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
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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