February 14 - Loyalty

For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 

 

Loyalty is remaining committed to God, those He has brought into our lives, or to ourselves even in times of difficulty. God puts people in our paths to serve Him—opportunities of service and sometimes a test of loyalty. Some other translations use the word “mercy” rather than “loyalty” for this verse in Hosea. God was looking for an attitude of mercy in the Hebrew people. They were performing a ritualistic religion, not really worshipping God, so He wanted them to change their attitude and be loyal to Him. To really know Him. Imagine that! He just wanted His chosen people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. God hasn’t changed. So what in new under the sun? Are people pretty much the same today? Each individual is accountable to God for the way he or she worships the Lord…if they do indeed worship God at all. To worship Him, they must know Him. So search your own soul and see where you stand with the Lord. Do you know Him? Do you want to know Him even more deeply?

What are you doing for Lent this year? Giving up TV, chocolate or sodas? Have you considered just spending more time with the Lord? Or..how about a change in your character traits? What change do you need to make? I personally need to be less critical--so I will work on being more positve and encouraging to others. Jesus was like that...He encouraged Martha to spend more time like her sisiter, Mary...worshipping Him! 

Training Tip – Loyalty is usually characterized by blue. Give your children each a piece of blue ribbon, about two or three inches wide and two or three feet long. Put on some praise music and let them do a ribbon dance to the music praising God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Focusing our time and worship on God shows our loyalty to Him. 

Lord – I delight in knowing You and may my attitude always reflect my loyalty to you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Birthday, KENDALL! May God continue to richly bless you!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.