Where Am I Wrong?

Devotion for Saturday November 11, 2017

Topic: Where Am I Wrong?

Text: Jeremiah 2:5

God lamented His efforts to make Israel good and productive (Isaiah 5:1 – 7) which never materialized. Rather He got the opposite which brought His anger on them. He laments again in our text about unfaithfulness of the Israelites. He had called Abram out of Chaldea or a purpose (Genesis 12:1 – 3) as He wanted to make a nation of people who will faithfully and obediently walk with Him. He chased out the people of Canaan from their land because of their idolatry life and gave the land to the Israelites. He had bestowed upon them abundant labour and grace, and had expected from them an abundant harvest of righteousness. Thus He asked to know if they have ever discovered anything cruelty, unjust, oppressiveness, unkind laws or tyrannical in His government. Why then have they become idolaters?

In the same manner, God has bestowed so much grace on us and has done all that is needed for our salvation. We can’t charge God of neglecting us as the reason for our barrenness or sinning. He has done so much for us.

How do you reciprocate God’s love and grace upon you? Do not make God to regret the grace and mercies He shows you on daily basis. When we backslide, it dishonours God as it is a virtual declaration before the world that we have tried His service and found it unreasonable or hard. Are you in this group? God can only endure your faltering between two opinions for now (1 Kings 18:21) for His anger awaits sinner later.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 5:4

Memory verse: Jeremiah 2:5

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the grace never to make you regret the grace and mercies you have shown me in Jesus name. Amen. 

God’s Love For The Unfaithful: Devotion for Wednesday October 12, 2016

God’s Love For The Unfaithful: Devotion for Wednesday October 12, 2016

Text: Hosea 2:13 – 23         Memory verse: Hosea 2 verse 19

In the book of Isaiah chapter five, we have God’s lamentation of unfruitfulness of His vineyard, Israel. The nation of Israel is not only unfruitful but also unfaithful to God. The unfaithfulness of Israel to God is the central message of the book of Hosea. The book of Hosea is a love story, which is true, real and tragic, used to describe Israel and God. It tells of God’s love for His people and their response to Him.

In our text for today’s bible reading, is a marriage engagement from God to His loved one Israel. He had shown them righteousness, justice, unfailing love and compassion, not minding her unfaithfulness. Unfortunately, the Israelis failed God in all ramifications. They were easily enticed by the ungodly lifestyle of their neighbours who worship idols especially Baal. This action attracted God’s anger (Ezek. 15:8). The attraction to the worship of Baal started before they settled in the Promised Land. You can recall how Aaron made the golden calf in the wilderness to reflect the gods some other nations worship. Idolatry had been a long time problem with the nation Israel.    

Ironically, all efforts made by God to draw them back seem fruitless. However, He was not willing to let His chosen ones go like that hence this message from Hosea. Today, many of us have been unfaithful to God in many areas of our lives and relationship with Him. Don’t just jump to conclusion that you are not. Rather, search your conscience and find out the areas you have been unfaithful and repent of them. Remember what 1 Jn. 1:8 says. God’s decision here is a challenge for us Christians who will not want to forgive our enemies. Do we show compassion to those who are unfaithful to us? We should be considerate and compassionate on all who ‘offend’ us and love them. We are called to be like God (1 John 3:1 & 2). God forgives us not by our own merit but by His grace (Romans 5:8 & Galatians 2:5). Are you will to accept that forgiveness He is offering you today?

Food for Thought: How faithful are you to God as required in the New Covenant with Him?

Prayer: Almighty God and my Father, help me to be faithful always to you in all things in Jesus name.