Hosea 1:2-3, “The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD. So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.”

The Prophet Hosea is commanded by the Lord to marry a whorish wife whose name is Gomer.  Gomer typifies Israel's adulterous relationship with the world, and with other gods.  No one can walk with God and walk in the world simultaneously.  

1 John 2:15, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  

2 Corinthians 6:14-18, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said the living I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I’ll receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."  

This principle is clearly taught throughout Scripture.  You need to separate yourself and live with a single allegiance to God and Him only.  Would you examine your heart and life today and see if there is anything that is pulling you away from God or standing in the way of you being totally allegiant to Him?  

Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24) What will you choose?

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. Are there any temptations pulling you away from God and toward the world? Why is it important to acknowledge these possibilities?

2. Have you chosen Christ over the world? How has your decision either way influenced your life?

3. What does it mean to present your body a living sacrifice to God?