The Bible for Women

Weekly Devotional

Right is Right

Hosea 14:9 states, " Who is wise? He will realize these things.
       Who is discerning? He will understand them.
       The ways of the LORD are right;
       the righteous walk in them,
       but the rebellious stumble in them."

In this passage, Hosea is giving a stern recommendation to the children of Israel who once again turned away from the Lord. In verse 1 of this chapter, he states, "Your sins will be your downfall." Many times we neglect the simplicity of God's commands to us. We spend too much time analyzing God's words instead of reading his words and obeying them.

The ways of the Lord are right (v.9). How much simpler do we need a message from God? God is almighty because He is God. We must be very careful not to let media in the form of news, radio, magazines, television, secular psychoanalysts and specialists convince us to raise our children with these standards and tell us how to live our lives. Many times we search out these avenues to find answers when we should be turning to inspired writers of God Almighty.

Are we struggling with a problem child or teenager? Are we having difficulty in our marriages? Are we facing temptation? Have we committed a crime against man? Are we living with guilt or shame? Do we hate someone? Do we struggle with forgiving someone? The answers to these questions are found in God's Word. Yes, the answers are there. We must seek the kingdom of God first and these things will be added to us. Christ tells us this in Matthew 6:33.

Are we afraid that God's Word will not provide us the answers that we desire? Do we seek answers in the secular world because they justify what we really want? Many choose not to follow God's answers but "become rebellious and stumble." (vs.9) Let us not fall into the mindset of the Israelites in verse 1 "lest our sins be our downfall." James 4:17 states, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

Remember the words of Hosea

"Who is wise? He will realize these things.
Who is discerning? He will understand them.
The ways of the LORD are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them."

May God bless your week. Margie