In that day,” declares the Lord,"I will gather the lame; I will assemble the exiles and those I have brought to grief.

Micah 4

In that day,” declares the Lord,"I will gather the lame; I will assemble the exiles and those I have brought to grief. v6

We are all lame, stricken with some thorn in our side (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) - for none of us are free of sin and pain (Romans 3:23).  We are all exiled and separated from God due to our sin.  

Yet through Jesus we have reconciliation and restoration - freedom from the sting of sin and death. 

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

God has already gathered us to Him and He will do so once more in Heaven - for all of this we should be grateful!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who knows everything about me yet choose to submit His life for me so that I may be saved from the sting of sin and death!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such an act of grace and love - by a long shot! I continue to sin in my life and I need You daily to help protect myself from shame and from further sin.  Please forgive me for my worry.  Help me turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

Jonah 4

But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” v10-11

Arrogance, selfishness and righteousness are at the core of Jonah's anger at God's compassion.  God's response to Jonah is difficult for me today as I see much of myself in Jonah.  I often feel like I know what is best, I am critical of those who disagree with my view and I get angry or grumble/complain about those who criticize me.  

God is sovereign.  God is good.  And I must remember that His thoughts and ways are not my own and that I must come around to His way of thinking not vice versa.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

I must become present to what God IS doing in my life NOT what He is NOT doing in my life.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, God of all creation, the First and the Last and You are my Lord and Savior, having loved and chosen me while I was still sinning and even before I was born.  Thank You Jesus for adopting me as You son but please forgive me for my arrogance, selfishness, and righteousness.  Help me overcome and turn from such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Jonah 4

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” v4

I MUST remember that God is in control.  

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  Colossians 1:17

If I can remember that God is in control - I can have a better appreciation of how God has me where He wants me. If I don't like the circumstances and I am angry or I complain it is because I am angry at God.

In the desert, Moses reminds the Israelites that when they grumbled about no food or water, they were really complaining about God.

Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord. Exodus 16:8

God does not want us to grumble.  He wants us to be at peace so that others see Him in us.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15

..instead we are to:
 

...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 



My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love and compassion for me...and yet I still am often angry and I complain.  Thank You for Your patience for me but please forgive me!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me not grumble.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.

Jonah 2

Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord. v8-9

What's interesting is that while Jonah is desperate and cries out to God, it does not appear certain that he truly had a contrite heart and that he both acknowledged his sin (Jonah 1:12 establishes this) and explicitly sought God forgiveness for this sin.  You can acknowledge God's sovereignty and at the same time not fully surrender to such sovereignty...this to me appears to be the issue with Jonah...and of course with many of us, myself included.

We need to heed Jesus words from the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:3-10

If we are who Jesus talks about in the Beatitudes, we surrender ourselves to Him in the way that Jesus seeks (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-40).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are without a doubt King of Kings, Lord of Lords and sovereign over all for all times.  I can do no good things without You and all good and perfect gifts come from You.  You are in and before all things, You created all things through You and for You and You hold all things together.  You bless me well beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus but I desperately need You to cleanse my sins and to help me turn from such sins of harsh words towards others.  Help me turn towards You and love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.

Jonah 1

Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased. v13

Nothing can stop God's plan from coming to fruition.  God is in control and when He sets a plan in motion - nothing can stop it.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  Colossians 1:16-17

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

See also this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God who is before and in all things, You created all things and all things are for You.  I am part of Your creation created for Your glory and purposes.  You have done many miracles in my life - yet I often seek my own will and desires for my life and not Yours.  Thank You for the many blessings but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome my sins and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects from chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

Jonah 1

But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. v3

Running away from the Lord is never a good idea - it's not like You can hide from God.

You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you. Psalm 69:5

 

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

 

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17

 

Yet what Jonah does is far from uncommon.  We all have something we want to hide (at least from others) and there are times when we feel led to do something but at the same time resist God because we may feel that the task assigned to us by God is not something we want to do for whatever reason.

 

We may not feel equipped.  We may also feel that those to whom we are being sent do not deserve our time.  We may feel overqualified.  There are other reasons I am sure.  But we must obey God if for nothing else because He is sovereign and again it's not like He won't know we are disobeying Him and it's not like we're going to be able to stop Him from achieving His plan.

 

God will equip us...He loves us, He knows what is good for us and He has a plan.

 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 

 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  I know You love me, You equip me, encourage me...and so much more.  You rescued me and continue to save me from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such love and blessings.  I continue to worry...too much.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and from the side effects from chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.

Obadiah 1

Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord. v4

As a follow up to yesterday's post, I am reminded once again about the dangers of arrogance and pride.  I am guilty of these sins and need these reminders.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3

 

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

 

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Isaiah 5:21

 

 Instead, we should focus on denying ourselves and being humble:

 

Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16:19

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24

 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16

"Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” Luke 13:30

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, creator of all things, in and before all things and in control!  Apart from You I can do nothing!  I am thankful for how You have protected me, encouraged me, blessed me, etc.  I am humbled that You would do all of this for me because I am broken!  I continue to have issues with arrogance and pride - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’

Obadiah 1

The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ v3

Arrogance and pride are dangerous sin...click here for more. In this particular moment, I know I need God, yet there are moments when I act otherwise, or I claim to know that my way is better than God's way.  To be clear we should be certain that our ways and thoughts are not like God's:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Yet we must come to the point where we consider God's thoughts (the Bible and the Holy Spirit) better than our own.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and all good and perfect gifts come from You and You alone!  I am blessed to Know You and for You to have me as Your adopted son.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I know I continue to be arrogant and prideful in my life.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.

Amos 9

I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,”

says the Lord your God. v15

The last verse in the book of Amos reveals the hope of Christ - that God rescues us from the sting of sin and death.  While we may not be promised a life of worldly happiness, we are promised joy and peace (Galatians 5:22) in this world and eternity in Heaven with God.  We should be focused on how we are citizens of Heaven and be thankful and content with the life God gives us in this world as it is only temporary while we will have eternity in Heaven.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God who is full of mercy and compassion for me, even though I grumble and complain and I fail to obey.  Thank You for such mercies and compassion but please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!

Amos 6

Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come! v1

God does not want lukewarm believers - He wants our full attention and He wants us to be in action.


Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:32

 

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26

 

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Matthew 25:45

 

Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. Proverbs 20:4

 

We must live with the end in mind, be eternally-focused and ready so that when the day comes when Jesus returns He does not say ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’(Luke 13:27).

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God that is slow to anger and abounding in love, full of compassion, mercy and patience for me.  You loved me and chose me despite my sin.  You rescued me and You continue to rescue me...thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and compassion.  I am full of harsh thoughts and words, and I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give myself and Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, our church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.

Amos 5

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. v14-15

God is SO full of patience, mercy, and compassion on His children - He does not want to hurt them or punish them - He is a God who is slow to anger and abounding in love.

He loves us SO much that He sent His one and only son.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18 

God IS patient but His patience is not infinite. Jesus will return once again (Revelation) during the final days.  We should be ready.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 2 Peter 3:17

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and my words are but filthy rags as they cannot do justice for Your incomparable greatness.  I am not worthy of such a God who adopts me as His son.  I am grateful but undeserving of such grace.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my gossip, for my anger, my harsh thoughts, actions, and words.  Help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name.

Amos 4

He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name. v13

We often need to remind ourselves that there is a God, He is in everything, He has created everything in Him and for Him, and He holds everything together (Colossians 1:16-17).  He is all powerful, and all knowing.  He does not need us yet He loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son to suffer and die for us (John 3:16).  Our God is a great God and He is Almighty!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I see and feel Your presence every day.  I am so thankful for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I am not worth such love and blessings.  I am weak, selfish, lazy, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

Joel 3

But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. v16

Ever since The Fall in Genesis 3, sin and all of its consequences entered the world.  The Israelites failed to love, trust, and obey God as He commands us.  So God sent His one and only Son (John 3:16).  While we will have trouble in this world (see John 16:33), we CAN take heart as God is our refuge and stronghold and He is with us always (Matthew 28:20).

This world is not easy, yet He encourages us, protect us, teaches us, equips us, and gives us peace and joy.  God is power, hope and He will help us overcome all things - as He provides the Holy Spirit, the same power that rose Jesus from the grave:

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength  he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:18-21

My Prayer: Lord, I KNOW You are with me and You are incomparably great and give to me a glorious inheritance!  You bless me beyond what I deserve as I am selfish, lazy and disobedient - please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the from the side effects of chemo.  Help myself and Lisa lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

Joel 2

Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. v13

As a follow up to Tuesday's post, we once again see God as slow to anger and abounding in love.  God has every right to be angry with us because we sin constantly, we can't help it as this is the human condition since the beginning.  Yet God continues to pour out His grace and mercies for us - this is how great God is and my words fail to do Him justice.

We are commanded to not only love God but to love others and to love others as God loves us.


A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

This is a high standard but one we should strive for and ask for help from the Holy Spirit.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed great and full of patience, mercy and compassion on all of Your children.  You don't anyone to perish in the everlasting fire.  You want to spend eternity in Heaven with all of Your children so You send us out to make disciples.  Thank You Jesus for sending a disciple to me and I know I can do more to be a disciple of others who have yet to be saved.  Please forgive me for my selfishness and for my laziness.  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects from chemo.  Help Lisa and myself lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.

Joel 1

Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. v15

We must live in reverent fear of the Lord...not that He is an angry God full of wrath and seeking to destroy anyone in His path.  On the contrary, God loves us - even while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) - He is slow to anger and abounding in love, and He is jealous FOR and protective of us (see more here for commentary on righteous jealousy).

We must respect that God is all powerful, all knowing and He knows what is best for us and that He promises to save us from the sting of sin and death.  If we repent of our sins, He will save us.  We must also have faith and live for the eternal, being ready for His return or for when we are called home to heaven to be with Him.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE a great God who is all powerful, all knowing, slow to anger, and abounding in love for me.  You know what is best for me and You came to save me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love - I continue to be lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom and please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You and my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Hosea 14

The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. v9

Much of our culture has pushed aside God, viewing Him as some distant, uninvolved God that has no role in our life.  Absent God in our lives, we act without boundaries assuming this is freedom.  Yet ironically, we find ourselves more troubled than ever because of this "freedom".  For those of us who love and follow God, we understand that following God provides true freedom because we are no longer slaves to sin and death.

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Romans 6:17-18

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Hebrew 4:12-13

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You provide the freedom that we long for - freedom from the sting of sin and death...and You are with me...always. Thank You Jesus!  I desperately need You.  I am broken and I continue to sin.  I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.

Hosea 14

I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. v4

As a follow up to yesterday's post on how God is slow to anger and abounding love, here we have God promising to restore and heal the Israelites. 

Ultimately, however, we know where this goes and it takes God to send His one and only Son to save us (John 3:16).  Jesus will be victorious and Hosea prophesizes as such:

I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? Hosea 13:14

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” Acts 2:36

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Messiah and my Savior.  You came to rescue me and You did indeed!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such an act of love. I am lazy and selfish - forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us point Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You and my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man—the Holy One among you.

Hosea 11

My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man—the Holy One among you. v8-9

God is SO patient - He loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).  God pursues us, knowing full well that we are broken and sinful people.  He loves us SO much that He wants to save us from the sting of sin and death...even until the very end of times He pursues us.   Israel's story is our story - We are the ones that turn away from God and He is the one that forgives and saves.  He is "slow to anger, abounding in love".  We ALL turn away and He is always there, never changing loving us all the same.

Exodus 34:6

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 

 

Numbers 14:18

‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’ 

 

Nehemiah 9:17

They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, 

 

Psalm 86:15

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

 

Psalm 103:8

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

 

Joel 2:13

Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. 

 

Jonah 4:2

He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a God You are, so full of mercy, patience, and love for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such efforts - what an amazing God You are!  I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us point Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors, the roar of battle will rise against your people[.]

Hosea 10

Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors, the roar of battle will rise against your people[.] v13-14

When we think about turning away from God we do so by idolizing money, sex, careers, etc....the list is many.  Yet we often to see how we worship ourselves.  We can do this through seemingly innocent statements such as I don't need God, or I don't need Him today.  We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and we need His daily bread (Proverbs 30:8, Matthew 6:11, Luke 11:3).  Also, it is important that apart from God we can do nothing.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

We must not only acknowledge that we need Jesus, but that we need Him for everything - every day.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who provides for all things and does so abundantly.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I often go about my way without seeking You - please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give myself and Lisa strength and wisdom.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.

Hosea 6

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. v1-2

God is SO merciful and He offers to take us back despite our sin.  He knows we are broken and imperfect and He loves us just as we are and He wants more for us.  See also the Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

We have life because He died for us - this is love.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

The story of the Israelites in Hosea is our story and the promise of healing and restoration is available to us all!

What a great God I have!

 My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You were willing to suffer and die for me, knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Thank You Jesus!  And You continue to love me regardless of my sin.  I am not worth such love.  I am harsh.  Please forgive me for my worry and help me turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.

Hosea 3

Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes. v1

The Book of Hosea demonstrates:
- that God is fair and just
- that He is full of patience and mercy
- that He has a plan
- that He wants us to love others just as He loves us

God is fair and just in His discipline and punishment of us (Psalm 67:4) - just like the Israelites, we are often unfaithful.  God is full of patience and mercy and He gives us second chances (often many chances to repent) and instead of death (the wages of sin are death - Romans 6:23), we are spared (Jesus takes our place on the cross).  He has a plan for us:

However, as it is written:“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—

1 Corinthians 2:9

See also scripture here.

God also wants us to forgive and love others as He loves us.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who is fair and just, full of patience and mercy, and You have a great plan for us.  Thank You for all that You have done and all that You are for us.  I love You Jesus.  Thank You for adopting me as Your son.  I am undeserving.  I continue to sin and I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and forgive and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. v31

No doubt I have a noble wife as described by Solomon in Proverbs 31.  

I must honor Lisa as I am commanded to in Ephesians:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. Ephesians 5:25-30

My Prayer: Jesus, You are a great God and You have blessed me with a wife of noble character.  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a blessing because I am broken and my sin persists.  I am often not at peace with others - even this morning!  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help me point Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.