Hosea 6:11-7:2 - “Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. “Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people, whenever I would heal Israel, the sins of Ephraim are exposed and the crimes of Samaria revealed. They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets; but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before me.
Hosea 9:15 - “Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.
Psalm 14:1 - The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
Application:
· All is open before the Lord. Do I believe God does not see?
· Am I wicked? Are my deeds sinful? Am I rebellious?
· Do I stubbornly reject wisdom? Do I believe God is not interested in my affairs? Do I believe God will not call me to account for my deeds?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sacrifice
Hosea 6:4-6 - “What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears. Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth—then my judgments go forth like the sun. For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Jeremiah 23:29 - “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
1 Samuel 15:22-23 - But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
Psalm 40:6 - Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
Micah 6:6,8 - With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?... He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Isaiah 1:17-18 - Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Jeremiah 7:21 - “‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go ahead, add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves!
Application:
· God's Word burns the straw of falsehood and shatters the sinful heart!
· Do I really participate in God's covenant? Do I exhibit steadfast love and knowledge of God?
· Sacrifice without obedience gains nothing!
· Am I able and eager to hear God's law?
· Do I do justice, love kindness and walk humbly as a result of God's redemptive acts?
· Is my repentance superficial?
· Have I rebelled against the Lord? Have I rejected Him?
· Doing good in God's sight includes seeking the just functioning of society!
· Have I reformed my life?
· Useless sacrifices cause God to treat people all alike--with judgment!
· Sacrifices are desirable, but it does no good to offer them without obedience!
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Jeremiah 23:29 - “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
1 Samuel 15:22-23 - But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
Psalm 40:6 - Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
Micah 6:6,8 - With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?... He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Isaiah 1:17-18 - Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Jeremiah 7:21 - “‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go ahead, add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves!
Application:
· God's Word burns the straw of falsehood and shatters the sinful heart!
· Do I really participate in God's covenant? Do I exhibit steadfast love and knowledge of God?
· Sacrifice without obedience gains nothing!
· Am I able and eager to hear God's law?
· Do I do justice, love kindness and walk humbly as a result of God's redemptive acts?
· Is my repentance superficial?
· Have I rebelled against the Lord? Have I rejected Him?
· Doing good in God's sight includes seeking the just functioning of society!
· Have I reformed my life?
· Useless sacrifices cause God to treat people all alike--with judgment!
· Sacrifices are desirable, but it does no good to offer them without obedience!
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Disappears
Hosea 6:4,6 - “What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears…For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:11-7:2 - “Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. “Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people, whenever I would heal Israel, the sins of Ephraim are exposed and the crimes of Samaria revealed. They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets; but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before me.
Application:
· Is my repentance superficial?
· It is the Lord's generosity, not His threats, that weighs heavily!
· Is my participation real in His covenant? Do I express steadfast love and knowledge of God? Or do I ignore them?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 6:11-7:2 - “Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. “Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people, whenever I would heal Israel, the sins of Ephraim are exposed and the crimes of Samaria revealed. They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets; but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before me.
Application:
· Is my repentance superficial?
· It is the Lord's generosity, not His threats, that weighs heavily!
· Is my participation real in His covenant? Do I express steadfast love and knowledge of God? Or do I ignore them?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Acknowledge The Lord
Hosea 6:2-3,6 - After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”… For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 4:1,5-6 - Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land…You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother—my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.
Hosea 5:4
Application:
· Do I participate in God's covenant? Do I exprress steadfast love and knowledge of God?
· Have I been unfaithful to God? Have I broken God's covenant? Have I been loyal to the Lord? Have I dealt rightly with men?
· Have I failed to teach God's laws? Do I lack knowledge of God's laws and His ways?
· Is their persistent sin in my life?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 4:1,5-6 - Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land…You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother—my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.
Hosea 5:4
Application:
· Do I participate in God's covenant? Do I exprress steadfast love and knowledge of God?
· Have I been unfaithful to God? Have I broken God's covenant? Have I been loyal to the Lord? Have I dealt rightly with men?
· Have I failed to teach God's laws? Do I lack knowledge of God's laws and His ways?
· Is their persistent sin in my life?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Let Us Return
Hosea 6:1,4 - “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…“What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.
Hosea 5:15 - Then I will return to my lair until they have borne their guilt and seek my face—in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”
Hosea 6:11-7:2 - “Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. “Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people, whenever I would heal Israel, the sins of Ephraim are exposed and the crimes of Samaria revealed. They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets; but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before me.
Application:
· Do I humbly submit to the Almighty's discipline?
· Is my repentance superficial? Is my love temporary?
· Do I acknowledge my guilt?
· Is my repentance real? Does the Lord's generosity weigh heavily upon me? Or do His threats weigh heavily upon me?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 5:15 - Then I will return to my lair until they have borne their guilt and seek my face—in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”
Hosea 6:11-7:2 - “Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. “Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people, whenever I would heal Israel, the sins of Ephraim are exposed and the crimes of Samaria revealed. They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets; but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before me.
Application:
· Do I humbly submit to the Almighty's discipline?
· Is my repentance superficial? Is my love temporary?
· Do I acknowledge my guilt?
· Is my repentance real? Does the Lord's generosity weigh heavily upon me? Or do His threats weigh heavily upon me?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Monday, May 23, 2011
Assyria
Hosea 5:11-15 - Ephraim is oppressed, trampled in judgment, intent on pursuing idols. I am like a moth to Ephraim, like rot to the people of Judah. “When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his sores, then Ephraim turned to Assyria, and sent to the great king for help. But he is not able to cure you, not able to heal your sores. For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a great lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them. Then I will return to my lair until they have borne their guilt and seek my face—in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”
Ezekiel 23:5
Hosea 6:1 - “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.
Hosea 3:5 - Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.
Psalm 50:14-15 - “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Application:
· Do I rely on the Lord for my security?
· Do I humbly submit to the Almighty's discipline?
· Do I acknowledge my guilt?
· God has a glorious future in store for me!
· Do I honor God with praise? Do I honor God with obedience?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Ezekiel 23:5
Hosea 6:1 - “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.
Hosea 3:5 - Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.
Psalm 50:14-15 - “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Application:
· Do I rely on the Lord for my security?
· Do I humbly submit to the Almighty's discipline?
· Do I acknowledge my guilt?
· God has a glorious future in store for me!
· Do I honor God with praise? Do I honor God with obedience?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Arrogance
Hosea 5:5 - Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble in their sin; Judah also stumbles with them.
Hosea 14:1 - Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!
Deuteronomy 1:43 - So I told you, but you would not listen. You rebelled against the LORD’s command and in your arrogance you marched up into the hill country.
1 Samuel 15:23 - For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
Hosea 4:1 - Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.
Application:
· Is my repentance sincere?
· Have I rebelled against the Lord's commands? Have I learned the lesson that God's presence is essential?
· Have I rebelled against the Lord? Have I rejected Him?
· Have I been unfaithful to the Lord? Have I broken my covenant with God? Am I loyal to the Lord? Do I deal rightly with men?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 14:1 - Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!
Deuteronomy 1:43 - So I told you, but you would not listen. You rebelled against the LORD’s command and in your arrogance you marched up into the hill country.
1 Samuel 15:23 - For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
Hosea 4:1 - Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.
Application:
· Is my repentance sincere?
· Have I rebelled against the Lord's commands? Have I learned the lesson that God's presence is essential?
· Have I rebelled against the Lord? Have I rejected Him?
· Have I been unfaithful to the Lord? Have I broken my covenant with God? Am I loyal to the Lord? Do I deal rightly with men?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Their Deeds
Hosea 5:3-4; 1:2; 4:10
Hosea 4:5-6,9 - You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother—my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children…And it will be: Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds.
Hosea 6:11-7:2 - “Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. “Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people, whenever I would heal Israel, the sins of Ephraim are exposed and the crimes of Samaria revealed. They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets; but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before me.
Hosea 9:15 - “Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.
Hosea 12:2 - The LORD has a charge to bring against Judah; he will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.
John 8:34 - Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Isaiah 1:2-3 - Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Application:
· Am I unfaithful to the Lord?
· Do I give myself to the Lord or to unfaithfulness?
· Do I sin persistently?
· Do I lack knowledge of God's laws and His ways?
· Will I be, am I being, have I been punished for my sins?
· All is open before the Lord, but do I believe God does not see?
· Am I wicked, rebellious and sinful?
· Am I deceitful?
· Am I a slave to sin? Am I unable to escape from sinful patterns of conduct (without the help of Jesus)?
· Does God's grace to me result in my gratitude toward Him?
· Do I refuse to know and understand God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 4:5-6,9 - You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother—my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children…And it will be: Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds.
Hosea 6:11-7:2 - “Also for you, Judah, a harvest is appointed. “Whenever I would restore the fortunes of my people, whenever I would heal Israel, the sins of Ephraim are exposed and the crimes of Samaria revealed. They practice deceit, thieves break into houses, bandits rob in the streets; but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds. Their sins engulf them; they are always before me.
Hosea 9:15 - “Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.
Hosea 12:2 - The LORD has a charge to bring against Judah; he will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.
John 8:34 - Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Isaiah 1:2-3 - Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Application:
· Am I unfaithful to the Lord?
· Do I give myself to the Lord or to unfaithfulness?
· Do I sin persistently?
· Do I lack knowledge of God's laws and His ways?
· Will I be, am I being, have I been punished for my sins?
· All is open before the Lord, but do I believe God does not see?
· Am I wicked, rebellious and sinful?
· Am I deceitful?
· Am I a slave to sin? Am I unable to escape from sinful patterns of conduct (without the help of Jesus)?
· Does God's grace to me result in my gratitude toward Him?
· Do I refuse to know and understand God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Slaughter
Hosea 5:2 - The rebels are knee-deep in slaughter. I will discipline all of them.
Hosea 4:2 - There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
Hosea 9:15 - “Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.
Application:
· Where God is not acknowledged, moral uprightness disappears.
· Do I exhibit faithfulness and steadfast love? Do I have a genuine knowledge of God?
· Is God disciplining me for my rebellious acts?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 4:2 - There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
Hosea 9:15 - “Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.
Application:
· Where God is not acknowledged, moral uprightness disappears.
· Do I exhibit faithfulness and steadfast love? Do I have a genuine knowledge of God?
· Is God disciplining me for my rebellious acts?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Monday, May 16, 2011
Mizpah
Hosea 5:1 - “Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen, royal house! This judgment is against you: You have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor.
Hosea 9:8 - The prophet, along with my God, is the watchman over Ephraim, yet snares await him on all his paths, and hostility in the house of his God.
1 Samuel 7:5 - Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.”
Application:
· Do I fail to maintain justice? Do I take advantage of innocent people?
· Am I hostile toward God's watchmen?
· Do I intercede with the Lord for others?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 9:8 - The prophet, along with my God, is the watchman over Ephraim, yet snares await him on all his paths, and hostility in the house of his God.
1 Samuel 7:5 - Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.”
Application:
· Do I fail to maintain justice? Do I take advantage of innocent people?
· Am I hostile toward God's watchmen?
· Do I intercede with the Lord for others?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Friday, May 13, 2011
Without Understanding
Hosea 4:14
Hosea 4:19 - A whirlwind will sweep them away, and their sacrifices will bring them shame.
Hosea 14:9 - Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Application:
· Am I unfaithful? Am I hypocritical?
· Do I hope to flourish because of my good works? Are my good works useless because of my idolatry?
· Am I ungrateful? Do I grasp grace? Am I walking or stumbling? Am I obedient or rebellious?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 4:19 - A whirlwind will sweep them away, and their sacrifices will bring them shame.
Hosea 14:9 - Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Application:
· Am I unfaithful? Am I hypocritical?
· Do I hope to flourish because of my good works? Are my good works useless because of my idolatry?
· Am I ungrateful? Do I grasp grace? Am I walking or stumbling? Am I obedient or rebellious?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
New
Hosea 4:10-11,14 - “They will eat but not have enough; they will engage in prostitution but not flourish, because they have deserted the LORD to give themselves to prostitution; old wine and new wine take away their understanding…“I will not punish your daughters when they turn to prostitution, nor your daughters-in-law when they commit adultery, because the men themselves consort with harlots and sacrifice with shrine prostitutes—a people without understanding will come to ruin!
Hosea 5:4 - “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD.
Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Hosea 2:9 - “Therefore I will take away my grain when it ripens, and my new wine when it is ready. I will take back my wool and my linen, intended to cover her naked body.
Application:
· What do I give myself to? Have I given and am I giving myself to the Lord?
· Am I hypocritical?
· Is there persistent sin in my life?
· Do I overindulge in sinful things?
· Am I stubborn in the face of God's goodness?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 5:4 - “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD.
Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Hosea 2:9 - “Therefore I will take away my grain when it ripens, and my new wine when it is ready. I will take back my wool and my linen, intended to cover her naked body.
Application:
· What do I give myself to? Have I given and am I giving myself to the Lord?
· Am I hypocritical?
· Is there persistent sin in my life?
· Do I overindulge in sinful things?
· Am I stubborn in the face of God's goodness?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wickedness
Hosea 4:7-9 - The more priests there were, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful. They feed on the sins of my people and relish their wickedness. And it will be: Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds.
Hosea 14:1 - Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!
Hosea 9:9,15 - They have sunk deep into corruption, as in the days of Gibeah. God will remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins…“Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.
Hosea 12:2 - The LORD has a charge to bring against Judah; he will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.
Application:
· Am I greedy for sin? Do I feed off of the sins of others?
· When I repent, am I sincere?
· Have I or will I be punished for my sins?
· Will I be judged for my corrupt acts?
· Am I rebellious? Are my deeds sinful? Am I full of wickedness?
· Am I deceitful?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 14:1 - Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!
Hosea 9:9,15 - They have sunk deep into corruption, as in the days of Gibeah. God will remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins…“Because of all their wickedness in Gilgal, I hated them there. Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; all their leaders are rebellious.
Hosea 12:2 - The LORD has a charge to bring against Judah; he will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.
Application:
· Am I greedy for sin? Do I feed off of the sins of others?
· When I repent, am I sincere?
· Have I or will I be punished for my sins?
· Will I be judged for my corrupt acts?
· Am I rebellious? Are my deeds sinful? Am I full of wickedness?
· Am I deceitful?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Your Mother
Hosea 4:5-6,8 - You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother—my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children…They feed on the sins of my people and relish their wickedness.
Hosea 2:1-2,23- “Say of your brothers, ‘My people,’ and of your sisters, ‘My loved one.’ “Rebuke your mother, rebuke her, for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband. Let her remove the adulterous look from her face and the unfaithfulness from between her breasts…I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”
Isaiah 1:3 - The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Application:
· Do I respond to God's provision for restoration?
· Have I rejected knowledge of God? Have I failed at teaching God's laws and His ways?
· Have I refused to know and understand God?
· Am I greedy for sin? Do I feed off the sins of others?
· Have I responded to God's promises?
· Do I respond to God's graciousness?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 2:1-2,23- “Say of your brothers, ‘My people,’ and of your sisters, ‘My loved one.’ “Rebuke your mother, rebuke her, for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband. Let her remove the adulterous look from her face and the unfaithfulness from between her breasts…I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”
Isaiah 1:3 - The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Application:
· Do I respond to God's provision for restoration?
· Have I rejected knowledge of God? Have I failed at teaching God's laws and His ways?
· Have I refused to know and understand God?
· Am I greedy for sin? Do I feed off the sins of others?
· Have I responded to God's promises?
· Do I respond to God's graciousness?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Friday, May 6, 2011
Faithfulness
Hosea 4:1 - Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.
Joel 1:14 - Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.
Isaiah 1:3 - The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Joshua 24:14 - “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
Hosea 10:12 - Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
Hosea 5:4 - “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD.
Hosea 6:6 - For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Application:
· Am I loyal to the Lord? Do I deal rightly with men?
· Do I mourn? Am I repentant? Am I humble? Do I seek God's help, guidance and forgiveness?
· Do I refuse to know and understand God?
· Do I revere the Lord? Am I truly devoted to Him?
· Do I do what is right?
· Do I sin persistently?
· Do I love God steadfastly? Do I have knowledge of God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Joel 1:14 - Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.
Isaiah 1:3 - The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Joshua 24:14 - “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
Hosea 10:12 - Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
Hosea 5:4 - “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD.
Hosea 6:6 - For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Application:
· Am I loyal to the Lord? Do I deal rightly with men?
· Do I mourn? Am I repentant? Am I humble? Do I seek God's help, guidance and forgiveness?
· Do I refuse to know and understand God?
· Do I revere the Lord? Am I truly devoted to Him?
· Do I do what is right?
· Do I sin persistently?
· Do I love God steadfastly? Do I have knowledge of God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Return
Hosea 3:5 - Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.
Deuteronomy 4:29 - But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Hosea 5:4,15 - “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD…Then I will return to my lair until they have borne their guilt and seek my face—in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”
Hosea 6:1 - “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.
Hosea 14:1-2 - Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.
Jeremiah 30:9 - Instead, they will serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
Ezekiel 34:24 - I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.
Hosea 2:12 - I will ruin her vines and her fig trees, which she said were her pay from her lovers; I will make them a thicket, and wild animals will devour them.
Joel 2:28 - “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Acts 2:17 - “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Application:
· God has a glorious future in store for His people!
· Have I returned to God with all my heart and soul? Have I forsaken the worship of idols? Do I obey His commands?
· Do I acknowledge my guilt?
· Do I disregard and conceal my misdeeds?
· Do I submit humbly to the Almighty's discipline?
· Is my repentance sincere?
· Am I truly repentant? Where do I place my trust?
· Do I respond to deliverance from sin by serving God?
· The Lord is my King!
· Do I attribute my possessions to the Lord?
· I will participate in the Day of the Lord!
· Is the Holy Spirit working through me?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Deuteronomy 4:29 - But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Hosea 5:4,15 - “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the LORD…Then I will return to my lair until they have borne their guilt and seek my face—in their misery they will earnestly seek me.”
Hosea 6:1 - “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.
Hosea 14:1-2 - Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.
Jeremiah 30:9 - Instead, they will serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.
Ezekiel 34:24 - I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.
Hosea 2:12 - I will ruin her vines and her fig trees, which she said were her pay from her lovers; I will make them a thicket, and wild animals will devour them.
Joel 2:28 - “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Acts 2:17 - “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Application:
· God has a glorious future in store for His people!
· Have I returned to God with all my heart and soul? Have I forsaken the worship of idols? Do I obey His commands?
· Do I acknowledge my guilt?
· Do I disregard and conceal my misdeeds?
· Do I submit humbly to the Almighty's discipline?
· Is my repentance sincere?
· Am I truly repentant? Where do I place my trust?
· Do I respond to deliverance from sin by serving God?
· The Lord is my King!
· Do I attribute my possessions to the Lord?
· I will participate in the Day of the Lord!
· Is the Holy Spirit working through me?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Many Days
Hosea 3:2-5 - So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley. Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.” For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.
Daniel 11:31 - “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
Lamentations 2:9 - Her gates have sunk into the ground; their bars he has broken and destroyed. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and her prophets no longer find visions from the LORD.
Zechariah 10:2 - The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Hosea 5:1 - “Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen, royal house! This judgment is against you: You have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor.
Hosea 8:10 - Although they have sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them together. They will begin to waste away under the oppression of the mighty king.
Hosea 6:6 - For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 10:2 - Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will demolish their altars and destroy their sacred stones.
Conclusions:
· God has a glorious future in store for me!
· Do I choose to stand strong rather than go against God's law?
· God can cause loss of protection, leadership, written revelation and direction!
· Do I resort to God for guidance?
· Have I taken advantage of innocent people?
· Do I seek others for my security rather than God?
· Do I express steadfast love and knowledge of God?
· Do I sin more as I prosper? Can I handle prosperity?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Daniel 11:31 - “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.
Lamentations 2:9 - Her gates have sunk into the ground; their bars he has broken and destroyed. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and her prophets no longer find visions from the LORD.
Zechariah 10:2 - The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.
Hosea 5:1 - “Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen, royal house! This judgment is against you: You have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor.
Hosea 8:10 - Although they have sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them together. They will begin to waste away under the oppression of the mighty king.
Hosea 6:6 - For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 10:2 - Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will demolish their altars and destroy their sacred stones.
Conclusions:
· God has a glorious future in store for me!
· Do I choose to stand strong rather than go against God's law?
· God can cause loss of protection, leadership, written revelation and direction!
· Do I resort to God for guidance?
· Have I taken advantage of innocent people?
· Do I seek others for my security rather than God?
· Do I express steadfast love and knowledge of God?
· Do I sin more as I prosper? Can I handle prosperity?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Go Love Your Wife
Hosea 3:1 - The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”
Hosea 1:2 - When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD.”
Hosea 11:1 - “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
Exodus 20:3 - “You shall have no other gods before me.
Application:
· The Lord still loves me even when I am spiritually unfaithful!
· Have I been unfaithful to the Lord?
· God's love is the basis for my election!
· Am I loyal to God? Do I worship the one true God only?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hosea 1:2 - When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD.”
Hosea 11:1 - “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
Exodus 20:3 - “You shall have no other gods before me.
Application:
· The Lord still loves me even when I am spiritually unfaithful!
· Have I been unfaithful to the Lord?
· God's love is the basis for my election!
· Am I loyal to God? Do I worship the one true God only?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Monday, May 2, 2011
You Are My People
Hosea 2:1,23 - “Say of your brothers, ‘My people,’ and of your sisters, ‘My loved one.’…I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”
Isaiah 19:25 - The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”
Application:
· Do I respond to God's graciousness?
· Do I respond to God's promises?
· Am I united to God because of His overflowing blessings?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Isaiah 19:25 - The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”
Application:
· Do I respond to God's graciousness?
· Do I respond to God's promises?
· Am I united to God because of His overflowing blessings?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
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