Johnny Green tore it up last night at Life U with some great lessons from the life of Hosea. If you want to hear the whole message, order it from the product booth... but I have to share some things I learned. Hosea is killer!
God told Hosea to marry a prostitute. Hosea's entire life was an illustration of God's relationship with the Israelites (they were unfaithful time after time, and He always took them back and showed them unending compassion). I got rolled up with this verse: Hosea 6:6- "I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings." It's not about what we do for God or His people, but it's about our relationship with Him. He wants us to be familiar, intimate with Him. I can't be so busy serving God that I don't know Him! Sometimes it's easy to get wrapped up in the "ministry"- we see all the acts of service we do and we think that's enough. God just wants true relationship with us- that's what we were created for!!
Something else Johnny pointed out was great: The pathway to idolatry is through your greatest need. Satan tempted Jesus with bread, because that's the thing He needed most. What does the devil tempt you with? What do you feel is your greatest need? Financial security? Then money will be your god... Companionship? Then you'll fall for the first person who walks through the door... Power or recognition? Then you will do or say anything to be noticed or promoted. We have to quit worrying about fitting into culture and focus on fitting into HIS standard.
The greatest lesson of this whole story is God's compassion and unfailing love. He has a passionate desire to take us back when we drift away. He doesn't act out of impulse or anger, but out of His purpose for us. He sacrificially faithful, no matter how unfaithful we are! He blows my mind!!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
it was a great lesson from a great guy, the service was ran by a great person...great job.
Post a Comment