HOSEA

Today, I am in Hammond, Indiana attending Pastor's School.  I come home tomorrow and have much to catch up on.  I hope that you will be blessed as you read a few things I have gleaned out of Hosea.  It is a wonderful book that starts out he Minor Prophets.  They are minor only because of their length, not because of their message.   1) A DOOR OF HOPE- In Hosea 2:15 it talks about "a door of hope".  The statement reads: "And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope;"  I didn't exactly know what it was talking about so this time, I looked it up in a commentary.  I knew that the valley of Achor was when Achan stole the wedge of gold, 200 shekels of silver and a goodly Babylonian garment; and was judged for it.  It cost him his life.  In the valley of Achor (Joshua 7:24-26) he was stoned and burned with fire, and it says:  "So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger."   Now here is what is interesting... "Achor" means "trouble".  God is saying a valley of trouble will become a "door of hope".  What does it all mean??  Well, I've pondered it myself many times and here are my best thoughts on it:  This valley of trouble that Israel found themselves in was because of sin that was not dealt with.  But when the sin became dealt with, that same place became a place of hope instead of trouble!  If you are in a place of trouble, why not humbly deal with the sin in your life thoroughly and repent and ask God's forgiveness and cleansing so that the depth of your valley might also be a "door of hope".  No matter where we are, if we keep ourselves right with God.... that place is a door of hope.  God can swing open the door of blessing when His children are getting right with Him!!  Let your valley be your door of hope.   Start today.... it will take some time.... get serious with God.... seek His face.... and let the door of hope start opening for you!!  2) LACK OF KNOWLEDGE- Hosea 4:6 says: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"  Not knowledge concerning the secular things around us, but scriptural knowledge that comes from God's Holy Word.  If we don't know what the Word says, then we miss out by disobedience and ignorance of God's blessings!  We must get into God's Word and know what it says! 3) IF- Hosea 6:3 says: "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD:" IF we follow God, then God will let us know that we are following truth!  In the New Testament, it says it this way: John 7:17  "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  Same thought…. Follow God, do His will, and…. We shall know the truth from God!  Follow Him today!  4) FAULTY HEART- Hosea 10:2 "Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty:"  WE cannot have a divided heart and be a good servant of the Lord.  An double minded man is unstable in all his ways, God's Word tells us.  We must have a clear focus upon the Lord.   Hope you have a blessed day in the LORD.  Look to Him and spend time with Him throughout the day!  God's blessings be upon you friend.   Pastor Mike Mutchler