Knowing God In Hosea 11

Holy One who is Faithful (Jun 1)

After repeated postponement of
Israel’s day of reckoning, the time
to settle accounts has come at last.
Barrenness and bondage will
replace prosperity and peace.
Because of unchecked sin, Israel
will be removed from the land in
a tragic blast of judgment & death.
Destruction, famine and forced
labour will befall God’s people in
these terrible days of recompense.
And yet, though the nation
deserves to be utterly destroyed,
God will keep His promises.
God is holy and just, but He is also
loving and gracious. God must
discipline, but because of His
faithfulness and endless love
He will ultimately save and
restore His wayward people.

Faithful Lord, we adore You:
When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called My son…
My people are bent on backsliding
from Me. Though they call to the
Most High, none at all exalt Him.
How can I give you up Ephraim?..
My heart churns within Me;
My sympathy is stirred. I will not
execute the fierceness of My anger…
Ephraim has encircled Me with lies,
and the house of Israel with deceit;
But Judah still walks with God,
even with the Holy One who
is faithful (Hosea 11:1, 7-9, 12).

Holy Lord, let Your holiness manifest
itself in us; and may it transform
our thoughts, speech and actions.
You have purchased us our purity
at such a great cost; & we don’t
want it to be wasted in our life.
Help us honour You in all we do
& help us focus on Your holiness.
And empower us to live a life
that is set apart to You. Amen.

Lord God The Holy One, do Your
holy work of Sanctification within me.
I want to honour You with my life.
I want to resist sin each day. But
at the same time, I confess some
thing within me is attracted by evil.
Keep me blameless. Give me
Lord a deep love for You and
the zeal for Your glory that will
surpass any impure passion. Amen.

Faithful Lord, I believe my deepest
longings will ultimately be fulfilled.
I have brought them to You to do as
You please. Use them to accomplish
Your purposes; and I’m believing that
You will get me where I need to go.
I am available Lord to work
out the calling You have for me.
I know Lord that You are faithful
and that You will do it. Amen.