• Jezreel – for I am about to punish King Jehu’s dynasty to avenge the murders he committed at Jezreel. In fact, I will bring an end to Israel’s independence.
• Lo-ruhamah—‘Not loved’—for I will no longer show love to the people of Israel or forgive them.
• Lo-ammi—‘Not my people’—for Israel is not my people, and I am not their God.

And yet the passage ends with this promise, “Yet the time will come when Israel’s people will be like the sands of the seashore—too many to count! Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said, ‘You are children of the living God.’”

In the Psalms, we are reminded that God is merciful; for a people that are repentent. He will restore our salvation.

In Luke, we are taught the prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples. It really is a prayer that we should model in our own. We are also reminded that our Father wants to answer our prayers. Prayer and persistant, consistent prayer is needed in the life of the believer.

Paul reminds us of what it means to live “in Christ.” We are not what we were before. ” 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Amen!