Walk in Them

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Walk in Them

Because  a picture is worth  a thousand words,  God paints pictures for us  to learn from.     In the book of Hosea,  God paints the picture  of a prostitute.     She is married,  but is grossly unfaithful,  as she flits  from one man to another  in her whoredom.     God pictures all of Israel  to be just like  that prostitute.     Israel is supposed to be joined  in fellowship  to the LORD,  but instead,  Israel loves all sorts of things  in the world  and different idols.

As Christians,  we belong to God.     That is why  it is only right  and decent  that we be faithful  to our Lord and Savior.     If we love the things  in this world  more than we love God,  we are no different  from a prostitute — a married prostitute at that.

We need  to look at our lives.     Are we leaning more  on philosophies  than the word of God?     Are we mixing other religions in  with the teachings of God?     Are we depending more  on people’s opinions  than on the truths  of God?     Are we feeling  that we are pretty good Joe’s and Josephine’s  by this world’s standards  and that we don’t need  the forgiveness  of Jesus Christ?

If there is anything  in this world  that takes us away  from a close relationship  and a humble dependence  on God,  that is an indication that we are definitely straying away  from the salvation we need.     None of this other stuff can even come close  in giving us  what we really need.

Even though we have strayed,  our Lord is still compassionate  towards us,  and His love for us is ever faithful.     All we need to do  is turn back  to Him  and ask  for forgiveness.     Hosea ends his book  with Hosea 14:9,

Whoever is wise,  let him understand these things;   
Whoever is discerning,  let him know them.   
For the ways  of the LORD  are right,   
And the righteous will  walk in them.    
But transgressors will  stumble in them.

As we face the truth  about God’s ways,  we will understand  the love God is extending  to us  in Jesus Christ.     The saddest fact is  that  “transgressors will stumble in them”.     In other words,  those who love their sins  more than they love God,  will never accept  the love and forgiveness  God freely offers  to us  in our Savior.     That is stumbling big time — because — God’s love towards us  is ever faithful.     We have no sensible reason  to disregard it  or  to despise it.     It’s the only love  worth having  because it gives us  eternal life  and peace  and joy.

What more could anyone want  that is honestly worthwhile?

Turning back to God,  our Lord and Redeemer,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  thank You for faithfully loving me,  even though I have strayed  so far  from You.     Keep me close to You  and Your protective love.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

 

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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