There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. [Hosea 13:6] Hosea outlines the problem with Israel (called Ephraim, then Samaria, referring to the ten northern tribes): they received God’s blessings but forgot about God. God positioned them…
chasing the wind
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Ephraim feeds on the wind; he pursues the east wind all day and multiplies lies and violence. He makes a treaty with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt. [Hosea 12:1] Have you ever tried to catch the wind with your hands – good luck! It is…
squirming in His arms
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. [Hosea 11:4] Hosea describes the people of Israel like a small child, raised and…
the Giver, not the gifts
SCRIPTURE: Hosea 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you. [Hosea 10:12] Hosea explains that when Israel prospered, they forgot about God. Instead they immersed themselves in immorality and unrighteousness….
upside down?
SCRIPTURE: Hosea 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Because your sins are so many and your hostility so great, the prophet is considered a fool, the inspired person a maniac. [Hosea 9:7] I once read about an air force pilot who was performing multiple tricks in their fighter jet and became confused while flying; at one point, not realizing they were…
practicing what I preach
SCRIPTURE: Hosea 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Israel cries out to me, ‘Our God, we acknowledge you!’ But Israel has rejected what is good; an enemy will pursue him. [Hosea 8:2-3] Their actions do not match their words, they say that they are honouring God but in practice they honour themselves. From God’s point of view, Israel has forgotten their…
sapped and oblivious
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Their sins engulf them; they are always before me. [Hosea 7:2] Foreigners sap his strength, but he does not realize it. His hair is sprinkled with gray, but he does not notice. [Hosea 7:9] In this passage, as Hosea reviews their sin, he describes how sin engulfs them…
repentance and resurrection
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears. Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets, I killed you with the words of my mouth— then…
when the door seems shut
SCRIPTURE: Hosea 5 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: When they go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, they will not find him; he has withdrawn himself from them. [Hosea 5:6] The people have ignored God for so long that when they finally go looking for Him, they will not find Him. I have known people who never bothered…
helping or hindering others
SCRIPTURE: Hosea 4 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother— 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….