Gems of Knowledge

Todays One Year Bible Verses: Hosea1:1-3:5, 1 John 5:1-21, Psalm 124:1-8, Proverbs 29:5-8

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Remove the Makeup

“But now bring charges against Israel—your mother— for she is no longer my wife, and I am no longer her husband. Tell her to remove the prostitute’s makeup from her face and the clothing that exposes her breasts.” — Hosea 2:2 (NLT)

In a world where promiscuity is normalized and glorified, the standards of holiness are often mocked. “Live your truth,” they say. “Put yourself first.” But what the world celebrates as freedom, God exposes as spiritual adultery.

Through the prophet Hosea, God confronts His people with raw honesty: Remove the prostitute’s makeup and the clothing that exposes her breasts. These are not just physical symbols—they are spiritual ones.

The makeup represents a false identity—a version of ourselves crafted to appeal to the world. It’s the filters we wear to impress, seduce, or satisfy. It’s self-promotion disguised as confidence, but really, it’s a mask that hides our need for healing. Underneath the glitter and charm is a soul longing to be loved for who she truly is.

The exposed breasts speak of vulnerability offered to the wrong audience. We’ve taken what was sacred—our affections, desires, attention—and exposed them to a world that mocks, mistreats, and uses. Rather than reserving our intimacy for our loving, faithful God, we’ve sold our souls to other lovers: fame, fortune, flattery, and fleshly pleasures.

And what does this spiritual adultery produce? Nothing holy. Nothing lasting. It gives birth to corruption, shame, and regret. There is no life in lust. There is no fulfillment in idolatry.

But God, in His mercy, doesn’t discard us. Like Hosea pursued Gomer, He pursues us—calling us to return with integrity and honor. We were made for covenant, not compromise.

He’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for devotion. He’s calling us to lay aside the world’s seductive lies and return to our true Husband with hearts made whole.

Let us strip off the makeup of false identity and clothe ourselves in righteousness. Let us stop exposing our sacred places to the profane. Let us seek our faithful Bridegroom, the only One who sees us, knows us, and still calls us beloved. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes with the Bridegroom today. Ask Him:

• “What do You want me to knwo about this, Lord?”
  • Journal what He whispers through the Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do you want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let today be a day of returning to your Bridegroom to be made clean and new.

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Prayer

Father, I confess that I’ve tried to satisfy myself with things that cannot love me back. I’ve believed lies about who I am and what I need. Today, I remove the makeup—the false identities, the pride, the insecurity—and I return to You. Wash me clean. Clothe me in Your love. Teach me to be faithful in my heart and loyal to You in my choices. You are my true Bridegroom, and I choose You again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.