Hosea 13 - 11.10.2023
Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.
Hosea 13:5-6
I cared for you in the wilderness,
in the land of burning heat.
When I fed them, they were satisfied;
when they were satisfied, they became proud;
then they forgot me.
Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?
Satisfaction led to pride. ‘When they were satisfied, they became proud.’ These verses particularly stood out to me this morning Lord because Deborah and I jokingly talk about how we ended up in the desert. And while we oftentimes describe the current season of our life’s journey together as a time in the wilderness and debate whether or not this season is anything if at all like the period in the wilderness for the Israelites that had been rescued out of Egypt, we both agree one one thing - you have fed us in our greatest time of need. We even have the ‘lbs’ to prove it.
Application - How will you apply this to your life?
Lord, I would like to fast today. During my fast I would like to remember all the times in the past eight years that you fed me and my family. And we were satisfied. Help me to remember these moments. And as I remember them I will thank you. Out loud. In private. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Thank you God.
Prayer - Write out a prayer.
Lord, I pray that my satisfaction doesn’t turn to pride. I am grateful that you have kept me well all these years, in the ups and downs of my life both near and far from you. Let me not fall into this pattern that you described. Help me to guard against this curious development, one in which being nurtured by you leads to instead of gratitude, an arrogance.
I love you Lord and am forever grateful. Holy Spirit I pray that I may never forget this. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee
Acts 28 - 11.9.23
Scripture - Acts 28:30 - 31 - For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Observation – In this chapter Paul finally arrives in Rome where God had promised him safe passage. There were MANY obstacles along the way and Paul could have been killed several times, however, God would let nothing stop his servant, and His servant never stopped. He prayed for, and healed many, he remained calm and trusted God in all the chaotic circumstances he went through. He didn’t complain or ever lose hope. His confidence remained in the Lord. He was very aware of God’s presence and His control over every circumstance. He knew God was with him even when he was under persecution. He knew God was with him even when he was being dragged from one ruler to another to plead his case and put in one jail after another even though he was innocent. He knew God was with him even during the storm, when it looked like the sea would devour everyone on board. Just as Pastor Levi’s very timely message Sunday, titled Even If…..Paul reminds us that there is never a time, nor place, nor circumstance when He is isn’t with us.
Application - It’s crazy for me to really think about all the times that I freeze up sharing the Gospel. I have never been persecuted as Paul has. I never had people try to put me on trial or throw me in jail for something I didn’t do, yet I still find excuses for not being outwardly 100% devoted to the Lord – I had a bad day, it’s too hard, I am just way too busy to stop and share, this or that person doesn’t LOOK like they will listen to me, or they already told me they didn’t want to hear it. Boo Hoo! I really need to get over it. Paul was beaten, wrongly accused, isolated, etc. and he just kept plugging away - sharing with the soldiers, the jailers, the Centurion, and even Kings. God used all his trials to cause interaction with prominent ears and even gave him favor with those in authority over him so that EVEN WHEN he was stuck at home under house arrest for two years, he was able to share the Gospel. He was able to write letters to friends, family, the churches, as well as receive visitors who cared for his needs, and listened as he taught them and shared the Word - and the Word spread throughout the world! That’s impact. That’s a life worthy and honoring of God. I want to live like that. So that everything I am doing revolves around sharing His love and the Gospel. I want to make an impact on the world!
Prayer – Lord help me proclaim your Kingdom and teach others about you with all boldness and without hindrance because you are with me EVEN when it is hard, or I’m busy, or stressed, or uncomfortable. You are with me when I’m scared, angry, hurt and confused. You are with me in the pain and suffering that life brings. You are with me in the joy and laughter, in the wind and when a butterfly goes by and reminds me of my mama. You are with me when I see my child going through a difficult time and it feels hopeless. You are with me when I am laughing uncontrollably with my family or friends. You are with me in all the words I speak in YOUR name!
Father, in the name of Jesus, I am of good courage. I pray that you grant to me with all boldness to speak forth your word. I pray that freedom of utterance be given me that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news of the Gospel – that I may declare it boldly as I ought to. Prayers.org
- Crystal Flory
Acts 27 - 11.8.23
Scripture
Acts 27:30-32 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.
Observation
Paul was a prisoner but he lived his life in such a way that people listened when he spoke.
Application
In the previous chapter, Paul had made a request to present his case before Caesar. So he, along with other prisoners, soldiers, sailors, etc., were on a ship to Rome. During the long trip, they encountered a large storm that threatened to kill them all.
Now it gets interesting. The sailors (the experts in the situation) know the ship is going down, so they try to sneak off in the lifeboat. Paul, not a sailor (aka expert), warns the centurion and soldiers (the guys in charge) that if they let the sailors leave, then everyone will die. Instead of listening to the experts and jumping into the lifeboat themselves, the soldiers listened to Paul. And they let the lifeboat free. LIFEboat.
Paul’s whole life was about serving God. And because of the way he lived his life, people could not help but notice. Not everyone who came in contact with Paul immediately believed, but they were impacted because God was so clearly evident in every facet of his life. They might not have believed yet, but they could clearly see something different about Paul, and they respected him for it. There are other stories in the Bible of people who had favor with those in power because GOD was in and on them.
The people around us are watching to see if our actions match our words.
Prayer
God, I want to follow you so closely that people are pointed to you without me even saying a word. Please speak to me when I need an adjustment – to make sure that my life and my actions are reflecting you in all I do.
- Debbie Dunn