Do we have to spend three days and nights in a whale to get the message?.
I pray, O Lord, for boldness!.
June 17.
Why did God tell his servant and prophet, Hosea, to marry an adulterous prostitute, Gomer? Could it be that God knew that Hosea could not convey to his peers how utterly hurt and forsaken God Himself felt at Israel's rejection of God and at Israel's consorting with false gods, unless Hosea experienced the same pain and loneliness through marriage to an unfaithful wife? .
Without asking if that was fair to Hosea, let me ask: "What is the span of time Hosea served on earth, regardless of how painful, compared to the eternity Hosea is spending in the presence of God, knowing that he served God faithfully?" .
On the other hand, does this not make it abundantly clear the great importance God places on marital faithfulness? .
I pray that God gives you and me wisdom today!.
June 18.
Hosea was faced with the responsibility of convincing Israel that obedience to God is essential. Many Christians today labor under the false teaching that as long as they have the Spirit, nothing else. including obedience. matters. Obedience is the evidence of the Spirit working in the life of a Christian!.
"Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God." - Hos 5:4 .
The Spirit will not dwell in those who refuse to listen to God and obey Him: "My God will reject them because they have not obeyed Him." -Hos 9:17.
"Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests. Because you have ignored the law of your God, I will also ignore your children." Hos 4:6.
Why the tough message today? Remember; you are the only Jesus that many people will ever see! Your actions speak louder than your words. Be a see-through servant. Don't block the view of Jesus! I pray that God will enable me to be humble and obedient today!.
June 19.
"Israel is a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered he adorned his sacred stones.
