Tag: return and repent
Your sins are your downfall!
Scripture reading for September 10th: Hosea 12-14
“But I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. I cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat. When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot Me. Hosea 13:4-5
For people who have been saved from sin and delivered by God from bondage and slavery, God’s love initially seems so good and following Him is our heart’s delight. God is good and moves us from poverty into a new realm of abundance and true soul satisfaction. It would appear that such a people would love and follow God forever, enjoy the abundant life, and celebrate their deliverance. (John 10:10) In the completion of this book of Hosea, God tells how his once faithful and thankful people became satisfied but promptly forgot Him. The source of this forgetfulness was none other than pride! (Hosea 13:6) This pride became their downfall! (Hosea 14:1)
Pride is the sin that caused Satan’s downfall from the highest heavens. Satan desired to be like the Most High and to sit on the throne of God. God’s abundant blessing on his life in making him beautiful and giving him a place of honor brought out iniquity hidden there. (Ezekiel 28:1, 14-17) He was cast down from heaven’s glory to earth. Satan’s sin of pride was his downfall and now he tempts man made in God’s image with forgetting God and His grace in our lives! We must be vigilant for this subtle sin that can creep into those who bear God’s image and carry His glory!
“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously; that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” ” Hosea 14:1-2
God’s mercy is also toward those whose sins have taken them down! Hosea gives a wonderful altar call of repentance. Repentance is an act of faith in the patience, kindness, love and mercy of our Lord. We can offer Him nothing but ourselves and our words. Life and death are in the power of our tongue and confession brings life! (1st John 1:9) God desires to heal us and love us. Repentance restores the flow of His love. It is so simple, yet so profound and hidden from the rebellious! Check your heart and attitude today and ask God to expose any pride that could be your downfall.
“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely; for my anger has turned away from them.” Hosea 14:4
“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9