Vengeance Belongs to God...

When people are wronged or mistreated it’s natural to seek out justice. It’s an inborn quality God has put into each human being. The problem lies in whom we seek to carry out this justice. Retribution and revenge are different. We seek out the police, lawyers, the military, or even the government itself to make things right. We want to put our enemies in their place. Most people do this without seeking God first. They seek justice but forget where true justice comes from. God is the only source of true justice we can ever have. When we seek it out from Him first it sets our attitudes in the proper place. With that right, we then can seek justice in a godly manner, and expect it to be carried out properly. To often we seek out justice and confuse it with revenge. God tells us vengeance belongs to Him, yet we still seek it out from the wrong places. Ask Him for justice, then trust Him to carry it out. Stop looking to people for your vengeance.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the Lord. Proverbs 29:26

The Source of Our Significance...

Why do people want others to think highly of themselves? It’s human nature. These desires are important to human beings. It’s when people lack the significance found in God, that they seek it from others that it turns into trouble. When we start to desire things for ourselves and not of God, our priorities get twisted and distorted. We tend to seek our own glory from others, sacrificing our true purpose in glorifying God. When this happens we lose the ability to discern truth and common good from evil practices. We end up calling Good evil and evil Good. We get caught up in the pursuit of self and neglect our true calling of knowing our Maker. We get consumed with painting a picture of ourselves with the hope of gaining acceptance and significance from others while losing sight of reality. This has been going on since the Fall and will continue until God’s plan is fulfilled. The sincerity of our hearts is where the rubber meets the road. It’s the only thing that matters to God. Actions without true purpose are only passive intentions to satisfy self. They are like dark clouds that don’t produce rain, or empty promises that only disappoint. Unless we see God as the “First Cause” of all things, and realize our significance and fulfillment comes only from our continual relationship with Him, there will always be this desire to seek self-worth from worldly ways. A perfect example of this in modern times is Facebook, or Fakebook as I call it. Sure it can be used for good, but it can also be used as s substitute for seeking significance from the real God of the Bible. In the end which brings lasting joy, revealing our true identity; a few likes on Facebook, or the certainty of God being pleased with our behavior due to right living?

5 Present your bread made with yeast as an offering of thanksgiving. Then give your extra voluntary offerings so you can brag about it everywhere! This is the kind of thing you Israelites love to do”, says the Sovereign Lord. Amos 4:5

Discipline Equals Love....

In the first 3 chapters of Revelation we read of the Angel talking to each of the 7 churches in Asia Minor. Each church is addressed by what it does well and is called out to continue to persevere in the faith, and/or stop and repent of its shortcomings. Here are the shortcomings of these churches. 1. Losing their first love for Jesus 2. Tolerance of false teaching 3. Tolerance of and Eating food offered to idols 4. Tolerance of and practicing Sexual sin 5. Allowing their faith to almost die 6. Indifference- being “luke warm” How many of these do we struggle with? Jesus clearly states that we must repent of these or else we may be severely disciplined. For He disciplines those He truly loves. We need to take an inventory of our shortcomings and start (with God’s help) to regain that fire that once propelled us forward in our spiritual journey. We must start with #1 and dry our wet wood.

4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love Me or each other as you did at first!5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to Me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.6 But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. Revelation 2:4-6

14 “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. Revelation 2:14

20 “But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman–that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet–to lead My servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. Revelation 2:20

“I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive–but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of My God.3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to Me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. Revelation 3:1c-3

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth! Revelation 3:15-16

19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Revelation 3:19

Our Thought Life Matters...

People who think, by keeping the Law, they can earn Heaven, are confused with what the Bible clearly says. God does state this (by keeping the law we can earn salvation) over and over throughout the OT. It is true. However, the problem is not with the keeping of the law, it’s with us. We are not able to keep its requirements. So in essence we are all doomed. In Matthew Ch 5 Jesus brings this issue to light in the Sermon on the Mount. He discreetly states that even if we did keep the law outwardly, we would still be guilty of breaking it inwardly, due to our thoughts and intentions. Hatred was considered murder, and lusting was the equivalency of adultery. If you think you’re up to par and are able to live a perfect life, here’s a quick test. Have you ever thought of wanting something bad to happen to someone? Or thought you deserved something more than someone else? Or how about when you said something to defend or retaliate to someone else’s words with the intention to put someone in their place? Guilty, Guilty, Guilty. We are all guilty. That’s the point. God judges us based on our thoughts and intentions just as much as He judges based on our actions. No one measures up. Well, at least no human other than Jesus. It’s not until we bring our thought life under the control of the Holy Spirit that we will ever be free from the magnetic pull of trying to do or be good. We can’t earn God’s respect. We can only live a life free from the fear of condemnation by trusting Jesus’ righteous works to be our own. That doesn’t mean live a life pursuing sin. It just means we don’t live preoccupied with trying to be good or live a life trying to please others or build a good reputation with the world. Live focused on what you can bring to the table, all the talents God gave you, and you’ve worked hard to develop. Let Him be the Commander and Chief of your life. When you serve God and treat others accordingly, God will advance your reputation. Having grounded feet in the Gospel, frees you to live a life free from fear which allows you to spread your wings and soar to eternity. God is the ultimate judge, and knowing the criteria in which He judges, makes us accountable for our actions, and more importantly, our intentions and thought life.

Then all the churches will know that I am the One who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve. Revelation 2:23c

God Always Warns...

Seven times in the first three chapters of Amos, God tells the people that He will not let them go unpunished for their sins. According to this passage, God never carries out His plan until He reveals it to His loyal followers, who are to tell others. If they don’t listen and take head, they will come away with scraps. We are to never stop telling others the plan of God. NEVER.

This is what the Lord says: “The people of Damascus have sinned again and again,and I will not let them go unpunished! Amos 1:3a

7 Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7

This is what the Lord says: “A shepherd who tries to rescue a sheep from a lion’s mouth will recover only two legs or a piece of an ear. So it will be for the Israelites in Samaria lying on luxurious beds,and for the people of Damascus reclining on couches. Amos 3:12

The Irony of Opposition...

For those that live their lives opposing God and mistreating His followers, “Woe to you”. God will pay you back for everything you have done. It will usually be by the same means in which they used to carry it out on others.

4 “What do you have against Me, Tyre and Sidon and you cities of Philistia? Are you trying to take revenge on Me? If you are, then watch out! I will strike swiftly and pay you back for everything you have done. Joel 3:4

8 Lord, do not let evil people have their way.Do not let their evil schemes succeed,or they will become proud. 9 Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me. Psalms 140:8-9

Rain...

Do you ever think about rain? To the city worker it’s just an obstacle in getting to work. But to the farmer, it’s an act of God that demonstrates His faithfulness.

23 Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem!Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain He sends demonstrates His faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring. Joel 2:23

Revealing His Heart...

It says it in the OT, it says it in the NT: repent and return to God. What does that say about God’s desires and His character? Nothing that agrees with the modern skeptic, for sure. Those that never read the OT, thinking it’s irrelevant, punish themselves by limiting their ability to see the heart of God and miss out on growing closer to Him. The Bible is where God reveals Himself to seekers. If you only read half of it, you’re missing out on ever truly knowing God. He reveals His heart to us throughout scripture. Why would we limit our ability to know Him by only giving it a 50% effort?

12 That is why the Lord says,“Turn to Me now, while there is time.Give Me your hearts.Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,but tear your hearts instead.”Return to the Lord your God,for He is merciful and compassionate,slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.He is eager to relent and not punish. Joel 2:12-13

The Whole Story...

If you were asked to read a book, and you had to start reading it in the middle of the story, how would you feel? If you weren’t allowed to read the beginning, and prevented from reading the ending, would you start reading? You wouldn’t understand why the things are happening in the story and you wouldn’t know how it turns out. It would leave you full of questions, wouldn’t it? You would probably be confused. Even frustrated, right? That’s probably how most people feel about the Bible. They never take the time to read the entire thing. They start reading in the middle and stop due to confusion, frustration, or boredom; all due to lack of understanding. For those of us that read the Bible, we will never have to face that kind of dilemma. Clearly, Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. We know how life started and we know how it ends. The best part is that we know how to obtain forgiveness and salvation. How many people out there can truly say this? Jesus is the only way. Aren’t you glad to be on His side? The recipient of God’s Grace?

3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega–the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the One who is, who always was, and who is still to come–the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8

A Huge Issue...

Pride is a huge issue. Throughout the Bible God clearly and constantly declares His stance against it. Pride opposes love. Pride promotes self. God is so adamant about it, He tells us how much He hates it. Pride comes before a fall. Never forget how much God opposes those who are prideful. Fame, greed, riches, power, beauty, and lust all promote pride in us. Anything that turns our focus on self will allow pride to sprout and grow. If we are not careful, it will turn our hearts away from the most important Person in our lives. And ultimately to our humiliation.

23 Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. Proverbs 29:23

Right Living...

God‘s ways are best, when we walk in them we flourish and thrive. When we try to live by our own selfish ways, we stumble and fall. Righteousness is right living. Right living is living as God prescribes. You can’t live righteously when you’re not right with God. It’s like racing a car with flat tires, you can’t expect to win when the car you’re driving isn’t up to competition standards.

8 “O Israel, stay away from idols!I am the One who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from Me.” 9 Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:8-9

Death...

Death: to the unsaved it brings terrors. It’s a fear that controls people like a plague. To the believer it’s the soul separating from the body, part of the transformation process of being redeemed from death (punishment). It’s doom for the unbeliever, and redemption for the believer. Knowing this either causes fear and uncertainty, or focus and gratitude. You either live in fear of death, or live knowing your days are numbered with salvation on the other side.

O death, bring on your terrors! O grave, bring on your plagues! Hosea 13:14b

No One to Blame...

Written over 700 years before Jesus walked on the earth (as a man), this passage tells us how God is our only Savior. We tend to forget God when we are satisfied. When we constantly get what we want, our pride takes over and God is replaced with self. When we allow ourselves to get too comfortable we forget God. How is this possible? How is this so easy to do? Why do we allow it to happen? If we need a Savior to rescue us from death (the punishment for sin), why do we take God’s Grace for granted? It’s like slapping the Hand that feeds you. Just doesn’t make sense. But now, knowing our nature opposes God, either aggressively or passively, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to even go there. If we do, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

4 “I have been the Lord your Godever since I brought you out of Egypt.You must acknowledge no God but Me,for there is no other savior.5 I took care of you in the wilderness,in that dry and thirsty land.6 But when you had eaten and were satisfied,you became proud and forgot Me. Hosea 13:4-6

Know the Difference...

Beware!!! False teachers and apostates are everywhere, even in the Church. It’s our awareness and practice of knowing scripture that keeps us safe from their twisting and distorting truth. Our knowledge of scripture and knowing the God of the Bible that protects us from falling prey to these “dangerous reefs”. It’s our dedication to serving God that helps us know when “clouds blowing over the land” will produce rain or not. It’s our godly discernment that can decipher a “dead tree” from one that is wintering. These “wandering stars” are doomed to darkness. These “shameless shepherds” only serve themselves, disguising their desires to be inviting, only to deceive the vulnerable. It’s our job to know and protect others from these false, apostate teachers. Ask God today for the discernment and wisdom to defend the faith He has shown us to be true.

3 Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to His holy people. 4 I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.5 So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus[B] first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later He destroyed those who did not remain faithful. 6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. Jude 1:3-6

12 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you.[E] They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness. Jude 1:12-13

17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,[G] 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.22 And you must show mercy to[H] those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. 24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. Jude 1:17-25

God is More....

I was watching a part of a movie the other day and the main character asked a question about God’s wrath. The other character answered, “sin is punishment in itself”, meaning God doesn’t have wrath, just love. What a heresy! Whoever wrote this script obviously didn’t read the OT, or even the NT when Jesus turned over the money-changers’ tables. On the other hand, this “Love” that most people want to attribute to God as His only character quality, is grossly misunderstood and promoted inappropriately. Here in Hosea, God again reveals His heart to us. The love described here is intense, but it’s also accompanied by accountability and responsibility of its recipients. It’s also includes discipline and punishment from its Giver. Where are “these” attributes of God’s love being preached and taught anywhere these days? If you want to know The God of the Bible, you have to pursue Him. Read His Word daily. Then and only then will you be able to make an informed decision to follow or criticize the Designer of the Universe. But be careful, your decision may be missing some facts you’re unaware of.

The Lord’s Love for Israel 111 “When Israel was a child, I loved him,and I called My son out of Egypt.2 But the more I[R] called to him,the farther he moved from Me,offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols.3 I Myself taught Israel[S] how to walk,leading him along by the hand.But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him.4 I led Israel along with My ropes of kindness and love.I lifted the yoke from his neck,and I Myself stooped to feed him. 5 “But since My people refuse to return to Me,they will return to Egypt-and will be forced to serve Assyria.6 War will swirl through their cities;their enemies will crash through their gates.They will destroy them,trapping them in their own evil plans.7 For My people are determined to desert Me.They call Me the Most High,but they don’t truly honor Me. 8 “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel?How can I let you go?How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim?My heart is torn within Me,and My compassion overflows.9 No, I will not unleash My fierce anger.I will not completely destroy Israel,for I am God and not a mere mortal.I am the Holy One living among you,and I will not come to destroy.10 For someday the people will follow Me.I, the Lord, will roar like a lion.And when I roar,My people will return trembling from the west.11 Like a flock of birds, they will come from Egypt.Trembling like doves, they will return from Assyria.And I will bring them home again,”says the Lord. Hosea 11:1-11

Inside the Mindset....

Unbelievers think they have it all figured out. They don’t need God or His followers to help them in life. Here’s s short glimpse into their mindset that might help believers reach them. Of course it starts with prayer. Without God’s power and guidance, you will never point anyone to Christ.

10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. 11 What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. Jude 1:10-11

“HIS”tory...

The thing about History that people don’t realize is that once forgotten, it’s usually repeated. History is just that, “HIS” story. It all happens for a reason. It’s God’s story, and it’s for our learning and benefit. Once forgotten, is a predictable guarantee of it repeating itself. It’s just a matter of time.

7 And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment. Jude 1:7

A Daily Prayer...

This should be a daily prayer for all believers. To honestly examine our hearts. To give up to God our concerns and worries for the day. To realize our imperfections and remember them when dealing with others during the day. And most importantly, keep our eyes on Heaven. Use it as motivation to get through tough situations, and be a reminder that we are not home yet. God has a way of putting us in our place, so practicing humility keeps us grounded.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24

Wrestling with God...

Israel (Jacob) struggled with God. He even physically wrestled with Him. How much like that do we do the very same thing. Our flesh desires for things we really don’t need but want and when we get a “No” answer from God, we pursue getting it our way without Him. This pursuit of self regardless of God’s approval is exactly the thing He calls sin. The key to all of this is in verse 6 of Hosea chapter 12. We must come back to God, die to selfish, ungodly desires, act with love, and practice justice. And most importantly depend on God, trusting Him to know what’s best for us, and being obedient to His commands. If you truly want to please the Master, you will show your love for Him, by imitating His character, and putting that love you have for Him into action. That’s what fulfilling our purpose is all about. It’s the only thing that will make us whole and complete. Depending on God satisfies our soul, but also keeps us moving forward, longing for more.

Read Hosea ch 12.

6 So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on Him. Hosea 12:6

A Pampered Cow....

What do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk. Getting everything you wanted causes you to confuse necessity with convenience. It turns your priorities upside down, and your world “inside” out. There’s a medical term for this disease, “ingrownous eyeballus”.

21 A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel. Proverbs 29:21

Words Dearest to His Heart...

I recently photographed Dr. James Dobson of Family Talk and founder of Focus on the Family. Of all the things he’s said and done, these are the words he holds closest to his heart. He really is focused on his family (and yours too). God has no greater joy than to know His children are following Him. This should set our priorities, for all of us have family.

4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. 3 John 1:4

Tarnishing God’s Character....

I’ve always told myself, “Don’t ever allow yourself to judge the validity of God or Christianity, based on one person’s behavior”. Never allow one person’s actions to form your opinion of God, a Church, or even a family. We are all sinners. Yet I see and hear people’s stories of how one person’s actions, in this or that denomination, form their entire view of that denomination based on one simple act. Sad, but true. I find myself reminding myself of these very words quite often. In this world, it’s so easy to do. It’s impossible for one man to ruin God’s character, even though many believe this to be true. In reality, it’s only an excuse to live without God. It’s a way to try to justify sinful behavior. I’m sure you’ve heard people say, “If that’s how God’s people behave, I want nothing to do with Him”. Pray and ask God for His discerning Spirit, then you will know who belongs to Him and who doesn’t, and it will prevent ever tarnishing His Character.

Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 3 John 1:11

The First Great Cause...

Seeing God as the “first great cause” makes life easier to finish what you start. It gives us purpose and significance knowing we are participants of His will. We are the object of His love and when things happen to us, (good or bad) they are for our benefit (to grow in the sanctification process) or to benefit others (sometimes eternally). Knowing this brings great security and comfort to believers and true seekers. Knowing your days are numbered gives us a sense of urgency to do the important things and not sweat the small stuff.

15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out Before a single day had passed. Psalms 139:15-16

Do the Right Thing...

Do the right thing and you will be right with God.

12 I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness,and you will harvest a crop of love.Plow up the hard ground of your hearts,for now is the time to seek the Lord,that He may come and shower righteousness upon you.’ Hosea 10:12

When People Speak God’s Truth...

When people speak God’s truth, all those that oppose Him, for whatever reason, think these messengers are crazy and foolish. It’s been going on for thousands of years and still continues today. The names have changed, like crazy and foolish to bigots, homophobes, and haters, but it’s still the same. When you speak truth (hopefully done with love and respect), you will have opposition, sometimes it may even be hostile. And worse yet, the opposition may even come from within the Church. Prepare yourself. Arm yourself with prayer and the Armor of God.

Because of your great sin and hostility, you say, “The prophets are crazy and the inspired men are fools!”8 The prophet is a watchman over Israel for my God,yet traps are laid for him wherever he goes. He faces hostility even in the house of God. Hosea 9:7-8

The More We Get...

The more we get the more it pulls us away from what’s important. Look around... how many people that you know or see that has lots of money, are truly devoted to God and His agenda? I’ve lived almost a half of century and I can honestly say I have not seen many that possess great wealth be humble and totally sold out to God. Few, if any. Jesus did say you can’t serve both God and money for a reason. Having means gives us the ability to say “NO” to God.

1 How prosperous Israel is–a luxuriant vine loaded with fruit.But the richer the people get,the more pagan altars they build.The more bountiful their harvests,the more beautiful their sacred pillars. Hosea 10:1

A Life Without God...

Hell, a life without God. Terrible to experience here on earth, but even greater torment in the life to come.

It will be a terrible day when I turn away and leave you alone. Hosea 9:12b

What to Do About the Lies...

We are not to give any cooperation to anyone spreading lies about Jesus.

10 If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. 11 Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work. 2 John 1:10-11

Did You See God?

In the middle of the Race for Space between Russia and the US, the question of God arose. When the Russians who just returned from space were asked, “did you see God?”, they answered “no”. This led to the continuation of their Godless communistic practices, only solidifying their control over the people’s minds. When the Americans were asked, “did you see God?“, they responded with, “if I stepped out of my spacesuit I would’ve experienced God.” Funny how the two responses differ so greatly. In all honesty, according to this passage in Psalm 139, we can’t go anywhere to escape God’s presence. Not even space. I guess that’s comforting to know if you’re a believer, and condemning if you’re not.

I can never escape from Your Spirit!I can never get away from Your presence!8 If I go up to heaven, You are there;if I go down to the grave,[U] You are there.9 If I ride the wings of the morning,if I dwell by the farthest oceans,10 even there Your hand will guide me,and Your strength will support me.11 I could ask the darkness to hide meand the light around me to become night–12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from You.To You the night shines as bright as day.Darkness and light are the same to You. Psalms 139:7-12

Responsibility is Our Priority...

Responsibility to God must be taught, lived, and never forgotten. It should be the priority of our being. Every decision should be run through His way of thinking before being acted upon. The consequences are s screwed up, distorted life that has little hope, resulting in hurting people continuing to hurt people. Our sinful nature is the cause, but it’s our pride that keeps us there. There is a remedy, but repentance is very popular.

3 But it is too late.The people of Israel have rejected what is good,and now their enemies will chase after them.4 The people have appointed kings without My consent,and princes without My knowledge.By making idols for themselves from their silver and gold,they have brought about their own destruction. 5 “O Samaria, I reject this calf–this idol you have made.My fury burns against you.How long will you be incapable of innocence?6 This calf you worship, O Israel,was crafted by your own hands!It is not God!Therefore, it must be smashed to bits. 7 “They have planted the windand will harvest the whirlwind. Hosea 8:3-7a

11 “Israel has built many altars to take away sin,but these very altars became places for sinning!12 Even though I gave them all My laws,they act as if those laws don’t apply to them.13 The people of Israel love their rituals of sacrifice,but to Me their sacrifices are all meaningless.I will hold My people accountable for their sins,and I will punish them.They will return to Egypt.14 Israel has forgotten its Maker and built great palaces,and Judah has fortified its cities.Therefore, I will send down fire on their citiesand will burn up their fortresses.” Hosea 8:11-14

The Constant in Our Own Heart....

What we all don’t realize about ourselves, believers and non-believers alike, is the fact that our sinful nature is always present. It’s always there to rebel against God. Here’s a test to prove it: have you ever not prayed about something you know you should’ve? Have you ever done something wrong when you know you shouldn’t do it? Have you ever said to yourself, “I need to talk with God”, but don’t take the time to do it? That is this nature I’m talking about. It’s constant in our lives and if we are not conscience of it, how can we consistently battle it? Our unawareness of it eliminates our ability to ask God for help. Any time we read about someone else’s sin in the news, before we ask ourselves, “how could they do that?”, we need to examine our own heart and see if there’s any cleaning up we need to do first. Jesus said something about this in His story involving the log and speck of dust in our eyes, remember? God’s heart is for our good, let’s start doing a better job at making His job a little easier by making right what’s in our own heart.

“The people of Israel mingle with godless foreigners, making themselves as worthless as a half-baked cake! Worshiping foreign gods has sapped their strength, but they don’t even know it. Their hair is gray, but they don’t realize they’re old and weak. Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the Lord their God or even try to find him. Hosea 7:8-10

“What sorrow awaits those who have deserted me! Let them die, for they have rebelled against me. I wanted to redeem them, but they have told lies about me. They do not cry out to me with sincere hearts. Instead, they sit on their couches and wail. They cut themselves, begging foreign gods for grain and new wine, and they turn away from me. I trained them and made them strong, yet now they plot evil against me. They look everywhere except to the Most High. They are as useless as a crooked bow. Their leaders will be killed by their enemies because of their insolence toward me. Then the people of Egypt will laugh at them. Hosea 7:13-16