no sting?

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_2228Hosea 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 from death?”  Hosea’s point is that God is turning his back and allowing Israel to die, not paying any attention to the plagues and pain that they will experience.  Death is real, and deserved.  The good news in all of this is that , for believers, the reality of death is softened by the hope of resurrection (1 Cor. 15:55).

LORD, thank you for the hope of resurrection in Christ.

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many a victim

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1174Proverbs 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 her.  He says that she has laid low “many a victim.”  They did not feel like victims.  They thought they were in complete control of the situation.  So does the ox, the stag, and the bird.  Lust blinds men, making it possible for them to willingly enter the trap.  The wages of sin is death.

LORD, open our eyes to the reality that our sinful nature wants us to ignore.

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How can I give you up?

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1377Hosea 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 determination that it would not be for nothing.  The LORD was determined  that the next time he called out to his people, it would be to direct them back to their homes in safety. 

LORD, thank you for loving us with a father’s undying love.

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suicide by adultery

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1173Proverbs 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 for his sons to realize that a jealous husband will not be placated, no matter what you offer him.  The sexual sins are like playing with fire – they will leave a mark.  Your sexual life is not a toy.  It is a serious thing.

LORD, give us wisdom to preserve our souls from sexual sin.

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expanding technology

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1376Hosea 10

Hosea’s people had prospered, and they chose to use that prosperity to fund new and more efficient ways to sin.  Eventually, the LORD said “enough is enough” and condemned them.  In this age of rapidly expanding technology and skill, we need to learn the lesson from their mistake.  God has blessed us with wonderful gifts.  Are we using them for him?

LORD, we dedicate your gifts to your glory.

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seeking freedom

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1171Proverbs 6:1-19

The essence of wisdom is knowing the right way to live so that you can avoid trouble.  But what do you do after you have already made a mistake or two?  Is it hopeless?  No, but it is serious.  Solomon advises his sons if they are ever caught in a trap, they should seek freedom immediately, and keep seeking it until they are free.  They should not just sleep on it, and hope everything turns out alright.  It is in that context that he asks them to consider the ant compared to the sluggard.  When we have made our bed (so to speak), the last thing we should do is just lie in it.

LORD, give us the wisdom to seek freedom from our traps, and keep working at it until we are free.

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worship as usual

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1374Hosea 9

I hear the condemning voice of the prophet here.  He is speaking to this generation of evangelical Christians who make so much of worship, yet often hide selfishness and sin.  The prophet told the Israelites to stop rejoicing, because God was going to judge them.  Their celebrations would not dissuade him from doing so. 

Forgive us, LORD, for worship as usual when sin has invaded the camp. 

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keep your way far

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1170Proverbs 5

Two possible paths of sexuality.  One leads to a lifetime of joy with one spouse, no sorrow, no shame.  The other leads to shame in the midst of the assembly, torment of body and mind, and early death.  The problem is that the first option looks and sound so tempting.  The wise father’s advice is to stay away from the front door – don’t look, don’t click, don’t surf. Keep your way far from her.

LORD, give us wisdom to stay away from temptation.

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altars for sinning

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1373Hosea 8

The political alliances made by Israel were “sowing the wind” and God promises that they will reap the whirlwind.  The religious practices were simply an outward show designed to hide their corruption. God called them altars for sinning.  He knows the difference between true faith and hypocrisy.

LORD, we want to be real about our relationship with you, and our trust in you.

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driving lessons

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1169Proverbs 4

My youngest daughter is learning to drive.  Some of the advice she is getting sounds very much like Solomon’s wisdom for his sons.  She needs to turn the headlights on when it gets dark, so that she can see and avoid all possible obstacles.  She needs to pay attention to what is ahead of her, not straying her gaze to the right or left.  She needs to learn the rules, because they will keep her safe. 

LORD, give us all the wisdom to be good drivers in life.

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