When was the last time you were hungry? I mean really hungry? When was the last time that you hungered and thirst after righteousness?
There will be times when our souls will starve to the spiritual nourishment that only God can fulfill.
There are things in this word that advertise fulfillment. Maybe it's Oprah and her new network, maybe it's being able to flex with P90X. But these will prove to be unfulfilling and saturated with spiritual MSG.
Let's not be home sick for the days of yesterday, But look towards the author and perfecter of our faith.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. Be blessed today!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Hosea 8
Vs. 2-3 Unfortunately, there will people that will stand before God and know of him but truly not know Him. This reminds us that a person who only knows about the Lord in his head without his heart can actually miss heaven by 18 inches.
Vs 4-7. How much do you want to be like everyone else, drive the same car, have the same bland I mean brand of cloths, live in the same neighborhood. Here Israel is doing everything that they can to keep up with the Jones'. They are fashioning idols so they can fit in with the rest of the neighboring nations. God didn't intend for you to fit in. He created you specifically and individually, embrace your individuality and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
Vs. 8-11 Not until Israel was in captivity would they understand the error of their ways. Sin blinds us to our own wrong doing, That is why the conviction of the Holy Spirit is essential in our lives. Search and know my heart David says. Know us God that we may know ourselves.
Vs. 12. This is great. There are many times I sat where you do during a sermon or bible study and have thought if only so and so were here to hear this. We must understand the Word of God is intended for us the hearers. We are in great danger when we think it's intention is for someone else.
13-14 Doesn't this remind you of American Churches today with all our programs, facilities, music, preaching. We have to ensure that we never loose that personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. True life is in intimacy with the Lord.
Vs 4-7. How much do you want to be like everyone else, drive the same car, have the same bland I mean brand of cloths, live in the same neighborhood. Here Israel is doing everything that they can to keep up with the Jones'. They are fashioning idols so they can fit in with the rest of the neighboring nations. God didn't intend for you to fit in. He created you specifically and individually, embrace your individuality and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
Vs. 8-11 Not until Israel was in captivity would they understand the error of their ways. Sin blinds us to our own wrong doing, That is why the conviction of the Holy Spirit is essential in our lives. Search and know my heart David says. Know us God that we may know ourselves.
Vs. 12. This is great. There are many times I sat where you do during a sermon or bible study and have thought if only so and so were here to hear this. We must understand the Word of God is intended for us the hearers. We are in great danger when we think it's intention is for someone else.
13-14 Doesn't this remind you of American Churches today with all our programs, facilities, music, preaching. We have to ensure that we never loose that personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. True life is in intimacy with the Lord.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Hosea 6
How many things in this world are consistent? Isn't our world an ever-changing orb of change. Hosea 6 shows a reminder of Gods consistency. Vs.3 "As surely as the sun rises He will appear." In my 36 years upon this earth I have yet to miss a day where the sun didn't rise. Psalms 46 says it is always darkest before the dawn and that's the case here in Hosea 6. God's people are guilty of spiritual adultery. And especially the priests. That is true today. We have lost our first love and we will be accountable for that.
Vs. 5 says that his judgment is like a flash of lightening. My mind immediately went to the DMV. I know that is not the most comfortable place to be, people's tensions are always high. Then you when you have to have your picture aken for a driver's license or I.d. the flash hits and your immortalized forever, I've never known any high school senior to forgo their senior pictures and just use their D.L. picture. Why because they are never good. The same is true for judgment for you and me. If a flash were to happen and we were sitting at judgment with the Lord would he see a pretty picture?
Vs. 6 God is always concerned with our heart of worship rather than our ability to worship. Look that the widow's mite. It's not about the amount it's about the heart. Look at the Pharisee and the tax collector as they pray. It's not about eloquence, it's about humbleness.
Vs. 8 Gilead is a city of refuge that was developed back in exodus for a place for those caught in a crime with not intent. Gilead is now being used for a harbor of murderers with blood on their feet, meaning they have taken advantage of the mercy of God. Have you?
Vs. 9 We as clergy and ministers are to lead by example, the day of atonement was 1 day only when the priest was to enter the holy of holies, and offer the sacrifice onto the mercy seat of the Lord. The priest life was to be free from all sin. As ministers of the gospel of Jesus we are to lead by example and unfortunately we have been, in the wrong direction. We need to take seriously the appointment in which we have been given.
Vs. 11 Love this wordage form the message, "you've been sowing wild oats. Now it's harvest time."
Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful day!
Vs. 5 says that his judgment is like a flash of lightening. My mind immediately went to the DMV. I know that is not the most comfortable place to be, people's tensions are always high. Then you when you have to have your picture aken for a driver's license or I.d. the flash hits and your immortalized forever, I've never known any high school senior to forgo their senior pictures and just use their D.L. picture. Why because they are never good. The same is true for judgment for you and me. If a flash were to happen and we were sitting at judgment with the Lord would he see a pretty picture?
Vs. 6 God is always concerned with our heart of worship rather than our ability to worship. Look that the widow's mite. It's not about the amount it's about the heart. Look at the Pharisee and the tax collector as they pray. It's not about eloquence, it's about humbleness.
Vs. 8 Gilead is a city of refuge that was developed back in exodus for a place for those caught in a crime with not intent. Gilead is now being used for a harbor of murderers with blood on their feet, meaning they have taken advantage of the mercy of God. Have you?
Vs. 9 We as clergy and ministers are to lead by example, the day of atonement was 1 day only when the priest was to enter the holy of holies, and offer the sacrifice onto the mercy seat of the Lord. The priest life was to be free from all sin. As ministers of the gospel of Jesus we are to lead by example and unfortunately we have been, in the wrong direction. We need to take seriously the appointment in which we have been given.
Vs. 11 Love this wordage form the message, "you've been sowing wild oats. Now it's harvest time."
Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hosea 5
Hosea 5 is all about your alliances. The show Survivor is a reality TV show located in remote, often beach front local. The premise of the game is to outwit, outplay and outlast your competitor. in real life many have adopted this philosophy. And Hosea 5 reminds us who we align ourselves with can make or break us in this game of life. Lamentation 1:19 says, "I called to my allies but they betrayed me. My priests and my elders perished in the city while they search for food to keep themselves alive." Here as in Hosea alliances have been made for protection. Just like Survivor alliances betray and join with the enemy. My question to you is, whom are you aligning? Be careful who is in your alliance and make sure your fighting for the same goal if not, bad news. "Bring me your torch," as Jeff Probst says. Ensure that Christ is in your camp. You will never lose.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Hosea 4
Just a warning, this chapter is rated PG13 for sure. Get ready and hold on while reading Hosea 4. Here are somethings that we got out of our study this morning.
Vs. 1 Look at the terminology of verse 1. There are charges being brought against the nation of Israel. They don't know God's mercy or truth. These are serious charges as well.
We also see a lack of faithfulness by all people. While driving in the car I heard a Farmers Insurance commercial that asked how many people drive without car insurance. Any guesses? It's 20%. Then the commercial said if you thought less than that you have too much faith in your fellow man. Wow. Isn't that true.
Vs. 3 says that the land mourns. Why? Because of our unfaithfulness. Remind you of any thing. here's a clue. Gulf Shore. People out of jobs, tributaries dying, sea life extinguishes because of poor practices. We have to understand that our unfaithfulness as a person, city, state, country and world will ultimately effect everything we are surrounded by. It's a downward spiral into an eventual abyss.
Vs. 4-18 paints the script for a incredible best seller, or blockbuster. Look there's swearing lying, murder, theft, adultery. And this is thousands of years ago. We have been left a legacy, and we are continuing on that same legacy. We all want to leave a legacy right. Well we all will. weather poor or remarkable. How will you influence your surroundings through the message of Jesus Christ.
Vs. 6 "My people are destroyed from their lack of knowledge." Do you call yourself a child of God? Are you one of His? Are you being destroyed? Ignorance here is not bliss. We have to be in the Word. The Word of God every word of it is relevant and applicable. God's word is not a book of stories and metaphors it's a book of life, and without it....destruction.
Vs. 15-19 my question is are you being drug or dragging someone down? Do you really mean what you say? are you genuine? Are you really praying when someone asks you to pray for them or are you allow the phrase,"I'll pray for you" become more religious fodder or religious cliches.
Vs. 17 says Ephraim is joined to idols. The translation of the word join means fascinated. Isn't that awesome. What have we become fascinated by. If you can answer anything other than the Lord, well call yourself Ephraim and your "joined" to your idol.
I know it's rough huh? Slapped me around too! Have a great day!
Vs. 1 Look at the terminology of verse 1. There are charges being brought against the nation of Israel. They don't know God's mercy or truth. These are serious charges as well.
We also see a lack of faithfulness by all people. While driving in the car I heard a Farmers Insurance commercial that asked how many people drive without car insurance. Any guesses? It's 20%. Then the commercial said if you thought less than that you have too much faith in your fellow man. Wow. Isn't that true.
Vs. 3 says that the land mourns. Why? Because of our unfaithfulness. Remind you of any thing. here's a clue. Gulf Shore. People out of jobs, tributaries dying, sea life extinguishes because of poor practices. We have to understand that our unfaithfulness as a person, city, state, country and world will ultimately effect everything we are surrounded by. It's a downward spiral into an eventual abyss.
Vs. 4-18 paints the script for a incredible best seller, or blockbuster. Look there's swearing lying, murder, theft, adultery. And this is thousands of years ago. We have been left a legacy, and we are continuing on that same legacy. We all want to leave a legacy right. Well we all will. weather poor or remarkable. How will you influence your surroundings through the message of Jesus Christ.
Vs. 6 "My people are destroyed from their lack of knowledge." Do you call yourself a child of God? Are you one of His? Are you being destroyed? Ignorance here is not bliss. We have to be in the Word. The Word of God every word of it is relevant and applicable. God's word is not a book of stories and metaphors it's a book of life, and without it....destruction.
Vs. 15-19 my question is are you being drug or dragging someone down? Do you really mean what you say? are you genuine? Are you really praying when someone asks you to pray for them or are you allow the phrase,"I'll pray for you" become more religious fodder or religious cliches.
Vs. 17 says Ephraim is joined to idols. The translation of the word join means fascinated. Isn't that awesome. What have we become fascinated by. If you can answer anything other than the Lord, well call yourself Ephraim and your "joined" to your idol.
I know it's rough huh? Slapped me around too! Have a great day!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Hosea 3
God and Hosea continue to show their love. This is unreal! Can you imagine? That is true love for sure. But we have tendencies of running back to other gods, yet God still receives us unto himself. We have to know that the only one who loves when we are unfaithful is Satan.
Vs. 2 We see that Hosea purchased back for himself Gomer for a price of barley. Barley was the standard price of redemption for one accused in adultery. Don't you know that we have bought with a price higher than that of gold or sliver, or even barley, even when we have done far far worse . The blood of Christ flows over me and my sin, I've been redeemed, I could have been redeemed with merely a toenail clipping but he chose to redeem me with His blood.
Vs.3 Gomer is appreciative for her redemption and justification, are you? Are you remaining faithful?
Vs. 4 Ephods or idols. These were purged from the Israelite camp. Why? so they could concentrate on the one true God. Are there things in your life that you need to purge from your camp? Things that are distracting you from the Lord. We all need a time of returning and seeking the Lord's face. that's my challenge to you today to seek God's face and see if there are some things that needs to be purged from your life so we truly can cherish the love of the Lord.
Vs. 2 We see that Hosea purchased back for himself Gomer for a price of barley. Barley was the standard price of redemption for one accused in adultery. Don't you know that we have bought with a price higher than that of gold or sliver, or even barley, even when we have done far far worse . The blood of Christ flows over me and my sin, I've been redeemed, I could have been redeemed with merely a toenail clipping but he chose to redeem me with His blood.
Vs.3 Gomer is appreciative for her redemption and justification, are you? Are you remaining faithful?
Vs. 4 Ephods or idols. These were purged from the Israelite camp. Why? so they could concentrate on the one true God. Are there things in your life that you need to purge from your camp? Things that are distracting you from the Lord. We all need a time of returning and seeking the Lord's face. that's my challenge to you today to seek God's face and see if there are some things that needs to be purged from your life so we truly can cherish the love of the Lord.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hosea 2
Some of the points I would like to bring out of Chapter 2 is God shows his love for His people regardless of their behavior. But we have to understand that love is accompanied by discipline. While in Disney World this past year my daughter Jaycee had a flat out fit, and I told here that I would have to spank her if she didn't calm down, she continue in her so called fit throwing, and my right hand met her backside, and guess what....She calmed down and we were able to enjoy the rest of our day. She actually enjoyed the rest of the day. We as the children of God need to understand it not about me, me, me. It's about Him, Him, Him. We serve a god that could easily wipe us off the map, but he set his love into motion and Christ died for us.
If we were to look at verse 7 the word chase is there. Why do we chase after everything but God?
Throughout the rest of this chapter we see a people being uncovered and God shows that His desire is not to be a tyrant over us but a father.
And Lastly, verse 23. After the restoration of the people, they say. You are my God. Can you say that this morning. Is He your Lord. Remember sometime love requires tough love. It's not all warm and fuzzy. It's about putting love into motion. How is your love? How is your motion today?
Leave a comment please!
If we were to look at verse 7 the word chase is there. Why do we chase after everything but God?
Throughout the rest of this chapter we see a people being uncovered and God shows that His desire is not to be a tyrant over us but a father.
And Lastly, verse 23. After the restoration of the people, they say. You are my God. Can you say that this morning. Is He your Lord. Remember sometime love requires tough love. It's not all warm and fuzzy. It's about putting love into motion. How is your love? How is your motion today?
Leave a comment please!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Hosea Chapter 1
The book of Hosea is written by hosea himself even though portions are written in 3rd person. That's okay, sometime I refer to myself in 3rd person as well. It was written between 750-722 B.C.
The entire books message is about a Prophet marrying a, let me say a woman of the street, a woman of the evening, a hustler, strumpet, and call girl.
Today's reading is chapter 1.
Chapter 1 introduces us to Hosea a Prophet and Gomer this how do you say prostitute.
God tells Hosea to marry here in verse 2 and we see a beautiful picture of obedience here. We need not be concerned with what the world thinks of us and be concerned only in our obedience to the Lord.
Vs 2-3 is a metaphor of what Israel has done to the Lord; however I find this to also be factual, meaning if you could look it up in the history books you would find a Mr. and Ms. Hosea.
Vs. 4. The word Jezreel means that God will scatter. this name is given because of the foreshadowing of things to come. I'm so grateful my name is not Jezreel.
Vs. 6 the Word Lo Ruhamah means not pitied. This is the daughter that is named to show that there will be not pity given to Israel when they are brought to judgment.
Vs. 7 Aren't you thankful for mercy? Mercy is not deserved it is charity. It is a gift that we could never earn, but can only be given. 'm thankful that the Lord grants me mercy, when I don't deserve it.
Vs. 9 Lo-Ammi, meaning not my people. Ouch! The Lord here is threatening to destroy His people.
Vs. 11 Don't you love foreshadowing? Foreshadowing it the eventual glimpse of things to come. Reread vs. 11. Out of the tribe of Judah there will be a Messiah that will save. Jezreel, (God Plants).
We have to remember as Randy states that we serve the same God Hosea served.
Are you willing to do whatever he asks of you?
Our hope is that you enjoy this resource and let's hear your opinion. Leave a comment so we can stay motivated here in the office.
The entire books message is about a Prophet marrying a, let me say a woman of the street, a woman of the evening, a hustler, strumpet, and call girl.
Today's reading is chapter 1.
Chapter 1 introduces us to Hosea a Prophet and Gomer this how do you say prostitute.
God tells Hosea to marry here in verse 2 and we see a beautiful picture of obedience here. We need not be concerned with what the world thinks of us and be concerned only in our obedience to the Lord.
Vs 2-3 is a metaphor of what Israel has done to the Lord; however I find this to also be factual, meaning if you could look it up in the history books you would find a Mr. and Ms. Hosea.
Vs. 4. The word Jezreel means that God will scatter. this name is given because of the foreshadowing of things to come. I'm so grateful my name is not Jezreel.
Vs. 6 the Word Lo Ruhamah means not pitied. This is the daughter that is named to show that there will be not pity given to Israel when they are brought to judgment.
Vs. 7 Aren't you thankful for mercy? Mercy is not deserved it is charity. It is a gift that we could never earn, but can only be given. 'm thankful that the Lord grants me mercy, when I don't deserve it.
Vs. 9 Lo-Ammi, meaning not my people. Ouch! The Lord here is threatening to destroy His people.
Vs. 11 Don't you love foreshadowing? Foreshadowing it the eventual glimpse of things to come. Reread vs. 11. Out of the tribe of Judah there will be a Messiah that will save. Jezreel, (God Plants).
We have to remember as Randy states that we serve the same God Hosea served.
Are you willing to do whatever he asks of you?
Our hope is that you enjoy this resource and let's hear your opinion. Leave a comment so we can stay motivated here in the office.
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