Hosea 13 - 11.10.2023

Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.

Hosea 13:5-6

I cared for you in the wilderness,

    in the land of burning heat.

When I fed them, they were satisfied;

    when they were satisfied, they became proud;

    then they forgot me.

Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?

Satisfaction led to pride. ‘When they were satisfied, they became proud.’ These verses particularly stood out to me this morning Lord because Deborah and I jokingly talk about how we ended up in the desert. And while we oftentimes describe the current season of our life’s journey together as a time in the wilderness and debate whether or not this season is anything if at all like the period in the wilderness for the Israelites that had been rescued out of Egypt, we both agree one one thing - you have fed us in our greatest time of need. We even have the ‘lbs’ to prove it.

Application - How will you apply this to your life?

Lord, I would like to fast today. During my fast I would like to remember all the times in the past eight years that you fed me and my family. And we were satisfied. Help me to remember these moments. And as I remember them I will thank you. Out loud. In private. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Thank you God. 

Prayer - Write out a prayer.

Lord, I pray that my satisfaction doesn’t turn to pride. I am grateful that you have kept me well all these years, in the ups and downs of my life both near and far from you. Let me not fall into this pattern that you described. Help me to guard against this curious development, one in which being nurtured by you leads to instead of gratitude, an arrogance.

I love you Lord and am forever grateful. Holy Spirit I pray that I may never forget this. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.

-kenneth lee