I’ve posted over the last few weeks about the study of Amos 5-9. The poem Faith Grows Greater below was inspired by this study.
Faith Grows Greater
Take action right now
To seek what the Creator
Has in store for you
As faith grows greater.
Seek the Lord by reading;
Seek Him by daily learning;
Seek Him by applying the Word
So you become more discerning.
The Word will be a weapon
Like a shield and sword
Providing spiritual food
And your daily reward.
Always have a sure hope
Because of the promise.
Look to better days ahead
Never be a doubting Thomas.
Cheer up my friend
For a lofty palace is set aside
So step ahead this day
Following the perfect guide.
Poem by Mark Shields – © 10-13-2016
The objective of any Bible study should be to not only learn the main principles of the Word but to keep the Word in our thoughts in order to apply them in our life. I will continue this objective with a study in the book of Hosea 1-8 over the next few weeks. The aim is to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in order to yield fruit that nourishes others.
I invite you to join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas. God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion.
Hosea 1
In what ways does Hosea’s domestic life portray the life of the nation of Israel? What progression is sketched by the meaning of the names of Hosea’s children? What image is portrayed in the last paragraph of this passage?
Hosea 2:1-13
What are the reasons for Gomer leaving Hosea? What action does Hosea plan to take? In what ways are you like Gomer? How has God made you realize that life’s good things are from Him?
Hosea 2:14-23
What is God’s objective in restoration? In what ways does God seek to have a relationship with Israel that is similar to a marriage relationship? In what ways does God encouraged you to work together with Him?
Hosea 3-4
What has happened to Gomer? What is involved before Hosea can live with her again? What is the extended effect of sin? How does God diagnose this plight? What is the cure?
Hosea 5-6
What are the charges God brings against Israel? What can we learn from the reaction of Ephraim to God’s judgment? How can you guard against superficial response to God?
Hosea 7-8
What do the metaphors describing Israel reveal? Why hasn’t Israel turned to God for forgiveness? Israel was blind to sin but unlike Israel, how can we guard against blindness to sin?
The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. Last week, we celebrated the birthday of Jesus and now we will continue the celebration throughout upcoming year because of the gift God has given us.
With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
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