Title

Tempest Tossed

Scripture
They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.
(Hosea 8:7)
Devotional
Hosea said in verse 4, “They set up kings, but not by Me; they made princes, but I did not acknowledge them.” When we attempt to do things that God has not directed, we sow the wind. When all of our endeavors fail, we reap the whirlwind. Anytime we neglect the will of the Lord for our lives, we are sowing the wind. Every time we ignore His Word and do whatever seems right in our own eyes, we sow the wind. When we forsake His direction and go our own way, again, we sow the wind. The fruit of these ventures is the reaping of the whirlwind. We cannot do wrong and expect right to be the result. Laziness for example is sowing the wind, as is deceitfulness. The fruit of these is the dust and dirt of the whirlwind. A dream without work is sowing the wind. Responsibility without accountability is sowing the wind. Instead of sowing the wind, why not reap the benefits of the breeze of the Spirit. Instead of a whirlwind, we can have the calmness of the breath of God.
Text For The Day
Hosea 8:7: They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.
 
Thought For The Day
“If you cheat in practice, you’ll cheat in the game. If you cheat in your head, you'll cheat on the test. You'll cheat in business. You’ll cheat on the girl. You’ll cheat on your mate. Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny.”
George Munzing, “Living a Life of Integrity,” Preaching Today, Tape No. 32.
Questions To Ponder
 
Morning Study Guide
Defining:  “The law of sowing and reaping”: Not expecting oranges from apple seeds, love from hatred, truth from deceit, etc.
 
Referencing: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart,” Galatians 6:7-9.
 
Applying: If you want love, sow the seeds of love, if you want to prosper, sow the labors of success.