Apart of me doesn't want to be finished with Hosea (well I do have 4 chapters left). This book has spoken so clearly to me about so many things. It's also helped to me to explain a lot of Christian philosophies to Jake in regards to givings instead of being greedy - appreciating what you have and to find that balance of initiative.
In chapter 10v1, God brings to light how HE had brought an economic boom to Israel - & asks- What have you done with the prosperity's I have given you? Israel brought forth fruit to themselves, and then increased for themselves, and then embellished their own things. I looked at my situation and asked myself, am I being trustworthy with the blessings God has given me? Am I re-investing in others - in the kingdom to helps hare and spread God's glory? OR am I lusting after the upgrades that the world lies and says will offer me peace? Am I becoming a victim of consumerism?
Hosea10:1
Israel empties his vine
He brings forth fruit for himself
According to the multitude of his fruit
He has increased the altars;
According to the bounty of his land
They have embellished HIS sacred pillars.
Last week I went shopping and I have to admit it was hard not to lust after wanting nice things. A LOT of nice things. It took a few days of prayer and perspective to recover from that. Especially in this time where there are so many sales - its almost like that last hook that the stores use to try & pull you in. "Who can resist a good sale?" Then I realized that God doesn't not want us to have nice things - He just wants us to NOT go into bondage after those things. He doesn't want us to be consumed with those things. Where's the balance in that?
v3-4 For now they say;
We have no king,
Because we did not fear the LORD.
And as for a king, what would he do for us?
They have spoken words,
Swearing falsely in making a covenant,
Thus judgement springs up like hemlock (poison) in the furrows of the field.
I prayed for awhile and read and God spoke to me clearly. Seek MY Will & I will give you your hearts desire. If we do things God's way - even if it ends up going down paths we wouldn't have preferred - if we persevere thru it we will end up at a place that is so much better than we ever could have planned. Plus - during the times that are most uncomfortable, we will have the presence of God's peace to help lead & strengthen us thru those times.
10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness;
Reap in mercy;
Break up your fallow (hard) ground,
For it is time to seek the LORD,
Till He comes & rains righteousness on you.
We have had our condo on the market for about 4 months now. We've had a bit of activity which is uncommon in this market. But we've had no offers. We get emails everyday of houses prices coming down and new listings. Houses that speak of 1400, 1500, 1800 sq/feet. I desperately desire to have more room in our home. I desperately want for Juliet to have her own room - where all the baby's things can be in one place. I would LOVE to be able to have my own separate studio & office space in my home where I can help to grow my business and help to contribute more to my family's finances. Mike & I could easily get preapproved for a mortgage and buy one of these homes however because we have been earnestly praying and earnestly seeking where God would have us live, there have been no homes with the 10,000 listings in our area - that encumber all of what our hearts desire. Some have come close and when we have pounced on those homes there's always been SOMETHING that was off about them. I truly believe that it is God's hand showing us that He has greater things in store for us as long as we wait upon Him & His timing.
But what if I just decide to ignore God's timing & His will?
v2
Their heart is divided;
Now they are held guilty.
He will break down their altars; He will ruin their sacred pillars.
I am convicted that if I decide to ignore God and I decide for myself when & what I want. All of those "things" would not bring me joy. I would always have a certain amount of guilt & I would feel confused & divided about things. It was the same as Israel - they chose for themselves what was best for them. They picked & chose God's will as long as it was convenient for them at the time. The blessings will be certainly limited when you have faith like that.
v13 You have plowed wickedness;
You have reaped iniquity
You have eaten the fruit of lies,
Because you trusted in your own way,
In the multitude of your mighty men.
I think of working out, not to belittle my faith but this came to mind this morning. If I only workout when its convenient to me and I only do the exercises I enjoy - its going to take a long time for me to get strong. I don't have a lot of convenient time and let's be realistic - exercise is not something I would put in my top 10 of things I LOVE to do.
Who wants to choose to be patient when there are so many options to get what you want RIGHT now?
Just as I am trying to teach my children how to work hard, save, have a happy heart to give, and to come to me with their plans - God is trying to teach those same things to me. So I pray that we would remain strong in this stance - and that God would extend the walls of our home to make it actually bigger than it is. For everyone to find room and for ME to care for our home the best way possible. So I can prove by my heart, my faith, and my obedience -that I can be trusted with more.
