#devotions #SOAP #hosea #hosea9 #responsibility #public ## Title: Take Personal Responsibility ## Scripture: (Hosea 9:7) “The time of judgment is about to arrive! The time of retribution is imminent! Israel will be humbled! The prophet is considered a fool— the inspired man is viewed as a madman— because of the multitude of your sins and your intense animosity.” (NET) ## Observation: The nation of Israel is facing destruction due to their sins. Instead of owning what they are doing, they are saying the prophets are crazy and nothing bad will happen. When we are facing difficult situations, the goal should be to take ownership of our part in the destruction. This does not mean we live as though everything is our fault and we are failures. However, we also should not live as victims and as though everything is someone else’s fault. Taking responsibility for your part of the trouble is a necessary first step toward repentance. Repentance is the necessary step toward healing. Taking responsibility for your part of the trouble creates a level of “control” in your life. When you own your sin, you now have the ability to turn it all over to the Lord. ## Application: Is there an area of your life that you have been blaming on others? Do you need to own part of it yourself? What next step do you need to take? ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for forgiving us and meeting us in all our troubles.