A NATION OF LIARS

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DATE:
Wednesday, November 21, 2018.

TOPIC:
A Nation of Liars

BIBLE READING:
Hosea 11:12 - 12:14

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Qs. 5 See Questions HERE.

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DISCUSSION:

Just how far do people go before realising their situation and returning? Israel didn't learn from history. New generations invented fresh ways of provoking God. They forgot/neglected God's dealings, and tried instead to be smart (v. 1). God brought charges against them, took them down memory lane, recalling Jacob's life from birth (12:3-4, 10, 12-13). Israel had lied so long (10:2,4; 11:12; 12:7). Now they lied against God Himself! Un-comfessed sin grew and enveloped society (disorderliness, violence, boasting /pride, presumption, bloodshed...) from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and now the entire nation. Nevertheless, God remained "the faithful Holy One" (11:2b; 2 Timothy 2:13).

Notice the three counsels God gave in v. 6 as solution. These key words also (return, maintain, and wait) summarise the believer's life. See Gods response to repentance (vs 9-10; cf., Zachariah 1:3; Malachi 3:7). Gospel workers are the key in calling people back to God, mentoring to maturity, member care etc, as Stephen, Philip and Tabitha/Dorcas showed (Acts 6-9).

In 11:12, God complained of Judah's unruly attitude towards Him. In what ways can believers be unruly to God today (in worship, music, prayer, prophecy, sermons, calling name of Jesus/Holy Spirit...)? How can reverence return in the way we relate with God?

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Thought:

Have you ever strayed away from the Lord? Do you remember that no Sin is little before Him? If so do you make effort to return to the Lord, and thereafter maintain your Christian faith and patiently waiting for his blessed hope?

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Prayer:

Father, cleanse my tongue, that I may tell the truth always.