RTW June 25
Remember What I Forget
Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you. You have forgotten the Rock who can hide you.
Isaiah 17:10
My Takeaways
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (NIV)
Deuteronomy 32:18
You deserted the Rock, who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth. (NIV)
Psalm 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. (NIV)
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NIV)
Psalm 18:31
For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? (NIV)
Psalm 18:46
The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! (NIV)
Psalm 28:1
To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. (NIV)
Psalm 31:20
In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling, you keep them safe from accusing tongues. (NIV)
Psalm 95:1
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. (NIV)
Psalm 143:9
Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. (NIV)
My Takeaways: God’s Love
Something Old: So the saga continues the kings continue to either anger the Lord or do what is pleasing to the Lord. The Lord chose the nation of Israel and poured his love all over them, but they continue to be unfaithful and go against Him. It appears that throughout history all nations follow this same pattern as Israel, becoming less moral over time. Look at America. Haven’t we choosen gross idolatry and immorality? Are we witnessing our own implosion and the judgement of God?
Something New: Hosea 1:2 “When the Lord first begin speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, ‘Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshipping other gods.'”
When God speaks this to Hosea it’s to provide Israel with a picture of His amazing love and the relationship He has with the unfaithful people of Israel. Israel broke their vow with God by worshipping false gods. God, who is all-knowing, knew this would happen. Just like Hosea married Gomer knowing ahead of time that she would be unfaithful. Gomer’s marriage would be the living object lesson to the adulterous people (the nothern kingdom). It’s hard to wrap my head around the thoughts and feelings that must have been going on in Hosea mind at this time. How hard it would be for him to marry a woman that he knew would not be faithful. But guess what? Hosea obeyed and trusted God. Hosea dealt with his wife even after knowing her sinful ways. Just like God deals with us knowing our sinful nature.
Something To Do: Take the pain and suffering that might come, from obedience, even when I might not receive any personal gains, but could be benefiting others. Take the focus off myself. Stay devoted to God.
Guess what girls? In 6 more days we will have reached our halfway mark through the Bible.The best parts of the Bible are yet to come. So exciting. Who would have ever thought we would come this far? How will you celebrate. I pray that I can remain faithful to the end!