How can we avoid treating God's Word as "foreign" in our lives? The Verse at the Heart of Our Study “Though I wrote for them the multitude of My laws, they regarded them as something foreign.” (Hosea 8:12) Why the Word Felt Foreign to Them • They trusted political alliances more than God (Hosea 8:9–10). • They mixed true worship with pagan practices (Hosea 8:5–6). • They offered sacrifices without heart obedience (Hosea 8:13). • They ignored the covenant, treating divine instruction as optional. Guarding Our Hearts Today • Treasure the Bible as God’s living voice, not a distant relic (Hebrews 4:12). • Submit opinions and culture to Scripture instead of filtering Scripture through culture (Isaiah 55:8–9). • Confront sin quickly so that unrepentance does not dull spiritual hearing (Psalm 32:3–5). • Cultivate reverence—approach every text expecting God to speak (Psalm 119:18). • Avoid selective obedience; the entire counsel of God is for our good (Acts 20:27). Daily Habits That Keep Scripture Close • Read aloud—hearing reinforces familiarity (Revelation 1:3). • Journal insights and apply one specific action each day (James 1:22–25). • Memorize verses; carry them into conversations and decisions (Psalm 119:11). • Pray Scripture back to God, aligning desires with His words (John 15:7). • Gather with believers who open their Bibles together (Hebrews 10:24–25). Encouragement from Other Passages • Jeremiah 6:16—“Stand at the crossroads and look… walk in it, and you will find rest.” • Psalm 19:11—“By them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” • 2 Timothy 3:16–17—Scripture equips “for every good work.” • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Staying close to Scripture keeps it from ever feeling foreign; it becomes the familiar language of life with God. |
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