Monthly Archives: June 2013
abusing freedom
Amos 2:6-16 Israel’s crimes included the fact that they had forgotten the LORD’s role in bringing them out of Egypt and defeating their enemies. They arrogantly claimed to have done it all themselves. Then, they began to abuse their freedom … Continue reading
among the shepherds
Amos 1:1-2:5 Amos’ knowledge of shepherding was one of the ways he made his message understandable. His message spoke deeply to the spiritual and political lives of the time. In this first message he condemns the false shepherds in the … Continue reading
wisdom meter
Proverbs 10 How can one judge the degree to which he or she has gained wisdom? Look at the result of the decisions you make. Specifically, do your decisions make other people glad, or cause them to worry or fear? … Continue reading
two ways
Proverbs 9 Both wisdom and folly are options, and both are appealing. But wisdom takes more work, and sometimes people opt for unrighteous living out of laziness. They are not equal in their result. The unrighteous life leads to spiritual … Continue reading
under his shadow
Hosea 14 I recently enjoyed a “glacier walk” in the South Island of New Zealand. I remember looking around at all the mountains on either side of the Franz-Josef glacier and thinking how peaceful it is. Being surrounded by such … Continue reading
old school
Proverbs 8 Occasionally, you will hear someone talk about “old school.” It refers to the old way of doing things, which, depending on who uses the term, may be a good thing or not. Solomon says that wisdom is old … Continue reading
no sting?
Hosea 11:12-13:16 Israel has ignored the heritage of her ancestor/namesake. She has plunged herself into idolatry and sin. God asks himself “Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol?” and then repeats the same question “Shall I redeem them … Continue reading
many a victim
Proverbs 7 Once again, Solomon warns his sons of the danger of sexual sin. He observes a scenario where a man is lured into a trap by a wife who makes it so easy for the man to cheat with … Continue reading
How can I give you up?
Hosea 11:1-11 The LORD felt the heartache of a parent who has to turn his back on his own child “for his own good.” Hosea expressed the anguish that the LORD was feeling over this action. He also expressed the … Continue reading
suicide by adultery
Proverbs 6:20-35 Wisdom looks beyond stupid questions like “can I get away with this?” It sees sin as what it really is, and sees what sin really does. Solomon described adultery as a sin which destroys the soul. He pleads … Continue reading
Devotions 