Hosea 11
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. But, as the saying goes, "The more they were called, the more they rebelled." They never stopped offering incense and sacrifices to idols and other gods. I took Israel by the arm and taught them to walk. But they would not admit that I was the one who had healed them. I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me, as one holds an infant; I bent down to feed them.
I believe that we are still learning about God’s goodness and love for all. Though at times we rebel and do not appear to listen and follow the message of love and kindness. Today, we have many false gods and idols: money, power, celebrity and material possessions that grasp our attention. It is easy to lose sight of God in our culture.
As I stand in the mist of the forest of life, I sometimes do not see things clearly. Then, a Spirit transcends my weakness and I am reminded to be kind and loving. The Teacher is and always has been by my side. He does not force me to enter his house of love and kindness but rather leads me to the threshold within my own mind. I don’t always listen. Sometime my faith waivers. However, I know that the loving Spirit is always with me in spite of my doubts. And, I know that God is always with each of you by your side with love and gentle kindness.
Has a Teacher ever transcended through the mist of your doubt and shown you the loving way?
Do you always listen to that voice?
When were you held in God's embrace? When did you first experience God as a gentle God? How is God leading you now?
-Ed Armstrong
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. But, as the saying goes, "The more they were called, the more they rebelled." They never stopped offering incense and sacrifices to idols and other gods. I took Israel by the arm and taught them to walk. But they would not admit that I was the one who had healed them. I led them with kindness and with love, not with ropes. I held them close to me, as one holds an infant; I bent down to feed them.
I believe that we are still learning about God’s goodness and love for all. Though at times we rebel and do not appear to listen and follow the message of love and kindness. Today, we have many false gods and idols: money, power, celebrity and material possessions that grasp our attention. It is easy to lose sight of God in our culture.
As I stand in the mist of the forest of life, I sometimes do not see things clearly. Then, a Spirit transcends my weakness and I am reminded to be kind and loving. The Teacher is and always has been by my side. He does not force me to enter his house of love and kindness but rather leads me to the threshold within my own mind. I don’t always listen. Sometime my faith waivers. However, I know that the loving Spirit is always with me in spite of my doubts. And, I know that God is always with each of you by your side with love and gentle kindness.
Has a Teacher ever transcended through the mist of your doubt and shown you the loving way?
Do you always listen to that voice?
When were you held in God's embrace? When did you first experience God as a gentle God? How is God leading you now?
-Ed Armstrong
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