A Daily Devotion for Monday, July 8
- ontrakk
- Jul 8, 2024
- 1 min read
Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
I would answer Hosea by pointing out that sometimes the righteous stumble, as well. It is not always easy to discern God’s will. Sometimes it is probably best to say, “This is a mystery. God only knows.” But I do believe we will do less stumbling if we turn to God, and try our best to discern how he would have us act, in every situation.
Holy Lord, I am thankful. Much of your Word and your way remain a mystery to me, but I have been learning. I feel more closely led by you, and I hope that is true. I know that often your way is meant to remain a mystery to me, and I will know your intentions only later, perhaps not until we are together in paradise. I look forward to that day when all questions will be answered that need to be answered. Amen
Becky, transforming
Hosea 14:9. From the Message
If you want to live well, make sure you understand all of this. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll learn this inside and out. Gods path gets you where you want to go. Right-living people walk them easily; wrong-living people are always tripping and stumbling.
In the first sentence, Hosea refers back to the beginning of Chapter 14-entitled Come back! Return to your God. This is the people’s chance to turn back from the very ungodly living they are doing. I love Hosea’s message that our walk will be easier than that of the wrong-living people. We know, of course, that even right-living people have problems and stumble sometimes, but they/we have …
Monday, July 8th, 2024
Hosea 14:9
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
When we sin,even though we are striving for a more righteous life, we will humble ourselves before God and ask for his forgiveness. This is a by-product of a God who created the universe and it also aligns with His revelation to us of Himself: He is a forgiving God, that desires to restore the life of believers who have sinned and fully and honestly repent. He is also patient (2 Peter 3:9). However, eventually, judgment will come to those…
Hosea 14:9
Isaiah says the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and Hosea says the Lord’s ways are right. There does not appear to be any ambiguity here. Believers have been graced with discernment to distinguish the two, but even with this gift, I not infrequently find myself puzzled or confused. This is where trust in the Lord plays it’s important role in the Christian life. If I find myself stumbling, it could be a reminder from the Holy Spirit I am not walking in God’s will. Discernment gives me the reminder, trust gives me the solution or correction to make.
Prayer - God of all wisdom, thank you for Your gift of discernment. May I be diligent to use…