Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

19 July 2024

Reading From Hosea 1-7

“She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold—which they used for Baal.  Therefore I will take away my grain when it ripens, and my new wine when it is ready.  I will take back my wool and my linen, intended to cover her naked body.”

–Hosea 2:8-9

     The story of Hosea breaks my heart.  Part of the reason it moves me is that it is an allegory for the relationship between God and His people when they break their covenant with Him.  Spiritual adultery is committed when a child of God places a higher priority on a created thing than on the Creator.  This is the essence of idolatry.  It is a matter of misguided priorities and divided affection. 

     God is the true source of provision for His eternal family.  Everything we need comes from Him and in return all He asks is gratitude and that we use the resources He gives us for His glory.  When God is glorified, His people are blessed beyond measure, beyond anything they could have imagined on their own.  When we use what He has given us for our own selfish desires, it spoils the goods and grieves the heart of God. 

     What a stunning powerhouse of victory is activated when the people of God thank Him for His blessings and use those blessings to do His work upon the Earth.  When we align our priorities with the principles found in His Word the Bible, our endeavors are blessed.  These blessings come in many ways, but the most important way is the spiritual satisfaction that comes with obedience.  He will give us the desires of our hearts when those desires align with His heart.

“Lord God, move in the hearts of Your people.  Lead us back to You, Lord!  Align our lives with the pattern set out in Your Word.  Guide us with the gentle leadership of Your Holy Spirit.  Forgive us for being distracted by the temptations of this world.  Help us to keep our eyes on the prize, an eternity in the warmth and glory of Your Presence.  You alone are our reward and we thank You for Your many blessings You graciously shower upon our lives.  In the Name of Jehovah Jireh I pray, Amen.”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

–Proverbs 3:5-6