Prepare: Psalm 119:37-40

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
    that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread,
    for your rules are good.
Behold, I long for your precepts;
    in your righteousness give me life!

Read:

Hosea 9:1-12:14

Think:

The painful poetry of Hosea continues, with God’s unfaithful people portrayed as a whore. The previous themes are stated again and again, with idolatry and conspiracy with nations portrayed as harlotry. Note the extensive use of metaphors and images, used to strike at the heart of the reader. Do you see any glimmers of hope? The only hope is in true repentance (see 10:12) and the prophetic hope of a son who will come out of Egypt (11:1, cf Matthew 2:15). How and why is Jacob’s story woven into the drama in ch. 12?

Pray:

There is hope for those who defy God and disobey him. That hope is repentance and faith, turning back to God and trusting him. Tell God that you desire to be fully restored to him today. Let him know that you desire nothing short of his full blessing and grace. Hosea describes a sad scene of a people out of fellowship with their God; tell God that you desire just the opposite; that through Jesus Christ you want to live the faithful life of a committed disciple. Pray for the launch of our Wednesday Night Ministries for Children and Youth. Angela Myers and her ministry team.

Sing:

The song I Set My Hope, speaks to those who have ever wrestled with doubt and fear in their faith. If you've ever wandered, fallen short, or found yourself growing cold in your faith, set your hope on Jesus and find your joy and satisfaction in him.