RETURN...FIND COMPASSION

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DATE:
Friday, November 23, 2018.

TOPIC:
Return...Find Compassion

BIBLE READING:
Hosea 14:1 - 9

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Qs. 3,6 See Questions HERE.

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DISCUSSION:

This chapter fittingly concludes Hosea's prophecies, with the list of "I will", and "he will". In your notebook, itemise these and see how they relate to each other:

"I will" (i.e. God's promises): v. 4, 5a, 8 etc. "He will" (or "we will", i.e. Ephraim's duty and results): v. 2-3, 5b, 6, 7, 9.

When God restores, it is complete and total. The picture changed to glorious bloom with all kinds of plants, roots, and shoots: tender lilies, cedars, pines, olives, grains and vines. Like the Garden of Eden/Paradise! New words described thrm: "splendour, fragrance, flourish, blossom, fruitfulness". Yes, it is possible! God turned away His anger, answered them, stepped in, and proclaimed healing, love, care and freshness. After all, "Ephraim" means "twice fruitful", but God insisted that they constantly remember: "your fruitfulness comes from me" (v. 8; 2:8; 13:1; Genesis 41:52), not from idols, Asyria or war horses.

There were no shortcuts/bypass. They needed wisdom and discernment. Slowly pray vs. 1-3, and give your life to Jesus of you aren't born again. Or rededicate your life to Him, noting specific areas needing cleansing and return.

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Assignment:

Memorise v. 9. Then copy and place it in at least two different places where you will encounter them in the day.

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Prayer:

In your mercy, Lord, turn away your anger against your people.