July 5, 2015: SOAP #2040

Scripture: Hosea (MSSG) 5:6 When they decide to get their lives together and go off looking for GOD once again, they’ll find it’s too late. I, GOD, will be long gone. 7 They’ve played fast and loose with me for too long…

Observation: Israel had turned away from God. They did not need to be bothered with the LORD’s requirements. But trouble would come to them as it comes to everyone. And in trouble, the Israelites will run to make their sacrifices to the LORD…but the LORD will be gone! People need to come to God when the Holy Spirit emphasizes it in their heart and mind. We come on His time, not on our own time.

Application: I recently saw an advertisement of a young lady sitting in the doctor’s waiting room. She was working on her computer. When her name was called, she commented on the great internet connection available and that she needed to finish her project. The doctor would have to wait. The humor in the ad is that we have all had to wait in the doctor’s waiting room, many times past our assigned time. But we patiently waited because we did not have a choice, and because we highly value the doctor’s evaluation, and because we understand how those before us may have required more time then allotted, and because… When called, we quickly responded.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is so important that I respond quickly to your call. I do not want to drag my feet and then find I missed the opportunity to hear what you wanted to tell me. Amen