where God told Moses that He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When Moses asked God what to say when he was asked His name, God said, I AM THAT I AM. This was Jehovah. 

Asaph mentioned this in Psalm 83:18. Isaiah used it in 12:2 and 26:4.

This is Jehovah's memorial, which refers to a momento; recollection; commemoration; remembrance.

He is made known throughout all generations as Jehovah. He is the One who was, is, and is to come-the Eternal One.

Jesus told the Jews that He was before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58) and Alpha and Omega, the beginning and ending, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev. 1:8)

You see, Jesus is God, part of the Trinity. Therefore, He always has been.

Don't dwell on that too much, for it will boggle your mind. We live in time and space, but God and Jesus do not. Take it by faith.

 

LET IT GO

Is Jehovah your God?

Do you believe in Jesus as Savior, God, Redeemer?

Do you know Him personally?

If not yet, simply believe and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior. He will. Then you will have a relationship with Jehovah forever and ever.

An Integrity Walk

O. T. #2059  "An Integrity Walk"

Nov. 2, 2021

Hosea 12

LET IT GLOW

As we continue to read of God's judgment upon Israel's idolatry, we could use some encouraging words, right? So I continue in the Psalms.

Psalm 101:1-3 says, I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto Thee, O LORD, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt Thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes...

King David recognizes God's faithful love and His justice. He pledges to worship God, live with integrity, and avoid sin and evil. He took his role as king seriously. He wanted to honor God and bless his people as he lead them with justice and righteousness.

If we are leaders, whether in society or in a church, we must consider if our life and actions demonstrate justice, righteousness, and love with mercy. Also, are our leaders doing that?

LET IT GROW

Israel is as one who feeds on the wind. (verse 1) A hot and dry wind, coming from the eastern desert, caused great devastation. Israel fed on that which did not nourish them (idolatry). The result was lies and desolation.

God intended to allow the Assyrians to come through the Northern Kingdom's land just like an eastern wind.

Instead of turning to God in repentance, Israel turned to allies of Assyria and Egypt. Instead of trusting God, they hoped to be spared by their allies using the trade of olive oil. but their political skeem did not work. 

Do we use bribery to get our way? Or are we trusting in our God?

LET IT GO

Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. God is in control. We can't control people and circumstances.

God, grant us the wisdom to know that we cannot control everything.

We trust in You with everything, for You, O God are trustworthy.

What are the Passwords?

O. T. #2058 "What are the Passwords?"

Nov.1, 2021

Hosea 11

LET IT GLOW

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.  (Psalm 100)

Are we excited when we come together to worship our LORD Jesus? Are we serving Him with gladness? Do we sing His praises with joy?

The sovereign God of the universe has invited you into His presence to serve Him. How could anyone receive such a remarkable invitation with disinterest? What is the password for entrance into His gates and courts? Thanksgiving and praise. God is good and faithful. So, worship Him, trust Him, and obey Him. You won't be disappointed. (Tony Evans)

Jesus Christ in God is our Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and Redeemer.

Do we recognize God for who He is, for what He has done, and for what we are trusting Him to do?

 

LET IT GROW

In verses 1-8, Israel is portrayed as a youth, who is disobedient and judgment must fall upon them because of their unfaithfulness to God. From this point on the emphasis is upon the Lord's love for Israel. God will not give up on Israel, the 10 northern tribes.

God brought Israel out of Egypt because He loved them. It was not because they were worthy or did good works. What did God do for them?

• God taught Israel how to walk-in His ways and commands. (verse 3a)
• He led them along by the hand into the Promised Land. (verse 3b)
• God led Israel with His ropes of kindness and love, lifting the yoke off their neck. (verse 4)

Israel didn't even know or care that it was God who took care of them. (verse 3c) Since Israel refused to repent and return to God, they would be enslaved again, but in Assyria. Their cities will be destroyed, trapping them in their own evil plans. (verses 5-6)

For My people are determined to desert Me. They call Me the Most High, but they don't truly honor Me. (verse 7, NLT)

Then God asks how He can give them up, let them go, and destroy them. (verse 8) Although they deserved it, God will bring His beloved Israel back to Him during the Millennial reign of Christ. The lost tribes are known to God.

LET IT GO

Great are You LORD!

It's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You, Holy God.

You give life; You bring light to the darkness; You give hope; You restore every heart that is broken.

Great are You LORD!

Your grace is enough!

May we let go and thank and praise our God!

Our sin-debt has been paid by Jesus!