Hi, friends!
Happy April! I hope your month has been off to a refreshing start thus far. This month, April’s Bible Challenge is really cool. It is a little different. This month, we’ll be covering TWO books in the Bible–The Book of Hosea and The Book of Joel.
Both of these books are new for me. This will be my first time reading both of these books. This challenge is 17 days long. This study started April 6th, BUT, no worries, you can still catch up if you haven’t started yet. Or, you can also start any day of your choice and just read consistently for 17 days. This plan will work for any month, any day, for 17 days.
Below, you will find my plan + some background insight for this challenge! Please leave a comment if you plan on participating. Also, would love to read your thoughts, insight, or new things you learn in the comments!
The 17-Day Bible Plan:
The Importance of The Book of Hosea:
Have you ever heard that God can turn your pain into purpose? God has a powerful way of turning our life into lessons. In the Book of Hosea, God turned Hosea’s unfortunate love story into a happy ending. Hosea was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel before Israel’s fall. Hosea was called by God to find a wife, so he married a woman named Gomer. Later, Gomer became unfaithful & their marriage was shattered. Hosea used this deception to illustrate God’s relationship with Israel. Hosea warned of Israel experiencing God’s stern judgment for their sin (serving other gods). Just as his wife had turned to other men, Israel had turned to other gods. He urged his wife and Israel to sincerely repent to receive forgiveness, restoration, and grace
The Importance of The Book of Joel:
People are often impressed by power. Power is a force many people chase. However, it is important to recognize, that God holds all the true power. The Book of Joel was written by Joel. He emphasizes The day of the Lord’s return in much of his writing. On the day of the Lord’s return, God will take account of all the sin that has taken place. Each person shall be judged for their deeds. For those who have not accepted Christ, Joel describes it as a terrible day. They have forsaken God, and judgment will be severe. However, Judgment Day should not steer people to assume God is harsh and waiting to punish us. God’s desire is to bless His people, not destroy them. Which is why Joel urges the importance of repentance. Joel’s messages contain messages of warning but also of hope. Joel teaches that if people would turn from their ways, God will restore & be merciful.
Prayer:
Dear Father,
I thank You for your mercy. You’re the inventor of Grace. I thank You that You are the God that turns our mess into messages. Thank you for using my pain for purpose. I pray as I study Your word this month, I would see You for all that You are. I pray I would learn beyond my own understanding. I pray you would speak to me. I pray your word would be my compass as I maneuver through this month. May Your teachings and Your word stay at the front of my mind. May my actions serve You well.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Reflection Questions:
What key words stood out to me in this chapter?
How does this chapter relate to my life’s circumstances currently?
How can I apply this chapter to my life?
How does this chapter inspire greater gratitude, humility, and/or joy in Christ?
How does this passage relate to the world today?
How can my attitude/actions improve based on truths I learned today?
How do the truths of this text shape the way I view God?
How do the truths of this text shape the way I view myself?
How do the truths of this text shape the way I view my present circumstances?
How can I apply this chapter to my prayers?
How could I explain this chapter to someone in 6 words or less?
What did I learn?
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