December 6

Hosea 4:1-5:15, 2 John 1:1-13, Psalm 125:1-5, Proverbs 29:9-11



Pray: I’m guilty. Many of you are guilty. We get upset and say something without thinking it through. Our words hurt, mostly those we care about deeply. If you resonate with what I’m saying, Proverbs 29 is tough to read: “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Lord, hear our prayers as we seek to move from foolish venting to wise men and women.

Read: Most people want to feel secure in life. We want security in our relationships, our jobs, retirement, etc. The Psalmist tells us “Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.” What’s the secret to security? Trust in God.

Edify: Love is so much more than a feeling. Feelings go up and down. Feelings are fickle. My feelings change when I’m tired or hungry. Love is not a feeling, though most times a feeling does accompany love. “Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another…” Love is action. It’s doing something for someone even when you don’t feel like it, especially when you don’t feel like it.

Practice: I don’t like to admit when I’m wrong. Sometimes it's when I’ve been defeated by a machine and my computer gets the best of me. Other times, it’s a more serious matter and I’ve said/done something which I regret and must apologize and repent. It’s easier then, to just simply blame someone else…a spouse, disobedient children, the boss, society, etc. Yet, I know that easy is not the same as right. “Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! My complaint…is with you” Hosea says, on behalf of God. For what do you need to repent? To whom do you need to apologize?