SCRIPTURE: Joel 3 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side. [Joel 3:12] Joel’s prophecy shows how God will punish His people, if they do not repent. He will use the neighbouring nations to punish His people, but…
Spirit transformation
SCRIPTURE: Joel 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” [Joel 2:12] Joel announces the impending judgment that hangs over Israel’s head, but then adds that there is still the opportunity to repent and experience God’s grace and mercy. Repent, return to the Lord, and…
declare a holy celebration!
SCRIPTURE: Joel 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. [Joel 1:14] Joel is speaking against the people of Judah and Jerusalem, telling them of the serious crisis that is coming…
if…
There are two readings for today. SCRIPTURE: Hosea 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. People will dwell again in his shade; they will flourish like the grain, they will…
ungrateful
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…