by Carol Pitts: July 2025
This summer our church has been spending time in the Old Testament, focusing on the minor prophets. They are a treasure trove of God’s mercy, love and justice, but I keep wondering how and why so many nations seemed to miss the memos! On Sunday, July 13, 2025 Pastor Ben encouraged us to look at messages in the Book of Hosea from the perspective of the Israelites.
I tried, but I just did not get how God’s chosen people could reject Him again and again. So instead of trying to grasp their mindset, I turned the question inward: How can I avoid becoming like them?” Turns out, the answers are in the Bible.
Israel often forgot God because they neglected His Word. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” I am reminded of another verse: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). That verse is so reassuring and yes, it is also a great worship song!
Time and again, Israel turned to idols. While the word idolatry may sound outdated, it is still very real today. An idol can be anything that takes up more of our focus than God, such as relationships, success, comfort, possessions. We can make an idol out of pretty much anything. They also put more trust in money and public approval than in God. Israel kept forgetting all God had done for them. And when they did repent, it was often insincere or short-lived.
The same patterns can show up in our lives if we are not careful, so we must remain vigilant by having FAITH!
F – Focus on God’s Word: Stay grounded in Scripture. “I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
A – Avoid Idols: Watch for anything that might consistently crowd out God in your thoughts and life. “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3
I – Invite God Daily: Invite Him into your thoughts, decisions and struggles. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight you paths.” Proverbs 3:6
T – Tell What He Has Done: Remember and share God’s faithfulness so you don’t forget. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so….” Psalm 107:2
H – Humble Yourself and Repent: Keep your heart true and ask for forgiveness. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
While I might not be able to understand WHY the people of the Old Testament rejected God, I do understand HOW they rejected him. And I understand that God loves us and forgives us when we truly repent and seek His path.
“Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet”
Lyrics by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith
Chorus
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Verse 1
When I feel afraid
And I think I’ve lost my way
Still You’re there right beside me
Nothing will I fear
As long as You are near
Please be near me to the end
Verse 2
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide
And hold me to Your side
I will love You to the end
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