Prepare: Psalm 119:33-36

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
    and not to selfish gain!

Read:

Hosea 7:1-8:14

Think:

The report of Israel’s sin and “adultery” against God continues. Various images are used to describe this: what are they? Instead of turning to God for help, they turn to Egypt and Assyria (7:10-11). God offers help and redemption to his people; how do they respond? Chapter 8:4-6 vividly describes the sin of idolatry and how it offends God, and v. 7a offers a timeless turn of phrase used to this day. The sad truth is that judgement from God awaits the people of God, who have become proud and empty in worship.

Pray:

Confess to God the sin of pride. Ask God to help you discern when idolatry is harming your walk with him (anything that usurps his place of preeminence in your life). Confess to God the pride and sin of idolatry in our own nation. Ask him to revive his church and send spiritual awakening to our needy nation. Pray that our worship would be deeply heartfelt and center on Jesus Christ and the gospel.

Sing:

The hymn Come Thou Fount, expresses well the reality that, even though we are in Christ as believers, we are "Prone to wander" and are constantly in need of God's grace and blessing.