With our minds we serve the law of God, willingly and gladly.   Rom. 7:25

"And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali." (Hosea 2:16)

The nature of life in Christ is most marvelous. A transformation takes place that is remarkable. The commandments of God are no longer "grievous" or burdensome. (1 John 5:3).

With our minds we serve the law of God, willingly and gladly. (Rom 7:25).

As we press close to Christ, we develop a hatred for sin and a love for righteousness. The world becomes repulsive to us, and we long for our inheritance that is "reserved in heaven for us" (1 Pet 1:4).

How glorious it is to be in Christ, saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10).

The people in Hosea's time were not this kind of people. They had prostituted their affection, playing the spiritual harlot with other "lovers" (Hosea 2:10,12-13).

How will God deal with their waywardness? How will He affect a change in them? The answer is arresting. "Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her" (v 14).

He will tell them of His indefatigable love, pointing to Himself with wondrous words. He will "allure" or "draw" the wayward people into a place of desolation, where they will sense their need of Him. He will bring them to a point where they will not be able to find solace in the hands of their idolatrous lovers. As it is written, "And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say,

I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now" (Hos 2:7).

Do you doubt that God can do such a thing? Many of us are living testimonies to the effectiveness of this Divine working. When brought into a desolate place, He opened to us a "door of hope" (Hos 2:15).

He showed us a "way in the wilderness" (Isa 43:19), a "way in the sea" (Isa 43:16), and "streams in the desert" (Isa 35:6). Once He has allured people into the wilderness, He can show them a "highway in the desert" (Isa 40:3; 35:5).

Do not doubt this can occur--even to you! But our text says the change will result in His people calling Him Ishi, and not Baali. What does He mean? Baali means "Lord" or "Master", and Ishi means "husband." Later versions read, "you will call Me 'My Husband,' And no longer call Me 'My Master.'"

What is the difference between the names? "Baali" speaks of Law, and "Ishi" speaks of grace. "Baali" speaks of slavish servitude without the involvement of the heart. "Ishi" speaks of a joyful relationship. "Baali" speaks of withdrawing fear, and "Ishi" speaks of sacrificial love. Hosea prophesied of realities experienced in Christ Jesus. The Lord is seen as our Savior and Provider. Those who see Him as "My Husband" rely upon Him and joyfully do His bidding. The relationship of a husband is radically different than that of a master or lord.

Make no mistake about this, Jesus remains our Lord, but the most sensitive relationship is that of a husband. The people of God are His bride, and He is their Husband. We are, in fact, "joined to the Lord," becoming "one spirit" with Him (1 Cor 6:17).

Speaking of this relationship, Jesus once said to His disciples, "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you" (John 15:15). Precious relationship, indeed! Have you experienced this change? Have you come to see Him as "My Husband"? If not, you too can come into that affectionate identity with your Savior. It is only fair to tell you, however, that it is best seen from the desert, into which the loving Father allures you.

AuthorMira Smashwords Profile

As we come to the end of another year, let's go into this New Year with a positive attitude. This year is a brand new season we are entering into. We shall not speak negativity over our lives, we shall not allow negativity to be constantly spoken in our midst, walk away if needed; don't receive it into your spirit. Let's make 2020 a season to remember.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so is he. 

All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.

Much thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. 
I have added a little more content and eventually, will be adding a personal video.
Networking is about interacting with others. I realize a few words in a blog isn't

enough. Must interact. I have so many ideas in my head all at once. I really need

to focus on God being first, of course, then one or two projects at a time. With 

God's love, grace and mercy, all in His timing, it will get done.; but only

according to His Will.                Thanks for visiting. See you again soon.. 

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

“Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness and delight; Come before His presence with joyful singing. Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.”
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PSALM‬ ‭100:1-5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

~ Proverbs 11:2

Well, today is my birthday and I am so grateful to still be in the land of the living!
Thankful for all the outpouring of love on today; social media, inbox and phone text.
By God's grace and mercy, I have made it to see another year. Thanking Him. 

Thankful!

Be thankful for your past. It's made you who you are today. 
Thank those who have come and gone. They weren't meant to stay.
Thank you for leaving me. No turning back now. 😊

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass
through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through
the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

~~~Isaiah 43:2