Self-reliance is an admired ideal, especially for us Americans.-But Scripture warns us that the self-reliant risk not only failure, but the dire consequences of leaving God out of their lives.--They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind..- Hosea 8-7 -NKJV--For love's sake, God warns His people to rely upon Him in every aspect of life.-Every good thing anyone experiences comes from God, whether they recognize Him or not.-In the days of the prophet Hosea, ancient Israel was blind to her self-reliance- when it came to choosing her leaders, her values, her goals - and even in her worship - self preference, not God's will, was the primary motivation.-Sound familiar--As you know, people haven't changed all that much since Hosea's time. That's why the judgment oracles given to God's people through the prophets speak so directly - and helpfully -- to us today.-I hope to see you here this Sunday as we continue our study of Hosea, -God's Loyal Love.-

Half-baked bread, a delirious dove, a bent bow.-We may not know these ancient metaphors at first glance, but we know we don't want them to describe us.-Apart from grace, they do describe us.--Whenever I want to restore the fortunes of My people- the sin of Ephraim is revealed, and the evil deeds of Samaria are exposed.- -Hosea 6-11 - 7-1 NET--God did not judge Israel because He was reluctant to forgive His people's sins. Nor will He judge anyone today for that reason. His judgment came from Israel's unwillingness to turn to Him. Though they cried out from their beds as God's discipline commenced- they still did not cry out to Him.-Israel's commitment to God was like bread burnt on one side, raw on the other. She flitted from this false hope to that one, unable to fly straight to safety in Him.-Today, sinful man's plight is no different. If God's people are to be restored to Him, He must grant such a change Himself.-I hope to see you here this Sunday as we return to our study of Hosea with, -God's Loyal Love- Hope for the Helpless.-

Guitar Songs of Worship

The names of Jesus in Scripture declare not only His identity, but His qualifications to serve us as Savior and rule us as King.-Isaiah's prophecy of Jesus' birth says- -His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.- -Isaiah 9-6 NKJV--Our Savior and King, Jesus, is like a father to His people. His love flows from His very nature, never the merit of His own, and His loyalty is unending.-The Lord's rule is not cold and unfeeling, but warm, welcoming and without condition for those who are the objects of His great affection.-Like a father, Jesus knows us fully, yet forgives us completely, and cherishes us endlessly. Is this your view of King Jesus--Of course, this father-child relationship with God is not ours by birthright- we must be adopted into His family at great cost to Himself.-Only because our Prince of Peace, Jesus, took the wrath of God for our sin can we be at peace with God and rest peacefully in our Lord's fatherly love.-This Sunday, we'll turn once more to Isaiah's prophecy of Christ's advent as we consider, -Unto Us a Child is Born- Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.-

God's love at times comes in the form of discipline. He loves His own far too much to let us stray too far, or too long, from the safety and well-being of intimate relationship with Him.-God likened rebellious Israel to an unfaithful bride who brazenly chased satisfaction outside of her marriage. Israel's ungrateful, idolatrous, hyper-sexualized culture was akin to spiritual adultery. Through the prophet Hosea, God warned His people that He would not allow them to find satisfaction through their love affair with the world. Instead, He would strip away Israel's material prosperity, military security, and hollow religion - leaving her destitute and desperate for her God.

-O love of God, how rich and pure. How measureless and strong. It shall forevermore endure - the saints' and angels' song-- That old hymn could well have served as the soundtrack to Hosea's life. God's prophet to ancient Israel lived out the painful message he was sent to preach to the LORD's people. -- the LORD said to Hosea- -Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry and children of harlotry, for the land has committed great harlotry by departing from the LORD- -Hosea 1-2 - NKJV-. Say what- Why would God ask His faithful prophet to marry an unfaithful pagan woman- What would be gained by marrying piety to promiscuity- God wanted His prophet to understand the scandalously loyal love He has for His chosen people, despite their immorality and idolatry. Though divine discipline would surely come to His enduring. That same relentless love envelopes God's children today - despite our unworthiness- The old hymn, based on a much older Jewish poem, sings this so well- -The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell, it goes beyond the highest.