Hosea Chapter 8. Life can be a whirlwind if we let it.
God set up his wrath against Israel's rebellion. They acknowledged God but they lacked obedience to him. They picked kings and leaders to rule over them, but never sought the Lord's approval. It was their way or their will over God's way and God's will. When it came to their money, they didn't give it to the Lord but spent it on selfish things.
They did give sacrifices to God but their hearts were far from him. It's possible to go through the motions of being a Christian but in reality be walking far from God.
God is against rebellion and disobedience. It's a sin, plain and simple. It has to be dealt with. Just because we go to church or say our prayers at night doesn't mean we are following God. And it certainly doesn't mean that just because we're doing these things that God is not concerned about our acts of disobedience and sin. Remember, he loves us and wants a relationship with us.
If we're going to make a conscious decision to follow the Lord, then follow him 100% so that he impacts every aspect of our lives. Let's not be like the Israelites who rebelled against God.
So how are we doing spiritually? Let's look at our lives and determine where God is allowed and where we keep him away.
1. How's your spiritual development?
2. How's the spiritual development of your family?
3. Is tithing important or do you feel like it's YOUR money and not God's money? How well do you manage your money?
4. Who do we hang out with? Do we let their life practices influence ours? The people we choose to associate with, do they influence our lives away from the Lord or towards him? And do we influence their lives towards the Lord? Or away from him?
5. Do we take every decision before the Lord for his will and guidance and direction? Or is it really all about our will being done?
Where are your strengths and weaknesses? Let's take it to the Lord! Remember, he loves us and wants a relationship with us. Don't let the whirlwind of life keep him away.