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.