57th Week, Hosea Chapters 11-14 (Click on Title for Video Introduction)

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 Click on Title for a Video Introduction



Monday, Hosea Chapter 11
Hosea 11
Verse 3
Tanya Ruden
September 29, 2006

Verse 3:  It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms, but they did not realize it was I who healed them.

THOUGHT
Well, at first I wanted to talk about discipline, but I know I have talked about that before so I am going to instead focus on the footnote in my Bible relating to verse 3 where the people were not realizing who healed them.

“God had consistently provided for his people, but they refused to see what he had done, they showed no interest in thanking him. Ungratefulness is a common human fault. For example, when was the last time you thanked...”

I have to admit ungratefulness is one characteristic I have that I am not proud of. I am one of those people you will hardly ever receive a thank-you note from.  This is one thing I am always hoping to improve on.  But this verse and footnote did make me realize we are not only called to thank people for the ‘big’ unusual events that happen or we receive, but we should also thank people for the small things (unloading the dishwasher, playing nice with your sister).  

How many of us thank people for things that have changed us?  Do we thank our parents or family for things they did for us?  What about thanking a church member for their service? I challenge everyone to become more aware and realize the things people and God do for us.  Let us acknowledge these things with a simple ‘Thank You’.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, Thank You! Thank You for so many blessings we so often forget and maybe take for granted. Help us as Your people to be a thankful people and an appreciative people. In Jesus Name.  AMEN

Tuesday, Hosea Chapter 12
Hosea 12
Verse 9
Delores Little
October 2, 2006

Verse 9:  I Am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again, as in the days of your appointed feasts.

THOUGHT
In this chapter God is reminding His people how far He brought them, but they still go their own way.  They refused to follow His way.  But He will not give up on them.  We have seen through history the suffering of the Jews.  God has them as His chosen people.

Now this shows us how we have so put God on the shelf during our lives, thinking we had better answers than Him. WRONG!!! I confess I have been so guilty of this, but thanks be to God for His love and compassions that are new every day. It is an everyday walk for any of us. 

I’m at an age now that I cannot do without Him daily in my walk. He is so awesome.  Let’s keep our eyes and hearts on Jesus and stay out of Egypt and trust Him in all things.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive us when we try to do things ourselves and leave You out.  Thank You for Your loving grace and forgiveness You shower on us every day.  In Jesus Name.  AMEN



Wednesday, Hosea Chapter 13
Hosea 13
Verse 11
Jeanie Boldt
March 5, 2017

Verse 11:  So in my anger I gave you a king, and in my wrath I took him away.  

THOUGHT
The Lord is very angry with Israel once again.  They have rebelled against God and have lost their authority among the nations.  

I chose this verse because I remember Israel begging the Lord to give them a king.  So in His anger He did give them a King.  God had warned Israel that kings would cause more problems than they would solve, and He reluctantly gave them Saul as their first king.  The second king, David, was a good king, and Solomon, David’s son, had his strengths.  But after the nation divided in two, the northern kingdom never had another good ruler.  

Evil kings led the nation deeper into idolatry and unwise political alliances.  Eventually the evil kings destroyed the nation with Hosea.  The northern kingdom’s kings were cut off.  The kings were gone, and evil actions continued.  The Lord’s anger against Israel continued. 

We must be responsible for our own actions.  We have law enforcement now with the proper judicial authority.  Laws are laws just as in the Biblical days.  Christian righteousness remains the same.  We must live as our Lord and Savior would want us to.  We need to have the decision of our actions known ahead of time.  Where is your heart?  Do you want to live as Jesus would?  Let’s continue as the Salt of the earth.  Let’s make our Heavenly Father proud.  

PRAYER
Father, we lift up the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to give us protection and provide a safe place for us to live.  Help us respect them and the laws of this world and our Biblical world.  May the Holy Spirit be alive and active in our hearts to direct our actions and our words.  In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN

Thursday, THANKSGIVING
Prayer for your family!!

Friday, Hosea Chapter 14
Hosea 14
Verse 9
Jeanie Boldt
March 5, 2017

Verse 9:  Who is wise?  He will realize these things.  Who is discerning?  He will understand them.  The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.  

THOUGHT
Hosea closes with an appeal to listen, learn, and benefit from God’s Word.  To those receiving the Lord’s message through Hosea, this meant the difference between life and death.  For us who have been studying this book, the choice is similar: either listen to the book’s message and follow God’s ways or refuse to walk along the Lord’s path.  If you are lost, you can find the way by turning from your sin and following God.

God is concerned for justice.  This requires faithfulness and love.  Through these gifts comes forgiveness.  Forgiveness is the key word.  When God forgives us, He judges the sin but shows mercy to the sinner.  We should never be afraid to come to God for a clean slate and a renewed life.  

I am so glad that Hosea ended the book with HOPE for a RENEWED LIFE.  The verse points us to righteous living!!  The way that would please the Lord.  

PRAYER
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son and the forgiveness of our sins.  When we repent, love, joy, peace, faithfulness and righteousness can be gifted to us once again.  Help us see the life of the world but choose the walk of our Savior.  We love You as our King.  In the Name of Jesus.  AMEN






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