“Listen to the word of the
Lord, O sons of Israel, for the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the
land, because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the
land.
“ … Though you, Israel, play
the harlot, do not let Judah become guilty; also do not go to Gilgal, or go up
to Beth-aven and take the oath: ‘As the
Lord Lives!’ Since Israel is stubborn
like a stubborn heifer, can the Lord now pasture them like a lamb in a large
field?
“Ephraim is joined to idols;
let him alone their liquor gone [consumed], they play
the harlot continually; their rulers dearly love shame. The wind wraps them in its wings, and they
will be ashamed because of their sacrifices.” Hosea 4:1, 15-19
The book of Hosea is a love story
– real, tragic and true. God uses the
illustration of Hosea and his wives, to demonstrate how disappointed He is from
the response of His ‘bride’, Israel and to warn Judah not to follow in their
footsteps to ‘take the oath’ to be bound to idols..
This entire chapter is filled
with warnings we can all benefit from reviewing but in this small segment, God charges
Israel and her priests with betrayal and disobedience as they compromised their
spiritual heritage to serve the idol, Baal.
Israel was declining spiritually and morally, breaking God’s laws
without concern. They were quick to
judge others, yet blind to their own unfaithfulness to God.
Take care with love, especially
His! Your servant and friend in Christ,
who still prays for you each morning.
Darlene
PS: Please pray for this ministry. This is the 20th year of
endeavouring to serve others in His name to offer a smattering of Scripture
daily.
Find my statement of faith by clicking (or cut and paste this link
into your Web browser): https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by
doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”
(Also, there is an android “Google Blogger” app you can download to read
them on your phone.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS and
some UPDATES too!
- · USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in unexpected and uniting ways during these times of unrest and confusion. Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone. Let the truth of God’s Word and ways overcome the drive to destroy our founding, Bible-based values.
- · Chris H – suddenly lost his sister (the last of his family) last Sunday. Please hold him up with prayers as he walks through this time of change and pain.
- · UPDATE -Yalawe – developed sepsis and they were unable to operate. He is now on antibiotics until he can have the surgery. Please pray for his full recovery and that his health providers and family would be extra gentle with him.
- · SJ – as he struggles with circumstances he did not anticipate. Pray for his willingness to grow through this dark time and for wisdom of his counsellors. Pray for his ability to rest and forgive himself.
- · UPDATE - Lachlan – thanks you for praying for him. He has completed his seminary studies and now urgently needs to find housing for himself and his three children.
- · Paul –Pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to find something. Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts. Pray for my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
- · UPDATE - Patti – faithful daughter of Doris, wife of John. A Proverbs 31 woman, who needs strength, energy and the ability to prioritise with grace and resolve. Pray she will grow in confidence to say ‘no’ sometimes and enjoy a new season of serving her husband.
- · Terri – her relationship of 13 years has just broken, and she needs prayers to travel through this journey.
- · Tracey – Pray Tracey finds a new role that will satisfy her and allow her to grow and share her skills and wisdom.
- · Me – Please pray for the Lord to provide a new project for me.
No comments:
Post a Comment