The sound and smell of spring is so relaxing coming through the back door, as the hubby and I lounge on the couch for movie night. There’s not quite enough room for both of us lying side by side, so my bare foot falls frequently to the floor. It’s sticky and I think the culprit is lying beside me.

The urge to get up and clean at 9:30 pm in the middle of a movie is almost overwhelming. I thought I cleaned the floors well enough on Monday. Apparently not. Ignoring it, I move my foot back to the couch; it slides back down.

My slightly obsessive-compulsive side says, “Ewe. This is gross. I have to clean it. Right now.” My tired body that babysat, cleaned, exercised, and cooked throughout the day says, “No, it can wait until morning. After all, you’re off all day with a “nonessential” travel ban in place. Relax.”

“It’s not as though the movie is good anyway!”  My mind retorts stubbornly. The return to high school plot line is tiresome. A typical heroine tries resisting her high school sweetheart’s charms in the midst of his murder charges……really!? There is a reason that relationship tanked and she moved across the country.

So, the internal battle rages, do the habitual thing and remove the stickiness or put it off until morning.

It’s interesting how a physical situation often mimics the spiritual. Behavior change begins with small steps in the right direction and encouragement from tiny victories. Steps that propel hearts to make more thoughtful decisions in the day to day permit lasting change. Deflected compulsive urges slowly steer the heart away from clinging patterns of self-ruin.

For instance, determining priorities for spiritual growth can involve distance from relationships that tempt me to continue selfish endeavors. Replacing short sightedness with intentional action on behalf of others during casual moments of noticed need is empowering.

Perhaps I’m filling a void with material things, I’m bored, or succumbing to emotional eating. Stuff I mostly avoid, yet at times still do. Similar to the heroine of the movie plot, clearly understanding her return home is a bad idea, although still drawn inexplicably.

There is a tension in the indecision. Making difficult choices often infringes on instant gratification.

 The apostle Paul states this beautifully, “So, I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.” (New International Version, 8:21-23)

The struggle is real for even the strongest Christian, like Paul. The stickiness of sin wants to cling to my mind and distort the changed heart that longs to be rescued from ‘the body of death’ (vs 24).  Because I battle the flesh every day.  The tenacious thoughts of self-reproach are slowly replaced with wonder and gratitude in the presence of Jesus’ sin offering.  A small victory over the mind renews strength and empowers the flesh.

Stepping forward with such grace spurs the next step in the right direction. A new habit begins, relax in Jesus and strive to please Him. I am reassured by meditating on the words of the apostle’s truth as I hear him declare further:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (NIV, Romans 8:1-2) So, I choose to live according to the Spirit and have my mind set on what the Spirit desires.

Aw, like a cool spring breeze my heart is set on the Sprit’s desires, the decision pleasing to Him is the one I choose.

A word study of the heart

Day 1

Welcome to a short word study while on the go! If you want to draw closer to God and don’t know where to start, a word study may be a good place. Understanding God’s word and the themes in the bible can be intimidating. This study might just spark your desire to go deeper in God’s word…..when you’re ready!

In this 5 day bible study we will take time to compare the heart of man to the heart of God. You can look up the verses and write out references to the heart or you can use the Biblegateway.com verses to read on the go. If you have OneNote you can copy and paste the verses that really touch your heart.

I like the work of writing out the scriptures on a note pad. It is helpful in meditating on God’s word. 

You do whatever works best for you!

Circling or highlighting the word heart (and what the verse says about the heart) as I write out each verse helps me emphasizes the main point. Also, compiling my favorite promise verses on an index card and posting them on the bathroom mirror helps to remind me of the heart of God and how he moves through His word!

Something else I find helpful is writing out beside the verse (or group of verses) who the writer is speaking to. This task keeps in place the appropriate context of scripture.

So, the object today is to have a clear view of my heart compared to the Father’s heart because therein lies the beginning of understanding. In the background of my mind is the knowledge that in spite of my tendency for straying, the heart of God is steadfast. I recall the childhood memory verse pointing me in the right direction:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

I pray you are reminded through God’s word today and encouraged to know —it’s ok to not be perfect, you are still loved! He is working in you and through you and me to accomplish His purpose. All we have to do is cooperate, open our minds, and pray for understanding and the heart change we so desperately need.

How can a heart be deceitful or wicked according to the following verses?

Genesis 6:5

Genesis 8:2

Jeremiah 17:9

Mathew 12:34

Mathew 15:8-9

Mathew 15:18-20

Deuteronomy 9:4

Psalm 7:9

Psalm 10:13

Psalm 28:3

Psalm 36:1

Proverbs 21:4

Isaiah 47:10

Jesus’ words in scripture tell us to ‘take heart’ he has over come the world. And not to let our hearts be troubled. He says, “You believe in God; believe also in me.” (Mathew 14:1) The condition of our hearts are changed when we encounter the all-consuming love of Jesus. I’m so grateful to him for that today. The disruption of wickedness is not immediately resolved when we place our trust in Him, but our desire to be more like Him is present. He slowly transforms the thoughts and desires of the selfish heart into one that puts others first.

Lord of heaven, you are merciful and mighty. Thank you for the hope expressed so eloquently in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

“And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

Isaiah 6:5

When the eyes of Isaiah fall upon the seraphim praising and worshiping the Lord, he is stricken with grief at his own corruption. Images of the people in his life and his interaction with them dart through his memory. Immediately he feels remorse.

The acute presence of a Holy God brings us to our knees. Every time.

When the scales fall off my eyes and I see clearly my sin before Him, I then understand and grieve words from my own lips. The sharp tone, criticism, nor the callous remarks spilling from my mouth are the hope our Lord wishes us to impart to others. Quite the contrary, it’s a sure sign of lingering bitterness. The stricken conscience resulting from the barrage of words, acknowledges the grievance before our Savior. Therefore, opening the door for repentance.

How important are words among people anyway?

Several years ago, I reprimanded my daughter for her language. Her friend promptly responded, “Why? They’re just words.” Taken aback by her response, I shut down. A less wise woman at the time, I withdrew to contemplate the carelessness of words, the deepness of words, and how often we assume our words have no impact.

Are they just words? It’s obviously not “cool” to think too highly of them. I often regret passing up the opportunity to teach that young lady. I just didn’t want to hurt her feelings or know how to guide her thinking at the time. Maybe her own scarring from past hurtful words led her to convince herself “words don’t matter”.

 What I would love to tell her now is that words have the power of life and death. I’d ask, “How many relationships have been torn apart because of words? How many children live in fear and anxiety because of the unleashed fury of words?” Most likely, the same number of children who learn compassion, love, kindness, and patience by the use of gentle words.

The beauty of Isaiah’s unclean lips is submitting them to God. He is forgiven and has the opportunity to make amends! Because the moment Isaiah realizes his shame and guilt before our Holy God, he has a heart change. Oh, how I’d love this to happen for this girl! Maybe it will! God is open to intercession and while we’re both alive, it’s never too late.

Isaiah’s desire is to ask God for restoration. He says in Isaiah 6:5 “And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost.’ Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” (New International Version Isaiah 6:5-6).

The burning coal for you and me is the Holy Spirit living in us. He is guiding us through the difficult areas of restoration. Even though our heart reconstruction has taken place, maybe our old habits are hard to break. Here are three ways we can ACT to clean up our lips:

1. Acknowledge the careless or hurtful words and the emotion behind them.
2. Confess: Lord, I see my words have power of life and death, please forgive me for my words of anger, frustration, gossip, and slander that hurt others. Please fill me with words of life that encourage and love others.
3. Tell the person at the other end of those words, ” I am sorry“.

Memory verse for my thoughts and words:

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” ( New International Version, 2 Corinthians 10:5).

I pray you and I have the wisdom to compare our lives to the life of Jesus and no other starting today. The first step to restoring unclean lips is acknowledging the root cause and seeking God’s healing power of forgiveness. True repentance is signified in the grief over our sin, and it is a clear sign of a transformed heart. We want to please our Father. May we remember and pray this for lost opportunities as well as future occasions sure to arise.

“Because I, Yahweh, have not changed, You descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.”

“Malachi 3:6”

Week 3 Day 4

The beautiful mercy of God is unwavering. May we take comfort today in that simple fact. Even though the descendants of Jacob falter, Yahweh’s love does not diminish. The same love He graciously offers to Israel, is bestowed upon those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. A wonderful promise we can rejoice in as we wrap up our study today!

While we, like Israel, will stumble and waver in our walk with Him, He shows us a better way. A way of forgiveness and thankfulness. He puts in our hearts a desire to please Him. We are products of change. Not perfect, by any means, but hungrily seeking Him. The discipline of God in past choices and resulting consequences prove to us, He is the better way.

Congratulations! If we’re feeling the refiner’s fire, we’ll see ourselves as He sees us, before we leave this place.

It’s going to take some heavy reading today to see it though. Hopefully we’re up for the challenge!

Please Read Malachi Chapter 3 and answer the following questions:

1. There are two messengers in chapter three verse one. Look up the following verses to see who Malachi is referring to in the first sentence:

Isaiah 40:3

Mathew 11:9-11

Mark 1:2-3

The person explaining who John is according to our cross reference is Jesus. The second messenger in verse 1.

What do we learn by looking at what Jesus says in Luke 7:18-29? Restate it in your own words below:

• Malachi asks, who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For He will be like a ________________   ____________ or a ______________ soap.
• Who is he going to purify like silver and gold? (vs 3)
• Please read Mathew (the reformed tax collector) chapter 23 to appreciate a small taste of what this refining fire looks like for the Levites. Note how many times he uses the word hypocrites.

Boy, did Malachi’s prophesy come true! The Lord came in the form of Jesus to reign and usher in a new covenant. He not only refines the priests, He raise up a spiritual army of “men to bring offerings in righteousness acceptable to the Lord.’ The twelve disciples, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Paul, Phillip, and many of the priests, became followers of the Way. All because, “I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)

• Although, it wonderful to look ahead at the power of God’s refining. What is another area of trust the Israelites are having difficulty adhering to? (vs 8-10)

Tithing is the ONLY area in scripture where we are encouraged to TEST God. He says, “Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour our so much blessing you will not have room enough for it.” (vs10). Praise God, He is faithful to meet our needs above and beyond what we need. What encouragement to stay the course, in spite of our circumstances!

Furthermore, Malachi inspires the few unwavering Israelites who pass the tithing test. He has a special message for believers who persist and revere the Lord.  

• In your own words, please write Malachi 3:16 below:
• Would you say it is important for us, our children, and those seeking the Lord to understand why we are to fear’ the Lord?
• What does Proverbs 1:7 clarify about fear of the Lord?
• What is God’s promise for those who honor His name? (vs 17)
• The thing we will see, that never ceases to be in our life on this earth is the distinction between the ___________   and the _____________ , between those who serve God and those who do not. (vs 18)

The hope of Jesus, alive and active in our hearts takes this distinction and spurns the desire to transform wickedness to righteousness. A close encounter with our own degradation and change of heart gives us the empathy to help and understand others. We were there, too once! Trained by the penalty of our sin, we’ve felt the death of innocence. Longing for peace and fulfillment, we listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit calling our name.

Praise God! He continues to work in us and through us to bring the hope and light of salvation to others. Even in our imperfect state, we know, our wickedness is covered by His righteousness.

Romans 8:10 says it better, “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life, because of righteousness.”

What joy! The Lord, Yahweh, has not changed!

May God Bless you and fill you with His Spirit today as you share His love! It is a pleasure to look closely at this overview of God’s unwavering love with you. I pray we all understand he is forgiving and merciful as our hearts are encouraged to trust in his faithfulness. God Bless you!

“My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave these to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name.”

Malachi 2:5

Week 3

Day 3

There have been some humiliating moments in my life. Several, I’d like to forget. After all, it’s an abasement of pride. Reducing of the ego to humble submission and lowliness. Remember Haman, hanging his head in shame after parading Mordecai through the streets on the king’s horse? (Esther Ch. 6)

Yep, humiliation occurs when we’re brought down from thinking too highly of ourselves. The question to examine personally and in the Levitical priesthood today, is how people get to such a place of superiority.

I’m suspecting it’s a heart issue.

Please read Malachi Chapter 2 and answer the following questions:

1. Yesterday, we looked at the defective sacrifices the priests were offering to Yahweh, what is the decree for such behavior according to our messenger, Malachi? (2:1-2)
2. What humiliating act will be taken to rebuke the priests? (vs 3)

Leviticus 11:39-45

Ouch. We cannot tolerate that stuff on the bottom of our shoe, let alone on our faces! To fully understand just how degrading this act is for the priests, let’s take a look at the following scriptures to understand their daily practice of cleanliness:

Exodus 29:44-46

If the priests take the Nazarite vow:

Numbers 6:5-7

The book of Exodus sets up the foundation for the Levitical priesthood, with Moses and Aaron as leaders. The descendants of Aaron will serve the Lord at the altar, care for the tabernacle and all it’s furnishings, and teach the people the law. (Numbers 1:50)

• What is God’s reminder to the priests of Malachi’s day? (vs 5)
• Did the Levite priests of Moses’ day follow through? (vs. 6-7)
• List below, in your own words, what takes place for the priests and why: (vs 8-9)

Reverence for the Lord is something He takes very seriously and personally. We as parents, can understand His admonishment because every single parent is disregarded, in some way, from their own child. The thoughts traveling through our minds must be similar to God’s, “How could you treat me this way?” “After all the love, the care, the provision……I have given you my whole life and you act like you don’t care.”

Yes, we can see and feel the pain of our Holy Father here. Not only does the way the priests treat him grieve Him, the way they treat each other, also mourns the heart of God. We’ll see this as we look closer at Malachi 2:10-17

• The phrase used repeatedly in these verses in my HCSB is “acted treacherously” the NIV uses (being unfaithful) the ESV uses (faithless) think about the phrase or words used and list below how the Israelites were treacherous/unfaithful:
• Malachi 2:10-11
• Malachi 2:13-14
• Malachi 2:15-16

The prophet says, “You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him? When you say, “Everyone who does what is evil is good in the Lord’s sight, and He is pleased with them”, or “Where is the God of justice” (Malachi 2:17)

The heart of God is wounded when people fail to see their actions disrespect Him as Holy and Worthy of praise. Pride in their position, stood in the way of its purpose. The priest’s opportunity to display reverence to God and His covenant of marriage is overlooked for personal satisfaction. The resulting injustice damages the morality of the people around them.

May we look at our own lives today and ask God, “Am I revering you, Lord?” “Am I living the Christian example set in Galatians 5:22?

God of Heaven,

Please, help me see the areas of pride in my life that hinder my service to you and others. May the utter humiliation lying in my heart, be brought before the heavenlies for inspection. I ask your forgiveness for any actions in my life causing you grief. May today be a new day to honor and serve you, as you fully deserve. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Week 3

Day 2   

Malachi Chapter 1

“For My name will be great among the nations, from the rising of the sun to its setting. Incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name in every place because My name will be great among the nations.” Says Yahweh of Hosts.”

Malachi 1:11

In spite of a people’s tendency to subdue whole hearted worship to Him, God’s established throne remains. It’s easy to sacrifice for our small children, they are tender and close to our hearts. Just as reading through a devotion is preferable to really engaging the mind in a study.

“No one has time for that” is the frequent response. It is a true sacrifice of time to cross reference scripture as we see and understand God’s heart. The tendency to scroll social media and play mindless games gives people much needed rest from the busyness of life.

However, the longing for something deeper and more satisfying will remain. True rest, in this case, is elusive.

There will be pure and acceptable offerings at some point, because He remains high and lifted up, above the nations. As the verse above reminds us, our powerful and Holy God is worthy of our whole hearted praise.

A heart change is what He is after, in us and throughout the lives of the people we study. We are commanded by our creator, to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This desire of God will be illuminated as we study Malachi.

Since we have an overview reading of Malachi under our thinking caps from yesterday, let’s get started!

 The Hebrew word for hate (sane) described in my study bible reports that “choosing Jacob over Esau occurred in a national sense not an individual sense. Comparing the situation to Jesus’ words “that those who love father or mother more than Him are not worthy of Him (Mt 10:37). The idea is priority rather than the despising of one person, or in this case, nation.” (HCSB, 2018, p. 1499)

Please Read Malachi Chapter 1

1. It may be easier, in our finite minds, to pass judgment or question why God would make such statements through his prophet in Malachi 1:1-5. List below questions you might want to ask God when we see him some day: (They are your thoughts, no wrong answers, it’s just to get our minds thinking).
2. We picture a loving Father, with two children (here Nations) and one being favored over the other. There are three facts about God we can keep in mind to help us grapple with the things in scripture we don’t understand:
3. His thoughts are not our thoughts, His ways not our ways. (Isaiah 55:8)
4. We are limited by time, He is not. He is the alpha and omega (the beginning and the end) He Sees all things (past, future, present) Knows all things (character, values, actions, faith, belief) of individuals and nations (before they are born).
5. What we see and read 4000 years ago in our ancient text, He saw 6000 years before that and beyond into infinity. He makes all decisions based on what He knows, not what we “think” we know. Basically, He is God, we are not.

• God says a son _______________ his father, and a servant his master. What does he ask of His son Israel? (vs 6)
• How has the leadership (priesthood) of the country of Israel dishonored God? (vs 7-8, 12,14)
• What do they still expect from God in spite of their half-hearted sacrifice? (vs 9)
• Are we any different in our own experiences of worship and sacrifice at times?

Please Look up the following scriptures to clarify the quality of sacrifice to be brought before the Lord:

Leviticus 22; 22, 24

Deuteronomy 15:21

The behavior of the priests in Malachi, show us corruption in the priesthood. Shirking duties of moral living, teaching the word of God to the people, and showing lack of reverence for God in the offering. We see the same behavior in our culture today. From sexual scandal, money laundering to outright theft in the offering plate among leaders today.

Moreover, compromise in leadership corrupts people. They no longer trust ‘holy’ men, men of God (or women of God), therefore they refuse to trust God. If that is what following Christ is about, they want no part of it. They can say that prayer and move on, enjoying life without religious rules or interaction with ‘fake’ people. It’s preferable to pursue mindless games, and social media for activities of rest. Unaware, the simmering discontent in their aching hearts is a yearning for God.

Yes, half-hearted sacrifice has far reaching repercussions.

 My prayer today, as we finish today’s lesson, is for me to look at my life and see where I am lackluster in my devotion to the Lord. Am I fully serving the people within my own influence? Am I fully committed to prayer for the lost and hurting in my community? Am I reaching out and encouraging someone today?

God in heaven, may our offerings be pure, as we set our hearts on you. You are high and lifted up and worthy of all sacrifice and praise. I pray our eyes are open to apathy and you forgive us today. Strengthen our hearts Lord to whole-heartedly serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Week 3 Day 1

Malachi

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me? Says Yahweh of Hosts to you priests, Who despise My name.”

Malachi 1:6 HCSB

Malachi (My messenger, my angel) is thought to be a priest among the Levites. His message to his fellow priests occurs between 458-435 BC. Cyrus has allowed the Jews to return to Judah and the completion of the temple has taken place. Nehemiah’s working on the wall with his relentless opposition. While Malachi has to deal with half-hearted commitment among the priest and the people. (HCSB, 2018)

Our first day of study for Malachi is an overview of the book. So, we’ll read through the four short chapters and keep in mind the themes listed in our study bibles: *

1. Perversion of the Priesthood (Malachi 1:6-2:9) *
2. Intermarriage with foreigners (2:11-16)
3. Problems in society (3:5)
4. Disobedience of principles governing giving

I’m noting also in my study bible that the “Hebrew word for Hate (sane) is to be understood as a lesser degree of love and esteem, or having less favor toward one. In the covenant sense, the descendants of Esau could be saved just as those coming through Jacob. The term “hated” is then used as hyperbole to affirm God’s choice of Jacob to inherit the covenant blessing over Esau, who remained outside the Lord’s covenant “(Gen 25:29-34-,27:1-400) (HCSB, 2018, p. 1499)

Israel is referred to as Jacob in the first chapter of the book of Malachi.

Do you remember, Jacob means deceiver and God changed his name to Israel after he wrestled with the angel all night, before meeting his brother Esau? (Gen. 32:24-32) I find it interesting that Israel (the nation) is referred to as Jacob (the deceiver) in chapter one of Malachi. We’ll find out why, very soon.

Although, there is difficulty in finding holy leadership among the priests, God is still faithful to His part of the covenant. I don’t know about you, but I feel a little better glancing back over the years and seeing where my mistakes are pretty common to humankind. Selfishness is not new. Seeking material things for myself before thinking of God is not new. Building faith starts with looking at my dissatisfied life and finding the missing piece. For me, it took a long time. God in my life, but my life not in submission to Him.

It is the full realization of His mercy and love that brings us to commit fully to Him. I glance back over my life and just stand in awe when I see the places our Holy God walked with me along the way! In spite of my carelessness towards Him! The yearning of my heart to honor and bestow gratitude for His merciful love is overwhelming.

I fill up with tears every single time I feel His grace. The longing for something better may be in your heart too. Trust me in this, He is the answer. As we study the book of Malachi this week and see a peek of the day of the Lord, our own halfhearted obedience may become clearer.

May this book inspire us to thoughtfully consider our commitment to God. As well as our stewardship, our values, our money. Jesus says, “where your treasure is, your heart will be also” (Mathew 6:21).

Lord, I ask for guidance as we begin our study and pray You expand our minds, open our hearts to Your message of repentance and the importance of your covenant love. Please stir the desire to seek You more. In Jesus name, Amen.

Week 2

Day 4

“Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them, But the rebellious stumble in them.”

Hosea 14:9

Israel at this point in time is senseless. He’s speaking my language. I’ve been in their shoes and walked the same path. “Simple, gullible, without expertise. Referring to the one who does not have the heart or discernment to make right choices, one who is easily influenced by unwise counsel.” (HCSB, 2018p.1403) Thank God, He has a wiser way, and the patience to wait out my obstinance.

Yesterday, we looked at the heart of this group of people, hearts possibly similar to our own, with lingering obstinance, in spite of salvation.

Hosea 7:6 says ‘For they, their heart like an oven, draw him into their oven. Their anger smolders all night;

Hosea 7:14 They do not cry to Me from their hearts; rather they wail on their beds. They slash themselves for grain and new wine; they turn away from Me.

Hosea 9: 1 Israel, do not rejoice jubilantly as the nations do, for you have acted promiscuously, leaving your God. You have loved the wages of a prostitute on every grain-threshing floor.

Hosea 9:10 I discovered Israel like grapes in the wilderness, I saw your fathers like the first fruit of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, consecrated themselves to Shame, and became detestable, like the thing they loved.  

Hosea 10: 2 Their hearts are devious, now they must bear their guilt.

Hosea 13: 6 When they had pasture, they became satisfied they were satisfied, and their hearts became proud. Therefore, they forgot Me.

The poetic language in these scriptures paint a picture of history. The history of their nation as well as ours. All the way from smoldering anger to prideful hearts becoming proud and forgetting who our Provider is. A republic selling ourselves out to other countries, thinking of our own pleasure before God. Largely, a nation well-fed, loving alcohol, and sex.

In spite of advances in technology, knowledge, and culture the human heart is the same. It is prone to wander and seek its own pleasure. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9a) In spite of treacherous hearts; scripture reveals God’s faithful love remains the same.

 I thank Him for his faithful love and His word that keeps me alert to my wayward heart! There are two things He clarifies for Israel, and hence for us; discipline and a chance to draw near to Him.

Please read Hosea chapters 8-14 and consider the following questions:

1. The consequences of corruption are serious, and that is why the New Testament writers understood a very important principle lost on our youth today: Write Hebrews 10:31 in the space below:
2. The consequences of Israel’s sin are given in the prophetic warning of Hosea: He is the voice crying out to repent. The same voice throughout history God sends to wake us up from our slumber of complacency and focus on what really matters. What is God’s plan to wake them up? (Hosea 10:10)
3. What is God’s plea for Israel (and in essence all those who claim to know Him)? (Hosea 10: 12)
4. God’s love, is as tender as a mother with a newborn babe sometimes, and at other times it’s as tough as dad’s belt on the behind, when children are unruly. (I know that was back in the day, ‘no one’ would dare do that now). Please write Hosea 11:1 in the space below:
5. The sense of betrayal has been felt by every parent reading this at some point in the rearing of children (if not yet, just wait) read through Hosea 11:2-8 again and list the “I” statements God makes in the space below.
6. What is stirred in God according to verse 9 of Hosea 11, and what does God refuse to do?
7. What plea is on the lips of God through the prophet Hosea in 14:1-2?
8. The promise of God is clear when people turn their wayward hearts back to Him, what is that promise? (Hosea 14:4-7)

What we see in the Old Testament is exactly what is played out in the presence of Jesus our savior in the New Testament. I am thankful God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8).  The word repent in the OT bible gateway ESV version is listed 22 times. In the NT it is listed in 53 verses!

Yes, God loves us and calls us to return to Him. May we pray today, our introductory verse for ourselves and our loved ones who may not understand these things.

 God, we pray for insight to recognize where we are rebelling and stumbling. Help us to be wise and soften our hearts to want change. Open our ears to hear the pleas of your prophets and our Lord Jesus, to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Mathew 4:17) Praise you, God. I pray your blessing over each lady who finishes this study today and cheer her heart with joy as she puts all faith and trust in you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Week 2 Day 3

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.’

Hebrews 12:11

Discipline is tough. As we saw yesterday, its hard edge of training on the recipient, allows time to examine hearts. Such instruction, empowers the persons to absorb consequences of behavior and opens the route of change. That is good news. There is restoration after discipline.

For many of us, like Israel, the route of change may take a long time. As we continue our study of Hosea, we will read chapters three through seven and note some key points. The chiastic structure of the book introduces a relationship between a husband and wife in chapters 1-3. As the book evolves, we see a correlation between God and his people (chapters 4-14).

The wronged prophet must now deliver the message and heart of a betrayed God.

Please Read Hosea chapters 3-7 today and consider the following questions:

1. In spite of Gomer’s pitiful state on the auction block of slavery, Hosea takes pity on her and buys her back. What does he say to her in chapter 3 verse 3?
2. Who purchased us from our slavery to sin and empowers us to live a better life according to Romans 6:5-11?
3. God’s pursuit of us wayward people is heartwarming isn’t it? Our parent’s longing for our child to travel a path of freedom is innate in all of us because we reflect the image of our loving Father. What do the children of God lack in this message from Hosea?

Hosea 4:1        Hosea 4:6        Hosea 4:14

• Their lack of knowledge is not a mind issue though, is it? It is really the same issue we all encounter in our own lives and the people we love. It’s a heart issue. Take a peek ahead at the following verses to see what I mean:

Hosea 4:1        Hosea 7:6        Hosea 7:14      Hosea 9:1        Hosea 9:10

Hosea 10:2      Hosea 13:6     

• It seems to be a twofold problem for the people of Israel. They like the culture around them and they lack proper leadership to steer them away from destruction. Who does the prophet address in Hosea 4 and what does he say? (vs 4-6)
• God calls Israel and us to repentance, he is always giving the opportunity to learn from the consequences of our behavior.  Summarize below what the prophet says in chapter 5 verses 1-4?
• Yes, discipline is tough. What does God hope to accomplish for His wayward children according to chapter 5 verse 15 through 6:3?
• Although, they like Adam violated the covenant (6:7), God is faithful in His discipline, what does he see in the future? (Ch. 7:1)

I know we don’t see this future return in this chapter or in the remainder of this book of sacred text. However, we do see it through Christ Jesus as this love story plays out in the New Testament.

The purpose and intent of God’s discipline cannot be underestimated or overlooked. He is a loving God who gives time and warning for his people to turn from their idolatry, drinking, violence, and sexual sin.

The sin is exposed openly in the harsh words of the prophet to shed light on the behavior that causes death. In hopes that, examining the heart will bring remorse and encourage change. As difficult at it is, we cannot underestimate the power of discipline.

Hebrews 12:9-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Week 2

Day 2

I’m learning as we study this book, that Hosea is a young prophet during the time of his contemporaries, Isaiah and Amos. His first message from the Lord was to marry a promiscuous woman, Gomer.

The first child born of this woman for Hosea is Jezreel, which means “God sows; what is scattered”. My study bible states this is the only child ‘clearly’ designated as Hosea’s child. The name draws attention to the day of judgment on Israel but also to God’s promise to restore His relationship with His people. (HCSB, 2018, p. 1395)

In chapter one of Hosea we see the Lord announce His intent to bring bloodshed upon the house of Jehu in order to avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel, the town where Jehu had brought God’s judgement on the house of Omri. This story of annihilation for Ahab and Jezebel is found in 2 Kings chapter 9 if you want to read that historical account.

Now that we have a little historical background, we can ask questions about our first chapter. Please read Hosea ch. 1 and 2

1. What do you think of God’s instruction to Hosea in 1:2?
2. If we place ourselves in this ancient time period, (where women were basically property, and the punishment of adultery is death, by stoning) what characteristic of God begins to emerge?
3. God’s intention for the Northern Kingdom of Israel is clear, what is it? (vs 5)
4. The second child of Gomer, is Lo-Ruhamah (not loved, or my bible says, no compassion). What does God clarify about the Northern Kingdom Israel? (vs 6)

And who receives compassion? (vs 7)

• Gomer conceives again, and God says name Him, Lo-Ammi (not my people) what do you think this means for the covenant with Israel? (vs 8)

The Holman Christian Standard study bible says God is temporarily suspending His covenant with the northern kingdom. A reversal of God’s protection of Israel from Egypt when He rescued them from slavery (Exodus 6:7)  (HSCB, 2018, p. 1396).

We see a perfect and Holy God cannot tolerate self-destructing practices among the people He lovingly created. The harsh consequences for sin are felt throughout generations. We see it today among our own culture. The boundaries of safety set forth in the ten commandments are not just rules to kill our joy. They are for our protection. As people continually break these bounds of protection, their self-inflicted pain and suffering increase.

But God! His Mercy is never ending and His extension of grace reaches through our rebellion to pull us out of misery and despair! He cannot stand to see us suffer and offers a solution.

• We see a name change of two of the children in chapter two verse 1. What are they now called?
• When we read verses 2-13 pay attention to what appeals to Gomer (Israel) and maybe what is more appealing to us than what God offers. Make a numbered list below and any comparisons you can think of:

We see the similarities, don’t we? However, are you ready for God’s mercy after some sharp discipline? Please read through chapter 2:14-23 and answer the following questions:

• What is God’s first act of mercy in vs 14?
• What is promise is restored in verse 18?
• God says to Israel in verse 19, I will take you to be my wife forever, what four qualities does He list:

I will take you to be My wife in ________________, ____________, __________, and ______________.

The poetic justice, love and mercy of our God is displayed in the story of Hosea. We see a restoration of a disciplined people and the promise of a faithful God.  He opens the sky and the earth to produce their food. We can relish in the His endurance as we close chapter two: The earth produces their provision; He displays his compassion on “No compassion” and calls them “My People” who are “Not my People”.

I am reminded of Hebrews chapter 12 as we close out this chapter of Hosea. If you have time to read that today please do so, it will lighten your heart in the area of how God is working through this pandemic to bring our people back to Him. Here is a teaser for you:

“My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son he receives. Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (Hebrews 12:5-8)

I am learning so much! No matter how unfaithful we are to God, He continues to pursue us! Does that make you just stop and wonder with awe?

Jesus is our great hope and God’s ultimate sign of his faithfulness and discipline turns our wayward eyes towards Him! Praise God!

Thank you for studying with me, let’s consider the following each day we study:

What is God speaking to my heart today? How can I pray through my own circumstances and how can I pray for you? Let me know!