“Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD” (Hosea 1:2)

December 5, 2011

Among the hardest instructions a prophet ever heard from the Lord. Not only are you to preach, but I want you to experience and illustrate My hurt at Israel’s adultery. God’s love for us exposes even Him to hurt.

“By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down” (Proverbs 29:4)

December 4, 2011

True for congressman, judges, senators and presidents too. Praying for leaders who are above bribery, leaders who fear God more than man (ie. special interest groups, lobbyists, media, etc.).

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD'” (Psalm 122:1)

December 3, 2011

David loved to worship in God’s House, especially when he had fellow worshipers to go with him. I’ve always loved going to church too, but it’s not the building. It’s the burning presence of God’s Spirit and the gathered people of God worshiping that woo me there. See you Sunday!

“Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens'” (Daniel 9:25)

December 2, 2011

This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus came exactly 483 years (62×7+7×7) after the temple was rebuilt. Yet, one ‘seven’ remains to complete the prophecy of the 70 weeks of years.

“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe” (Proverbs 28:26)

December 1, 2011

A fool trusts himself while a wise man trusts God. Isn’t this the best definition of a fool? It’s also the root of sin. The attitude that says, “I will.” The wise person bends their will to God’s. Becoming wise we must root out all vestiges of self-will and fully submit ourselves to God.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

November 30, 2011

Confession is agreeing with God that our wrongdoing is sin. God already knows our sin. In confession we admit that we know it too. Having agreed with God on sin’s name, we can receive not only His forgiveness, but His cleansing as well.

“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word” (Psalm 119:147)

November 29, 2011

Better to put your hope in the unchanging Word than in the ever changing circumstances of this world. God’s Word will accomplish what it says. The one who wrote Ps.119 knew this. Take some time to study this the longest chapter in the Bible. List the different words used for Word (law, promise…).

“He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty” (Proverbs 28:19)

November 28, 2011

Some bounce from job to job and deal to deal looking for their big break. Others keep their head down and work with what they have. The former often end up empty while the latter prosper. Be thankful and get busy with what you have now.

“Those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37)

November 27, 2011

King Nebuchadnezzar learned this first hand after his pride caused him to over-reach. Pride takes many forms, some more subtle than others, even disguising itself as modesty. But God recognizes it. The heart of pride is in opposition to God. Better to humble yourself than be humbled by God.

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7)

November 26, 2011

Peter’s instruction to leaders still holds true. Live with the end in sight. Not in a morbid sense, but with a sense of urgency and anticipation. The end is always near. We will all face God. Live looking and praying for His return.