Morning Devotional 010126 God is Watching Us

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

January 1, 2026

Hosea 11:1-4

1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I called them, the further they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and they burned incense to idols. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with bands of human kindness, with cords of love. I treated them like those who lift infants to their cheeks; I bent down to them and fed them.

Good Morning! Happy New Year!

Hosea 11 is a powerful passage that depicts God's unfailing love for the Israelites despite their continual rebellion and disobedience. In the chapter, God is portrayed as a loving and caring parent who nurtures and raises His children, yet watches them wander away. However, His love and compassion override the judgment they deserve, promising a future restoration.   

We see God as Father in these words. Not just a father, but a father who is torn between loving his child (Israel) and disciplining them for their rebellious ways. Hosea speaks of a parent who works behind the scenes to provide and care for their child.

Think of a child who is beginning to flex their independence. They fight for the right to walk to school by themselves. You, the parent, agree, but you follow behind, hidden out of view to assure they arrive safely. 

It’s hard when you see them make poor choices, but you employ tough love and let them work through their messes so that they learn the lessons they need to learn. All the while, you are there, cheering them on as they take their next step. 

Even though we don’t “see” God, God is there, providing clues and placing signs along the way so that we can find our way home. 

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! You are our creator, our parent. Thank you for allowing us to grow into being your children. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: God guides us when we think we are lost and alone.

Look for God’s signs! Pastor Liz