#soap # Hosea 07 ## Title: God Gives A Time Out ## Scripture: (Hosea 7:11-12) “Ephraim has been like a dove, easily deceived and lacking discernment. They called to Egypt for help; they turned to Assyria for protection. I will throw my bird net over them while they are flying; I will bring them down like birds in the sky; I will discipline them when I hear them flocking together.” (NET) ## Observation: I have watched parents employ a form of discipline called a “time out.” This form of discipline is where they stop their child from being able to do what they want for a set period of time. They have to go be still, think about why they are there, and come out after the time has expired with a better mindset. Honestly, I have no idea if this form of discipline works, but this is what God is doing with His people. He says they are going from place to place looking for someone to be their savior instead of Him. Therefore, He is going to slow them down. He is going to stop all this flying about as a form of discipline. The goal is the same as the parents. They are supposed to think about what they are doing so they can make a better decision. Have you ever become so wrapped up in panic or the waves of life that you stopped thinking about what you are doing? This can cause us to start making one bad decision after another. Out of love the Lord will sometimes stop us in our tracks so we can refocus and make a better decision. ## Application: Stop, focus, and think about your life. Have you started doing things that are hindering your freedom? What next step do you need to take? ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for loving us enough to stop us so we can refocus, think, and take an intentional step forward.