12.08.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 8:59 pm by Administrator
Text: Hosea 5:13-15 Theme: Our pain and God’s silence can drive us to Him Key verses: “For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a great lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them. Then I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me.” (v. 14-15) What God said to me: Dwayne, you must stay faithful to get in my presence and journal what I teach you. I don’t ask many things of you. But investing time in my Word daily is at the top of the requirement list. In this passage, note that Ephraim recognized their problems but went to another king in a foriegn land for their help. They brought judgment on themselves. I will not stand back and allow my people to flounder in sin and rebellion. If needed I will deal harshly with them, even ripping out their strength and confidence. Then I’ll wait in silence until they have sunk so low they have to look up to me. When they earnestly seek me, only then will they be found by me. My ways are not your ways, Dwayne. Don’t try to comprehend them or appreciate them. Just trust me. Ultimately all that I do is motivated from who I am: a God of infinite love and justice. What I said to God: Holy and majestic Lord, I am so sorry for turning my back on you and thinking only of myself yesterday. I do not know why You keep drawing me toward You, despite my wicked heart. Thank You for infinite and amazing love and mercy in my life! May your people praise You, may all Your people praise You! May we not look to other kings and loves, but only to You. And even when You’re silent, we will trust You and look toward heaven.
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11.30.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 7:42 am by Administrator
Text: Hosea 5:8-11 Theme: Redefining God’s boundaries is dangerous Key verses: Judah’s leaders are like those who move boundary stones. I will pour out my wrath on them like a flood of water. Ephraim is oppressed, trampled in judgement, intent on pursuing idols. (v. 10-11) What God said to me: Dwayne, since Adam and Eve, no one has taken very kindly to my boundary lines for them. The evil hearts of men make them want to adventure beyond my law and my standards. But it’s not the sheep that I hold most responsible. It is the spiritual, so-called “godly,” shepherds of my people. Some have tried to justify certain actions and attitudes. Somehow they think they can lead my people according to what they want and think is appropriate. They try to explain away my laws and precepts. What they don’t seem to understand is that those boundary lines can’t be moved. They are like guardrails protecting the traveler from dangers that lie beyond those stealy permanent fixtures. My laws were created out of my love for you and they are not up for debate or reinterpretation. What I said to God: Thank you, Lord, for reminding me today that your Word stands. Forgive us when we want to run off the road and dabble in forbidden areas. We are often intent on pursuing our idols. But those are completely off-limits. I choose to stay within the boundaries you have created for me today. Help me and my family be sensitive to hear your voice of protection and warning when we are tempted to cross or move the lines. I praise you for caring enough to keep me in line!
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11.29.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 12:29 pm by Administrator
Text: Hosea 5:4-7 Theme: Sin prevents access to God Key verses: Their deeds do not permit them to return to their to God. A spirit of prostitution is in their heart; they do not acknowledge the Lord. (v. 4) When they go…to seek the Lord, they will not find him; he has withdrawn himself from them. (v. 6) What God said to me: Son, obviously I take sin very seriously. Your deeds represent your heart. If your deeds are sinful, so is your heart. If your heart is sinful, so are your deeds. Why seek after another? I am all you ever need. Don’t come trying to snuggle up to me if you’ve been sleeping with your mistress in the next room. Don’t think I will ignore such abomination. Check your heart. Examine your motives. Open the closets of your soul to my inspecting and holy light. If you keep them closed, if you play host to evil, you can’t be a host of mine. What I said to God: Thank you, holy One, for speaking to me this morning. Granted, your words are direct and matter-of-fact. But you know that I need to hear it straight and clear. Praise You for loving me and making me into your image! As for me and my house, we will host and serve the Lord!
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11.27.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 11:19 am by Administrator
Text: Hosea 5:1-5 Theme: Spiritual leaders have the highest responsibility and accountability Key verses: Hear this, you priests! Pay attention, you Israelites! Listen, O royal house! This judgement is against you. You have been a snare… (v. 1) I will discipline all of them. (v. 2) …Israel is corrupt. (v. 3b) What God said to me: Dwayne, my son, you are also, “Dwayne, my chosen.” But be careful not to rest on your laurels. I have called and equiped you to be a spiritual leader among my people. Therefore, you have a huge stewardship to fill. I didn’t let the Israelite priests off the hook simply because they bore my name and worked in my temple. Fact actually is, I held them to a higher standard because they bore my name and ministered in my house. They had tremendous opportunity to influence my people - and thus the world; yet, they squandered their chance. Either by laziness and apathy or by rebellion, they led the Israelites away from me. They became a snare, a stumbling block, a disgusting hindrance to those I love. Listen, Dwayne. Pay attention. If you act irresponsibly I will pass a similar judgement on you. What I said to God: Wow, God, my first reaction is, “So much for that ‘God is love’ stuff…” But then, you remind me in this quiet moment that this is but more proof of your unending love and mercy. You’re warning me now. You’re giving me a heads up of what could happen if I don’t stay in spiritual shape. You’re clearly committed to helping me stand and still be standing even after “having done all.” Furthermore, you obviously adore your children. You sent you Son to die for them, and you’re not about to sit back and ignore anyone who would lead them - either maliciously or ignorantly - down a path to destruction. Thank you, dear Father, holy God. I adore you for your holiness and might. I thank you for your mercy and protection.
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11.21.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 9:13 am by Administrator
Text: Hosea 4:15-19 Theme: We Must Reject Rebellious Influence Key Verses: Though you commit adultery, O Israel, let not Judah become guilty. (v.15) The Israelites are stubborn, like a stubborn heifer. How then can the Lord pasture them like lambs in a meadow? Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone! (v. 16-17) What God said to me: Dwayne, I long to be a shepherd to my people, to lead them, protect them, provide for them. My desire for you is to pasture you like lambs in a peaceful, plenteous meadow. However, I won’t force myself on you. You have to want to be led. You must submit to my leadership and authority. You must acknowledge that I know what is best for you and for all my people. That means shunning the wicked ways of those who don’t follow me. It means taking a stand even if you lose some friends because of it. Don’t laugh with their jokes. Don’t go to their hang-outs. Don’t admire their prosperity while they disregard me and my house. Don’t be duped by their charm and success. Remember, “a whirlwind will sweep them away, and their sacrifices will bring them to shame.” (v. 19) What I Said to God: Thank you, Father and God and Shepherd of my soul. Forgive me for allowing my mind to stray yesterday. Cleanse me of my rebellious thoughts and actions. I humble myself before you this morning, desparate to know you more and more. Protect my family today. May my sons reject the strong influences of this world to go another path, a much more narrow path, your path. As for me and my house, we will serve you, Lord, all the days of our lives! We choose to be lambs, not heifers!
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11.20.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 11:44 am by Administrator
Text: Hosea 4:14 Theme: God holds men ultimately accountable. Key Verses: I will not punish your daughters when they turn to prostitution…because the men themselves consort with harlots and sacrifice with shrine prostitutes - a people without understanding will come to ruin! What God said to me: Dwayne, often you have been tempted to blame your wife for your actions and for matters at home and in your heart. Somehow you feel justified in your thinking and justified in your sinful ways because you think she failed to do something or she lacked certain sensitivities and skills. But know this: I do not hold her responsible for your mistakes and your lack of faith and perseverance. Whatever the condition of your home and heart may be is your responsibility as the head of that home. Same with a nation - as goes the men, so goes the country. Adam blamed Eve, but I didn’t fall for it, and I didn’t stand for it. Same with you. Be warned - be holy… What I said to God: Holy Lord and Savior, El Elyon, I repent of my blaming, scheming ways, my false-justifications at the expense of my wife and family. Cleanse me, yet still hold me responsible. May I be the man you’ve called to be so I can encourage my wife to be the woman you’ve called her to be.
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11.01.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 10:23 am by Administrator
Text: Hosea 4:1-13 Theme: Destroyed from lack of Godly knowledge Key verses: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgement of God in the land.” (v. 1b) “Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field and the birds…and the fish…are dying.” (v. 3) “But let no man bring a charge, let no man accuse another…” (v. 4) “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” (v. 6) “…the priests…exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful.” (v. 7) “Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways…They will eat but not have enough…because they have deserted the Lord to give themselves to prostitution, to old wine and new which take away the understanding of my people. They consult a wooden idol and are answered by a stick of wood. A spirit of prostitution leads them astray.” (v. 9-12) What God said to me: Dwayne, ignorance of my ways and my laws is unnecessary and inexcusable. Furthermore, it is destructive and dangerous. I have provided clear guidelines of what I expect. It is your responsibility as my representatives and as my people to search out and discover what those directives and precepts are. Yet, so few of those who claim they know me take seriously what my Word says. They don’t discipline themselves to learn what is holy and just and wise. Then, even what they know to be right and true, they often ignore and reject - to thier ultimate demise. Wine, lust, adultery, idolatry - all these will lead your heart away from me, clouding your discernment of right and wrong and dulling your sensitivity to what pleases me. At the same time, your family, your children, your world will also suffer and erode around you. What I said to God: Holy One of Israel, Eternal and True God, I cannot fathom your anquish as you watch your people destroy themselves out of rebellious and lazy ignorance. Forgive me for the many days I too have been rebellious and lazy, not wanting to do and thus not doing my Bible study and quiet times with you. May my wife and my children seek after you, hungry to know you more. May our church desparately search your Word for direction and wisdom. Restore us again to hunger and thirst after righteousness.
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10.30.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 10:01 am by Administrator
Text: Hosea 3:1-5 Theme: Living with God means living without our pet sins Key verses: ”Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods…” (v 1) “So I bought her for 15 shekels…Then I told her, ‘You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will live with you.’ For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince…or idol. Afterward…They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days.” What God said to me: Dwayne, I have loved Israel with an everlasting love. Time and time again I have gone into the back alleys and dark corners to find them in their rebellion and bring them out to my protection and care. Hosea demonstrated my love through his actions for his wayward, adulterous wife. However, Hosea’s love was not without expectations. And neither is mine. True love doesn’t overlook and ignore sin. Furthermore, my holiness cannot allow unholiness to dwell in my presence. Who will ascend unto the hill of the Lord? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. I stripped Israel of their securities in kings and idols. I took away their carnal pleasures. Only then was the evil smoke cleared enough for them to see where real pleasure, real hope and real security abides - in my presence forever. What I said to God: Thank you, precious Lord, for reminding me today of your everlasting love. You reached down into the garbage dump and pulled me out many years ago. Nearly 2000 years earlier you died proving your love and determination to bring us all back to you. Forgive me when I want to “have my cake and eat it too.” Forgive my wayward thoughts, my rebellious ways. I have played the harlot more than once as I chased after other much smaller gods. Thank you for never giving up on me. Like Hosea, you brought me back, and you expect me to live only for you. I surrender to your holy house rules!
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10.25.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 6:10 am by Administrator
Text: Hosea 2:1-13 Theme: The results of forgetting God Key verses: “Rebuke your mother…for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband. Let her remove her adulterous look…and the unfaithfulness…Otherwise I will strip her naked…I will make her like a desert…and slay her with thirst.” (v. 2-3) “Then she will say, ‘I will go back to my husband as at first, for then I was better off than now.’ She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain…who lavished on her the silver and gold…” (v.8) “So now I will expose her lewdness…I will stop her celebrations…I will ruin her vines…I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry and went after her lovers, but me she forgot.” (v. 10-13) What God Said to Me: Dwayne, I will not be easily forgotten. People may manage to put me out of their minds for a little while. But if they belong to me, if they are my children, if they are a part of my bride, the church, I will make them remember me. Israel and Judah forgot me, but I never forgot them. They wished I had forgotten them, as I stripped from them everything they had gained by dishonest and immoral means. But no such luck on their part. No, they didn’t know what was good for them, but I did. I do. I didn’t make them return to me. But I gave them every reason to want to. That’s the job of a faithful husband, a loving father. That’s what I was to them. That’s what I am to you and to my church today. What I Said to God: Thank you, loving and awesome Father and God and Husband, for speaking so clearly to me. You have reminded me in no uncertain terms over the past few days that I am to meet every early morning with you. You have so much to teach me. I so appreciate your patience with me and your determination not to allow me or any of your children to forget or ignore you. You are our life, our source, our joy, our future! You are our God, and I humbly submit my life and my day to you. Protect my family and remind them of your ways today as well. I love you!
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10.10.06
Posted in Thoughts on Hosea at 7:49 am by Administrator
Text: Hosea 1:1-9 Theme: Hosea’s life, his marraige, his wife and children were a living analogy for God’s people. Key verses: “When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, ‘Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord.’” (v. 2) “Then the Lord said, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish…” (v. 4). “Then the Lord said, ‘Call her Lo-Ruhamah, for I will no longer show love to…Israel.’” (v. 6) “Then the Lord said, ‘Call him Lo-Ammi, for you are not my people and I am not your God.’” (v. 9) What God said to me: Dwayne, I go to extreme measures at times to get my message across to my people. Hosea was being faithful to me; yet his life was depicting the unfaithfulness of Israel. An oxymoron? A double standard? Not at all. Your first responsibility is to obey me and not question my ways and will. Hosea met his responsibility. It was not an accepted practice of that day to marry prostitutes and name children such judgemental and dispairing names. No doubt it upset and disgusted many back then who heard of what Hosea had done. That was my way of graphically depicting my disgust with Israel. Faithfully follow me. What I lead you to do may at times confuse and frustrate some around you. Who-besides me-can say whether I perhaps intend to use your non-conventional life decisions to teach this world and my people something about me? What I said to God: Lord God, I appreciate and thank you for meeting with me this morning. Forgive me for missing my time with you the past few days, especially yesterday when I had ample time and opportunity. Thank you for Hosea, who faithfully followed your every command without question. Thank you for loving his wife and children. Thank you most of all for using imperfect people like Hosea’s family and like mine to proclaim your message of holiness and mercy. I willingly submit to whatever you lead me to do today, tomorrow, through all of life.
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