Bible Chapter: Hosea 11 & 12

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
From the beginning, God created a nation and brought them out of slavery in Egypt.  He proved Himself with countless miracles in the impossible situations they found themselves in.  But the more God did, the more He called to the people, the farther they moved away from God.  They were offering sacrifices and burning incense to idols.  God called out to them over and over, but they refused to return to Him.  So, they brought judgement on themselves.  They seemed determined to abandon God. They called Him the Most High, but they don’t truly honor Him.  They were filled with lies and deceit.
The people had become like crafty merchants selling from dishonest scales, cheating became a way of life.  We see again the claim that they had become rich and self-sustaining.  They didn’t need God.  They knew they were cheating but thought they were getting away with it.  God told them they would find out who gave them their prosperity when they returned to poverty.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God loves people so much that He sends prophets to warn them of their sins.  But, sadly, so many people have made themselves worthless because of their idol worship and rebellion against God.  People bitterly provoke the Lord, so the Lord will judge them in payment for their sins.  This is a powerful statement that many don’t believe.  They say that since God is love He could never punish anyone.  They forget that God is also holy and does not wink at sin.  There is no sin in His presence.  It is not a joke.  God is giving a wake up call to the world to turn to Him.  Many are responding and an even greater number are not.  Those who refuse to listen will regret it for eternity.

3.  How can I help someone?
Learn from the failures of the past.  Learn that God is giving you the opportunity to follow Him.  And, then follow Him and His ways.  A million years from now you will rejoice that you did.