1 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us...God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."

Sunday, September 26, 2010

HOSEA - God is Like a Tree

Years ago on a family vacation, as we were driving on the highway, we saw a sign:

“FRESH FRUIT – HOMEMADE PIES”

One quick look at each other, one fast U-turn… and we were off into parts unknown.

It was a quaint country road – mostly dirt and gravel – bumpy, twisty – the four miles took about 40 minutes to navigate!

Around one more bend, and there was an adorable little farmhouse, nestled next to a fruit tree orchard!

The people were the nicest people ever…and the pie???

The MOST DELICIOUS I have ever tasted! YUM, YUM…


Today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” reminded me of that little orchard:

“[The LORD says] ‘I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.’ Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them.” (Hosea 14:8-9)

What a lovely picture!

God demonstrates His loving careHe listens to our prayers, and He answers them.

He is the source of our nourishment! He is a tree that never dies – His fruit is all we need!

I have this picture in my mind of myself sitting under a giant tree, relaxing in the shade - and then when I'm hungry, I just reach up and pick a piece of fruit to eat.

It's kinda like what I do with "Bible Pick 'Ems" -

God is the Tree, and His Word is the Fruit.

Each time I go to Scripture, there is something "good to eat." Something that nourishes my soul. Something that is pure, and good, and satisfying!


Hosea reminds us that we need to listen, learn, and benefit from God’s Word.


We need God’s wisdom – “Lord, help us to understand.”

We need discernment – “Lord, help us to listen carefully."

God’s paths are always true and right – "Lord, show us the
way to go.”

It is only by walking in God’s ways that we can live in His power and hear His voice.

Without God’s guidance we are lost –

He is the difference between life and death…



“Those who are wise will take all this to heart…” (Psalm 107:43)

“But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them.”
(Isaiah 26:7)


We must always remember that God cares for us continually – His love knows no bounds!



“When in doubt, search God out!”

5 comments:

  1. Hi Sharon,

    I want to fully grab hold of this scripture in Isaiah 26:7, "But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and You smooth out the path ahead of them." -- God does what is right...He never errs.

    I'm trusting the Lord because He does what is right.

    Thank you Sharon for the wonderful reminder.

    Blessings and peace.

    MTJ

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  2. amen to this Sharon. I love how God always reminds us in his word that he is the one who answers our prayers and sustains us. I think he knows we constantly need to be reminded of that fact that nothing we have comes on our own merits but because of his faithfulness and goodness!

    betty

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  3. MTJ - It's a tough concept to grab, I agree. Because very often our paths ARE NOT smooth - they are steep and rough. So I have to "ponder" this one for a while too. I think you summed up the important point, though - God does what is RIGHT (perhaps not what we deem "easy" or "fair"). Hope you had a wonderfully blessed Sunday.

    Betty - Isn't God kind? We should KNOW how wonderfully He cares for us, but He also knows how life has a way of making us forget that. So He graciously reminds us in His Word. He IS faithful and good!

    BLESSINGS!

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  4. What beautiful and refreshing thoughts. Thanks for sharing your heart Sharon and pointing to the true source of nourishment for all of us.
    Blessings
    Dorothy :)

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  5. Dorothy - I just ask God for the words to say that He wants ME to hear! It was very timely for me to reminded that God cares for us ALL THE TIME! He is the source of our nourishment - the source of our refreshment.

    BLESSINGS!

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"So I have been greatly encouraged in the midst of my troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives me new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How I thank God for you!"
(1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!