December 5

Hosea 1:1-3:5, 1 John 5:1-21, Psalm 124:1-8, Proverbs 29:5-8

Pray: Ever feel overwhelmed? Ever say, “It’s just too much?” There’s much to be concerned about in our world today. Truthfully, there always has been much to be concerned about. Evil is not new. Take heart, though. “Who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” Through faith in Christ, God’s people are victorious…no matter the circumstances. When you pray today, give thanks for the victory!

Read: God’s love is relentless. It’s not dependent upon boxes checked or how close we come to perfection (though we are expected to give an account for our actions). Hosea is a perfect picture of God’s love and redemptive work. “Go and love…even though she commits adultery…this will illustrate that the Lord still loves, even though people have turned…” What an amazing picture of God’s love! 

Edify: Spoiler Alert!!! I was listening to Christmas music a few days ago when I heard an old song that I used to sing as a child. The words threw me, honestly. “Santa Claus knows we’re all God’s children, that makes everything bright…” Two lies in one sentence: Santa Claus and everyone is a child of God (let the hate mail ensue!). 1 John 5:1 says, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God.” We also read that it is the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to even name Jesus as Lord and become a child of God. It’s not automatic. The gift of salvation has already been purchased (unlike many of your Christmas presents). You just have to say yes.

Practice: God’s love is incredible (read above). When we experience His love and grace, we are expected to live differently. Just as Hosea said to Gomer, “You must live in my house for many days and stop your prostitution,” God gives us guidelines and guardrails designed for our benefit and the benefit of those around us. Encounter His love and live like you’ve encountered His love.