July 17
Scripture: Hosea 6:1-11
The people here have once again decided that they would return to God. It seemed like they always assumed that after a few days the Lord would forgive them and raise them up again. They didn’t seem to ever understand how deep their sins were. In the preceding chapters, they had once again turned to idols. They had turned away from God who had met their needs and loved them unconditionally and turned to idols that could absolutely do nothing for them at all because they too were made by a man. All God had ever asked was that they would love Him and follow His commandments.
More than their sacrifices and burnt offerings, God wanted them to love Him and know Him. Isn’t it the same today? Some people only turn to Him in time of need. When someone is sick or when a situation is desperate. Only to turn away again when everything is alright. This is using God. No matter what name you put on it, it is using God.
He deserves and expects better than that. He deserves to be God of our lives everyday, not only when it pleases us, or it is convenient for us. Be very careful if you are one who acts that way, because one of these days your desire might be to have a relationship with God and it might be too late. Give him all the love and respect that He deserves.
Don’t play with God’s feelings
He loves you today
Turn your life over to Him
Let Him have His way